2012-2013 BUDGET - Press release no. 14 of 17 - Major Investments for Culture and Sports

QUÉBEC, March 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - "Culture is an important link in Québec's economy. The vitality of the cultural sector is reflected in many areas. In addition, several of Québec's cultural businesses are staging cultural activities abroad. The government is proud of the increased visibility of its artists in the cultural arena," said Finance Minister Raymond Bachand today in tabling the Québec government's Budget 2012-2013.

Focusing on our culture
"To promote knowledge of our cultural heritage, as well as the protection, enhancement and transmission of that heritage, the government will allocate an additional $60 million for the next eight years to the Québec Cultural Heritage Fund. Since its creation in 2006-2007, this fund has helped finance more than 400 projects representing total investments of over $160 million, including the contribution of partners," the Minister announced.

"In particular, the additional funds will help support a greater number of municipalities and RCMs so they can further enhance Québec's built heritage. The restoration of the Moulin des Augustines in Québec City is one example of projects in this area. In addition, museums will have access to more resources for renewing their permanent exhibitions and mounting new ones," he said.

An amount of $11 million will also be allocated to promote museums in all regions of Quebec. Moreover, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec will receive an additional $4.5 million over three years, primarily to support the professional dance sector, already renowned worldwide.

The government will also support the diffusion of Québec's digital cultural products. An amount of $20 million is being provided over the next five fiscal years for implementing the digital strategy for the cultural sector.

Lastly, the Minister noted that, in 2017, Montréal will celebrate the 375th anniversary of its founding. A gift of $125 million will be offered to the city to underscore this event. In addition, to diversity and improve the supply of cultural activities in Québec's capital, the government will invest up to $30 million in the Théâtre Le Diamant in Québec City.

Supporting sports
"The benefits derived from sports and recreation go far beyond the well-being they bring to those who partake in them. Practising sports and recreational activities is a major contributing factor to social cohesion and improvement of the overall health of the population. The Québec government acknowledges these benefits by investing in the development of sports and recreational facilities and financially supporting bodies that promote and oversee sports and recreational activities," the Minister affirmed.

He announced that Placements Sports, a program that will match private donations to Québec sports federations, will be created. This program will enable the federations to stabilize their income in the long term and become more self-sufficient. Sports federations will thus see their annual income increase by up to $5 million.

As well the Sports and Physical Activity Development Fund will receive additional funding of $50 million to finance new projects such as outdoor skating rinks, pools and tennis courts.

"The government wishes to encourage disabled athletes from across Québec to participate in a provincial sports event. In this spirit, we will contribute $500 000 a year over the next three years to AlterGo, which actively supports the social integration of people living with disabilities by eliminating barriers to recreation," the Minister concluded.

Office of the Minister of Finance, Minister of Revenue
and Minister responsible for the Montréal Region
Catherine Poulin
Communications Director
418 643-5270
514 873-5363