The FCCQ Donates One Hundred Years of Archives to HEC Montréal

March 25, 2010

The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) yesterday signed an agreement with HEC Montréal to donate its archives to the School. Like a number of other major institutions that have shaped Quebec’s economic development, the FCCQ is taking this step not only as a way of protecting its heritage, but even more importantly, to make all the information contained in these archives widely accessible.

There was a lot of excitement surrounding the signing of the agreement. Many members and friends of both institutions, represented by Françoise Bertrand, President and CEO of the FCCQ, and Jacques Nantel, Secretary General of HEC Montréal, were on hand.

“We are delighted to know that these documents recounting the history of our contribution to Quebec’s economic development will be put to good use by students and researchers,” said Ms. Bertrand.

“HEC Montréal has always been closely involved in Quebec’s social and economic development. In keeping with its role of preserving the province’s business heritage, the School is extremely pleased to be able to add the FCCQ archives to its collection and, especially, to make this cultural treasure trove accessible to the community,” said Mr. Nantel.

The FCCQ and HEC Montréal share a common history. They were both founded by Isaïe Préfontaine, leading them to feel that this heritage will be staying “in the family”.

Ms. Bertrand concluded by inviting the FCCQ’s member chambers of commerce to follow its example and hand their records and other documents of heritage value over to their respective regional Bibliothèque et Archives nationales offices. She challenged them to dust off their boxes and show their pride in everything they have done for their regions since their earliest days.