Government of Canada Renews Financial Support to the Fetes de la Nouvelle-France

QUÉBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 5, 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, today announced the awarding of $300,000 in non-repayable funding to the Corporation des Fêtes historiques de Québec for the promotion of the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France on markets outside Quebec.

"The Government of Canada's assistance over the years has contributed to the success of the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, an event that attracts many tourists to Québec City and generates substantial economic benefits for the region," said Minister Lebel.

Canada Economic Development has supported the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France since the event's inception in 1997. In addition to the development of a new site at Parc de l'Artillerie, the financial assistance announced today will be used to implement a promotion and commercialization program on markets in Europe and the United States. Planned activities include the creation of a Web site, the purchase of advertising space and the organization of media relations tours abroad.

It should be noted that on July 29, 2011, Canadian Heritage announced a contribution of $106,200 for a variety of activities to be held during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France in 2011 and 2012. Canadian Heritage awarded this funding through its Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which aims to offer Canadians opportunities to participate in events that showcase local arts and culture scenes or commemorate a region's history and heritage.

Canada Economic Development's contribution has been granted through the Community Diversification program, which has as one of its objectives to raise communities' capability to attract tourists to Quebec through tourism development.

For more on the Fêtes de la Nouvelle France: www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca

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