Government Investments Help Saint John Host 2018 Canada 55+ Games
News release
August 1, 2018 – Saint John NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Making smart investments in Atlantic Canada’s communities to help them develop their tourism assets will bring more visitors to our shores and create good middle-class jobs. Today, the governments of Canada and New Brunswick announced investments of $125,000 to help Saint John host the 2018 Canada 55+ Games taking place later this month.
Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, and Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Fundy-Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Bill Fraser, New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, were in Saint John today for the announcement.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) is providing Saint John 2018 Canada 55+ Games Inc. with a non-repayable contribution of $25,000 to go towards hiring a coordinator responsible for event planning, delivery and to ensure the organization team meets expectations. The Province of New Brunswick, for its part is investing $100,000 to support this project.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is making strategic investments that build on competitive regional advantages. Through ACOA, our government is proud to support projects like this one for the Canada 55+ Games that support diversification and build vitality in our communities and in turn enhance our regional economy.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Helping Atlantic Canada’s communities develop their tourism potential is a priority for the Government of Canada and is key to raising incomes, generating growth and strengthening the middle class and those seeking to join it. That is why the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces are working together to bring in more visitors, create more jobs and new businesses, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay
“The Government of Canada knows that promoting tourism has tremendous benefits for our region. Attracting more tourists to our area helps drive economic growth and add vibrancy to our communities. By working together, we can build a prosperous future for Atlantic Canada.”
- Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Fundy-Royal
“Your government is committed to improving the quality of life for all New Brunswickers and supporting events such as the Canada 55+ games is a great way that we can encourage our senior residents to remain active.”
- The Honourable Bill Fraser, New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
"Thousands of people will visit our region not only to enjoy competition, friendship and our hospitality but to show everyone the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through activity. This would not be possible without the support of the federal and provincial governments."
- Barb Curry – Co-Chair Canada 55+ Games
Contacts
Dominique Bouchard
Communications Officer
ACOA
506-292-7524
Bruce Macfarlane
Director of Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4377
Barbara Curry
Co-Chair
SJ 2018 Canada 55+ Games Inc.
506-650-9300