How did globalization affect Montreal’s clothing, textile, and shoe industries?

Beginning in the 1970s, globalization significantly challenged the economic viability of Montreal’s labour-intensive manufacturing sectors, specifically clothing, textiles, and shoes. As international competition increased, these industries were unable to maintain their position, leading to a decline in their output and employment.12

This shift was part of a broader process of deindustrialization across Quebec, driven by factors such as declining tariffs and a lack of capital to modernize older, inefficient facilities. Consequently, the restructuring of the local economy resulted in the loss of many manufacturing jobs.31

In the wake of this decline, Montreal’s industrial landscape transformed. The city shifted its focus toward new, often high-tech sectors, including the aerospace industry, food processing, and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and telecommunications equipment. This transition reflects a wider move toward knowledge-based and service-oriented industries within the region.12