The Government of Canada Supports the Tour de l'Abitibi Cycling Race

ROUYN-NORANDA, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 20, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announces the awarding of $146,455 in financial assistance to the Tour de l'Abitibi for 2015, 2016 and 2017. That amount will go toward supporting the outside-Quebec marketing activities, including webcasting and the social media.

Tourism is an excellent economic diversification opportunity for Canada. The Government of Canada is proud to support events like the Tour de l'Abitibi cycling race that result in substantial economic benefits and media coverage in their region.

The Tour de l'Abitibi is an international road cycling race. It is the only stage in the Junior Nations Cup of the International Cycling Union (UCI) held outside Europe. Every year, roughly 150 cyclists take part in it and spark the interest of over 125,000 spectators. CED's support is reflected in a non-repayable contribution under the Quebec Economic Development Program.

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Quick facts

• The financial support enables the Tour de l'Abitibi cycling race to become known outside of Quebec in 2015, 2016 and 2017 through marketing activities including the website, the social media, webcasting, the production of promotional materials and hosting journalists from outside Quebec.
• The purpose of the marketing is to draw a greater number of tourists from outside Quebec, which will bring about major economic benefits for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
• The 48th Tour de l'Abitibi will be held July 18 to 24, 2016, in Rouyn-Noranda.

Quote

"By financially supporting the Tour de l'Abitibi cycling race, our government is demonstrating its commitment to promoting the growth of tourism, a profitable industry for Quebec's and Canada's economy."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Related links

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

Website of the Tour de l'Abitibi cycling race: http://tourabitibi.com/en

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