The Government of Canada awards more than $500,000 in financial assistance to the Club de motoneiges L'Islet, the Club Les Amis de la forêt and the Club de Motoneige du Témiscouata
March 11, 2019 – Saint-Antonin, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The Club de motoneiges L'Islet, the Club Les Amis de la forêt and the Club de Motoneiges du Témiscouata respectively share the maintenance of over 435 kilometres of snowmobile trails in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions. To improve the quality of the trails and continue ensuring the safety of the winter recreationalists who use them, these organizations will receive non-repayable contributions totalling $535,699 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). With that funding, the three clubs will be able to purchase new-generation groomers.
Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced the contributions to the three clubs. The Government of Canada's assistance will help ensure the quality and longevity of the snowmobile trails maintained by these clubs. In addition to enhancing the experience for snowmobilers, this support for the development of winter tourism in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions will help create more good middle-class jobs and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding communities.
The funding was awarded under the Winter Tourism Initiative of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. That initiative supports the purchasing of equipment for maintaining snowmobile trails or cross-country ski trails. With a budget of $10 million in effect until March 31, 2020, it aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec. It is part of the Inclusive Growth in all Regions pillar of the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions announced in November 2018.
The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting safe snowmobiling. The 200 snowmobile clubs affiliated with the FCMQ maintain more than 34,000 kilometres of trails throughout Quebec.
The Government of Canada does not hesitate to support recreational, cultural or sports-related projects that have a positive impact on local tourism and the local economy, that further showcase the unique attractions around us, and that resonate far beyond the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions.
"Winter tourism greatly contributes to the economic vitality of the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions, and snowmobiling attracts not just local enthusiasts, but also international tourists. Better-quality trails will only strengthen these regions' reputation and visibility as prime destinations."
Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Tourism is a very important industry sector for the regions of Quebec, and the Government of Canada makes every effort to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will help create jobs and wealth for the regions, while contributing to the reputation of all Quebec communities."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
"Tourism is an economic driver in all of our communities. Winter tourism vitalizes the region during our coldest months and ensures a year-round influx of visitors, which contributes to the vitality of the local economy. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and that support good middle-class jobs."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"Snowmobiling generates economic benefits of over $3 billion a year in Quebec. This major industry, operated through the sheer dedication of thousands of volunteers, is grateful for CED's financial support that, through the Winter Tourism Initiative, will help renew the fleet of equipment used to maintain the largest snowmobile trail network in the world."
Mario Gagnon, President of the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec
Quick facts
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CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
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Headed by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions prioritizes the Government of Canada's actions to encourage the adoption and development of innovative practices and to ensure growth for everyone and for all Quebec regions. As such, the Strategy promotes the creation of stable, well-paid jobs.
