Wemindji, Quebec (January 12, 2012) – Visiting the James Bay and Eeyou Itschee tourism regions today, Tourism Minister Nicole Ménard and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for Northern Quebec, Pierre Corbeil, announced a contribution of $600,000 from the Government of Quebec toward the expansion of Auberge Maquatua Inn in Wemindji. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada also participated in the funding of this project with a contribution of $312,000.
I am proud to confirm this contribution to a project of the Québec Tourism Strategy North of the 49th Parallel. The Maquatua Inn's renovation and expansion project fits perfectly with the Strategy's objectives. This initiative will improve the quality of accommodations at Wemindji and enhance the nature experience offered by this magnificent territory,
declared Minister Ménard.
Northern tourism is a key lever for economic growth in the Nord-du-Québec region. Strengthening the accommodation sector is essential to the development of this industry and to Quebec's prosperity. The investment announced today is a fine example of a project advanced by the Council of the Cree Nation and the Tawich Development Corporation to further the economic development of the community and its members. Moreover, the project will maximize local spin-off benefits in social and cultural tourism,
stated Minister Corbeil.
We are proud to support the Tawich Development Corporation in this project. Aboriginal entrepreneurship is a priority for our government,
said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. Through investments like this, we are helping to protect and create jobs for Aboriginal people. Moreover, this new hotel will contribute to the development of tourism in the community of Wemindji.
Located in the Eeyou Istchee tourism region, Wemindji provides an ideal environment for adventure tourism and eco-tourism, including polar bear sightings and rare bird watching. The region is also rich in history in regards to the fur trade and the land use by the Cree.
The investments will enable Auberge Maquatua Inn to build 18 new units in a second connected building. The reception area and rooms will be entirely renovated, and the capacity of the restaurant will be increased to 70. Investments towards this project will total $2,236,618.
The financial assistance awarded breaks down as follows: $300,000 comes from the Quebec Tourism Department through their Tourism Development Support Program (a component for tourism development north of the 49th Parallel), while the Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports will allocate a repayable contribution of $300,000 under its support program for economic projects. To this will be added $312,000 from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's Aboriginal Business Development Program.
Plan Nord, tabled on May 9, 2011, is one of the biggest economic, social and environmental development projects ever undertaken in the Quebec history. It will run for 25 years, with investments of more than $80 billion. Plan Nord comprises energy, mining, forestry, bio-foods, tourism and transportation, wildlife, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation development. It will promote development beneficial both to the communities concerned and to Quebec as a whole, while respecting cultures and identities. To read all the documentation on the Strategy, go to www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/strategie49 (Web site not available in English).
Gabriela Quiroz
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism
418-528-8063
Hélène Sauvageau
Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
418-380-2525
Moira Wolstenholme
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Quebec Regional Office
418-648-4285
