Coopérative de ski de fond Mouski: Better quality trails for an enhanced cross-country skiing experience

The Government of Canada awards $180,000 in funding to this outdoor organization in Rimouski

RIMOUSKI, QC, Feb. 8, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Coopérative de ski de fond Mouski (Mouski) is responsible for maintaining some 50 or so kilometres of cross-country ski trails in the Rimouski area. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has awarded the organization a $180,000 non-repayable contribution to allow it to continue ensuring the safety of skiers and to improve trail quality. The cooperative used the financial assistance to acquire a new groomer.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED. The Government of Canada's assistance will ensure the quality and sustainability of the cross-country ski trails maintained by Mouski. Besides improving the experience for skiers, this support for the development of winter tourism in the region will also help boost economic growth in the surrounding communities.

The funding was provided under the Winter Tourism Initiative, part of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This initiative supports the acquisition of snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance equipment. The aim of the initiative, which has a budget of $10 million and will remain in effect until March 31, 2020, is to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec in the various regions of the province.

The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports recreational, cultural and sports projects that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy; that further showcase the incomparable assets all around us; and which resonate well beyond Rimouski.

Quotes
"I am very pleased with the support CED has provided through this initiative, as it will definitely make skiers and our local tourism businesses happy. Tourism infrastructure such as cross-country ski trails helps make our region more attractive and stimulates economic activity."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MP for Gaspésie‒Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"Tourism is a very significant activity sector for Quebec's regions, and the Government of Canada is working hard to make it profitable for everyone. The Winter Tourism Initiative will undoubtedly create jobs and generate wealth in the regions, while helping showcase all Quebec communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Tourism is an economic driver in all our communities. Winter tourism helps stimulate the local economy by revitalizing the region during our coldest months and ensuring a year-round influx of visitors. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and which support good middle-class jobs."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"Acquiring this new groomer will allow us to provide tourists visiting our region, and all the residents of the region, with high-quality cross-country ski trails… I might even venture to say: the best cross-country ski trails in eastern Quebec! The Government of Canada's contribution through the Winter Tourism Initiative was essential to the realization of the project. The Club Mouski would also like to thank the City of Rimouski for its ongoing support, as well as the local CED officials who guided and supported us throughout the process."

Francis Roy, President of the Coopérative de ski de fond Mouski

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]