November 13, 2010
Government of Canada supports the 2010 Grey Cup festival in Edmonton
Minister Ambrose (center) announced the Government of Canada’s $425,000 investment in the CFL’s 2010 Grey Cup Festival in Edmonton with Duane Vienneau (right), Executive Director of the Grey Cup, and Ken Fiske, Vice President of Economic and Tourism Development at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.
On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women today celebrated the Government of Canada’s investment of $425,914 to support the 2010 Grey Cup Championship Game and Festival as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP).
“As an Edmontonian, I am thrilled that the city of champions will be hosting the 98th Grey Cup. Our Government’s investment will boost tourism in the City of Edmonton and help boost the local economy,” said Minister Ambrose. “Through this funding the Grey Cup will showcase Edmonton as a prime destination for tourists and football fans alike.”
This is the 98th Grey Cup and the fourth time that it is being held in Edmonton. The 2002 Grey Cup was the last time it was held in Edmonton, and drew a crowd of over 62,000 people to the game. The game will be preceded by a week of festivities that include a variety of entertaining and engaging events for all ages hosted by the community such as a Family Fun Street Festival, Grey Cup Festival Parade, Gala Dinner and Concert and CFL Player Awards. In 2010, the Event is being undertaken by the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club and Grey Cup 2010 Inc.
This funding will allow the Grey Cup to attract a variety of visitors to Edmonton in 2010, boosting the event’s overall economic impact in the city and surrounding region. The project includes four elements: promotion and marketing, programming, equipment, and project contract staffing.
“The financial support of the Government of Canada’s Marquee Tourism Events Program has greatly assisted in the promotion of the 2010 Grey Cup Championship Game and Festival and has helped to showcase both the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta as world-class tourist destinations,” said Duane Vienneau, 2010 Grey Cup Executive Director. “With this support we have been able to bring in the Capital Power Zipline, and has allowed us to reach markets across North America – projects that otherwise may have not been achievable.”
“We are appreciative of the Government of Canada’s contribution, which showcases Edmonton as a welcoming tourism destination and highlights our city’s sports culture,” said Ken Fiske, Vice President of Economic and Tourism Development at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. “Edmonton, as Canada’s Festival City, has an outstanding track record of welcoming the world through hosting sports and cultural events year-round.”
MTEP is a temporary two-year program under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. It supports tourism events in all parts of the country with the goal of providing a much-needed boost to the Canadian tourism industry, which 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.
