Saint-David-de-Falardeau, Quebec, March 20, 2008 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced that Auberge Carcajou has been granted $205,000 in funding to develop and begin operating a lodging facility in Saint-David-de-Falardeau, at the base of Monts-Valin, a world-class tourist destination for the practice of Nordic activities.
This new inn will offer packages featuring room accommodation, meals and guided off-track snowmobiling excursions intended mainly for European tourists. As such, Auberge Carcajou will help satisfy part of the growing need for lodging in the Monts-Valin area.
"Strengthening communities is a priority for the Government of Canada, as our Advantage Canada plan and 2008 budget make clear. The startup of Auberge Carcajou, which will translate into the creation of four jobs, two of them full-time positions, will help foster the diversification of the Saint-David-de-Falardeau economy, whose activities centre mainly on the forest industry. This mainstay project will also serve to promote the growth of winter tourism in Monts-Valin, an area that enjoys snow six months of the year," noted Minister Blackburn.
"The individuals who are turning their dreams into reality with the development of this exceptional tourist destination are a true source of inspiration. Their achievement attests to the growing role Aboriginal entrepreneurs play in the region's economy," explained the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.
Canada Economic Development has thus granted Auberge Carcajou $130,000 in repayable funding toward this project, while Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada has awarded the startup $75,000 in non-repayable assistance through its Aboriginal Business Canada program.
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Sources:
Nadia Marceau
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-668-4602 or 1-800-463-9808
E-mail: nadia.marceau@dec-ced.gc.ca
Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Tel.: 819-953-1160
Jean-Philippe Payment
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-953-5646
E-mail: jeanphilippe.payment@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Tel.: 819-997-0002
