QUÉBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Oct. 8, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces that the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives has been granted financial assistance from the Government of Canada for activities promoting the Québec City region internationally.

"By providing funding to the International Summit of Cooperatives, our government is supporting an event that contributes greatly to the international profile of the Québec region, thereby encouraging its tourism industry," said Minister Lebel.

Interest in this international summit is worldwide. With more than 2,000 delegates from across the globe, this rendezvous provides extensive visibility to the Québec region, particularly in European countries, the United States and Japan.

"The financial contribution from the Government of Canada gives the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives great credibility on the international scene. This credibility is key to the success of the Summit, which brings together decision makers and managers from cooperatives and mutuals the world over to discuss solutions to current and future issues and challenges," noted Stéphane Bertrand, Executive Director of the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives. "We sincerely thank Canada Economic Development."

The expected spin-offs of this event, particularly in terms of the growth of the tourism industry, are in line with Government of Canada priorities with respect to the economic development of the regions and communities. Tourism makes a significant contribution to maintaining a strong Canadian economy.

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This contribution of $1 million in non-repayable funding has been granted under Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.

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