Government of Canada Funds SportAccord Quebec 2012

QUÉBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - May 22, 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, took the opportunity during the official opening of the 10th SportAccord Convention today to announce the awarding of financial assistance from the Government of Canada toward this large-scale event.

"By supporting the arrival to Québec of SportAccord, a global conference bringing together the key international bodies from the world of sports, the Government of Canada is showing its commitment to promoting both the practice of sport and the growth of tourism, an important sector for the Quebec and Canadian economies," said Minister Lebel.

This funding will serve to cover the costs of communications and marketing activities, signage, hall rentals, and audiovisual and interpretation services. As well as generating considerable economic benefits, this global event will help increase the City of Québec's presence in the foreign media, thereby extending the international reach and reputation of Canada as a whole.

The tourism industry is of prime importance to the Canadian economy, creating jobs and spinoffs that contribute to the vitality of communities in every region of the country. Accordingly, the Government of Canada recently adopted a National Tourism Strategy designed to promote Canada as a top tourist destination.

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This financial assistance, granted in the form of a $600,000 non-repayable contribution, has been awarded through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program.

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