The Carnaval de Québec reinvents itself for its 65th edition
News release
The Government of Canada awards nearly $1.9M to the largest winter carnival in the world
November 29, 2019 – Québec City, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Department of Canadian Heritage
The Carnaval de Québec has been a part of Québec City's winter tourism scene since 1954. To ensure its continued success, the non-profit organization Carnaval de Québec Inc. will receive a non-repayable contribution of $1,853,900 from the Government of Canada. This assistance will help support the festival's marketing activities outside the province and contribute to showcasing our artists and artisans.
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
CED is providing $1,750,000 in financial assistance, for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 editions, under the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP). It will help the Carnaval promote its activities in Canada and abroad and develop new ones that will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the tourism experience and reach of this winter celebration.
Canadian Heritage is awarding $103,900 for the 2019 edition of the Carnaval under the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program. This support will help showcase the talents of many local artists and artisans through a variety of activities, including singing performances, circus acts, night parades, weaving demonstrations, the immersive experience at Bonhomme's palace, and the immense snow sculpture that showcases a number of our country's attractions.
Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic development in Canada. The Government of Canada's investment in cultural and sporting events reflects its willingness to support actions that generate substantial economic and media spinoff. A strong economy helps create well-paying jobs and a good standard of living for the middle class.
"The Government of Canada supports mobilizing and unifying projects such as the Carnaval de Québec that showcase the various regions of Canada on the international stage. These projects generate significant benefits in terms of jobs, tourism and visibility for Canada."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
"With its exceptional venue and wide range of activities for all ages, the Carnaval de Québec succeeds year after year in helping us reconnect with our inner child. This event has planted deep roots in the community to help us better appreciate the charms of winter and the talent of our artists and artisans."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"For 65 years, the Carnaval de Québec has been a key gathering place for visitors using the winter season as an opportunity to discover the magnificent Québec City area. Again this year, festival-goers of all ages will come together to take part in a variety of carnival activities that will distract them from the rigours of winter. The Government of Canada is proud to support events like the Carnaval de Québec that contribute to diversifying regional and national tourism and, through the unique experience they provide for visitors, create happy memories for both the young and the young at heart."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"The Carnaval de Québec and its famous Bonhomme have long been an integral part of Québec City's cultural heritage. For this 65th edition, the Carnaval's arts and festive programming will once again allow both the young and the young at heart to take advantage of all that winter has to offer. I wish to recognize the efforts of the Carnaval team and the many volunteers who, year after year, host an outstanding festival that makes our city shine well beyond our borders."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec City and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Quick facts
CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
CED's funding was awarded under the Quebec Economic Development Program
