Government of Canada Invests in Upgrade of Hospitality Infrastructure at Cap-aux-Meules Port of Call

CAP-AUX-MEULES, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - May 31, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces that the Corporation de développement des Îles-de-la-Madeleine has been granted financial assistance to equip Cap-aux-Meules port with new hospitality infrastructure.

"By funding this Corporation de développement des Îles-de-la-Madeleine project, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to fostering the growth of cruise tourism on the St. Lawrence River, a sector that benefits the economy," said Minister Lebel.

The project of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine development corporation involves equipping the Cap-aux-Meules port of call with new facilities (side platforms, footbridges, traffic barriers, office equipment and tent) that meet international standards of quality for the cruise tourism industry.

The outcome of mobilization among the region's economic and tourism stakeholders, this project will help increase Îles-de-la-Madeleine's power of attraction for cruise passengers. Cruise tourism is experiencing steady growth worldwide and is an important sector of activity for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine economy. It helps promotes an extended tourist season (from May to October) on the archipelago and generates significant regional spinoffs. In 2012, eight cruise ships are scheduled to stop at the Cap-aux-Meules port of call, which could bring in as many as 6,000 cruise passengers and crew members in total.

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This funding, granted in the form of a $314,488 non-repayable contribution, has been awarded through the Support Initiative for International Cruise Development on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers, a measure that comes under Canada's Economic Action Plan adopted in January 2009.

For more on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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