Québec, Quebec, September 5, 2013 – The construction of the new Pierre Lassonde Pavilion officially began today. Present at the event were the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
"Our Government's investment in the expansion of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec demonstrates our commitment to improving and preserving our country's cultural infrastructure,"
said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. "Today's ceremony represents the start of construction on a historical gem and cultural treasure that will leave a legacy for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come."
"Our Government recognizes the importance of supporting cultural infrastructure that promotes and preserves Québec art from all periods,"
said Minister Valcourt. "We are proud to invest in cultural infrastructure projects like the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities here in Québec."
The $103.4-million expansion project will include a new 8,000-square metre pavilion; the construction of a tunnel linking the new pavilion to the Charles-Baillargé Pavilion; the re-fit of exhibit spaces and the existing restaurant, shop and lobby; as well as exterior work. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $33.7 million while the Government of Quebec will contribute up to $45.1 million. The Museum will contribute $24.6 million.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 965,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up to date with Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada or follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-948-1838
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
