QUÉBEC, May 10, 2005 -- The Government of Canada will invest $110 million in celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. This was announced today by the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women, accompanied by the Honourable Jean C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for Quebec; the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment; and the Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Francophonie. In 2008, Canada will have an opportunity to celebrate the founding of the first permanent French colony in North America, as well as the meeting of Aboriginal peoples and European explorers, which began the intercultural dialogue that is the foundation for today's Canada."As part of celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the Government of Canada will invest in sites that are treasures of our collective heritage," said Minister Frulla. "It will also allow all Canadians to celebrate the founding of the first Canadian city and the strength of the pact of solidarity that unites us.""The 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City is a tremendously important historic event. The Government of Canada is proud of this investment. The people of Quebec City will benefit directly from this investment for many generations," said Minister Lapierre."Québec City holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians, in part because it was the principal port of entry for immigrants to Canada from its founding until the First World War," said Minister Dion. "This cradle of French civilization in North America is a magical place where people can touch and experience our country's rich history. They can explore streets, terraces, and buildings that our ancestors knew hundreds of years ago; understand French Canada's early system of government; and appreciate how Canada's Aboriginal people contributed to our development as a nation. Initiatives such as this, and our commitment to protect the City's national historic sites for future generations, benefit all Canadians and connect us to one another.""I believe that regional development is not an end in itself. It must first contribute to individual and collective well-being. It is in this spirit that Economic Development Canada will act as the manager of the funds allocated for the work of restoring the coast of the St. Laurence," said Minister Saada. "These federal installations will constitute one of the main tourist attractions for thousands of visitors who stay in Quebec City during the 2008 celebrations and will have a lasting impact on the quality of life of local residents for long after 2008."The Government of Canada invites Canadians and the international community to take part in celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City in 2008, which promise to be very exciting.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314 Daniel DezaindePress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canadafor the Regions of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Francophonie(613) 995-9301André FortinPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Transports(613) 991-0700 André LamarreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of the Environment
