Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec, January 18, 2008 − The
Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour
and Minister of Canada Economic Development, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister
of the Environment, today announced that $2,089,400 in total funding has
been awarded for four projects that promise to help further the economic
diversification of the Côte-Nord region. Together, these initiatives will generate
an overall investment of more than $6.6 million and lead to the creation and maintenance
of some 100 jobs.
Minister Blackburn applauded the solid determination shown by local forces to
take the region's development in hand and support homegrown initiative. "Today's
global reality forces us to change the way we view regional development and
focus on new strengths that can help Quebec's regions diversify their economic
base and improve their chances of success. That is why the Government of Canada
developed Advantage Canada, a strategic plan that favours support to projects that, like the
ones we are announcing today, can help build greater prosperity for our
country," stated Minister Blackburn.
In the first of these initiatives, Canada Economic
Development will join forces with Parks Canada on a project aimed at enhancing
the Petite île au Marteau and Île aux Perroquets lighthouse stations in the
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada. This funding partnership involves
a $345,000 financial contribution from Canada Economic Development, $470,000
from Parks Canada and $75,000 from the community.
"Preserving and promoting the rich natural and cultural
heritage of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada is at the
very heart of Parks Canada's mandate. I am delighted that this project, the
outcome of fruitful cooperation with the community, is now able to move forward
to the great benefit of the Minganie's many visitors," stated
Minister Baird.
The Corporation de développement et de gestion du port de
Havre-Saint-Pierre will receive $395,575 in
non-repayable funding toward its development and dredging project designed to
increase the water depth in the port to 9.5 metres. Once completed, this
project will ensure the community has the infrastructure it needs to accommodate
large cruiseships of 2,500 passengers and more.
Destination Sept-Îles, for its part, has been awarded
$122,400 in non-repayable funding to develop the cruise sector in Sept-Îles. The
organization plans to work with various regional stakeholders to position the
area as a prime destination in the cruise line market.
With the Government of Canada's support, these projects
will serve to reinforce the development of the international cold water cruise
industry along the St. Lawrence River.
Lastly, in the agro-forestry sector, Les Bleuets du 50e parallèle will receive $756,425 in funding, $98,335 of it in the form of a
non-repayable contribution, toward the development of a 1,000-hectare blueberry
field in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. This project will help enhance and promote a
non-timber forest product that carries tremendous potential for the Côte-Nord
region.
"All of these projects illustrate the ingenuity and
creativity Quebec communities are putting into their efforts to revitalize and
diversify their economies to ensure residents a better living environment. The
Government of Canada believes it is essential that we solidly support these
initiatives, all of which promise to move the communities of the Minganie and
Côte-Nord further along the path to
prosperity," concluded Minister Blackburn.Backgrounder attached
-30-
Sources:
Claudie LamontagneCommunicationsCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 418-722-3282 or 1-800-463-9073E-mail: claudie.lamontagne@dec-ced.gc.ca
Jean-Philippe PaymentPress SecretaryOffice of
the Honourable Jean-Pierre BlackburnCanada Economic
Development Tel.: 819-953-5646E-mail: jeanphilippe.payment@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca
Lise Rochette Communications Service Parks Canada - QuebecTel.: 418-648-4539E-mail: lise.rochette@pc.gc.ca
