Canada: Powered By Tourism

The Hon. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Government of Canada and MP for Edmonton Centre, makes a point in conversation with Travel Courier that: “Tourism is not only a key economic driver, it’s Canada’s largest service export. As such, it is very fitting to say that Canada is powered by Tourism. Yet, we still want to take this concept to the next level, not just for now, but for decades to come.”

Boissonnault points out that “The fact that the Prime Minister has appointed me as Canada’s first stand-alone tourism minister sends a message to the industry and to our allies that Canada is no longer taking a passive approach to tourism. I may be the first stand-alone minister, but I am not a work alone minister.”

He continues: “There are 23 other ministers who have a responsibility for Tourism, from Immigration to Transport to Labour. Even my colleague, François-Philippe Champagne, at Innovation, Science and Industry, or Marie-Claude Bibeau, at Agriculture, are connected to the mix. I have six regional development agency ministers that are helping to get the money out to our ecosystems.”

And he tells Travel Courier that: “More importantly, the discussion on tourism has shifted over the last three years. It was one of the most impacted sectors during the pandemic. Our government was there to support the industry with billions of dollars. As we turn the page on that chapter, Our priority is to ensure that tourism remains a driver of good jobs and vibrant communities – from coast to coast to coast. Because when the experiences that draw visitors to us are the same ones that may afford the next generation of residents the opportunity to work and thrive in their own communities – that’s a win-win.”

For the full story, don’t miss this week’s issue of TRAVEL COURIER.