A great day for Concordia University

The administrations of rectors Frederick Lowey and Claude Lajeunesse put a lot of work into this file, and we can't overlook the important role played by the former chancellor, Eric Molson, who spared no effort in making Concordia what it is today.

This $188 million construction project will be erected at the corner of Guy Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard and will bring together all of the Department of Administration's classrooms, which are currently spread out here and there. The Minister of Education announced on Oct. 20 that the Quebec government would be investing $60 million. It's an announcement that we've been expecting ever since the budget was put forward by the Minster of Finance, Michel Audet, who had explicitly announced the government's intention to contribute to the project.

The announcement by the Molson family of an extraordinary donation of $10 million must also be celebrated. For over 200 years, the Molson family has participated not only in industrial development, but also in the social and cultural development of Montreal and the province of Quebec. John Molson, who launched the brewery that bears his name, was an innovator. In fact, he was the first Montreal industrialist to use the steam engine in industry. It was clearly a technology that fascinated him, for he launched the first steam train between La Prairie and Saint-Jean, after having already built a steam ship that, beginning in 1809, covered the route between Montreal and Quebec City.

A curious fact: John Molson died in 1936 on Sainte-Marguerite Island, which ceased to exist 40 years ago, having been joined to Charron Island when the canal that separated them was filled in with the aggregate from the construction of Montreal's subway system. Up to 40 years ago, this type of thing was practiced openly. He therefore died on the islands of Boucherville. His son, John Jr., worked closely with James McGill in the construction of the university on Sherbrooke Street. He would probably be quite amused to see the name of his father associated with Concordia University. The Molson dynasty has always been one of the most dynamic and most generous in local patronage and philanthropy. In addition to their contribution to the world of education, they were closely involved with the health network and the art world. Quebec and the city of Montreal have all the reason in the world to be proud of the contribution made by the Molson family towards the development of our society.

Concordia University will therefore add the Molson family to its honour role of great contributors. Their contribution will follow the extremely generous contribution of Richard J. Renaud, who made the construction of the Loyola Campus buildings possible. Concordia University is also fortunate to be able to count on the talent of Jonathan Wiemer, who was responsible with putting together the financial deal for the project. Construction and property management hold few secrets from him, so the university will be in good hands.

This will be an important structuring project not only for Concordia University, but also for downtown Montreal and the entire community.



Jacques Chagnon is the Liberal MNA for Westmount-St. Louis.