15 October 2009
Moncton, New Brunswick
The federal and provincial government are contributing a total of $1.5 million toward hosting a 2010 regular-season Canadian Football League (CFL) game in Moncton.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Premier Shawn Graham made the announcement today in Moncton. CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon, Bob Nicholson, president of the Toronto Argonauts and Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc took part in the announcement.
“The federal government’s investment, through ACOA, of $800,000 will raise awareness of Moncton and Atlantic Canada’s capacity to host major national and international sporting events while generating additional economic activity in the region,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
“It is through initiatives like this and the work of Canada’s Economic Action Plan that we are contributing to the development of strong viable communities that are at the heart of long term economic competitiveness in our region.”
“With the Canadian Football League coming to New Brunswick, this is another opportunity to highlight Moncton and our province to the rest of Canada,” said Graham. “The weekend football event will not only help expand the CFL’s national footprint, it helps solidify Moncton and New Brunswick’s reputation as a leading entertainment hub and on our journey towards self-sufficiency.”
The City of Moncton will host a regular season CFL contest featuring the Toronto Argonauts as the home team. As part of a weekend event to be held in Moncton in September 2010, the regular-season game will be played at the new stadium at the Université de Moncton. The stadium is set to be completed to host the 2010 IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics, between July 19-24, 2010.
“I would like to thank all levels of government for helping the CFL fulfill our vision of bringing a regular season game to Moncton and Atlantic Canada,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. “This event will be an exciting celebration of football that will profile Atlantic Canada, while bringing our league to the many fans we have in this region.”
“The CFL in Moncton will be yet another example of our city’s ability to attract major events, sporting or otherwise, to the region,” said LeBlanc. “By working with other levels of government as well as key partners, Moncton has been able to make its mark on the national and international stage. We will continue to work hard to ensure that Moncton continues to shine. The September weekend will allow some of Moncton’s young stars to experience football on a professional level and we are grateful to the CFL for providing this opportunity in our region.”
The Government of Canada is investing $800,000 and the Province of New Brunswick is providing $700,000 towards marketing and venue infrastructure costs to host the CFL contest and weekend celebration in Moncton.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Premier Shawn Graham announced today an inititiave with the CFL to bring a league game to Moncton next year. The two say the combined contribution of $1.5 million will showcase Moncton and Atlantic Canada’s capacity to host major sporting events. The federal share is being made through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The City of Moncton will host the regular season CFL contest featuring the Toronto Argonauts at the new Université de Moncton stadium.
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INFORMATION:
Dan Dugas
Director of Communications
Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic
Gateway
613-996-3100
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Bruce Macfarlane
Regional Development Corporation
Province of New Brunswick
506-444-4606
