ONTARIO GOVERNMENT HELPS COMEDY FESTIVAL GROW

McGuinty government investing in Just for Laughs Toronto Festival

News

 

Ontario will help the world’s most prestigious comedy festival to grow in Toronto.

 

Just For Laughs has been an internationally renowned festival in Montreal for over 25 years. In 2007, it successfully launched itself in Toronto as a three-day pilot project. This year the provincial government will provide more than $420,000 to help expand and market the festival.

 

The funding will extend the Just For Laughs Toronto Festival to four days and help attract prominent artists from around the globe. It will also help market the festival to audiences in Ontario and the United States.

 

Festivals and events draw visitors to Ontario and boost local economies. They also help attract visitors to Ontario’s attractions.

 

QUOTES

 

“Festivals like Just for Laughs help bring our province to life and grow our economy. They offer tourists a compelling reason to visit our province and to experience the great range of tourism products we have to offer,” said Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca.

 

"We’re pleased that the Ontario government recognizes the contribution our festival makes to the tourism industry. Ontario’s support helps ensure this festival will grow and stay in Toronto for many years to come,” said Just For Laughs Chief Operating Officer Bruce Hills.

 

QUICK FACTS

1. Last year’s festival drew over 60,000 people to Yonge and Dundas Square.
2. Organizers project this year’s festival will attract a minimum of 90,000 visitors to ticketed performances.

LEARN MORE

 

Find out more about Just For Laughs
Discover things to do in Ontario this summer.

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Contacts:

Alicia Farrow, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4543
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391