Québec – Since 1954, the Québec Winter Carnival has been Québec’s flagship winter tourism event and is forever renewing itself with cultural, sports, and social activities that draw thousands of visitors from home and outside the province. Its attractiveness and economic spin‑offs are unequivocal. That is why the Government of Canada has been supporting this emblem of Quebec for 25 years now.
The Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who was in Québec, took the opportunity to highlight the Government of Canada’s latest investments in the Carnival, in addition to appreciating the results of this assistance, during her visit to the event. The financial support is as follows:
For its part, CED has provided a non‑repayable contribution of $1,750,000 to market the 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions of the event outside Quebec. In addition, $7,306,000 has been granted to enhance the experience on offer; the new heated stage protected by a dome, as well as various activities at the “Gougoune et doudoune” carnival site are examples of projects CED has supported. The first portion of CED’s assistance to enhance the experience on offer was announced in 2022.
For its part, Canadian Heritage has provided a non‑repayable contribution of $54,500 for the year 2023‑2024. The aim of this support is to highlight the talent of multiple local artists and artisans through various Carnival activities.
The Government of Canada recognizes and supports organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. The dynamism of Quebec’s economy relies, among other things, on a strong tourism industry with organizations rooted in the regional economy. The players in this sector are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in building a stronger, more resilient, greener, and more just economy for all.
“For 70 years, the Québec Winter Carnival and its famous Bonhomme have been part of the city of Québec’s tourism landscape. CED’s financial contributions to the most popular winter carnival in the world represent excellent news for the Québec region and its international tourism profile. Thanks to CED’s investments in major tourism experiences such as the Québec Winter Carnival, we are now more ready than ever to welcome tourists from home and around the world. Congratulations to the entire team on a successful 70th carnival!” – Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED