Government of Canada supports Red River Ex

June 23, 2010

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, today celebrated the Government of Canada’s investment of $198,586 to support Red River Ex as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP).

“This investment greatly benefits our province and the many businesses that provide services to event attendees,” said Minister Fletcher. “Through the Marquee Tourism Events Program, the Red River Ex can continue to showcase Winnipeg and Manitoba as a destination for families and a place dedicated to making visitors feel welcome.”

"Grant programs such as MTEP allow us to create new attractions and expand our marketing to draw new audiences and increase tourism spending in Winnipeg and Manitoba," said Garth Rogerson, CEO of The Red River Exhibition Association. "The introduction of Savoir-Faire: The Food and Wine EXperience and the Creative Arts EXtravaganza highlight Manitoba food products, as well as the talents of local chefs and artists."

2010 marks the 59th annual Red River Exhibition starting Friday, June 18 and concluding Sunday, June 27. The EX is the largest annual attraction in Manitoba attracting on average 200,000 visitors to the 10 day annual event. This funding will allow Red River Ex to create new attractions and expand marketing efforts to draw new audiences and increase tourism in Winnipeg and Manitoba.

MTEP is a temporary two-year program under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Program supports tourism events in all parts of the country with the goal of providing a much-needed boost to the Canadian tourism industry – an industry that faced several challenges at the beginning of the global recession. Now in its final year, MTEP will provide up to $39 million in federal investments to festivals and events to stimulate the economy and help promote Canada as a global destination of choice.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy through numerous programs that support local economies. The Government of Canada is committed to tourism, a $71.5-billion industry that included 650 000 jobs in 2009. It helps communities and regions thrive from coast to coast, hosting national and international travellers to all parts of the country.

For more information, please visit the Marquee Tourism Events Program website or Canada’s Economic Action Plan website.