Two organizations will be able to bolster tourism in Gaspé

The Government of Canada awards over $330,000 in funding to Musique du Bout du Monde and cross‑country ski club Les Éclairs de Gaspé

GASPÉ, QC, March 5, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Musique du Bout du Monde and the Les Éclairs de Gaspé cross-country ski club, two non-profit organizations, will be able to develop their region's assets and promote them locally and further afield with the help of a total of $338,230 in non-repayable contributions from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

The Les Éclairs de Gaspé cross-country ski club will receive $203,230 in funding for the acquisition of new equipment, notably a high-calibre groomer equipped with a shovel, a tiller and two track tracers. In addition to reducing maintenance times and improving safety along the trails, the funding will also contribute to the vitality of winter tourism in the Gaspésie region.

The $135,000 in funding awarded to Musique du Bout du Monde will serve to ensure the domestic and international marketing of the Festival Musique du Bout du Monde (FMBM) in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Festival plays a key role in the region in terms of cultural tourism. The marketing of this event will help promote tourism in both the town of Gaspé and the Gaspésie region as a whole.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue. The funding was awarded by the Government of Canada under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. The projects will generate a total investment of over $3.5 million.

Founded in 2005, Musique du Bout du Monde's mission is to organize cultural and tourist events that foster the discovery and celebration of cultural differences through music. The Festival it organizes (the FMBM) aims to provide a venue for the sharing of the culture of the Gaspésie region and other cultures from around the world.

The Les Éclairs de Gaspé cross-country ski club was created in March 1987. The mission of this NPO is to provide approximately 54 km of high-quality groomed, track-set cross-country ski trails; there are also snowshoeing trails. In addition, the club organizes recreational and competitive activities, some of which are carried out in partnership with other organizations (Fondation A.D.O, TDLG, the URLS, schools, etc.).

The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports recreational, cultural and sports projects 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 the Gaspésie region.

Quotes

"CED's financial support will allow Musique du Bout du Monde and cross-country ski club Les Éclairs de Gaspé to develop and further showcase the attractions of the Gaspésie region, thus attracting even more visitors to the region. Through this support, the Government of Canada is helping to diversify our tourism sector, while also revitalizing the region and ensuring Canada's economic prosperity."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MP for Gaspésie‒Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors around the world. By supporting events such as the Festival Musique du Bout du Monde and organizations like the Les Éclairs de Gaspé cross-country ski club, we are demonstrating our commitment to foster the growth of this industry, whose significant benefits contribute to Canada's economic vitality."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [e-mail]