BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Janet Routledge, Anne Kang, Katrina Chen and Raj Chouhan say local event in Burnaby will benefit from provincial tourism funding.

“British Columbia is a diverse province, but something many people have in common is their love of hockey,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “I’m pleased that my community will be welcoming people from across the province for another year of the Pat Quinn Classic.”

The Province has provided funding to nearly 100 organizations through its Tourism Events Program (TEP) to build B.C.’s reputation as an events destination and increase visitation.

In Burnaby, Tourism Burnaby is receiving $10,000 for the Pat Quinn Classic.

“I know the last few years have been challenging for many, and people have found comfort in sports, arts and culture,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “I look forward to welcoming back hockey teams, their loved ones, and supporters to the Burnaby community.”

The Province announced $4.8 million for the Tourism Events Program in April this year, marking the return of TEP after a two-year absence due to the global pandemic. TEP funding supports a wide range of tourism experiences, including arts, cultural, or internationally recognized sporting competitions, bolstering awareness of the event, attracting additional overnight visitors and increasing tourism benefits to communities. The Province has provided over $18 million in TEP funding since 2016, supporting 317 events.

TEP grant amounts are for eligible activities that amplify the event’s provincial, national, and international marketing reach.

QUOTES:

“I’m looking forward to bundling up and gathering with people at the Burnaby ice rinks to cheer on teams at the Pat Quinn Classic,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “Our government is investing in communities like Burnaby so that we can celebrate events like the Pat Quinn Classic.”

“I know people have missed attending community events, and connecting with people from near and far,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “This funding is helping make events like the 2022 Pat Quinn Classic possible.”

Learn More:

Provincial News Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/27751

For information on the Tourism Events Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-funding-programs/tourism-events-program

To Learn about the Strategic Framework for Tourism 2022 – 2024:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-framework.