Harper Government Invests in the Traversée Internationale du Lac Mégantic

LAC-MÉGANTIC, QC, April 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Residents and visitors in the Estrie region will be able to participate in the many activities taking place during the Traversée internationale du Lac Mégantic, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

From August 10 to 12, 2012, the Parc de l'OTJ in the municipality of Lac-Mégantic will host evenings of popular music, family activities, exhibitions by local artisans, and the departure point of the renowned Lake Mégantic swim competition. About 20,000 visitors are expected to attend.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians: to invest in popular events like the Traversée internationale du Lac Mégantic," said Minister Moore. "We believe these investments are essential to our economy and to the strength of Canadian communities."

"The Traversée is without a doubt a gathering that allows residents to share a range of cultural and other activities," said Minister Paradis. "The Government of Canada makes it a priority to support cultural development in the regions, because it is a significant source of economic strength and an active part of the development of Canadian communities."

"The Comité du Lac en Fête is very pleased with this news," said Nicolas Charrier, Executive Director of Lac en Fête, Région de Mégantic. "This funding will allow the organization to present a program featuring a remarkable variety of local artists and artisans, probably the finest in the event's history."

Lac en fête is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote cultural activities for the Estrie population and to organize the major event that is the Traversée internationale du Lac Mégantic.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $23,300 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate the history and heritage of a region. 

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)