EDMONTON, Alberta, July 24, 2009 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, today announced the Government of Canada’s investment of close to $400 000 to support the Rexall Edmonton Indy.
“Today’s announcement is exciting news to all involved in the Rexall Edmonton Indy,” said Minister Clement. “The assistance from the Marquee Tourism Events Program highlights our government’s recognition of the immense impact that the Indy race has on the local economy.”
“Northlands [the organizing body of the Rexall Edmonton Indy] is very appreciative of the Government of Canada’s timely funding commitment for the Rexall Edmonton Indy,” said Andrew Huntley, Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors. “This support will assist in building a financially sustainable world-class event that will continue to profile Edmonton and Canada to the world, while contributing a significant economic impact to the city.”
“Our government is proud to support the Edmonton Indy,” said Minister Ambrose. “This exciting event brings international prestige to Edmonton and boosts the local economy by drawing tourists and visitors to the region.”
The Rexall Edmonton Indy features three days of races and other activities and is one of only two Canadian stops during the new IndyCar racing series in 2009.
The Marquee Tourism Events Program funding will make it possible to improve programming, including securing new headline performers; to offer misting stations and shading tents; and to develop a new display area filled with specialty and collector cars. Additional plans to enhance marketing and promotion efforts will help to reach new sports media in the U.S. and attract additional audiences to the race and the city of Edmonton.
The Government of Canada, through the Marquee Tourism Events Program, is investing $100 million over two years to assist marquee events across the country. This budget funding will help event organizers expand their reach and promote Canada as a must-see tourist destination to visitors from around the globe. Additional projects are now being reviewed, and successful applicants are expected to be announced at a future date.
Funding is provided through the Marquee Tourism Events Program, which is one of several tourism-related programs in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. These programs 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. They include:
- $150 million over two years for national parks and historic sites; and
- $40 million over two years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and international marketing.
For more information, please visit the Marquee Tourism Events Program website or the Canada’s Economic Action Plan website.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Laryssa Waler
A/Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $100 million in funding over two years for marquee tourism events that draw a significant number of tourists to Canada.
Marquee tourism events provide significant cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities for Canadians and attract national and international audiences to all parts of the country. Support for these events contributes to Canada’s visitor economy by sustaining or increasing the level of tourism and tourism-related spending that benefits hotels, restaurants and a variety of small and medium-sized businesses.
As a result, the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) will provide funding to support annually recurring, world-class events that generate significant levels of tourism and that aim to attract a significant amount of international media attention to Canada as a tourism destination. Events must be well-established and have a tradition of programming excellence.
The Government of Canada recognizes that tourism is an important driver of economic activity in all regions of Canada and that further expansion of Canada’s tourism industry can increase tourism export revenues and provide stimulus to the economy at a critical time.
The program requirements are strict and targeted. All interested applicants for the MTEP must demonstrate how their event will contribute to the objectives of the program to help events deliver enhanced world-class programs and experiences, thereby increasing or sustaining the number of tourists from within and outside Canada. If funding is provided, all applicants will be required to provide annual audited financial statements for the years in which funding is received and the two years following the completion of the proposed project. An independent study examining the economic impact of the funding is also required. Applicants will also be subject to monitoring and independent audits for the funds received.
The economic impact of the tourism industry is significant, representing 2 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product, over 662 900 jobs in all regions across the country and $20 billion in government revenues.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is intended to stimulate the economy and invest in our long-term growth. The tourism initiatives in this plan lay out a framework for branding Canada as a tourism destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.
