Meeting of Universite rurale quebecoise Travels to Gaspesie With Financial Support of Government of Canada

NEW RICHMOND, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 2, 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 $69,825 in non-repayable funding to the organization Concertation Avignon-Bonaventure Inc. so that the meeting of Université rurale québécoise (Quebec rural university -- URQ) can, for the first time, be held in Gaspésie this year. The event will run from September 12 to 16, 2011, in the Baie-des-Chaleurs/Les Plateaux region.

"The Government of Canada has made community development a priority and that is why we are pleased to team up with URQ again this year," noted Minister Lebel.

The long-term development of strong, healthy communities is a continuing challenge in difficult economic times. Over the years, URQ has worked hard to build a sustainable economy. In adopting the theme Innover pour se réinventer (Reinvention Through Innovation), once again the organizers got it right. Mobilization, dialogue, research and knowledge transfer are critical to the building of vibrant, healthy communities that are sources of wealth and jobs. This year's meeting will bring together more than 300 participants: entrepreneurs, representatives of local organizations, university researchers and development officers from Quebec, New Brunswick, Belgium and Cameroon.

"Small and medium-sized enterprises in southern Gaspésie will be able to make the most of their assets and build capacity during this important gathering," the Minister added.

Funding to Concertation Avignon-Bonaventure Inc. has been granted through the Community Diversification program.

For more about Université rurale québécoise 2011: www.urq2011.com.

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