Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Government of Canada announced an agreement with the Province of Quebec for the delivery of a $98 million envelope from the Local Impact Stream (LIS) of the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF). Under the terms of this agreement, Quebec will match the contribution, for a total joint investment of up to $196 million.
The funds provided for in the agreement will be used to enhance the funding of projects selected by the Government of Quebec under its programs supporting local infrastructure for cultural activities. The support provided by the Government of Canada will be up to $1 million per project.
“The strength of Canada’s economy depends on the success of its regions. By investing in the infrastructure communities need to prosper, we are helping to build a more resilient, more competitive economy that is better prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. This partnership with the Government of Quebec reflects our shared desire to ensure that each region can contribute to growth, cultural vitality and the creation of opportunities. Together, we are building a stronger, more united, more sovereign Canadian economy,” said Mélanie Joly, MP for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, and Minister of Industry.
The ministers also announced the first three projects that will receive support under this agreement. Montréal’s Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, Trois-Rivières’ Musée POP and Laval’s Bibliothèque Germaine‑Guèvremont will each receive a $1 million contribution under the LIS. These investments will make it possible, among other things, to modernize infrastructure and equipment, improve facility accessibility and strengthen the ability of these cultural institutions to pursue their mission, while also contributing to the cultural and community vitality of their area.
“We salute this collaboration between the governments of Canada and Quebec, which will help preserve and strengthen the Théâtre Denise‑Pelletier’s iconic status within Quebec’s cultural landscape. This funding will enable us to launch a key project to preserve the heritage character of our theatre and to modernize our facilities. But above all, it will give us the means to pursue our mission: to democratize theatre access and create major works that provoke striking first encounters among art, adolescent and adult audiences, and artists,” said Stéphanie Laurin, executive director, Théâtre Denise-Pelletier.
In addition to the $98 million envelope administered by the Government of Quebec, the LIS has an additional budget of $119 million over four years, administered by CED, to support leisure and recreational tourism community infrastructure projects that reflect local priorities and stimulate regional economic growth. Of this amount, $21 million will be allocated to Indigenous projects. Organizations wishing to submit a project are invited to consult the CED website for more information.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
