Val-des-Monts, Quebec, November 24, 2004 -- Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of Canada Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Francophonie, David Smith, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, today announced financial assistance of $100,000 to Laflèche Adventure for the installation of its cable hebertism trail. 'This project will create some 10 jobs in Val-des-Monts. The promoter is adding an additional tourist attraction to its Cave, which many already know, while contributing to increasing the local economic spinoffs,' said Mr. Smith. The mission of Laflèche Adventure is to promote the unique historical and speleogical nature of the Laflèche Caves' site. The new aerial park where, among other things, visitors can swing on zip trek lines suspended some 100 feet above a lake, will increase tourist traffic. 'Diversification and enhancement of tourism offerings is a priority for our Outaouais Business Office. By supporting this project, we are helping strengthen the social fabric of small communities by fostering the creation and maintenance of jobs in the region through the establishment of an original attraction,' noted Minister Saada. Canada Economic Development's $100,000 contribution to Laflèche Adventure falls under the Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI) contribution program. Canada Economic Development's mandate is to promote the economic development of the regions of Quebec. Primarily through financial assistance programs, the Agency elicits and supports the implementation of economic development projects. The two priorities the Agency has set itself are to foster innovation and the knowledge economy in each region of Quebec, and to help communities that are having difficulty adjusting to the new economy. In this way, the Agency contributes to the attainment of the Government of Canada's objective of building the 21st Century economy. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. - 30 - Sources: François BélisleCommunicationsCanada Economic Development(819) 825-5260, ext. 235 Daniel DezaindePress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jacques Saada(514) 496-1282
