Tourism: A key sector in planning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean’s economic recovery

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions grants nearly $1.6M to help three tourism organizations invest in their facilities.

Péribonka, Quebec, January 18, 2021 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Around the world, tourism was one of the first industries affected by the pandemic; it will also be one of the last to be able to return to full working order. A pillar of the Canadian economy that generates $102 billion a year and represents 4% of all jobs (or the equivalent of 1.8 million workers), tourism is a major vector to diversify and develop the economy.

Entrepreneurs in this sector— composed mostly of SMEs—have demonstrated resiliency, creativity and adaptability since the crisis began. To support them, the Government of Canada, through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), is signalling its presence with investments totalling $1,599,999 to boost tourism in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

Investing in tourism attractions in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Once conditions are favourable, the country’s economic recovery can only happen with the support of the tourism sector. To be ready to welcome tourists, we must continue to invest in regional attractions and establishments. With this in mind, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced Government of Canada financial support for the Municipalité de Péribonka, the Corporation du moulin des pionniers and the Société de gestion V.V.F. St-Étienne. Details on the assistance provided by CED under the Quebec Economic Development Program are as follows:

• Municipalité de Péribonka, $1,050,000. The project aims to enhance Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean’s tourism offering by developing a tourism hub in Péribonka. It includes a central square and a permanent building and will lead to the creation of three jobs.
• Corporation du moulin des pionniers, $450,000. The project involves enhancing the tourism offering at the Moulin des pionniers de La Doré by adding new family-oriented infrastructure. It will lead to the creation of three jobs.
• Société de gestion V.V.F. St-Étienne, $99,999. Through the Canadian Experiences Fund under the Federal Strategy on Jobs and Tourism, the project aims to improve the Village-Vacances Petit-Saguenay tourism offering. It involves transforming the current pool to add a heated bathing level organized to offer comfortable relaxation area. The project will lead to the creation of two jobs.

Helping tourism organizations make it through the crisis

Since the start of the crisis, the Government of Canada has been supporting organizations in the tourism industry, including through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), deployed in Quebec by CED and its collaborators. As a reminder, the RRRF has made it possible to provide funding and technical support to businesses and organizations to help them maintain their activities. In this way, with the help of Sociétés d'aide au développement des collectivités (SADCs), Centres d'aide aux entreprises (CAEs) and PME MTL, 1167 organizations in Quebec’s tourism sector have received contributions through the RRRF totalling over $44 million. Thanks to this measure, some 9400 jobs have been maintained.

The tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the economic, social and cultural life of communities, represents an essential link in regional economic development. Through this support, the Government of Canada is attesting to its commitment to prepare the field for after the pandemic with a view to rebuilding a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all.

Quotes

“The tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and the Government of Canada is committed to accompanying key players as they prepare to rebound vigorously after the economic crisis. We have been here since the start of this unprecedented situation, with concrete measures, and we will be here to support tourism as the health situation evolves. We must plan the economic recovery, which can only happen with the contribution of players in the tourism community, so that we can get off to a new start together and be stronger and more resilient.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED

“Today, we are allowing ourselves to consider 2021 as a year full of hope. We are extremely proud to see our regional businesses adapt, reinvent themselves and work tirelessly so that our destination’s tourism offering remains successful and remarkable. We are pleased to support and accompany regional tourism businesses in this 2021 recovery, and we thank Minister Joly for listening and providing concrete assistance.”

Lily Gilot, President, Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Quick facts

• CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, CED is present to accompany Quebec businesses, supporting organizations and regions into tomorrow’s economy.
• The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, is the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED.
• Recognizing the importance of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) in supporting local tourism businesses, the Government of Canada proposed as part of the Fall Economic Statement (November 2020) an additional $500 million for RDAs.
• Total funding for the RRRF sits at over $2 billion, and at least 25% of this amount will be granted to boost local tourism businesses, representing over $500 million in support to kickstart tourism by June 2021.

Associated links

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• CED funding programs

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca

Stay connected

Follow CED on social media
Consult CED’s news