Government of Canada Funds Festival Western de St-Tite

SAINT-TITE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 22, 2011) - Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the awarding of $281,834 in non-repayable funding to the Festival Western de St-Tite to promote the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Festival outside Quebec, and to equip itself with quality infrastructures.

"Tourism is of prime importance to our economy. Not only does it generate jobs, it is also one of the main vectors of economic growth. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Festival Western de St-Tite," said MP Gourde.

The Festival, which will be celebrating its 44^th edition next September, has been a major tourist attraction from the very beginning, generating significant economic benefits and contributing substantially to the development of the Mékinac Regional County Municipality and the entire Mauricie region. The Government of Canada has been a proud supporter of the Festival since 1995, providing more than $1 million in support to this event throughout its various stages of growth.

The funding announced today will enable the organizers to advance a promotion strategy for the Canadian, U.S. and French markets. In addition, interior walls under the bleachers will be installed in order to make traffic areas safer and more aesthetic.

This project is part of the strategic and marketing planning developed by the Festival in 2009 and to which Canada Economic Development contributed.

The funding announced today has been granted through the Community Diversification program, an initiative whose objectives include supporting tourism development in Quebec's regions. The Festival Western de St-Tite generates sizable economic spinoffs annually. In 2010 alone, the benefits totalled $23 million.

For more on the Festival Western de St-Tite: www.festivalwestern.com

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