Petite-Vallée, Quebec, July 2, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced a non-repayable contribution of $242,873 to Village en chanson de Petite-Vallée for the modernization of its facilities. With an investment of over $700,000, this flagship cultural organization will continue providing essential support for tourism development in the Gaspésie region. The financial assistance is being provided under the Community Adjustment Fund, a major economic stimulus measure provided for in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The objectives of Village en chanson include development of the regional tourism product. It organizes the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée, an exceptionally high quality annual artistic event in a coastal community of fewer than 200 inhabitants. The monies provided will be used for leasehold improvements to the Théâtre de la vieille forge and the building of the Camp chanson, managed by the organization. A moveable stage will also be purchased and made available for other local events. Village en chanson welcomes over 17,000 visitors a year.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support community efforts to ensure the development and sustainability of Village en chanson de Petite-Vallée, which occupies a unique place in Gaspésie, at the hub of culture and tourism. The organization generates first rate spinoff from which the entire regions benefits, as is illustrated by the creation of four permanent seasonal jobs for the upgrading of its facilities. It continues to be the motor of Petite-Vallée, a dynamic community which has shown great determination in grappling with the fishery and forestry crises,” said the Minister of State.
The project will increase the local tourism offer and the area’s ability to attract visitors. It will extend the tourist season by about 20 days in the Petite-Vallée area, resulting in increased activities and local economic spinoff.
The mission of Village en chanson de Petite-Vallée is to promote and develop culture in the region, providing a forum of choice and professional support for young up-and-coming singers, while promoting the influence of French-language songs worldwide.
The Government of Canada established the Community Adjustment Fund to foster job creation and help vulnerable communities severely affected by the global economic slowdown. Part of the Economic Action Plan, the Fund has a budget of $1 billion over two years.
For more on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit 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
Ève Cardinal
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: eve.cardinal@dec-ced.gc.ca
