KITCHENER, Ontario, October 9, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener–Waterloo, and Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, today announced the Government of Canada's investment of close to $400 000 to support the Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program.
"Kitchener–Waterloo was founded by German Canadians, and their history and traditions enrich our community," said Mr. Braid. "Our government is proud to contribute to this festival, recognizing that Oktoberfest is truly a world-class celebration and part of our multicultural heritage."
"We applaud the government for the creation of the Marquee Tourism Events Program," said Larry Blundell, Executive Director, K–W Oktoberfest Inc. "The funds provided will allow Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest to increase its capacity in communications and technology, building its value to the community and the tourism industry in Canada."
The Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest Festival is a community-based Bavarian festival that is committed to the social, economic and cultural vitality of Kitchener–Waterloo. There will be a number of events that include music, sports, fashion and traditional German culture, all in a family-friendly environment.
Funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program will allow the Festival to deliver enhanced programming and entertainment, as well as increase its promotional and marketing campaign through advertising and its website.
"The impact Oktoberfest has had on our community is significant," said Mr. Woodworth. "The Marquee Tourism Events Program funding is allowing organizers to further promote the Ontario region as a premier tourist destination."
The Government of Canada's Marquee Tourism Events Program is investing $100 million over two years to assist events such as this one across the country. This program will help organizers expand the reach of their events and promote Canada as a must-see tourist destination to visitors from around the globe.
The Marquee Tourism Events Program is one of several tourism-related programs announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan. These programs provide measures to support Canada's economy, stimulate the growth of tourism and contribute to the development of Canada's visitor economy over the long term. They include the following:
- $150 million over two years for national parks and historic sites; and
- $40 million over two years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and international marketing.
For more information on the Marquee Tourism Events Program, please visit Canada's Economic Action Plan website.
For more information, contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
