Tourism minister delivers more funding to Quebec festivals

Festival season is kickingoff with a bit ofgood news for some of Quebec'sorganizationsas the province's tourism ministry has announced more funding for dozens of events and more to come for others.

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The Major International Events Network, known by its french acronymRMI, welcomed a decision by Quebec Tourism Minister Julie Bouletto increase subsidies for40 out of the 121eventsthe ministryfunds, about 12 of which are part of thenetwork.

Boulet, speaking at aRMI event Sunday, said changes comingto the tourism ministry's funding structure meant more festivals may soon be able to benefit from grants, includingsmaller events.

RMI, which representsnearly30 events, including theinternationally-renownedMontreal Jazz Festival and the Rogers Cup, has been calling for more funding on the grounds that festivals like theirs add value to Quebec's economy and tourism industry,on top of culture.

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That call has grown louder in recent years since adecision by the former Harper government has meant that federal funding for festivals has been frozen at 2012 levels.

"We have to have events that are year after year interesting for people all over the world," said Louise Beaudoin, president ofRMI'sboard of directors andformer PQ MNA.

For Beaudouin, that means recognizing festivals as "part of our identify" in the province and should be funded accordingly. She added that the tide of arts funding is beginning to change with the current federal heritage ministerMlanieJoly.

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Boulet said more details on the tourism ministry'sfunding changes for festivals would be announced in the fall.