World Anti-doping Agency to stay in Montréal

Seoul, November 16, 2017 – Following several months of negotiations to keep the headquarters of the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) in Montréal until 2031, the joint proposal from the Government of Québec and the Government of Canada, which was prepared by Montréal International, has been accepted by the agency’s Foundation Board.

On a mission to South Korea to support Montréal’s bid, the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Christine St-Pierre, welcomed the news alongside the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport Canada, and Hubert Bolduc, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International.

Keeping WADA’s headquarters in Montréal not only ensures major economic spin-offs for the metropolitan region in the years to come, it also confirms Québec as an attractive research and innovation hub.

Quotes:

“I practiced medicine for over twenty years, and during that time I witnessed the devastating effects of the use of certain products on young people, including athletes. This explains, in part, my personal attachment to the mission of the World Anti-doping Agency to prevent, detect and punish the scourge of doping and, by doing so, to ensure the health of athletes and the integrity of competitive sport. Today, as Premier of Québec, I consider it essential that Québec offer all the key elements that will enable the Agency to continue its outstanding, internationally recognized work. That is why the Government of Québec unreservedly supports the proposal presented by Montréal International.”

Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec

“I am truly proud of this achievement, which recognizes the joint efforts of our government, the Government of Canada and Montréal International to keep WADA’s headquarters here in Québec. On the eve of the next Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, the role and importance of the Agency are more crucial than ever to Québec’s international reputation and influence.”

Christine St-Pierre, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie

“The decision to keep the headquarters of the World Anti-doping Agency in Montréal confirms the city’s position as a leader on the international stage. Montréal boasts all the expertise required to pursue the mission of the World Anti-doping Agency.”

Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region

“This decision, which is the result of a colossal effort by our federal and provincial partners, confirms Montréal’s place as a destination of choice for international organizations. Montrealers can be proud that the international leaders have decided to keep the World Anti-doping Agency in our city. Montréal is, and will remain in the years to come, a cosmopolitan city that is open to the world and that possesses an immense power of attraction, which will have major benefits for its citizens.”

Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal

“We know how strategic international organizations are for Montréal, and it is crucial that we support them so that they can grow in our city. The presence of a flagship international organization like the World Anti-doping Agency helps significantly strengthen the international dimension and prestige of Montréal, in addition to enhancing its leadership in the fight against doping.”

Hubert Bolduc, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International

Highlights:

• Montréal is at the core of scientific networks, and is home to four major universities.
• The office of the World Anti-doping Agency in Montréal has a team of 85 people, most of whom are Canadians, and foresees, under its expansion plans, to increase its staff to 125 employees.
• This international organization also has a major economic impact for Montreal and for Québec as a whole, with annual spinoffs estimated at $27.5 million, and generates tax and incidental tax revenues totalling some $3.9 million a year.

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