Montreal is known for its rich, cultural life and not surprisingly it has nurtured a galaxy of Famous Montrealers ^[1]. Just think of some of the names that are known world-wide: Louise Arbour, Conrad Black, Leonard Cohen, Ernest Cormier, Patsy Gallant, Irving Layton, Oscar Peterson, Mordecai Richler, Lili St. Cyr, Pierre Trudeau, Jacques Villeneuve. If one of them rings only a vague bell, then Wikipedia can certainly remind you who they are. These are just some of the great Montrealers who are having or have had their impact on the world

There are two Montrealer names you won’t have a problem with. Who hasn’t heard of Céline Dion ^[2]? Her many admirers are delighted that she has now become a fixture in the heady world of Las Vegas. Those less overwhelmed by her talents are hoping that the old saying is true: “Whatever happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.”

The other world-famous Montrealer is possibly known in an even bigger universe. He has spent a good deal of his time as Captain Kirk in Star Trek. Who doesn’t know the name of William Shatner ^[3]? Perhaps his singing is less appealing than Céline’s but he makes up for that in so many other ways.

Check out the full list of all the gifts ^[4] from around the world. It’s very impressive.