MONTRÉAL – Arts and culture inspire and unite us, strengthening our communities and economy. This summer, Just For Laughs is back for a 41st edition filled with laughter and shows of all kinds. Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, along with Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (CED), announced funding for the Just For Laughs Festival.
Canadian Heritage provided $800,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support the 2023 edition of the festival. This amount will help provide audiences with a variety of bilingual programming, including performances by internationally renowned artists. CED made a non-repayable financial contribution of $650,000 for the 2023 festival. This funding, provided through the Quebec Economic Development Program, will support marketing and promotion for Just For Laughs in international markets, attract investors and tourists to Montréal, and develop new products, especially digital ones.
“For over 40 years, laughter has been taking over the streets of Montréal thanks to the Just for Laughs Festival! Every summer, the various street shows, galas and other activities rock the streets of Montréal. The Festival provides a unique platform for renowned and up-and-coming talent, and allows artists from home and abroad to showcase their creativity and comedic genius. I’m looking forward to seeing people from all over the world gather around this great celebration of comedy once again this year. Have a great festival!” – Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant
“Just for Laughs is one of the high points of summer in Montréal. Our government is proud to support this lively event that celebrates comedy and culture. I invite residents of Montréal and tourists from all over the world to come out and enjoy top-quality programming that shows our cultural vitality.” – Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec