Government of Canada Renews Financial Support for the Festival international de Lanaudiere

JOLIETTE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 8, 2011) - 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 the awarding of $227,500 in non-repayable funding to the Festival international de Lanaudière (FIL) to promote this musical rendezvous beyond Quebec's borders in 2011 and 2012.

"The Festival international de Lanaudière is an exceptional cultural window which contributes to the promotion of Lanaudière's wealth of tourism riches. That is why the Government of Canada supports this major event," said Minister Lebel.

Today's funding has been granted through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program. The Festival organizers will use these funds to finance a variety of activities, including the production of promotional tools, updating of the Festival's Web site, advertising, participation in fairs and conventions, hosting of foreign journalists and a study on the Festival's economic spinoffs.

Each summer, the FIL showcases classical music performers from around the world. Over the years, it has become a major tourist attraction, generating substantial economic benefits for the Lanaudière region.

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