Gesgapegiag families to enjoy renovated community spaces for a better quality of life

Government of Canada awards nearly $214,000 in financial assistance to help transform the Gesgapegiag church into a community centre and museum

MATANE, QC, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Gesgapegiag families will enjoy safer play spaces for their children and improved facilities for socializing thanks to $213,678 in funding from the Government of Canada.

The investment was announced today by Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

The financial contribution will help the government of the Mi'gmaq of Gesgapegiag­ repair the damage caused by a fire and modernize the building. Used by community members for a variety of social activities, the building is currently in need of major renovations that will transform the Gesgapegiag church into a community centre and museum.

The investment has been granted through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), a $300 million fund that was established to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary through investments in community spaces that bring Canadians together.

Quotes

"This investment is part of a community construction project celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary. There is no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together—the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. The Government of Canada is proud to support projects like the transformation of the Gesgapegiag church, which unite our communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Community infrastructure plays a pivotal role in building relationships. It is in such places that friendships and fellowship develop, when citizens, families, the young and not-so-young get together to have fun, talk and hold traditional and cultural activities. The Government of Canada is proud to be associated with this project; once the building has been renovated, it will be a community landmark once again."

Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia

"If you go to Main Street in Gesgapegiag, you can't miss this structure. The church is a welcoming place that attracts people from around the world. With this renovation project, Gesgapegiag will be able to promote Mi'gmaq culture, history and traditions through the museum."

Roderick Laroque Jr, Chief, Band Council of Gesgapegiag

Quick facts

• Since its creation in 2015, CIP150 has invested nearly $61M in more than 470 projects contributing to the vitality of Quebec's communities.
• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Related link
CED — Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Tel.: [phone]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [e-mail]; Antoine Rivard-Déziel, Office of Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia, Tel.: [phone], Email: [e-mail]