Grand Prix of Canada Returning to Montréal in 2010

MONTREAL, Nov. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The governments of Canada and Québec, Montréal and Tourisme Montréal are proud to announce that the Grand Prix du Canada will return to Montréal on June 13 through a $15 million annual investment over the next five years.

The Government of Canada and Tourisme Montréal will each contribute $5 million of this amount. The Government of Québec will provide $4 million and Montréal will add $1 million. Montréal and its partners will in return receive 30% shares from ticket sales.

"The Conservative government is proud to award such a significant financial contribution to the nation's foremost recreational tourism event. Through the $25 million in support that we are providing over five years, the FIA Formula One World Championship is coming back to North America here in Montréal. Acting on behalf of our taxpayers has always been one of our prime concerns and this agreement advances that goal. The funding in question will provide direct and tangible leveraging support to our economy. This is an excellent outcome for all concerned," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for the Montreal region.

"The Grand Prix of Canada has more impact on the tourist industry than any other sports event in Canada. Of the 300,000 spectators at the competition, 25% come from outside Québec. With such heavy media coverage, the FIA Formula One World not only provides an outstanding display window for Montréal, but for Québec as a whole. This event alone delivers some $89 million in economic fallout each year, along with 75,000 overnight hotel stays. "I am certainly delighted by this news," said Québec Minister of Tourism, Nicole Ménard.

"For Québec, this event by itself results in annual tax revenues of more than $10 million, for a $4 million investment, minus revenues from ticket sales. All three levels of government have worked together tirelessly over the past few months to bring the Grand Prix back to Montréal, while acting in a financially responsible manner. With this agreement in hand, I am delighted that our efforts have finally succeeded," said Québec Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montréal Region Raymond Bachand.

"The return of the Formula One to Montréal attests to our sustained efforts and determination. This win-win deal falls in line with the terms we set and the taxpayer's ability to pay and will create stability for the next five years. I am very pleased that our metropolis is bringing back this crucial stage in the Formula One series for fans from around the world and an outstanding opportunity in terms of the event's international reach," said Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay.

"In view of the substantial trickle-down effects that the F1 will generate for members of our association, Tourisme Montréal is pleased to assist in the return of Canada's biggest tourism event. International coverage of the Grand Prix also puts Montréal in the spotlight and promotes our city as a tourist destination," said Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal.

For further information: Mary-Ann Dewey Plante, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, (819) 956-5325; Simon Bachand, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of State (Canada Economic Development), (514) 496-1282; Martin Tremblay, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor and the Executive Committee, (514) 872-0274; Isabelle Lord, Office of the Minister of Tourism, (514) 220-1965; Catherine Poulin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Finance and the Minister responsible for the Montréal Region, (418) 643-5270, (514) 873-5363; Pierre Bellerose, Vice President, Public Relations, Product Research and Development Tourisme Montréal, (514) 844-2404