Statements³³

Montreal, May 7, 2026 — To mark its 95th anniversary, the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal (JCCM) is taking a new step in its history by announcing the creation of District Montreal, its very first foundation dedicated to the next generation of business leaders.

Founded in 1931, in the midst of an economic crisis that was shaking the entire world, a group of young professionals chose not to simply endure; they chose to build. They founded the Junior Chamber of Montreal with a simple yet powerful conviction: the next generation of business leaders deserves a space to grow, represent themselves, and make their mark. Nearly a century later, this mission remains more relevant than ever, in a context marked by profound economic, technological, and social transformations. With over 2,100 members today, the JCCM continues to play a key role in the development and influence of Montreal’s next generation of business leaders.

The District Montréal Foundation is a direct continuation of this mission. Inspired by the 1968 charter, this new philanthropic initiative aims to provide sustainable support for projects that enable the next generation to get involved, grow, and actively contribute to the vitality of Montréal’s socio-economic fabric.

“For over 95 years, the JCCM has been working in the best interests of the next generation. With District Montréal, we want to go even further and take concrete steps to ensure the sustainability of this commitment and its impact for generations to come,” said Marie-Krystine Longpré, interim executive director of the JCCM.

Under the guidance and leadership of four well-known figures in the community—Claude Gagnon, Marie-Krystine Longré, Michel Pauzé, and Lucie Rémillard—the foundation embodies a clear mission: to create a lasting legacy so that every generation can benefit from the same opportunities for growth, mentorship, and engagement.

With this launch, the JCCM reaffirms its role as a catalyst for the next generation of business leaders and its ability to evolve with the times, remaining true to the spirit of boldness and mentorship that has driven it since its inception. The response was immediate: at the very first multigenerational event, partners and alumni joined forces to raise nearly $100,000—a strong signal of collective confidence in the JCCM’s ability to mobilize, inspire, and build the future together.

À propos de District Montréal

Née d'une initiative de la Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal (JCCM), l’ambition de District Montréal est de faire de Montréal un pôle mondial de leadership jeunesse. En cultivant un écosystème où la relève dispose de leviers concrets pour se développer, District Montréal s'affirme comme un modèle unique d'engagement intergénérationnel qui dresse un pont entre les leaders d’hier et d'aujourd'hui pour celles et ceux de demain. Pour soutenir la prochaine génération de leaders et contribuer à ce cercle de transmission: Investir dans la relève de Montréal pour le 95e anniversaire de la JCCM

À propos de la JCCM

La Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal (JCCM) a comme mission de développer, de représenter et de faire rayonner la relève d'affaires. Constamment en mouvement, elle est un collectif permettant la rencontre de personnes aux horizons divers, souhaitant agir et réfléchir ensemble vers un but commun.

Fondée en 1931, elle compte aujourd'hui plus de 2 000 membres, âgé.e.s de 18 à 40 ans, dont 150 bénévoles, ce qui fait d'elle la plus grande jeune chambre au monde. Grâce à une multitude d'événements organisés chaque année, la JCCM est un lieu incontournable pour le développement de la relève d'affaires afin qu'elle contribue à bâtir une société progressiste, inclusive et économiquement durable.