CARAQUET, New Brunswick, August 11, 2009 — On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Senator Percy Mockler, today announced the Government of Canada’s investment of more than $154 000 to support the Festival acadien de Caraquet as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program.
“This is exciting news for all involved in the Festival acadien de Caraquet,” said Senator Mockler. “The funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program highlights our government’s recognition of the real impact this festival has on the visitor economy.”
“Industry Canada’s support will help the Festival acadien de Caraquet enter into the national and international scenes with expanded quality programming featuring performers from here and from the Francophonie,” said Daniel Thériault, Director General of the Festival acadien de Caraquet Inc.
Now in its 47th year, the Festival acadien de Caraquet is the only Francophone festival of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The Festival is a celebration of Acadian culture through music, art exhibits, and an annual parade of decorated boats that sail through Caraquet harbour, to name just a few highlights.
Funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program has allowed the Festival to increase its marketing efforts and raise its profile in various international and domestic markets. The Festival also enhanced its programming by adding new headline acts as well as a new multimedia show including music and fireworks.
The Government of Canada’s Marquee Tourism Events Program is investing $100 million over two years to assist events such as this one across the country. This program will help organizers expand the reach of their events and promote Canada as a must-see tourist destination to visitors from around the globe.
The Marquee Tourism Events Program is one of several tourism-related programs announced 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 the following:
- $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
