The Government of Canada awards a total of over $330,000 in funding to snowmobile clubs Les Amoureux de la motoneige and Motoneige Vallée Matapédia
March 29, 2019 - Matane, Quebec - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The Club Les Amoureux de la motoneige Inc. is responsible for maintaining 340 km of trails; the Club de Motoneige Vallée Matapédia Ltd. maintains 305 km of trails. CED has provided these two clubs with non-repayable contributions-$168,000 for Les Amoureux de la motoneige and $170 000 for Motoneige Vallée Matapédia-to allow them to improve the quality of the trails and continue ensuring the safety of the snomobilers who use them.
The funding was announced today by Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. This Government of Canada assistance will allow both clubs to acquire a new groomer and associated equipment. In addition to reducing maintenance times and improving safety along the trails, the funding will also contribute to the vitality of winter tourism in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions.
The funding was provided under CED's Winter Tourism Initiative. This initiative supports the acquisition of snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance equipment. With a budget of $10 million in effect until March 31, 2020, the initiative aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside 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 Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions.
"I am thrilled with CED's support for the acquisition of new equipment, which will certainly make snowmobilers and local tourism businesses very happy, as the popularity of snowmobile trails is closely linked to their quality. Needless to say, tourism infrastructure such as snowmobile trails helps make our regions more attractive and boosts economic activity."
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 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 the coldest months and ensuring a year-round influx of visitors, thus contributing to the vitality of the local economy. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and support good jobs for the middle class."
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
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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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Led by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions prioritizes Government of Canada actions aimed at fostering the adoption and development of innovative practices and ensuring inclusive growth in all regions of Quebec. In doing so, the Strategy helps create sustainable, well-paying jobs.
