Montreal Embraces Winter's Festive Spirit

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 18, 2016) - Government of Canada

The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, are pleased to announce the Government of Canada's support for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE.

This funding will let local visitors and tourists experience the joys of a Montréal winter through a host of outdoor cultural events and performances at the 17^th annual MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE festival, which is taking place from February 18 to March 5, 2016.

The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing $110,000 in funding under the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support the 2016 festival's artistic and outdoor programming. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) is reiterating its non-repayable contribution of $750,000 over a two-year period. This funding, granted under the Quebec Economic Development Program, has helped promote MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE in foreign markets in 2015 and 2016.

Quick Facts

• Each year, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE generates 1.3 million visits by 800,000 festival-goers eager to discover its rich lineup featuring performing arts, fine food and free outdoor family activities in the Quartier des spectacles.
• Music, circus performances, singing, theatre and dance take centre stage at the festival, which features new and established artists from the region and beyond.
• On February 27, the festival's traditional Nuit blanche à Montréal will offer more than 200 activities-most of them free and linked by a complementary shuttle service.

Quotes

"I invite Montréal's residents and visitors to put on their boots and mitts and come enjoy entertainment and food for the whole family. Thanks to its original programming, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE attracts people from all over and allows us to warm up in good company in the heart of winter."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Tourism is a vital sector of the Canadian economy, and draws ever-growing numbers of visitors to Canada throughout the year. MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE is a great event that gives visitors a wonderful demonstration of what the city has to offer during the winter. With the support announced today, I expect that the festival will continue to grow in popularity. I offer the organizers best wishes for continued success."

-The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

Associated Links

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

Quebec Economic Development Program

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