The Historic District of Old Quebec Will Come Alive During the 20th Anniversary of the New France Festival

QUÉBEC, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - June 15, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, have announced funding for the Corporation des fêtes historiques de Québec.

The New France Festival is a major event that includes historical activities and welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year. The festival brings an outstanding boost to media and tourism for Québec and to its international prestige. This year's festival will take place from August 3 to 7 under the theme "Imagine America." For five days, over 200 artists and as many volunteers will converge upon Old Québec, mainly at the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, one of the testaments to Canada's rich history.

CED is granting $750,000 in financial assistance to hold the 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of this historic event. It has been awarded as a non-repayable contribution under the Quebec Economic Development Program. Among other things, this funding supports promotion of the Festival in the Canadian, American and European markets.

Canadian Heritage is providing funding of $102,100 for 2016 New France Festival under the Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This support will help support a diverse lineup that includes concerts of traditional, Aboriginal and youth music, historical re-enactments, and non-stop activities that make it possible to discover our heritage.

Quotes

"Tourism is one of the most rapidly developing sectors around the world. By supporting events such as the New France Festival, we are showing our commitment to promoting growth in this industry, the significant benefits of which boost the health of the Canadian economy. "

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"As we prepare to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Canada's Confederation, it seems more important than ever to support events that help Canadians discover their rich heritage in an entertaining and original way. Thanks to the talent of the artists, artisans and historical performers showcased during the New France Festival, citizens can dive into the heart of what life was like in the time of their ancestors."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Related links

New France Festival website: http://www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca/en/

For more information on the QEDP: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/qedp/index.html

To learn more about the Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1455305048765/1455311886269

Stay Connected

Follow CED on Twitter @CanEconDev

Follow Canadian Heritage on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr