Gaspé, Quebec, July 7, 2009 − The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced on the occasion of the official inauguration of La Maison Carter, Auberge sous les arbres that $286,974 in repayable funding was granted under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative – Vitality for the construction of this high-end tourist lodging facility in downtown Gaspé.
This project involved carrying out major renovations to the century-old Victorian-style residence, including the addition of a new wing housing 11 guest rooms, six of them suites, in order to provide travellers and business clients with luxury accommodations in the heart of the City of Gaspé. The only one of its kind in the region, this boutique hotel will offer vacation and tour packages in collaboration with other Gaspésie tourism operators.
"The construction of a quality establishment like La Maison Carter, Auberge sous les arbres in Gaspé is sure to help consolidate the region's already-positive image as a prime tourist destination. Tourism is an important vector of economic and social development. Indeed, this sector has been instrumental in helping Gaspé and Îles-de-la-Madeleine communities withstand repeated economic shocks over the past few years. These communities, like those throughout the country, need to be able to count on the Government of Canada's support in order to tackle the major challenges ahead. As part of our firm commitment to fostering the growth of tourism–a driving force of the economy–our government adopted an economic action plan last January that confirms our determination to support efforts to improve the quality and supply of products in this key sector," explained Minister of State Lebel.
For more on Canada's Economic Action Plan, see www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Sources:
Karina Gagnon
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-368-6048 or 1-866-368-0044
E-mail: karina.gagnon@dec-ced.gc.ca
Stéphanie Desforges
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Cell: 514-496-1282
E-mail: stephanie.desforges@dec-ced.gc.ca
