Québec and Montréal, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2009 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today joined the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie, in announcing that the Government of Canada will lend its financial support to the UCI ProTour Grands Prix cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal. Non-repayable funding of up to $900,000 will be allocated toward the presentation of these world-class cycling competitions, which rank among the biggest events sanctioned by the Union cycliste internationale ( UCI ).
Awarded through the Community Diversification program, this assistance will be used for the production and distribution of televised materials, including tourism advertising clips, as well as for Web site development and the marketing of the 2010 competitions outside Quebec. This project will necessitate a substantial investment and result in the creation of eight full-time jobs and 10 part-time positions.
Applauding the initiative of Serge Arsenault in submitting Québec's and Montréal's bids to become North America's first hosts of the ProTour competitions, Minister Lebel underscored the undeniable role major events play in bolstering the province's tourism development. "Through its international profile, the UCI ProTour will shine the spotlight on the recreational tourism hubs of Québec and Montréal and help the country as a whole gain greater visibility on the world tourism map. In its economic action plan, the Government of Canada has provided for an investment of $140 million to enhance marquee tourism events and increase activities targeting priority markets in an effort to stimulate the Canadian tourism sector and make it a driving force of our economic growth," he commented.
The Minister of State also stressed the important contribution cyclists make as role models. "Because of them, our young people may be more apt to climb aboard their bicycles and thereby avoid many of the complications associated with a sedentary lifestyle. These top world athletes merit our highest admiration."
Minister Verner said she is delighted that, thanks to the concerted efforts of various partners, these cycling competitions will now be taking place. "We are obviously thrilled that one of these races is going to be held right here in Québec and drawing the interest of cycling fans and members of the general public alike. This will be a golden opportunity for many people to discover our magnificent region while saluting the courage and perseverance of the competitors," concluded the Minister responsible for the Québec region.
The awarding of this federal assistance is subject to compliance with the Government of Canada's funding allocation process and the signing of a formal contribution agreement between Canada Economic Development and the applicant.
For more on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca .
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Sources:
Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-648-4679
Cell.: 418-580-8215
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
