17 January 2012, SHIPPAGAN , New Brunswick — The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, and the Honourable Paul Robichaud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Economic Development today announced support for Les Amis de l’Aquarium inc.
This combined contribution of nearly $550,000 will enable the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre to garner greater visitor appeal.
“Our investment in Les Amis de l’Aquarium Inc. in the upgraded exhibit at the Aquarium will attract more visitors to the Acadian Peninsula,” said Minister Valcourt. “The Government recognizes that organizations such as Les Amis de l’Aquarium Inc. are an economic asset for the region and lay the foundation for long-term growth in the community.”
The investment involves improvements such as graphic design, scripting and programming to the permanent exhibition as well as major infrastructure improvements to the facility’s permanent exhibition centre at the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre. The work will help the Centre meet the latest standards of the tourism industry.
“Tourism is major economic generator for the local economy and New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre plays a major role in attracting tourists to Shippagan, and the Acadian Peninsula,” said Robichaud. “Our investment will assist in allowing up-to-date infrastructure improvements to occur at the centre.”
Les Amis de l’Aquarium Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to support the development and tourism growth at the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre.
“We would like to recognize the support of both levels of government,” said Bernard Paulin, president of Les Amis de l’Aquarium. “This funding will allow our group to assist in upgrading the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre in an up-to-date facility to attract more visitors to the region and to better contribute to the local and provincial economy.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing a $96,563 non-repayable contribution through its Business Development Program, while the Province of New Brunswick is investing $440,563 and Les Amis de l’Aquarium Inc. will provide $12,875.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre will get upgrades in order to garner greater visitor appeal.
ACOA Minister, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, joined by New Brunswick Minster of Economic Development, the Honourable Paul Robichaud today announced a combined investment of nearly $550,000 for Les Amis de l’Aquarium Inc.
The investment involves improvements such as graphic design, scripting and programming to the permanent exhibition at the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre. The work will help the Centre meet the latest standards of the tourism industry.
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INFORMATION:
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
613-790-3637
Bruce MacFarlane
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
Bernard Paulin
President
Les Amis de l’Aquarium
506-336-3013
Gisèle Savoie
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3341
