Ville-Marie, Quebec,
May 30, 2006 ─ Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, Mr. Jacques Gourde, MP for Lotbinière ─ Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced a non-repayable contribution of $81,180 to the
Foire gourmande de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue et du Nord-Est ontarien to be put toward the next two editions of the event.
Held in late August, the Foire gourmande brings together some 50 exhibitors from the agri-food sector in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and northeastern Ontario. In addition to serving as an ideal opportunity for establishing new business contacts, the Foire attracts more than 20,000 visitors who come to sample some of the local delicacies produced on both sides of Lake Temiscamingue.
"The Foire gourmande is an exceptional showcase that allows agri-food producers and processors to forge strategic alliances and promote their products to consumers. At the same time, it helps develop the Abitibi-Témiscamingue as a destination of choice," stated Mr. Gourde.
"I am proud to be associated with this celebration of the work of our artisans for five now, and I wish visitors an excursion filled with discoveries. I would particularly like to salute the involvement of founders Mr. Bernard Flébus and Ms. Line Descôteaux as well as the many volunteers who contribute to the vitality and quality of life of their community," said Minister Blackburn.
This project came about through a partnership between the Agency and FedNor, the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario.
It should be recalled that 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.
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Sources:
François Bélisle
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Press Secretary
Tel.: 1 800 567-6451, ext. 235
E-mail: francois.belisle@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane Marchand
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819 953-5646
Cell: 613 816-5094
E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Canada Economic Development is on line at www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
