Festival Western de St-Tite Receives Funding from Government of Canada

SAINT-TITE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 12, 2013) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, took the opportunity while on visit to the Mauricie region to attend the 46th Festival Western de St-Tite. Minister Lebel used the occasion to announce, on his own behalf and on that of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the awarding of funding from the Government of Canada to the organization responsible for putting on this world-class country and western festival.

"By lending financial support to the Festival Western de St-Tite, our Government is demonstrating its commitment to fostering the growth of tourism, a profitable sector for the Quebec economy," said Minister Lebel.

Canada Economic Development granted $174,877 in non-repayable funding to the organization for the promotion of the Festival's 2013 and 2014 editions on markets outside Quebec and the development of quality infrastructure. This financial assistance was awarded through the Quebec Economic Development Program.

An additional $120,300 in non-repayable funding was granted to the organization by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

"The Festival Western de St-Tite is a must-see event in the Mauricie's world of entertainment and cultural promotion. This festival helps make the communities in this corner of the country even more dynamic," said Minister Glover. "We are proud to contribute to an activity like this one, which brings together nearly 480 artists and draws upwards of 600,000 visitors."

Festival Western de St-Tite Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to produce activities aimed at recreating an authentic country western atmosphere. The Festival, now in its 46th year, ranks among Quebec's top 10 international events and is one of the leading events of its kind in Eastern North America. It also plays an active part in furthering the economic and tourism vitality of the Mauricie region.

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This release is also available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom