QUESTION PERIOD — Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
June 15, 2026
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
We all have World Cup fever, and Canada is hosting 13 FIFA World Cup matches, providing a unique opportunity to showcase our country to millions of visitors and billions of viewers around the world.
Beyond the excitement of the tournament itself, the true measure of success will be the long-term economic benefits it leaves behind for Canadians, in particular, for small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy. Could the Government Representative inform this chamber what steps the government is taking to ensure that Canadian SMEs, local entrepreneurs, tourism operators and communities fully benefit from the economic opportunities created by the World Cup, both during the tournament and in the years that follow?
Thank you for the question. As you accurately mentioned, this tournament is a great opportunity to boost tourism, support local businesses, SMEs and jobs while showcasing Canada to the world.
The tournament is expected, as I mentioned to Senator Ataullahjan, to create over 24,000 jobs and add around $2 billion to Canada’s economy. The government is working to ensure that the benefits are felt far beyond the host cities by supporting celebrations in hundreds of communities, backing Canada Celebrates stops across the country, helping tourism businesses prepare for visitors and working through Destination Canada and regional development agencies so SMEs can access tools, advice and markets.
Thank you for that answer.
What metrics or evaluation framework will the government use to measure the tournament’s economic impact and legacy? How will it ensure that benefits extend well beyond the host cities, which you did mention briefly, to businesses and communities across Canada, including in our home province of Quebec?
Existing federal tools, including Destination Canada’s tourism data and the Tourism Growth Program, delivered through regional development agencies and helping communities and businesses seize these opportunities, combined with investment and community participation in football infrastructure, are intended to create lasting benefits for local businesses, tourism operators and communities across the country.
