CALGARY, Alberta, April 27, 2009 – The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced that the Government of Canada has made a significant investment to support some of Canada's premiere marquee tourism events.
"Our government recognizes how important tourism is to the Canadian economy," said Minister of State Ablonczy. "The Calgary Stampede will receive nearly $2 million in funding and is just one of the marquee tourism event recipients under the Summer 2009 stream. Event visitors have an undeniable impact on the local economy. The Government of Canada is proud to show its commitment to the tourism industry, particularly during this difficult economic period."
The Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) is a Government of Canada initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan designed to provide $100 million in funding over two years for marquee tourism events in support of the visitor economy. This program will help events that attract a large number of international visitors to maintain and enhance their international appeal. It will also help events that are established nationally to gain an international presence.
A call for proposals with a deadline of May 8, 2009, has been issued for tourism events that meet the eligibility criteria.
"The Calgary Stampede is grateful to the Minister of State and the Government of Canada for this very timely infusion of marketing funds for the Calgary Stampede," said Vern Kimball, Calgary Stampede CEO. "It's great news for the Stampede, for the city of Calgary and for the entire Alberta tourism industry."
The Calgary Stampede is just one of Canada's annual, world-class marquee tourism events that have been granted funding under the Summer 2009 MTEP funding stream.
Today's recipients of the Summer 2009 MTEP funding stream are:
The MTEP is divided into several funding streams - beginning with the Summer 2009 one-time injection of funds. The recipients of this funding stream put forth proposals to the Government of Canada that met the eligibility criteria and objectives of the program. In addition to the May 8 call for proposals, another call for proposals will be announced in fall 2009.
The MTEP complements the numerous federally funded, tourism-related programs that are part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. These programs, which provide measures to support Canada's economy, stimulate the growth of tourism and contribute to the development of Canada's visitor economy over the long term, include:
- $40 million over two years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and international marketing; and
- $150 million over two years for national parks and historic sites.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the Industry Canada website at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/dsib-tour.nsf/eng/home.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-947-5856
613-668-5406 (cell)
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
