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Some more background about Montreal and Toronto (the only one I know a good amount about)...

Although Montreal was Canada's city for over a century, it should be noted that for most of the 20th century, Toronto wasn't that far behind. It was far more industrial and less cultural (although that still existed) and its wealthy class preferred not to erect grand monuments and instead act a bit more provincial. This is still something ingrained in Toronto's psyche, even in 2014, although changing. You see it anytime an Olympic bid is brought up or someone wants to build a new landmark for the city.

It has taken awhile for Montreal to shed its importance over Canadian affairs in culture, economy, and politics. In many ways still Montreal has allure and prestige over Toronto for Canadians as our most grand city and most cultured city. Toronto has caught up remarkably fast, though, and now dominates over much of Anglo Canada's affairs (as much as is possible in such a disconnected country). It is plenty cultured and vibrant these days, not being overtly provincial (though perhaps a tad insecure), though it takes time for people to change their perceptions, which is why Montreal is still spoken of with such romanticism. That being said, Quebec growing more insular has definitely pushed things along.