Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight

GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 2, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Canadian Heritage

Tourism is an ideal opportunity for promoting the economic diversification of Canada. To that end, the Government of Canada's support of cultural and sporting events reflects its determination to encourage actions that generate major economic and media benefits for the country's regions. A strong economy helps create well-paying jobs and a good standard of living for the middle class.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau, today announced $185,800 in funding to Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau Inc.

The support from CED, awarded in the form of a $90,000 non-repayable contribution through the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) for the 2016 edition, will enable the Festival to promote the events taking place September 1st through 5th on both domestic and foreign markets.

Canadian Heritage, for its part, has granted $95,800 to Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau Inc. through its Building Canada through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program. This funding will serve to help the organization present a multitude of shows headlining local performers and to provide support for Festival volunteers.

The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is an important cultural and family event for the region that produces major economic benefits for the tourism industry. According to the organization, the Festival helps further the Outaouais region's international reach and reputation while generating some $10 million in annual economic spinoffs.

Quotes

"Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors globally. By funding events like the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, our government is showing its commitment to fostering the development of this industry."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is an opportunity for the public to come together to discover local artists while promoting a sense of community belonging. The Government of Canada is proud to support such a dynamic cultural event."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and thereby help promote the Outaouais region on both the national and international stage."

- Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau

"This 29th edition of the Festival was already lining up to be very promising, but this newest recognition from the federal government will further reinforce the event's popularity and importance for the region. I want to thank CED and Canadian Heritage for this substantial support, which will allow the organization to continue expanding its tourism clientele and putting on top-notch shows featuring local performers."

- Guy Leblanc, President of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Related links

To learn more about the QEDP: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/qedp/index.html

For further information on more about BCAH: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1455310870059/1455310944929

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival Website: http://www.montgolfieresgatineau.com/en/

Stay connected

Follow CED on Twitter @CanEconDev

Follow PCH on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr