SAINT-TITE, QC, Sept. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - During a visit to the Festival Western de St-Tite, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) and Member of Parliament (Beauce), announced funding from the Government of Canada for this major tourist event taking place until September 16, 2012. Minister of State Bernier made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Over 10 days, the Festival Western de St-Tite will bring together local artists, artisans, and historical heritage performers. The festival celebrates Quebec's embrace of country and western culture through rodeo, music, dance, film, parades, arts and crafts.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."
"The Festival Western de St-Tite demonstrates the ability of an entire community to rally together to build a premier international tourism event for the entire Mauricie region," said Minister of State Bernier. "Congratulations to event organizers and the hundreds of volunteers that make this event possible every year."
"The Government of Canada's contribution to our festival will be of immense help in carrying out our development goals," said Pascal Lafrenière, General Manager of the Festival Western de St-Tite. "These funds provide added value for the whole community and will generate significant economic and tourism benefits for the region. They also serve as a springboard toward reaching new horizons in terms of sustainable development. We are very proud and appreciate the continued support provided by the Government of Canada in our growth process."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $134,500 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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