The Québec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ) presents its strategic orientations and financial results in its annual report for season 2007-2008. Following a most pleasant winter for all snowmobile enthusiasts, the FCMQ is proud to count 208 clubs and over 90,000 individual members. The FCMQ’s operating budget (CAN$3.8 million) stems essentially from the trail permits that snowmobilers must acquire to use the secured 33,000-kilometre network of trails managed by the Federation. The other main sources of funding are partnerships and government subsidies.
"A federation counting on the support of close to 4,500 volunteers is duty bound to communicate the results of their dedication to its members. This document pushes beyond basic financial results and goes back over the main issues that are essential to the survival of the clubs, including financial assistance, trails rationalization and policy statements addressed to the government," underlines the President of the Board of Directors, Jean-Luc Sylvain, also a volunteer.
The FCMQ contributes to the promotion of snowmobiling as a leisure and family activity. “The practice of our sport is confronted with social issues that we fully understand, and on which we are preparing to take a stance and to take action,” explains Normand Besner, General Manager of the Federation. “This is in keeping with our priority mission which is to defend the interests of our members. Snowmobiling is a wonderful activity, and we plan on working hard to ensure it is practiced in a sustainable fashion and with the respect due to all parties,” he adds.
Note that the Government of Québec has officially recognized snowmobiling as a tourism product and ensures its promotion on the domestic and foreign markets. The total direct impact of snowmobile tourism in Québec was $413 million in 1997 (report by Zins Beauchesne and Associates dated February 11, 1997) and has never ceased to grow. The overall spinoffs of snowmobile activity and products total $1.260 billion per year.
