The Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi is moving forward with its marketing activities outside Quebec

Government of Canada awards nearly $150,000 to promote this prestigious sport competition

VAL-D'OR, QC, July 10, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

When the teams taking part in the 50th Tour de l'Abitibi were revealed, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that $146,457 in non-repayable financial assistance has been granted to the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi for 2018, 2019 and 2020. The funding will be used primarily to support the Tour's marketing activities outside Quebec, including webcasting, promotion, public relations and social media visibility.

The 50^th Tour de l'Abitibi will be held in Val-d'Or, from July 16 to 22, 2018. This international road cycling race is the only Coupe des Nations Junior event of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) presented outside Europe. Every year, some 150 cyclists take part, attracting more than 125,000 spectators.

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic diversification in Canada. The Government of Canada is proud to support events like the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi, which generate significant economic and media benefits in the regions in which they are held. CED's non-repayable contribution was made through the Quebec Economic Development Program.

Quotes

"The Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi is a unique event in Quebec. The Government of Canada's support will help it attract more tourists from outside Quebec, generating substantial economic spinoff for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region."

David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"By providing financial assistance for the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi, we are standing by our commitment to foster the development of tourism. We are proud to support this major cycling event, which is helping put the region in the global spotlight."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

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.
• This year marks the 50^th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–19 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

Stay connected

Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
Follow the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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