Government of Canada grants $1,859,000 to Just For Laughs Festival Français
This year, the Just For Laughs Festival is back in Montréal from July 16 to 27 with new diverse programming where festive comic entertainment is front stage!
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), along with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced a total of $1,859,000 in funding for the Just For Laughs Festival.
CED is providing a non-repayable contribution of $1,359,000 under its Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) for the 2025 and 2026 editions of the festival. This assistance serves to support the promotion and marketing of the event, in addition to fostering the development of new products.
For its part, Canadian Heritage is providing $500,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support the 2025 edition of the festival. This funding will allow audiences to access rich bilingual programming, including comedy shows of all kinds.
Quotes
"The Just For Laughs Festival is one of our metropolis's flagship events which, on top of generating significant economic impacts, helps to position Montréal as the world capital of festivals. That is why our government is today announcing significant funding to attract festivalgoers from all walks of life and to provide the public with a renewed experience. Congratulations to the entire team! I invite Montréalers and tourists from home and abroad to take advantage of a rich program that illustrates our diversity and cultural vitality!"
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED
"The Just For Laughs Festival is an integral part of Montréal's cultural life. By showcasing both established artists and emerging talents, this major international event reflects the vitality, creativity and strength of our comedy scene. Our new government is proud to support this festival, which perfectly embodies the richness of our culture. Don't miss this great opportunity to come together and laugh!"
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
Quick facts
Montréal's Just For Laughs Festival is the largest comedy festival in the world, a must-attend event that, every summer, transforms the metropolis into the world capital of laughter. For over 40 years, it has been celebrating humour in all its forms, bringing together renowned artists, rising stars and the next generation of talent in a rich, daring, inclusive program.
CED's Quebec Economic Development Program helps communities seize economic development and diversification opportunities that are promising for the future.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series. It also supports organizations that offer support to arts presenters.
Associated links
SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Saint John International Culturefest receives $61,000 from Ottawa
People celebrate International Culturefest in Saint John in an undated photo. (Source: Facebook/Culture Fest Saint John) Saint John's International Culturefest is receiving a boost. The Government of Canada is spending $61,000 to support this year's event as well as next year's. International Culturefest is hosted by the Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre. The announcement was made on the first day of this year's festival. 'Events like the International Culturefest bring communities together and showcase the strength of Canada's cultural diversity. Culture is not only an expression of who we are; it's a core pillar of our sovereignty and economic strength,' said Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault in a news release Saturday. 'Our government is proud to invest in this gathering that celebrates the rich traditions and talents of both newcomers and long-time residents.' The festival showcases global cultures and traditions, and features: music, dance and theatre performances on the cultural stage educational booths run by community partners cultural exhibits and discussions, including a living library where people share stories and traditions from their heritage food, craft and art vendors representing diverse cultural communities a collaborative community street art project fun and engaging family-friendly games and activities 'We are deeply grateful for the support from Canadian Heritage, whose two-year funding commitment enables us to continue growing Culturefest as a celebration of the many cultures that enrich Saint John,' said Saint John Newcomers Centre managing director Mohamed Bagha. 'Culturefest brings people together, fosters understanding, and strengthens our community's social fabric, while also creating opportunities for local artists, performers, vendors and small businesses.' International Culturefest takes place the first weekend in August. It's on now until Sunday. Next year's festival is scheduled for Aug. 1 and 2, 2026. The centre said it plans to host a smaller version of the festival in the neighbouring communities of Quispamsis and Rothesay, which will be called Culture Fest in the Valley. The events are scheduled for September 2025 and 2026. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada supports International Culturefest in Saint John Français
The Honourable Wayne Long Member of Parliament (Saint John—Kennebecasis), announces funding for the Saint John Newcomers Centre's International Culturefest. SAINT JOHN, NB, Aug. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian identity and culture drive innovation, economic growth and national pride. Supporting events that celebrate Canada's cultural diversity strengthens communities by bringing people together and providing a platform to share our stories, heritage and traditions, helping build a stronger, more united Canada. To support this important work, the Government of Canada is investing $61,000 in the International Culturefest, hosted by the Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre. The Honourable Wayne Long, Member of Parliament (Saint John—Kennebecasis), announced the funding today on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. The funding will support this year's celebration as well as the 2026 festival. This vibrant multicultural event will take place on August 2–3 in 2025, and August 1–2 in 2026, in Saint John. The festival brings together residents and visitors for a dynamic showcase of global cultures and traditions. The festival includes: A cultural stage featuring music, dance and theatre performances; Educational booths run by community partners; Cultural exhibits and discussions, including a living library where people share stories and traditions from their heritage; Food, craft and art vendors representing diverse cultural communities; A collaborative community street art project; and Fun and engaging family-friendly games and activities. Quotes "Events like the International Culturefest bring communities together and showcase the strength of Canada's cultural diversity. Culture is not only an expression of who we are; it's a core pillar of our sovereignty and economic strength. Our government is proud to invest in this gathering that celebrates the rich traditions and talents of both newcomers and long-time residents." —The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "Saint John is a community that thrives on diversity. This investment in the International Culturefest reflects our commitment to supporting the cultures that make our region so special. I'm proud that our government supports this event, which brings people together through music, food, art and storytelling." — The Honourable Wayne Long, Member of Parliament (Saint John—Kennebecasis) "We are deeply grateful for the support from Canadian Heritage, whose two-year funding commitment enables us to continue growing Culturefest as a celebration of the many cultures that enrich Saint John. The festival continues to be a catalyst for social unity and economic vitality in Saint John. Culturefest brings people together, fosters understanding, and strengthens our community's social fabric, while also creating opportunities for local artists, performers, vendors and small businesses. This investment supports our shared values to celebrate diversity and inclusion, while recognizing that cultural expression plays a key role in building vibrant, resilient and prosperous communities." —Mohamed Bagha, Managing Director, Saint John Newcomers Centre Quick Facts The Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre, better known as the Saint John Newcomers Centre, is a non-profit organization, incorporated in 2009 and located in Saint John. The Centre aims to enhance the cultural, social and economic well-being of both residents and newcomers in Greater Saint John, while promoting equity and inclusion for all cultural communities. It provides a range of services, including settlement support, employer engagement, language training, and a legal clinic for newcomers. The Centre plans to host a smaller version of this festival in the neighbouring communities of Quispamsis and Rothesay, New Brunswick. It will be called Culture Fest in the Valley and take place in September 2025 and 2026. Saint John Newcomers Centre SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail Bestsellers for the week of August 2, 2025
Sign up for our Books newsletter for the latest reviews, author interviews, industry news and more. (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top) (Return to top)
