McGill Library
McLennan Library Building3459 rue McTavish
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 0C9
Montreal Board of Trade Fonds
Microfilm
Fonds
28 microfilm reels
In 1822 a group of Montréal businessmen, perturbed by the effects of the depression which followed the end of the Napoleonic wars, formed a "committee of Trade" with a mandate "to watch over the general interests of the trade of the country". The Committee was incorporated as the Montreal Board of Trade in 1842. During its first century, the Board's role was primarily that of lobbyist, particularly with regard to improving navigation to Montréal and constructing port facilities. They have been closely involved in municipal administrative reform, public health campaigns, anti-pollution and slum-clearance drives. Since the 1920s, the character of the Board has gradually altered to that of an information clearing-house and education facility.
Consists of microfilm of originals, located at Library and Archives Canada. The records of the Board of Trade fall into two series. Administrative records comprise the register of the Committee of Trade, 1822-1842; followed by the minutes of the Board, 1842-1952; reports of general meetings, 1842-1951; and annual meetings, 1876-1879; and council annual reports, 1886-1931. Correspondence consists of letterbooks, 1870-1920, and the correspondence files of the Committee of Trade, 1822-1842. A review of the activities of the Board from 1950 is also included.