The Government of Canada announces a new investment to support winter tourism in the Gaspé region

Three snowmobile clubs to receive $633,600

MONT-SAINT-PIERRE, QC, Feb. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Tourism is a major economic driver throughout the country. It helps ensure sustainable growth and creates good jobs for middle-class families, both in urban centres like Québec and in smaller communities such as Cloridorme, Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine and Rivière-à-Claude. It is for this reason that the Government of Canada is investing $633,600 to support tourism and the economy in the Gaspé region.

Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie‒Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, announced that snowmobile clubs Les As de la motoneige, Club motoneiges Rapide Blanc Inc. and the Club de Motoneiges Tourelle Inc. would each receive $211,200 in non-repayable contributions.

CED's funding will be used to acquire high-efficiency equipment to improve snowmobile trail maintenance and safety, which will greatly benefit users. In addition to being popular among foreign tourists, snowmobiling generates significant regional economic benefits by fostering the sustainability of local tourist accommodations and businesses.

The funding was provided under the Winter Tourism Initiative, part of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This initiative supports the acquisition of snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance equipment. The aim of the initiative, which has a budget of $10 million and will remain in effect until March 31, 2020, is to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec.

A non-profit organization, the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) oversees the development and promotion of safe snowmobiling. The 200 snowmobile clubs affiliated with the FCMQ maintain over 34,000 kilometres of trails across Quebec.

The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports recreational, cultural and sports projects that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy; that further showcase the incomparable assets all around us; and which resonate well beyond the Gaspé region.

Quotes
"The snowmobiling industry is a powerful economic engine. In the Gaspé region, its economic impact is estimated at $40M. The Government of Canada's financial support will help attract more visitors to the region and generate significant revenue that will benefit the community as a whole."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MP for Gaspésie‒Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"Tourism is a very significant activity sector for Quebec's regions, and the Government of Canada is working hard to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will create jobs and generate wealth for the regions, while helping to showcase all Quebec communities."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Tourism is an economic driver in all our communities. Winter tourism helps stimulate the local economy by revitalizing the region during our coldest months and ensuring a year-round influx of visitors. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and support good middle-class jobs."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"In Quebec, snowmobiling generates over $3 billion annually in economic benefits. This major industry, tirelessly run by thousands of volunteers, is appreciative of CED's financial assistance which, through the Winter Tourism Initiative, will help rejuvenate the fleet of maintenance equipment for the largest network of snowmobile trails in the world."
Mario Gagnon, President of the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec

Quick facts

• Tourism accounts for 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
• Tourism supports 1.8 million jobs across the country.
• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions