Québec, Quebec, July 2, 2012 - Québec City's
residents and visitors will have an opportunity to
experience the excitement of one of the largest outdoor
cultural events in the country, which contributes to job
creation and the region's economic growth. The
Harper Government's support for the Festival
d'été de Québecwas reaffirmed today by the
Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs
and Member of Parliament (Lévis-Bellechasse).
As part of the Festival's 45th edition, nearly
300 shows will take place from July 5 to 15,
2012, featuring performances by 1000 artists from
Canada and beyond. Once again this year, around
1.5 million spectators are expected to attend.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to
invest in important cultural events like the Festival
d'été de Québec," said the Honourable James
Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official
Languages. "By supporting these major celebrations, our
Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen
our economy and support our arts and culture."
"The Harper Government has chosen to support the
Festival d'été de Québecin 2011 and 2012
because it generates major economic benefits for the Québec
City region," said the Honourable Denis Lebel,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for
the Regions of Quebec. "Since its creation in 1968, this
ever-expanding musical event has had an important place in
the cultural landscape of Quebec and of Canada."
"I am proud that our Government is supporting the
Festival d'été de Québec," said Minister
Blaney. "This event is a definite source of pride for
everyone in the Québec City region, many of whom attend it
year after year."
"Overall, the federal government's contribution to the
Festival d'été de Québecallows the event to
increase its visibility in foreign markets and to enrich
the local community," said Nancy Savard, Chair of the Board
of the Festival d'été de Québec. "Through its
action, Canadian Heritage is ensuring that the Festival can
offer the greatest number of people increased access to
culture, whether it is Canadian talent, street
performances, or music from around the world. This
contribution is very much appreciated."
On April 12, 2012, the Harper Government allocated funding
of $1.1 million for the 2012 and 2013 editions of
this event through the Canada Arts Presentation
Fund. This program of the Department of Canadian
Heritage gives Canadians increased access to the variety
and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts
festivals, presentations of live professional performances,
and other artistic experiences.
On July 15, 2011, Canada Economic Development provided
$1 million in non-repayable funding that will serve
primarily to promote the Festival in international markets
in 2011 and 2012. This funding, provided through Canada
Economic Development's Community Diversification program,
will help raise the event's profile on the world stage.
Targeted advertising campaigns will also reinforce Québec
City's reputation as a festive city and world-class tourist
destination.
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