OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 7, 2010) - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today reaffirmed the Government of Canada's support for the Canadian tourism industry in this time of global economic downturn by announcing which events will benefit from funding through the second and final year of the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP). MTEP is a temporary two-year stimulus measure introduced as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"Our government is delivering on its Economic Action Plan commitment to support the tourism industry during this period of global downturn," said Minister Clement. "These investments will allow us to market Canada's key attractions and travel experiences to both domestic and international travellers. It will encourage tourism-related businesses to grow, prosper and contribute to Canada's economic recovery."
MTEP is a temporary two-year stimulus program with the goal of providing a much- needed boost to the Canadian tourism industry, which faced several challenges at the beginning of the global recession. It supports tourism events in all parts of the country. Now in its final year, MTEP will provide up to $39 million in federal investments to festivals and events to stimulate the economy and help promote Canada as a global destination of choice.
To provide additional support for Canada's tourism industry, through the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), the Government of Canada will also invest up to $8 million in marketing initiatives and programs to promote key Canadian tourism events internationally. This Economic Action Plan funding will also allow the CTC to build on its investments in priority international markets.
"In the afterglow of the most successful Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games to date, the CTC is well-positioned to use this investment to generate increased tourism revenues for years to come," said Minister Clement. "The CTC's domestic and international marketing campaigns have met with great success, winning awards and recognition from prestigious industry organizations both at home and abroad. This latest investment will allow the CTC to build on these successes."
A list of events receiving funds under MTEP can be found in the attached backgrounder and on the MTEP website (www.ic.gc.ca/tourism).
To find out more about Canada's tourism offerings, visit the CTC website (www.canada.travel).
Backgrounder
Marquee Tourism Events Program
In the wake of the worst global economic crisis since World War II, the Government of Canada released its Economic Action Plan to stimulate the economy and invest in Canada's long-term growth. The government recognizes that tourism is an important driver of economic activity in all regions of the country. Indeed, Canada's tourism industry represents two percent of our gross domestic product, 650 000 jobs in all regions across the country in 2009, and $20 billion in government revenues.
Through the Economic Action Plan, the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) provides temporary two-year funding for Canadian tourism events and marketing initiatives. These investments are designed to attract visitors to Canada and generate increased tourism revenues for years to come.
The following is a list of events that will be funded under the second and final year of the program (events marked with an asterisk have not previously been funded through MTEP):
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2010 Grey Cup Championship Game and Festival
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The Calgary Stampede
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Canada's Largest Ribfest
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The Charlottetown Festival
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Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
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Crankworx(i)
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Dauphin's Countryfest(i)
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Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke(i)
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Festival d'ete de Tremblant
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Festival du Voyageur
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Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
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Festival Western de St-Tite
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Festivent Ville de Levis
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Fort Festival Series(i)
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
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GlobalFest
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Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres(i)
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Interior Provincial Exhibition(i)
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International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
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International Plowing Match and Rural Expo(i)
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Just for Laughs Festival
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Luminato
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Niagara Wine Festival
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Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show(i)
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Old Home Week
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Pacific National Exhibition
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Quebec City's Summer Festival
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Quebec Winter Carnival
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Red River Exhibition
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Regates Molson Dry de Valleyfield(i)
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The Rexall Edmonton Indy
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Le Rodeo du Camion(i)
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Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
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Royal Manitoba Winter Fair(i)
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Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
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The Saskatoon Exhibition
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SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival(i)
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Shaw Festival
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Sound of Music Festival(i)
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Stratford Shakespeare Festival
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TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival
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TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival(i)
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Thousand Islands Playhouse(i)
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Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival(i)
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Velirium - Mountain Bike Festival(i)
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Whoop-Up Days(i)
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Winnipeg Folk Festival
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Where funding is provided for festivals and events, all applicants are required to provide annual audited financial statements for the years in which funding is received and the two years following the completion of the proposed project. An independent study examining the economic impact of the funding is also required. Applicants will be subject to monitoring and independent audits of the funds received.
Funding announced today is conditional upon the signing of a contribution agreement satisfactory to the Minister of Industry.
Canadian Tourism Commission
The Government of Canada is building on its tourism commitments by investing about $8 million in marketing initiatives and program through the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC). This funding will help promote Canada as a premiere tourist destination in priority international markets.
The amount of funding allocated to the CTC is subject to Treasury Board of Canada approval and will be confirmed at that time.
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