Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, acting on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Isabelle Charest, Quebec’s Junior Education Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, announced over $7.5 million in funding for 12 projects in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. They were joined by Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Lanaudière regions, and MNA for Berthier, as well as the Mayor of Amqui, Pierre D’Amours. This funding will allow the population of the region to have access to modern and safe facilities that will promote an active, healthy and inclusive lifestyle.

“Recreational and sports infrastructure is key to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Investing in these facilities will boost the longer-term resiliency of communities, while also supporting local businesses, job creation and the economic recovery. I am therefore pleased to announce today federal funding of over $3.7 million for 12 recreational and sports infrastructure projects in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Canada’s infrastructure plan provides funding for thousands of projects, and helps create jobs across the country and build cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

The Honourable Marie-France Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Now, more than ever, we understand the importance of being active. That’s why we’re taking steps to help Quebecers move more. Access to modern, high-quality recreational and sports infrastructure is a strong incentive to encourage regular physical activity. These projects will have a concrete impact on the quality of life of families and the vitality of our communities. I hope that, thanks to the investments we are announcing today, the entire population will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of being active.”

Isabelle Charest, Junior Education Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women

“I’m delighted to announce these investments of over $7.5 million for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Just like everywhere else in the province, the region deserves to have modern sports and recreational infrastructure that meets the needs of families, youth who practise sports, and athletes. By allowing the population to practise physical activities close to home in safe facilities, we are promoting overall well-being and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.”

Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Lanaudière regions, and MNA for Berthier 

“With the support of the governments of Quebec and Canada, the development of outdoor recreational spaces near the Carrefour-Sportif, and the addition of a collective gym at the Centre matapédien d'études collégiales, reflect Amqui’s desire to be a vibrant, attractive city. Today, I am proud that these two projects can go ahead, so as to ensure the vitality of our area and contribute to the well-being of Amqui families.”

Pierre D’Amours, Mayor of Amqui

• Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the federal government is investing more than $7.5 billion in Quebec between 2018 and 2028 in community, cultural and recreational infrastructure projects, 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 ICIP and the Integrated Bilateral Agreement (IBA), which aims to implement the ICIP in Quebec and establish the terms, obligations and commitments of the parties. The PAFIRS has a budget of $294 million. 

• The Ministère de l’Éducation is responsible for implementing the Recreational Infrastructure sub-stream of the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream of the IBA.  

• By funding projects to build, develop, renovate, upgrade, expand or redevelop recreational and sports infrastructure, the PAFIRS aims to support the presence of recreational and sports infrastructure that is in good condition in all regions of Quebec and to increase Quebecers’ access to such infrastructure.

Related products

• Annex—Backgrounder: The governments of Canada and Quebec provide funding for 12 recreational and sports projects in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region

Associated links

• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Federal investments in Quebec infrastructure projects
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Programme d’aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives et sportives (PAFIRS – EBI) [in French only]

Michelle Johnston
Communications director
de la ministre de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités
613-298-7386
michelle.johnston@canada.ca

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