Toronto and Montreal

Essay # 58212

Canadian Studies
Economics > International

A discussion of the concept of world and global city in the Canadian context of Toronto and Montreal.

1,930 words () | 14 sources | MLA | 2004 United Kingdom

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a study of the theories of global cities and world cities in the Canadian context using the cities of Toronto and Montreal as examples. It looks at how Toronto, as Canada's foremost urban centre shows the signs of a rapidly changing and polarizing city, whereas Montreal has shifted to regional city-status. It also shows how the Canadian urban system can be used as an example for other small yet developed countries where the battle for urban supremacy is taking place.

From the Paper:

"Canada has long been a traditional immigration country, along with the US and Australia. Much of the immigration is centred towards the urban centres of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver (source: Statistics Canada 2003). According to World City Theory, immigration is almost a prerequisite for growth, as a constant stream of low-waged workers are required to fill services such as workers in restaurants, and cleaning. Toronto's share is increasing, possibly due to the increased demand for workers in its growing economy, and the use of English - the global language. Quebec's policy of enforced learning of French has been quoted as impedance for immigrants, who would rather settle in Ontario or British Columbia. The extent of immigration into the urban centre in Canada has generally been impeded by federal schemes to spread out immigrants around peripheral areas such as Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia (see Statistics Canada)."