Canada Economic Development grants $134,955 in funding to the Festival International des Rythmes du Monde

Saguenay, Quebec, July 29, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the granting of $134,955 in non-repayable financial assistance to the Festival International des Rythmes du Monde through the Agency’s Community Diversification program.

This is the eighth year in a row that Saguenay plays host to this 12-day Festival, during which more than 900 artists and performers from 20 countries around the world express their culture through over 60 continuous shows of music, song and dance. This event ranks as one of the region’s top tourist attractions.

Canada Economic Development’s contribution served, among other things, to promote the Festival in Canada and abroad, as well to set up a new performance site for emerging artists. It will also fund a study on the tourism benefits generated by the event.

“Through the Festival International des Rythmes du Monde, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean celebrates the immense wealth of the world’s repertory of traditional, popular and contemporary music. Canada Economic Development is proud to partner with this artistic and cultural rendezvous whose national and international success is undeniable. It is both a passport to a wonderful trip around the world and an extraordinary showcase for our region. With this funding, Canada Economic Development is pursuing its objective of strengthening the competitiveness of our regions and the vitality of our communities,” explained Minister of State Lebel.

Luc Vandal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saguenay’s Festival International des Rythmes du Monde, stressed the unfailing support of Canada Economic Development. “We sincerely thank the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, and applaud the work of CED’s regional team who understands the realities of our Festival. The Festival International des Rythmes du Monde produces millions of dollars in economic spinoffs each year.”

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Sources:

Suzanne Thébarge
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-668-5928 or 1-800-463-9808
E-mail: suzanne.thebarge@dec-ced.gc.ca

Simon Bachand
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca