Members of the New York business, cultural and diplomatic communities joined Delegate General Dominique Poirier on June 24 to celebrate Québec’s Fête Nationale.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Poirier stressed the importance of the relationship between Québec and New York, and reflected on the high level of integration between the two economies: “Whether commuting by bus or train, chances are that New Yorkers will sit in a Prévost Bus or Bombardier train that is designed in Québec and assembled in Plattsburgh," she said.
Remarking on the province's strong presence in New York - the 125-metre spire atop One World Trade Centre built by Québec-based ADF Group, the bike-sharing program City Bike initially developed in Montréal under the name Bixi, the success of new media company Moment Factory and artists such as Cirque du Soleil, Seven Fingers or Arcade Fire – Ms. Poirier remarked that these success stories are the fruit of strong partnerships with U.S. friends and allies and she thanked them for their collaboration throughout the year.
La Fête Nationale, Québec’s National Day, is celebrated in Québec with parades, bonfires and community events. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, the tradition has come a long way to become the multi-cultural celebration it is today.