Promoting the History of Canada's First European Inhabitants

QUÉBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 8, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament (Lotbinière−Chutes-de-la-Chaudière), today announced federal funding for the SAQ New France Festival. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and 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.

Canadian Heritage is providing $80,400 for the Festival's 2014 edition (August 6 to 10, 2014), under the Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This funding will help offer a wide range of activities and events that let visitors discover the history and way of life of North America's first European settlers.

Canadian Heritage also provided $75,000 to allow the Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario to organize a number of artistic and cultural activities during the 2014 SAQ New France Festival. This funding is being provided through the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program.

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has provided $400,000 for the Festival's 2013 and 2014 editions. This was given as a non-repayable contribution under the Quebec Economic Development Program to develop new Festival activities and help promote and market the festival outside Quebec.

Quick Facts

• The 18^th SAQ New France Festival will offer more than 400 artistic activities and events, including dance, music, parades, storytelling, historical re-enactments, major performances, craft workshops, street entertainment, and more.
• Over the festival's five days, more than 700 artists will appear in the streets and public spaces of Old Québec, including Place Royale and the Upper Town.
  
• The event relies on the participation of 400 volunteers, and draws about 150,000 visitors each year.
  
• The New France Festival brings clear economic and tourism benefits to Québec and helps raise the profile of the greater Québec region.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support this major event showcasing the traditions and rich history of the first Europeans to put down permanent roots on Canadian soil."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"By renewing its support for the promotion of the New France Festival outside Quebec, our Government is contributing to the economic development of the greater Québec area, the prosperity of the local tourism industry, and the creation of jobs."

-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

"I invite residents and visitors to benefit from this unique event to explore the daily lives of 17^th- and 18^th-century inhabitants and enjoy the picturesque charms of Old Québec."

-Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament (Lotbinière−Chutes-de-la-Chaudière)

"The SAQ New France Festival has been a tradition in our beautiful city for 18 years now, and the Government of Canada's support does us an honour by helping achieve our shared desire to enrich relations between Francophones and Francophiles in Quebec, the rest of Canada, and the Americas. Our organization's vision is to develop a historical, cultural, and festive event in North America. We are also proud to help promote awareness of the French fact in the Americas."

-Gisèle Bourdeau, President, SAQ New France Festival

Associated Links

SAQ New France Festival

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Local Festivals Component

Development of Official-Language Communities Program

Community Life Component

Quebec Economic Development Program

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