International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to shine again on the international stage!

Funding from the Government of Canada will help the festival showcase local artists and promote the event outside Quebec

SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QC, Aug. 11, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Canadian Heritage (PCH)

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for Canada's economic diversification. By investing in cultural and sporting events, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to support actions that generate significant economic and media benefits in the regions and to showcase our talented artists across Canada. A strong economy helps create well-paying jobs and a good standard of living for the middle class.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, Jean R. Rioux, Member of Parliament for Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, announced that $345,150 in financial assistance has been granted to the Corporation du Festival international de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to support the 2018 festival.

CED has awarded a non-repayable contribution of $253,250 to the Corporation through the Quebec Economic Development Program. The funding will be used to promote the festival abroad and to develop the largest inflatable climbing structure in North America.

Canadian Heritage has granted $91,900 to the Corporation du Festival. The funding provided under the Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program gives Canadians access to local arts and heritage.

Quotes

"This festival has dazzled a broad audience from the very beginning and is becoming increasingly popular. The success is due to the hard work and talent of many artists from near and far, presenting a wide variety of programming. I am proud of the extent to which local citizens, organizations and businesses are united in their efforts to develop the region's tourism offering by getting involved in projects like this one."

Jean R. Rioux, Member of Parliament for Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence

"The Government of Canada supports motivating and unifying projects, like the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, which showcase the regions of Canada on the international stage. These projects generate significant spinoff in terms of jobs, tourism and visibility for Canada."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to the largest gathering of hot air balloons in Canada. This rendezvous with magical balloons is an opportunity for Canadians and visitors alike to discover an exceptional local artistic showcase featuring music and comedy in the heart of an outstanding, active municipality."

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

Quick facts

• The International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu generates $9.1 million in spinoff and attracts nearly 300,000 visitors annually, while maintaining or creating the equivalent of 104 direct and indirect jobs.
• Festival-goers can see 200 shows and events, watch hot-air balloon flights and enjoy numerous family activities. The site has the largest area for activities and inflatable play structures in the world.
• 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 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• The Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides funding for local groups that organize recurring festivals and present the work of local artists, artisans and heritage performers.

Related links

For more information on the QEDP

For more information on Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage 

Website of the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Régions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]; Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101 or 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]