Québec, Quebec, June 9, 2008 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today took part in the official inauguration ceremony of Québec's Baie de Beauport. This site's redevelopment was made possible by $18.3 million in funding from the Government of Canada.
"Baie de Beauport is now an absolute must to see and experience. Its recreational tourism park, equipped with new and widely diverse facilities, is sure to satisfy the needs and interests of its many users and further enhance the quality of life in Québec, which already ranks among the highest in North America. In offering breathtaking views and direct access to the St. Lawrence River, this site will serve as yet another attraction for travellers visiting Québec. This new infrastructure will offer the additional advantage of strengthening Québec's position as a top-notch tourist destination," stated Minister Blackburn.
The Government of Canada funded the redevelopment of the Baie de Beauport, Pointe-à-Carcy and Bassin Brown sites to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec. Together, these three sites located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River constitute the Government of Canada's legacy to the people of Québec. The government was able to count on the support of the Administration portuaire de Québec, the city's port authority, which took the lead role in these projects.
Minister Blackburn took the opportunity to note that the Government of Canada has contributed $110 million to Québec's 400th anniversary celebrations, including $46 million from Canada Economic Development for the development of the three river access sites, $40 million from Canadian Heritage to the Société du 400e de Québec for cultural and commemorative programming, and $24 million from Parks Canada for the development of Espace 400e.
"The year 1608 is an historic date for Canada and North America as a whole. It marks the moment at which we truly became all that we are today. All Canadians are proud of what this special date represents, and from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia, they will be joining in this grand celebration," added the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie.
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Sources:
Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-648-4679
Cell.: 418-580-8215
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@dec-ced.gc.ca
Pierre Miquelon
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: pierre.miquelon@dec-ced.gc.ca
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
Tel.: 819-997-7788
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