Parliamentary Secretary Lockhart meets with local businesses to discuss how the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will support economic growth in New Brunswick Français
Government of Canada makes investments to empower communities and create middle class jobs
SAINT JOHN, NB, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's tourism sector is booming, bringing in record numbers of international visitors in 2017 and 2018. It's our number one service export and accounts for one in ten jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to building on this momentum by investing in tourism to create middle class jobs, grow Canada's economy, and bring new opportunities and pride to communities looking for a chance to show the world what they have.
Today, Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, met with local tourism organizations to discuss Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Ms. Lockhart highlighted how the strategy will empower communities of all sizes through short- and long-term measures. It will support growth in the sector across Canada, including in New Brunswick, by:
- providing $58.5 million in funding through the Canadian Experiences Fund to enhance Canada's tourism products and experiences;
- changing the way we invest in tourism by developing Tourism Investment Groups where all levels of government will collaborate to invest more efficiently while meeting local priorities and identifying ways to raise private investment; and
- creating the new Tourism Industry Economic Strategy Table to provide a platform for government and industry leaders to collaborate on overcoming sector challenges.
These three pillars will take a whole-of-government approach to addressing barriers to growth, such as lack of investment coordination and labour shortages.
Parliamentary Secretary Lockhart spoke to tourism stakeholders about the strategy at an event hosted by Discover Saint John before taking part in other events in Cape Enrage and Fundy National Park where she participated in a culinary tourism experience. She wrapped up her New Brunswick trip by participating in an Indigenous tourism experience at Fundy National Park with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours and Fundy Guild.
Quotes
"Our government knows that tourism helps every part of the country by creating good jobs for middle class families. We've seen many examples of how it transforms communities and diversifies their economies. That's why we developed this strategy, which will stimulate growth in the tourism sector through new and ongoing investments. We are committed to diversifying and expanding our country's tourism products and experiences to maximize the sector's potential year-round from coast to coast to coast."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"New Brunswick's visitor economy sustains over 3,600 small businesses and creates nearly 43,000 jobs in the province. Our province has so much to share with the world, from year-round outdoor adventure to great seafood and farm-to-table experiences, renowned music festivals, and diverse culture. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will expand on our tourism sector's strengths by providing funding to develop or enhance authentic tourism products and experiences. This will empower communities throughout the province to play to their strengths regardless of location or season. I commend the countless tourism stakeholders in the province for their work and their input into this strategy. I look forward to seeing how it will impact the province by increasing visitors, strengthening our communities and growing the economy."
– Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"Every year, visitors come from around the world to see our beautiful landscape, visit our vibrant community and experience our warm hospitality. As the Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay, I am thrilled to see that our government has developed a Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that focuses on stimulating growth and diversifying the tourism sector by enhancing and developing the unique experiences that attract tourists year-round."
– Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay
"Investing in tourism makes tremendous social and economic sense for our province. We have so much to offer visitors to our cities and rural communities. New Brunswick has world-renowned cuisine, arts and cultural events and some of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Canada. When we invest in tourism, we are investing in the well-being of our communities."
– Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest
Quick facts
- Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
- Tourism supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada, with 56% of those being in rural areas.
- Total tourism revenues in 2018 from domestic and international travellers were $102.1 billion, an increase of 5.2% over 2017.
- In 2018, Canada welcomed a record 21.1 million international tourists, surpassing the previous year's record of 20.9 million by 1.2%.
Associated links
Follow @cdntourism on social media for tourism-related news and join the conversation using #cdntourismjobs: Twitter, Instagram.
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Pavan Sapra, Office of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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