QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Rural Economic Development
Support for Tourism Sector
December 1, 2022
Welcome, minister.
Canada’s unparalleled natural beauty and pristine wildlife make us a top destination for visitors from around the world — which I saw first-hand when I worked in the tourism and hospitality industry in Banff, and as I have travelled throughout our nation, including to your fantastic province of Newfoundland and Labrador this past summer.
Ecotourism and outdoor experiences generate revenues and create jobs in many rural and remote communities across the country, including Indigenous communities that use authentic experiences as a vehicle for cultural revitalization. Many of the communities that rely upon income from tourists struggled mightily throughout the pandemic, and are working hard to recover.
Could you expand on how the government is supporting tourism development in rural and remote communities?
Thank you for that question, Senator Sorensen.
Many of you in the room may know that I have a deep passion for the tourism industry — it was my life for about 25 years.
As I noted, the pandemic was terrible, and no industry was hit harder than the tourism sector. We were there to help industry, employers and employees through the terrible pandemic to get back on their feet. I know the incredible work that Destination Canada is doing to showcase our provinces and the country, and the incredible products that we have, especially Indigenous products. I was in British Columbia last week; I went through Vancouver, and met with the president of Indigenous Tourism BC. The work they are doing is phenomenal.
You’re right; Canada has what the world wants. We all now have to work hard to get the industry back on its feet.
In my home province, at Gros Morne National Park, which I know you visited this past summer, tourism was up 30% this year. Now we all have to do our part and work together on accessibility, marketing and product development, as well as getting workers and immigration working to help workers into the tourism sector, especially in rural Canada.
I can tell you the world wants what Canada has, and I cannot wait to welcome the world to our country.
