Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Quebec, June 12, 2009 – The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, today announced the payment of a $517,923 non-repayable contribution to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory. This sum from the Community Adjustment Fund will help the organization maintain four key positions for almost two years.
Minister Paradis said he was happy the Mont-Mégantic Observatory can continue its activities, particularly since 2009 is International Year of Astronomy. He pointed out that officials from the Granit and Haut-Saint-François regional county municipalities and the general public had mobilized in favour of this unique site. “The Government of Canada is determined to help communities which, like Lac-Mégantic, are taking their development in hand in order to counter the effects of the current crisis and emerge from it stronger than ever,” stated the Minister. “The Observatory, which draws some 20,000 visitors a year to the Eastern Townships and generates spinoffs that benefit several sectors of activity, represents a prime engine of regional economic and tourism development.”
Its high level of performance and comprehensive range of observation instruments have earned the Observatory an international reputation. Moreover, through research contracts, it attracts experienced researchers and experts from around the world, thus contributing to increasing the culture of innovation in the Estrie region and driving the development of scientific literacy.
The financial assistance from the Government of Canada comes from the Community Adjustment Fund, which is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and is intended to mitigate the short-term impact of the current economic downturn: it facilitates job creation while addressing transitional and adjustment challenges in restructuring communities or industries. The share of the Fund allocated to Canada Economic Development amounts to almost $212 million over two years.
For further information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please consult the site www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Sources:
Lyne Montpellier
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel. : 819-567-8637
E-mail: lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Stéphanie Desforges
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel. : 514-496-1282
E-mail: stephanie.desforges@dec-ced.gc.ca
