Club Motoneige Panet Inc. Receives $94,200 in Funding From Government of Canada to Acquire a New Snow Grooming Machine

SAINT-FABIEN-DE-PANET, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 20, 2011) - Bernard Généreux, Member of Parliament for Montmagny–L'Islet–Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, the awarding of $94,200 in non-repayable funding to the snowmobile club, Club motoneige Panet Inc. Granted through the Community Diversification program, this financial assistance will be used to acquire a new snow grooming machine.

"Montmagny is an ideal location for snowmobiling. By supporting the snowmobiling sector, the Government of Canada is fostering the growth of the industry while enhancing the region's tourism offering," noted MP Généreux.

The Panet club is responsible for the upkeep of 89 kilometres of snowmobile trains, including 50 that are part of the Trans-Quebec network. The purchase of new snow grooming equipment is essential for this organization to be able to ensure users safe and accessible trails that meet snowmobile industry standards.

The project of the Club motoneige Panet is expected to help the Chaudière-Appalaches region, which has 24 snowmobile clubs operating on its territory, consolidate the gains it has already made in the sector. Indeed, in 2007-2008, organized snowmobiling generated some $37 million in economic spinoffs for the region, benefiting such local businesses as hotels, restaurants and equipment rental shops, among others. Moreover, the club contributes to the efforts deployed by regional economic stakeholders to promote and strengthen the solid reputation the province's network of 33,500 kilometres of snowmobile trails enjoys on markets outside Quebec, particularly in the New England states.

Tourism development is a priority for the Government of Canada, which sets aside $40 million in its economic action plan to support the Canadian Tourism Commission in its efforts to successfully promote the country's industry on national and international markets.

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