by Jared Grigsby

While the Royal Canadian Mounted Guard, in their red serge uniforms, might not be visible during the 2009 NLGJA convention in Montreal, there are many other reasons to visit the Canadian city.

"Montreal is a very gay-friendly city," said Bertin Jacques, manager of media relations for the gay and lesbian market of Tourisme Montréal. "It has one of the biggest gay villages in North America."

But despite the opportunities Montreal offers NLGJA, financial difficulties this year may raise questions for the organization as it prepares for next year's convention.

"We're going to have to change strategies to let people know about the convention, what they need, air travel, to get a passport," said NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Thomas Cashman Avila.

What Montreal offers

Convention attendees will find a city anxious to welcome visitors and assist them in maneuvering through its streets.

"We like visitors," Jacques said. "It's not weird that if there's someone on the corner of the street, looking at a map, Montrealers just come to those people and try to help."

According to Heather Dolan, manager of media relations for the Canadian Tourism Commission, Canada promotes its communities as "vibrant cities on the edge of nature." People can participate in virtually any outdoor activity while in Montreal, from golfing, biking the Green Route and kayaking to surfing on the St. Lawrence River at Habitat 67.

When visiting Montreal, be sure to bring plenty of currency. The "funky and sleek" fashion of Europe is easy to find and much cheaper to purchase.

"If you're looking for European flair, it will be ... less expensive than going to Paris," Jacques said. "It's good quality for nothing."

Dolan said Montreal, a city where people can stroll the streets late at night without fear, has a few "must try" cuisine options. The first thing you have to try is the smoked meat.

Jacques said that it's a secret family marinade in which meat is soaked for 10 days.
"It's like pastrami, only better," Dolan said.

Montreal bagels are another favorite and are unlike bagels found in the United States.

"They are boiled in honey water, and it makes it very crispy on the outside of the bagel, and they use a wood oven to cook the bagels as well," Jacques said. "That's why it's very crispy outside and very tender inside."

Visitors to Montreal should find that getting around the city is quite easy. All streets are parallel, and everything is within walking distance. If one does need public transportation, Dolan said, it's easy to use.

A challenge for NLGJA

The Montreal convention will come as NLGJA is dealing with ongoing financial issues. At a Wednesday morning news conference, executive director David Barre said the organization may lose money on the 2008 convention. The organization anticipates falling short of its expected number of attendees and might not meet minimum room, food and beverage requirements at the Washington Hilton.

"Finances are a concern," Barre said. "We are exploring our options right now."

Given the financial concerns, NLGJA has been in discussions with the Montreal Hyatt regarding adjusting the 2009 contract, but there are no plans to cancel with the hotel due to the penalties that would be incurred, he said. Another concern is that the organization's official airline, jetBlue, does not fly to Canada; NLGJA members would not be eligible for the corporate discounts it has made available for previous conventions.

At last year's convention in San Diego, the Canadian Tourism Commission brought a huge contingent to promote Montreal, said NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Thomas Cashman Avila.

"Canada had been courting NLGJA for a long time," he said. "Representatives had been putting Montreal as a destination for the convention for some time. They made it clear that NLGJA was a priority to them."

Despite NLGJA's decrease in membership and convention-goers, Montreal looks forward to creating a new relationship with those unfamiliar with Canada and strengthening ties with those who may not have recently visited.

"We hope this will start a love affair with Canada," Dolan said.