Mr. Speaker, today the Secretary of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada participated in the opening of the national downhill ski training and competition centre at Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix region.
The Government of Canada has contributed $10 million to bring this ski area up to world level. Now our athletes will no longer have to train elsewhere.
As well, this investment will make it possible for the centre to hold international downhill ski competitions, thus enhancing its international prestige. It should extend the season by some 30 to 60 days.
There will be economic benefits for the entire Charlevoix tourist industry in the off season. Estimates are that it will lead to the creation of 75 seasonal jobs with the resort corporation, as well as to additional economic spinoffs of more than $16 million over four years.
This is just one more excellent example of how our government is working to ensure the economic development of the regions of Quebec.