The Corporation événements d'été de Québec will be able to continue its marketing activities and strengthen Vélirium's position on the world stage

Logo: Government of Canada (CNW Group/Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions)

Government of Canada awards $300,000 in financial assistance for the Vélirium Mountain Bike World Cup in Mont Sainte‑Anne

QUÉBEC CITY, Aug. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Department of Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada)

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic diversification at the national and regional levels. The Government of Canada's investment in sports and cultural events is an effective way to support actions that generate significant economic and media benefits in the regions that host them.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honorable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced that the Corporation événements d'été de Québec would receive $200,000 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to support marketing activities outside of Quebec. $100,000 in funding awarded to Cycling Canada will also help host athletes from various countries who will be taking part in the Mountain Bike World Cup and allow Canadian athletes to experience an international-level competition.

Established in 2003, Vélirium is organized around the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Cup. This international mountain biking competition involves a multitude of amateur races as well as several sporting, family and cultural events. As a standard-bearer of a healthy, active lifestyle, Vélirium generates considerable media and tourism benefits for the greater Québec City area, thereby contributing to its international reputation.

Quotes

"The tourism industry generates major economic impacts that benefit all Canadians by creating rewarding, high-quality jobs for the middle class. By supporting the promotion of Vélirium outside of Quebec, the Government of Canada is encouraging people from here and elsewhere to attend."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The presence of high-level athletes is evidence of the vitality of mountain biking in Canada and, once again, confirms the country's place in the global sports circuit. It is through sporting events of this type that we can make Canada a top sports and tourist destination. Best of luck to the Canadian athletes who will be taking part in this competition surrounded by their fans, friends and family members!"

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports projects and events that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy. By supporting activities like the Mont Sainte-Anne Mountain Bike World Cup, we are helping Québec City carve out its place among international tourist destinations."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"By renewing its support for the promotion of Vélirium on international markets, the Government of Canada is contributing to the economic development and vitality of the greater Québec City area's tourism industry."

Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Quick facts

• The financial assistance awarded by CED for 2017 and 2018 amounts to $200,000 and is provided in the form of a non-repayable contribution under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP). The funds will be directed to promote this major mountain biking sports event on the Canadian and US markets and, through a partnership with the UCI, will be used to publicize the events in some 20 countries.
• The Department of Canadian Heritage, on the other hand, is awarding $100,000 to Cycling Canada through the Sport Canada Hosting Program. That amount will enable more than 400 athletes from about forty countries to compete for the cup on Canadian soil and inspire the next cohort of cyclists.
• CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• To learn more about CED's key directions up to 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [e-mail]; Ashley Michnowski, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, 819-934-1122 (TTY: 1-866-702-6967)