The Government of Canada announces a new investment to support tourism in the Mauricie region

A four-season outfitter to receive $821,000

SAINT-ALEXIS-DES-MONTS, QC, March 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Tourism is a major economic driver throughout the country. It helps ensure sustainable growth and creates good jobs for middle-class families, both in urban centres like Québec and in smaller communities such as Saint‑Alexis‑des-Monts. This is why the government is investing $821,000 to support tourism and the economy in the Mauricie region.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced that Lac Blanc Outfitter would receive an $821,000 repayable contribution to allow the Maskinongé RCM to better leverage tourism opportunities.

CED's contribution will allow the establishment to enhance and increase its reception capacity and diversify the tourism services it offers. The project primarily involves the expansion of the main building (including three new bedrooms, a kitchen and a meeting hall), the addition of three cabins and a multi‑purpose activity centre, and the setting up of out-of-the-ordinary accommodation units (e.g., tipis, prospector tents and yurts).

This announcement comes as part of Minister Joly's meetings with local tourism and travel experts in all regions of Canada. Her cross-Canada tour began in November and helped identify opportunities for maximizing Canada's tourism potential. The Minister listened to the experts and is now encouraging them to further develop and explore the cornerstones that will lead to the development of the national tourism strategy.

Quotes
"Our government recognizes that tourism supports all regions of the country, including here in the Mauricie region, by creating good jobs for middle-class families. Over the last few months, I have had the privilege of meeting with people across the country who are working tirelessly to make Canada a tourism destination of choice. Their unique experience and the work of the Advisory Committee will guide our next federal tourism strategy, the goal of which will be to maximize Canada's tourism potential. The future is bright for the Canadian tourism industry."

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

"Tourism is a very significant activity sector in the regions of Quebec, and the Government of Canada is working hard to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will create jobs and generate wealth for the regions, while helping to showcase all Quebec communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The enhancement of tourism services will allow the Lac Blanc Outfitter to upgrade its accommodations and attract more tourists from outside Quebec. CED's support will also help us to improve tourism accommodations in the Maskinongé RCM, making our region a destination of choice for visitors seeking unique experiences."

Gaston Pellerin, President, Lac Blanc Outfitter

Quick facts

• Tourism accounts for 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
• Tourism supports 1.8 million jobs across the country.
• 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.

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.

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]