Today, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Quebec Lieutenant, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Isabelle Charest, Quebec’s Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, announced funding of more than $29 million for 21 projects in the Laurentian Region. For the occasion, they were accompanied by the Honourable Éric Girard, Quebec’s Minister of Finance and Member of the National Assembly for Groulx, and Sylvie Surprenant, Mayor of Sainte-Thérèse. With this funding, local residents will have access to modern, safe facilities, which will promote active, healthy and inclusive lifestyles.

“The pandemic has shown us that getting out of the house and exercising is fundamental to our mental health. Today, the governments of Canada and Quebec are investing massively together in 21 sports and recreational infrastructure projects in the Laurentians. This will make a concrete difference in the lives of people in Sainte-Thérèse, Mont-Laurier, Mont-Tremblant, Blainville, Oka and Lachute, among many other towns. We are here to help families recover from the consequences of the pandemic and to create good jobs that will stimulate economic recovery.”

Pablo Rodriguez, Quebec Lieutenant, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“More than ever, we are becoming aware of the importance of being active. That's why we're taking steps to help Quebecers be more physically active. Having access to modern, quality recreational and sports facilities is a strong incentive for encouraging regular physical activity. These projects will have tangible impacts on the quality of life of families, and the vitality of our communities. I hope that, with the investments we are announcing today, everyone will be able to enjoy being physically active. ”

Isabelle Charest, Quebec’s Minister for Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women

“Recreational and sports facilities are a central component of our communities, and allow our residents to develop a sense of belonging to their region. I am therefore very pleased to announce that more than $29 million will be invested in the Laurentian Region to carry out and complete 21 projects. I am confident that this new, safe and modern infrastructure will enhance the vitality of my region, while providing significant economic benefits. ”

Eric Girard, Quebec’s Minister of Finance and MNA for Groulx

“It's official; Sainte-Thérèse residents will be able to start skating again in a brand new arena near their homes! I would like to thank the provincial and federal governments for their financial support in making this long-awaited project a reality for our community! The City has shown perseverance in this matter, and the public and partner organizations have worked in solidarity throughout the process. People of all ages played their various ice sports on this very spot for nearly 70 years before it was demolished. We look forward to determining the next steps in the construction of our new arena, and will keep the public informed of future developments.”

Sylvie Surprenant, Mayor of Sainte-Thérèse

• Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the federal government is investing more than $7.5 billion in Quebec between 2018 and 2028 for projects involving community, cultural and recreational infrastructure, green infrastructure, public transit, and infrastructure in rural and northern communities. 

• The Government of Quebec's Programme d'aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives et sportives (PAFIRS) is part of the Invest in Canada Program (ICIP) and the Integrated Bilateral Agreement (IBA), the objective of which is to implement the ICIP in Quebec, and establish the terms, conditions, obligations and commitments of the parties. The program has a budget of $294 million. 

• The Quebec Department of Education is responsible implementing the Recreational Infrastructure sub-component of the Community, Cultural and Recreational Infrastructure stream of the IBA. 

• By providing funding for construction, fit-up, renovation, upgrading, expansion and refitting projects for recreational and sports infrastructure, the PAFIRS objective is to provide support for recreational and sports infrastructure in good condition in all regions of Quebec, and to give the public greater access to this infrastructure.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada and Quebec Invest in 21 Recreational and Sports Projects in the Laurentian Region

Associated links

• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Infrastructure Canada Projects and Programs – Quebec
• Investing in Canada Plan – Building a Better Canada
• Programme d’aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives et sportives (PAFIRS – EBI) (in French)

Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-941-0660
Chantalle.Aubertin@canada.ca

Alice Bergeron
Press Secretary to the Minister for Education
and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
418-997-4093