Question Period Note: Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI)

Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI)

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is implementing several federal relief measures targeting organizations affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic to assist them in their recovery; one such measure is the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative.
• The initiative helps major festivals and events in Quebec affected by COVID-19 pursue their activities and adapt them to the constraints of the pandemic, as they position themselves going forward.
• Since the launch of the initiative, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has approved three projects, for a total of over 23.4 million dollars in funding that has generated over 31.3 million dollars in investments and helped create or maintain almost 200 jobs.
• Through its regular programs and specific initiatives, CED helps businesses and organizations invest in their long-term recovery and prosperity, thus contributing to the revitalization of our communities.
• CED’s activities provide support for the tourism sector—a driver of economic development throughout Quebec.

• The initiative aims to assist Canadian festivals and events that have been hard hit by the economic impact of COVID-19 so that they can adapt and enhance their activities as part of the economic recovery. Of the national budget of $200 million over two years, $100 million was allocated to CED to implement the MFESI in Quebec.
• Festivals and recurring events that generate over $10 million in annual revenue are eligible.
• The initiative supports liquidity needs in order to help businesses pursue their activities or adapt them to the new realities and requirements of the pandemic and enhance their products and experiences so they can better position themselves in the new emerging economy.
• This initiative is in addition to a $200 million investment by Canadian Heritage to support Canadian festivals, cultural gatherings, outdoor theatre, heritage celebrations, local museum exhibits and amateur sports events.

Projects funded by CED:

• The goal of the $3,934,620 project is to adapt and enhance the products and experiences associated with the Festival western de Saint-Tite by introducing virtual programming, implementing a new digital marketing strategy and updating some of the activities.
• The goal of the $10,000,000 project is to adapt and enhance the products and experiences associated with the Montréal National Bank Open to better position the tournament in the current context by upgrading and greening the various facilities.
• The goal of the $9,480,000 project is to adapt and enhance the products and experiences associated with the Festival d’été de Québec through a series of measures and activities aimed at positioning the event in a post-pandemic reality and improving the client experience.

The initiative aims to help festivals and events with over $10 million in revenue that have been hard hit by the economic impact of COVID-19 adapt and upgrade their activities as part of the economic recovery. The MFESI complements initiatives put in place by Canadian Heritage. Major festivals and events are key levers of economic activity in communities. They attract international tourists, position Canada and its regions as destinations of choice, encourage investment in Canadian tourism assets, and create jobs.