Vancouver, B.C. - Pacific Economic Development Canada
Major festivals and events show off the best of British Columbia's beauty and culture. They support jobs and industries that drive tourism, and they allow visitors and locals alike to renew ties in person as we celebrate together once again. The Government of Canada is taking action to revitalize these capstone events across the country, positioning them for an even brighter future.
Today, during the 112th year of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Summer Fair, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $10 million in infrastructure and facility investments support to ensure the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) remains a vibrant anchor attraction for years to come.
Founded in 1910, the PNE has a long history of providing cultural, sporting and family events in Vancouver, attracting over 700,000 visitors to the Summer Fair annually before the pandemic. PacifiCan funding will help the PNE Summer Fair draw back visitors and recapture revenue through investments in new Fair entertainment infrastructure, lighting upgrades to reduce environmental impact, facility upgrades and upgraded IT infrastructure. These investments will also support the PNE's future growth and sustainability through world-class safety upgrades, energy efficient technology and modernized operations.
With PacifiCan's support, the Summer Fair is expected to regain and maintain over 4,000 jobs this year and into the future. Most employment opportunities will be directed toward underrepresented groups, including youth, women, new Canadians, and Indigenous workers. With 50% per cent of employees under the age of 21, the PNE remains the largest employer of youth in British Columbia, providing critical low-barrier job opportunities.
Funding for this project is provided through the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI). With a national budget of $200 million over 2 years, MFESI supports major Canadian festivals and events that have been hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19 to help them adapt and enhance their activities as public health restrictions ease and the economy recovers. The Government of Canada is committed to helping protect the iconic attractions that make Canada a world-class destination.
