Canada Strengthens Quebec’s Economy With New Tourism Growth Program – Travel And Tour World

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Tourism is vital to the economy of Quebec and Canada, contributing significantly to regional diversification and generating substantial economic benefits nationwide. Recognizing this, the Government of Canada has introduced the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a temporary national initiative managed in Quebec by CED.

In line with this commitment, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, along with Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay‒Lacolle, announced on behalf of the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 to Héritage Saint-Bernard. This funding will support the non-profit organization in completing accessibility improvements and upgrading outdoor infrastructure.

Héritage Saint-Bernard is dedicated to managing, protecting, and promoting the wildlife and plant habitats of Île Saint-Bernard, the Saint-Jean stream, and the Centre écologique Fernand‑Seguin, located in Châteauguay along the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Lac Saint‑Louis. The contribution from CED will facilitate the acquisition of equipment such as picnic tables, Hébert method games, and outdoor furniture, as well as cover the salaries of a coordinator and professionals required to complete various projects.

The TGP aims to provide financial support to local tourism businesses and organizations across Quebec, enhancing their tourism products and experiences to attract more visitors. Additionally, CED-supported projects under the TGP will promote sustainable and outdoor tourism, as well as Indigenous tourism. Ultimately, the TGP seeks to bolster community economic vitality through tourism.

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant “By investing to improve the infrastructure that enables us to discover our green spaces, we are helping to make Quebec even more attractive to tourists, we are supporting local business development, and we are also contributing to the well-being of our fellow citizens. This is the case for the residents of Châteauguay and the surrounding area, who will have even more opportunities to benefit from the natural environment around them. We are continuing to deliver for Quebecers by taking concrete action that is making a real difference.”

Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay‒Lacolle “The assistance CED has provided under the TGP for the project proposed by Héritage Saint‑Bernard to upgrade its facilities is excellent news for the entire region and for Île Saint‑Bernard’s tourism appeal. The proposed work will make it possible to increase tourist traffic to the MRC de Roussillon and also create two jobs. Visitors from home and elsewhere will thus be able to take full advantage of all the beauty at this unique site!”

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED “Quebec is a leader in Canada’s tourism industry. As a government, we are committed to helping the industry grow and prosper so it can contribute to regional economic development across the province. The new Tourism Growth Program will help our tourism sector seize opportunities and create jobs, and I am looking forward to seeing the difference it will make in our communities.”

Geneviève Legault, Project Lead, Héritage Saint‑Bernard “This financial assistance to improve access to nature also represents an important recognition of our work to foster the protection of natural environments and environmental education. We are always seeking financial support, so any government funding enables us to pursue our efforts to conserve and showcase our natural heritage, while also offering accessible educational spaces.”