On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage today announced the Government of Canada's investment of $467 250 to support the Vancouver International Film Festival  as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program.

"This is exciting news for all involved in Vancouver International Film Festival," said Minister Moore. "The funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program highlights our government's recognition of the real impact this festival has on the visitor economy."

With 377 films from more than 70 countries playing to 150,000 attendees, the Vancouver International Film Festival is among the five largest film festivals in North America.
The festival takes place October 1 to 16.

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"This generous funding from the Government of Canada enables the Vancouver International Film Festival to greatly enhance its existing programs on international arts and culture," said Alan Franey, Festival Director. "We also are able to offer two exciting new programming initiatives: Audience Award Winners, a collection of films that have recently won audience prizes at top festivals around the world, and Money and Nature, a two-pronged series that examines the interrelationship between the environment and the economy. The funding enables the festival to extend its marketing campaign across North America and to invite film buffs to enjoy one of the world's great film festivals set in one of the world's most spectacular cities."

The Government of Canada's Marquee Tourism Events Program is investing $100 million over two years to assist events such as this one across the country. This program will help organizers expand the reach of their events and promote Canada as a must-see tourist destination to visitors from around the globe.

The Marquee Tourism Events Program is one of several tourism-related programs announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan. These programs provide measures to support Canada's economy, stimulate the growth of tourism and contribute to the development of Canada's visitor economy over the long term.

They include the following:

• $150 million over two years for national parks and historic sites; and
• $40 million over two years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and international marketing.