Rio Tinto : supports the Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord in its response to COVID-19

MONTREAL, Canada -- As the Montreal North community mobilizes to stop the spread of COVID-19, Rio Tinto is supporting the efforts of the Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord (TQMN), which represents nearly 100 community organisations in this borough. Rio Tinto will contribute $50,000 to the TQMN to fund initiatives aimed at ensuring food security in the Montreal North community and closing the digital divide for families.

TQMN's members are helping families under financial pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering food assistance and home delivery services to more than 1,000 people per week. They are supporting the local economy by working with local suppliers.

The partnership with Rio Tinto will also allow TQMN to buy computer equipment that will be loaned free of charge to families to enable them to maintain access to education and other essential services, at a time when schools, libraries and public places that normally provide access to computers and internet access are closed.

Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord general manager Steves Boussiki said 'Montreal North is one of the communities most affected by the health and socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 in Quebec. The Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord and its members are working tirelessly to help the most isolated and vulnerable segments of our population through this crisis. Thanks to partners like Rio Tinto, we will be able to continue to carry out innovative projects to fight against food insecurity and bridge the digital divide.'

Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said 'Montreal is an important hub for Rio Tinto, with more than 700 employees here, and we are committed to supporting efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 in our community. We believe in the importance of ensuring quality education and healthy food for everyone at all times. That's why we are pleased to be able to support the Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord and its members so that they can continue to help families in this borough.'

Notes to editors

About the Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord

The Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord (TQMN) is an intersectoral, multi-network working table. Through its inclusive and democratic approach, it contributes to improving the quality of life and living conditions of the Montreal North population, particularly by fighting social exclusion and poverty. To do so, TQMN creates cohesion by mobilizing and supporting citizens and various organizations around collectively prioritized issues and actions that have a lasting effect on social, community, environmental and economic development.

About Rio Tinto in Canada

Rio Tinto is the largest mining and metals business operating in Canada today, with more than 15,000 people working at over 35 sites and operations across the country. We produce iron ore for steel, aluminium for cars and smart phones, titanium for household products, and diamonds that set the standard for responsible. Rio Tinto's Montreal hub, the headquarters of our industry-leading aluminium business, supports the Rio Tinto Group's global operations.

Contact

Rio Tinto

Simon Letendre

Director, Media Relations - Canada & US

M: [phone]

[e-mail]

Table de quartier de Montréal-Nord

Steves Boussiki

General Manager

T: [phone]

[e-mail]

Category: General