Minister Mélanie Joly announces new funding to support tourism in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region

The Government of Canada awards $400,000 for the diversification and enhancement of the Jardins de Métis tourism offer

GRAND-MÉTIS, QC, July 29, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Tourism is a key sector in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, and in Grand-Métis in particular. From the Saint‑Lawrence River to the Jardins de Métis, unique tourism experiences abound. In Canada as a whole, tourism generates significant economic benefits and accounts for over one in every 10 jobs.

This is why, today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced a $400,000 non-repayable contribution to support a project by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis. The funding was provided as part of the new federal tourism strategy under the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which was set up to help the tourism sector in Canada create new, unique tourism experiences and good jobs for middle-class families.

With the help of this Government of Canada support, the Jardins de Métis, whose reputation extends beyond Quebec's borders, will be able to continue providing its visitors with a memorable experience that draws on the site's unique history, culture and biodiversity and its innovative products.

This announcement is in line with the new Canadian tourism strategy unveiled by Minister Joly in May 2019 –Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

Quotes

"Tourism is a major economic driver in our regions and allows us to diversify our local economies. By supporting projects such as this one by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis, we are promoting tourism experiences in the regions of Quebec with a view to fostering economic growth and creating good jobs for middle-class families."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports projects such the one by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy; that further showcase the incomparable assets all around us; and which resonate well beyond La Mitis."

Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Innovation is not exclusive to big cities—it is taking place in all regions of Canada. This is why our regional development agencies play a key role in helping businesses and organizations, including those in the tourism sector, turn their innovations into economic growth and good-quality jobs for Canadians. Through the CEF, our government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and in the economic potential of our communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
• Tourism supports over 1.8 million jobs in Canada.
• The new federal tourism strategy will create over 54,000 jobs in Canada and will increase the economic benefits by over 25%.
• 402,000 people work in the Quebec tourism industry.
• In Quebec, the CEF is implemented by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
• The regional development agencies help support Canadian innovation through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, and in conjunction with the three flagship platforms, namely the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
• To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the2019–2020 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

Stay connected

• Follow @cdntourism on social media for tourism-related news and join the conversation using #tourism and #jobs: Twitter, Instagram
• Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
• Follow the Jardins de Métis on Facebook and Twitter

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Jeremy Ghio, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]