Montreal's economy: what's wrong, and what can we do about it?

Montreal has been hit by some bad economic news in recent months.

Several chains, including Bikini Village and Mexx Canada, are shutting their doors. Savoura just announced it was folding.

• SPECIAL REPORT: 4 suggestions to improve Montreal's economy 

The most recent unemployment statistics put Montreal's rate at 8.2 per cent. That's higher than any other large city in Canada — and higher than both the Canadian and Quebec numbers.

But with the bad news, there's also good news.

The city is already trying to take action by consulting hundreds of entrepreneurs through its Je Vois Montreal initiative.
And now it's asking the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to study how Montreal can improve its presence on the world stage.

In a CBC News Montreal special report, Steve Rukavina crunched the numbers with several experts — who say there is reason to be optimistic about the city's economic future.
 

What is the state of Montreal's economy? Part One

10 years ago

Duration 3:06

CBC News Montreal takes a look at the Montreal economy in 2015. We look at employment numbers - and try and figure out what's causing them.

• On mobile? Watch part one here.

What is the state of Montreal's economy? Part two

10 years ago

Duration 2:27

Although unemployment numbers are up, some Montreal entrepreneurs say things aren't that bad.

• On mobile? Watch part two here.

Marc Gilbert on the state of Montreal's economy

10 years ago

Duration 4:14

Marc Gilbert is a senior partner in the Montreal office of Boston Consulting Group. He thinks he has some answers to get Montreal's economy back on track.

• On mobile? Watch CBC News Montreal host Debra Arbec's interview with Marc Gilbert here.