The Government of Canada announces a new investment to support tourism and culture in the Charlevoix region

The funding will support the development of tourism and cultural activities in La Malbaie

LA MALBAIE, QC, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and the Department of Canadian Heritage

The tourism sector is a major economic driver across the country. It helps ensure sustainable growth and creates good jobs for middle-class families, both in urban centres like Montréal as well as in smaller communities such as La Malbaie.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced that the municipality of La Malbaie would receive a $1,000,000 non-repayable contribution from the Government of Canada to set up an activity centre (Le Havre) on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. The creation of this four-season public-gathering space will involve the construction of a central court and a multi‑purpose building, as well as landscaping work.

CED has awarded a $500,000 contribution for the construction of a multi-purpose building, which will include reception areas, sanitation services, rooms to be made available to local organizations and the general public, a multi-purpose room that can seat approximately 150 people, and an outdoor stage with seating for up to 2,500 spectators.

Heritage Canada has provided $500,000 for the creation of an arts presentation space, which will enhance the cultural experience. The Charlevoix region will thus be able to take greater advantage of tourism opportunities and will enjoy better access to high-quality shows.

With the help of government funding, and thanks to projects such as the municipality of La Malbaie project, Canadians and visitors to Canada will be able to benefit from a lively meeting place during festivals and special events.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. It was made during Minister Joly's cross-Canada tour, at which she is speaking with local tourism and travel industry experts. The goal of the roundtable discussions, which began in November, is to identify opportunities for maximizing Canada's tourism potential.

Quotes

"Our government recognizes that tourism acts as a catalyst in all regions of the country, including La Malbaie, by creating good jobs for middle-class families. We know that, by working together, we will be able to take full advantage of the enormous economic potential of this key sector of our economy, and that this will lead to the creation of new economic opportunities and new jobs for the middle class."

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

 "CED's financial support will allow the municipality of La Malbaie to grow and further showcase the attractions of the Charlevoix region, which in turn will help bring even more visitors to the region. Through this support, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to promote Quebec's tourism regions, which has a positive impact on the local economy."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"We are pleased to be involved in a project that will provide the population of La Malbaie and people throughout the Charlevoix region with new, high-quality infrastructure for the performing arts. Our government aims to establish optimal conditions in Canada's regions to ensure that all Canadians have access to the works of our talented creators."

– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

"CED's funding for the construction of a multi-purpose building will help increase the number of visitors to the region and foster their retention, while at the same enhancing the visibility and notoriety of both the municipality of La Malbaie and the Charlevoix region as a whole."

– Mayor of La Malbaie, Michel Couturier

Quick facts

• Tourism accounts for 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
• Tourism supports 1.8 million jobs across the country.
• The tourism sector directly supports more jobs than the oil and gas, mining, agriculture, automotive manufacturing and aerospace sectors combined.
• During the first 10 months of 2018, Canada welcomed a record 18.6 million international tourists, up 1.2% compared with the same period in 2017.
• CED's funding was provided through the Quebec Economic Development Program. To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• The Heritage Canada funding was provided under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports the construction or renovation of artistic facilities, the acquisition of specialized equipment, and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces, including spaces for exchange and creation.

Related links

• Tourism in Canada
• Keep up-to-date with the latest tourism news on social media @cdntourism and join the conversation using the hashtags #Tourism and #Jobs: Twitter and Instagram.
• Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
• Follow PCH on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Jeremy Ghio, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]