QUÉBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 24, 2011) - Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced the awarding of $300,000 in non-repayable funding to the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands for the promotion of the event on markets outside Quebec in 2011 and 2012. This contribution is in addition to the $68,400 announced this past July 29 by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, for the staging of this year's edition of the festival.

"Our government is proud to be associated with the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands, a cultural institution that plays a major role in furthering the city's international reach and influence. Not only does this festival help stimulate the Greater Québec economy with its substantial spinoffs, it also enables Quebecers and visitors from all over to reconnect with the great traditions of military music and the values associated with it," stated Minister Blaney.

"Canadians have given us a clear mandate to invest in projects that, like this festival, showcase our culture and the talent of our artists and help define who we are," added Minister Moore. "In funding organizations like this one, our government is honouring its commitment to stimulate Canada's communities by supporting the arts, culture and heritage."

This financial assistance from Canada Economic Development will be used for the promotion and commercialization of the festival on American and European markets. Activities to that end will include, among other things, the hosting of journalists and tourism industry representatives, participation in trade shows and the purchase of advertising space. The project will also involve the development and launch of new activities aimed at optimizing the event's content and reach outside Quebec.

The contribution from Canadian Heritage, for its part, will serve to enable some 183 local artists, artisans and performers and nearly 150 volunteers to take part in various activities associated with the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands. This funding has been granted through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, an initiative designed to give Canadians greater opportunities to take part in events that highlight local arts and culture or that celebrate regional history and heritage.

The funding from Canada Economic Development was awarded under the Community Diversification program, whose objectives include helping Quebec communities increase their drawing power through tourism development.

For more on the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands Festival, visit http://www.fimmq.com/site/.

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