World's Best Cross-Country Skiers Coming to Quebec and Alberta for Season-Ending Ski Tour Canada 2016

GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 12, 2016) - Government of Canada

On behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today announced $2,575,000 in support to the 4-stage Cross-Country Ski Tour Canada 2016 - FIS World Cup in Gatineau, Montréal, Québec City and Canmore.

The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is providing $1.9 million to Cross Country Ski de fond Canada for the hosting of Ski Tour Canada 2016 - FIS World Cup. Second, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) provides support amounting to $675,000 in the form of non-repayable contributions under the Quebec Economic Development Program.

Quick Facts

• This is the very first time the International Ski Federation (FIS) has selected Canada to hold this prestigious cross-country ski competition.
• For 2015-16, the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, has provided $2,284,000 in funding to Cross Country Ski de fond Canada to support the development of their sport here in Canada, from the grassroots participation level up to that of our national team.
• In 2014-15, under Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program, the Government of Canada provided $522,000 in direct, monthly support to 28 athletes and 7 para-athletes to help with their living, training and education expenses.
• For its part, CED is supporting the promotion outside Quebec of the Gatineau, Montréal and Québec City events of Ski Tour Canada 2016. In addition to making these cities better known and raising their profile internationally, the competitions in these areas will help to generate economic benefits of close to $7 million and tourism spending of around $3.5 million.

Quotes

"We are proud to support Cross Country Ski de fond Canada and our athletes and look forward to warmly welcoming the best World Cup skiers to the Ski Tour Canada 2016. I am sure that the performance of these elite athletes will captivate the spectators who are able to get out to see them compete. At the same time, their example will inspire all Canadians, and especially our young people, to get active and to chase their own podium dreams."

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"The presence of high-level athletes is evidence of the vitality of cross-country skiing in Canada and once again confirms Canada's place in the global sports circuit. It is through sporting meets of this type that we can make Canada a top-flight sports and tourist destination, as well as generate significant benefits for Canada."

-The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"It is a great day for sport in Canada as, for the very first time, our country will host the best cross-country skiers in the world at this FIS World Cup event. I know I join all Canadians in welcoming these elite athletes to our snowy landscape n Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec City and Canmore."

-Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

Associated Links

- Canada.ca/Sport

- Quebec Economic Development Program

- Cross Country Ski de fond Canada

- Ski Tour Canada 2016

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