Canada -- The Government of Canada has made an investment of more than $300 000 to support the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program.

"This is exciting news for all involved in the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. "The funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program highlights our government's recognition of the real impact this and other such marquee tourism events have on the visitor economy."

"The Government of Canada's support provides unsurpassed leverage to increase tourism to the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival, which, with its unique programming, is enjoyed by thousands," said Jean-Francois Daviau, Co-President of Sensation Mode. "This funding helps us in our goal of generating more interest in our homegrown talent in the international community."

The Montreal Fashion and Design Festival puts on a range of public activities showcasing fashion to promote the know-how, creativity and diversity of Canadian design talent. Funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program has made it possible to enhance programming with the participation of renowned artists and world-class performers. The new federal funding has also been used to increase the Fashion and Design Festival's promotional efforts.

The Government of Canada's Marquee Tourism Events Program is investing $100 million to promote Canadian festivals and events, with the intention of increasing tourism to Canadian destinations. Funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program will enhance the ability of the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival to grow into a premier international event. Events such as this, and others funded under the Program, have a tremendous effect on Canada's tourist economy.

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.
 
Government of Canada