Obama coming to Montreal on June 6

Former U.S. president Barack Obama is coming to Montreal June 6 to deliver one of his first international speeches since joining the public speaking circuit.

Obama will address the Montreal Board of Trade to mark the city’s 375th birthday. He is coming as part of the organization’s international leader series, which in the past has hosted such notable figures as Hillary Clinton and Tony Blair and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Obama is a history maker and an inspiration, Michel Leblanc, president of the Montreal Board of Trade said in a statement.

“At a time when the world is seeking more certainty and stability, and as globalization is forcing us to rethink our existing economic and democratic models, we are proud to host someone who has devoted his actions to human rights, free trade agreements, diplomacy and economic development,” he said.

After handing the reigns of power to U.S. President Donald Trump in January, Obama kept a low profile. He has recently begun to venture back into the spotlight, making public appearances at major events like the Profiles In Courage Awards and delivering the keynote speech at a global food summit in Italy.

Although he is following the wellworn path set by his predecessors in giving paid speeches after leaving office, Obama has already come under fire for the hefty price his engagements demand, including $400,000 to address Wall Street bankers.

The Montreal Board of Trade did not immediately reply to a question about how much Obama will be paid to speak here.

Details on how to attend will be available soon on the board’s website: www.ccmm.ca.