Going to the Heart of Our History in Old Québec

News release

QUÉBEC CITY, June 18, 2019

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development (CED) for Quebec Regions, have announced funding for the Corporation des fêtes historiques de Québec for the New France Festival.

CED is providing funding of $200,000 in the form of a non-repayable contribution through the Quebec Economic Development Program. This funding supports the promotion of the 2019 New France Festival in Canadian and international markets, contributing to the region’s visibility and attracting a large number of visitors. This contribution will also support the development of new products, improving visitor experience through continually renewed programming.

Canadian Heritage is providing $92,300 for the 2019 New France Festival under the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program. This investment will be used to enhance programming such as shows, demonstrations and historical re-enactments that showcase our heritage. It will also help provide more opportunities for local artists and artisans to engage in their communities.  

Quotes

“The New France Festival needs no introduction. This celebration lets us experience the era of French settlers and demonstrates the importance of Québec City in our country’s history. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in events that allow us to reconnect with our roots and discover fantastic artists. Come take part in this voyage through time in the magnificent surroundings of Old Québec!”

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

“The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to the diverse programming of the New France Festival, a showcase for our culture and history. By supporting this great historical celebration, we are proving our commitment to developing the tourism industry—one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and one that brings significant benefits across Canada.”

—The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“The Corporation des fêtes historiques de Québec is demonstrating creativity and constantly striving to be innovative so that its historical and culinary celebration remains one of a kind. Our support for this organization contributes to the economic development of the Greater Québec area, to the growth of the region’s tourism industry, and to job creation.”

—The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament (Québec)

“The New France Festival allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the era of de Champlain. It is also a great opportunity to discover local artists and artisans. With the support of the Government of Canada, the New France Festival provides a unique platform for local talent through its programming.

—Mélanie Raymond, Executive Director of the TD New France Festival

Quick facts

  • The 2019 edition of the New France Festival will be held in the historical neighbourhood of Old Québec from August 1 to August 4.

  • More than 200 artists will take part in events at different venues in Old Québec, including at the Fortifications-de-Québec, an important national historic site that has stood witness to Canada’s rich history.

  • The lineup will feature historical activities, including La Garde-robe de la Nouvelle-France; special etiquette workshops with Angélique de Péan (known as la Pompadour); performances by Les femmes au tambour de Wendake; and more. A performance by Vilain Pingouin will take place on the TD stage on August 3.

  • The Local Festivals component of Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides financial assistance to local groups organizing recurring festivals that highlight the work of local artists and artisans, or support local heritage interpreters.

  • The Quebec Economic Development Program supports the development and economic diversification of regions and helps them seize promising economic development opportunities for the future.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155

pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development
for Quebec regions
514-283-7443
dec.media.ced@canada.ca

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