Government of Canada Grants $1,705,700 in Funding to Celebrations Levis 2011

LÉVIS, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 14, 2011) - Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, today announced the awarding of $1,705,700 in non-repayable funding from the Government of Canada to the organization Célébrations Lévis 2011.

"The 375th anniversary of the establishment of Lauzon Seigniory is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with our history and to shine the spotlight on the City of Lévis as it celebrates its 150th year of foundation. There promises to be plenty going on this year to satisfy the interests of history buffs and the descendants of Canada's founding families alike," stated Mr. Gourde. Canada Economic Development intends to allocate $600,000 in non-repayable funding to Célébrations Lévis 2011. This financial assistance, which is to be granted through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program, will enable the organization to promote the commemorative activities.

"The Government of Canada is proud to be associated with the various festivities surrounding the historic 150th anniversary of the founding of Lévis, a city that has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011," explained Minister Moore. "Our commitment shows the place of honour we reserve for projects that not only celebrate the cultural legacy that has been left to us by the men and women who built this country and that continues to enrich our society today, but also that serve as important demographic, tourism and economic levers for their regions."

About the Community Diversification program

Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program is intended to help Quebec's regions develop their economic activity base. The City of Lévis will be able to capitalize on the planned festivities to increase its tourism drawing power and will benefit from major economic spinoffs resulting from the increased number of visitors to the area in this historic year.

The awarding of this financial assistance from Canada Economic Development is subject to compliance with the Government of Canada's funding allocation process and to the signing of a contribution agreement between Canada Economic Development and Célébrations Lévis 2011.

About Canadian Heritage

The Department of Canadian Heritage is granting $105,700 in funding to the festivities through its Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, an initiative that increases opportunities for participation in events that highlight local arts and culture or celebrate a region's history and heritage.

Canadian Heritage is also reiterating its financial support granted to the City of Lévis through the Cultural Capitals of Canada program. The designation of Cultural Capital of Canada is awarded on the merit of an applying municipality's proposed activities and past achievements in supporting arts and culture. The level of funding granted for the staging of events celebrating arts and culture varies in accordance with municipality size. As such, the City of Lévis could receive up to $1 million under the program.

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