Marilyne Picard, Member of the National Assembly for Soulanges, announces on behalf of Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for Youth, that $14,250 will be provided for the restoration of religious heritage buildings in Soulanges.

The funds will be used to convert the Saint-Pierre church in Pointe-des-Cascades into a municipal library, which is classified under the Cultural Heritage Act.

"Our precious heritage is our pride and joy. I'm delighted that the Saint-Pierre church can be converted into a municipal library. A new vocation to ensure that this building, which is part of our social and cultural heritage, remains alive in our minds for as long as possible" says Marilyne Picard, Member of Parliament for Soulanges. 

The sum granted is part of the total envelope of nearly $35 million granted by the Quebec government for the 2 programs of the Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec for the year 2023-2024. The first, the Program for the Protection, Transmission and Enhancement of Religious Cultural Heritage, alone represents $20 million in financial assistance. This program provides funding for up to 80% of the costs of projects that have previously undergone a rigorous selection process by the Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec. The second program, for the requalification of surplus heritage places of worship, represents financial assistance of $13.36 million. Across Quebec, 123 projects will benefit from this funding.

"I'm proud to belong to a government that devotes a great deal of effort to promoting Quebec's religious heritage. Raising awareness of this heritage is
is truly a winning option, because it nourishes our collective memory, keeps ancestral know-how alive and celebrates a heritage that is not only religious, but also cultural and social" adds Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for Youth. 

By increasing funding for the restoration and requalification of religious buildings that are part of Quebec's identity, the Quebec government is ensuring the longevity of a precious heritage that is present throughout the province.

"I am delighted with this announcement of a $35 million budget envelope for religious cultural heritage. The sums invested by the Quebec government in safeguarding religious heritage generate significant economic spin-offs for the Quebec economy. Carrying out this work mobilizes local communities and makes a significant contribution to maintaining know-how and specialized professional expertise in the heritage field" concludes Caroline Tanguay, President of the Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec.