March 6, 2019 – Saint-Jacques, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Resilient, diversified, and prosperous communities are the foundation of strong inclusive regions. The Government of Canada recognizes that strong regions are the building blocks of a strong country. Investing in unique tourism experiences is key to helping regions set themselves apart in the global marketplace. With the introduction of a fascinating new exhibit, the New Brunswick Botanical Garden will be well-positioned to grow its popularity as an important tourism destination, and continue attracting visitors to Northwestern New Brunswick.
The New Brunswick Botanical Garden includes twelve thematic gardens ranging over eight hectares along the Madawaska River. It is dedicated to promoting the natural sciences, sharing its collection with the public, and the conservation of indigenous flora. The new exhibit, which will feature a unique array of stick insects, will help the Garden distinguish itself as a top tourism attraction.
The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $22,500 towards the exhibit. René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and André Leclerc, President of the New Brunswick Botanical Garden, made the announcement today.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region's tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This bold approach is in line with Canada's Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
"The Government of Canada is committed to investing in strategic projects that support the development of tourist attractions that will help communities grow and thrive. Attractions like the New Brunswick Botanical Garden help set the region apart, and are instrumental to drawing a larger number of visitors and encouraging longer stays, contributing to the growth of the regional economy."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"The New Brunswick Botanical Garden is a regional treasure, and a destination unlike any other in the province. I'm very pleased to see the federal government's support for this project, which will allow the Botanical Garden to grow, and distinguish itself with a unique new exhibit to add to the rich array of flora already available here. This new attraction will not only benefit the Garden, but will also help strengthen tourism throughout the region."
- René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche
"This investment will allow us to build a brand new exhibit at New Brunswick's Botanical Garden. The exhibit will feature insects from the Phasmatodea order – also known as stick bugs. These insects are camouflage experts, able to take on the appearance of leaves and branches. They are intriguing and mysterious, and will be sure to charm children and adults alike."
- André Leclerc, President, New Brunswick Botanical Garden Society, Inc.
Quick facts
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The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.
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Eligible recipients include non-commercial/not-for-profit organizations such as local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, business or technology institutes, industry/sector associations, economic development associations, local co-operatives, universities and educational institutions.
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The ICF continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
