SHERBROOKE, QC, July 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec, today announced that the Harper Government is providing funding to support the 2013 Canada Summer Games, which will take place in Sherbrooke from August 2 to 17, 2013. Mr. Gourde made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
"The Canada Games play an important role in helping young Canadian athletes prepare for success on the podium in international competition," said Minister of State Gosal. "As a result of our Government's investment in the Games, the host community of Sherbrooke will experience lasting and sustainable sport, social, cultural, and economic legacies."
"Our Government's support for the Canada Games will help Sherbrooke and the surrounding area generate economic benefits from construction to tourism, which have a significant impact on the local economy," said Minister Lebel. "This event will support our economy by creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs before, during, and after the event."
"Bringing a major project like the Canada Games to life is possible thanks to the valuable contribution of our partners and 5,000 volunteers," said Tom Allen, President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013. "We would like to give our warmest thanks to the federal government for its major contribution, which is essential to the success of the country's largest multisport competition."
The Canada Games are Canada's largest domestic multisport event and are the pinnacle of interprovincial/territorial sport competition. The Games are held at two-year intervals, alternating between winter and summer, and bring together participants from across the country to share the spirit of competition, demonstrate sporting excellence, and celebrate their cultural diversity.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada. The Government will provide up to $10.35 million through Sport Canada's Hosting Program to the Sherbrooke 2013 Canada Summer Games Host Society in support of the Games. Additionally, it will provide up to $6.5 million to the Canada Games Council for the travel of the provincial/territorial teams to the Games, except for the host province.
Canada Economic Development is also providing funding in the amount of $700,000. This funding is being provided as a non-repayable contribution through the Quebec Economic Development Program. The contribution is specifically for the implementation of a marketing strategy that will target tourists from outside Quebec.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development
514-283-8818
[email protected]
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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