Five projects will help enhance Bas-Saint-Laurent tourism experience thanks to Government of Canada support

Épopée Gaspésienne, Société du parc côtier Kiskotuk, Auberge du Grand Fleuve, La Cabane Secrète and Projet La Ruche receive a total of nearly $800,000 in financial assistance from CED.

MATANE, QC, June 29, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

A key driver of the economy, the Canadian tourism industry generated more than $100 billion in annual revenues before being hit hard by the pandemic. That is why the Government of Canada launched the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), a $500M pan–Canadian initiative to help businesses and organizations in this sector overcome the impacts of the pandemic and position themselves for the future. The initiative, administered by CED in Quebec, ended on March 31, 2023.

Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, is announcing a total of $785,708 in financial contributions for five Bas-Saint-Laurent tourism organizations, which have received support from CED under the TRF: Épopée Gaspésienne, Société du parc côtier Kiskotuk, Auberge du Grand Fleuve, La Cabane Secrète and Projet La Ruche. This announcement follows a series of strategic investments made by CED under this initiative; Minister St–Onge unveiled a report of the TRF on June 28, 2023.

Further information on the five projects is provided in a related backgrounder. In addition to helping increase tourist traffic in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, these projects will make it possible to attract potential clients to several regional businesses.

The Government of Canada recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic recovery relies, among other things, on a strong tourism industry with organizations rooted in the regional economy. The players in this sector are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, greener, and more inclusive economy for all.

Quote

"Through the tourism industry, we can showcase Canada's culture and diversity to visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada has always been very aware of the importance of tourism to the country and continues to be here for businesses and organizations in this sector to ensure they recover. The investments announced today will help Épopée Gaspésienne, Société du parc côtier Kiskotuk, Auberge du Grand Fleuve, La Cabane Secrète and Projet La Ruche look to the future. Their projects represent excellent news for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and its drawing power."

The Honourable Pascale St–Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome‍–‍Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• Tourism accounts for $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and 2% of Canada's GDP
• The TRF was specifically created to help tourism businesses and organizations offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome international travellers again.
• With a national budget of $500 million, including $485 million administered by the regional development agencies (RDAs) and $15 million by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the TRF is part of the $1 billion in tourism support announced in Budget 2021. This initiative ended on March 31, 2023, in Quebec.
• In Quebec, the TRF made it possible to support 292 projects over the last two years. This assistance, totalling $110,623,941, complements all the actions taken by different partners, including the Government of Quebec.
• In the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, 15 projects received TRF support, for a total of $2,761,279 in investments from CED. These projects made it possible to create 37 jobs.
• CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.

Associated links

• News release on the TRF report, issued on June 28, 2023
• Tourism Relief Fund
• CED funding initiatives and programs

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Ariane Joazard-Bélizaire, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]