Minister Chagger promotes Sault Ste. Marie tourism at Bon Soo Winter Carnival

Minister reaffirms government's support for Canadian tourism sector and Northern Ontario infrastructure

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Feb. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's tourism sector is vital to economic growth in communities from coast to coast to coast, and the Government of Canada is committed to supporting this important sector.

This was the message delivered by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, during welcoming remarks at the Bon Soo Winter Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, February 2, 2018.

The Minister travelled to the city to join Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste Marie, for the opening of the city's signature winter carnival.

In her speech, Minister Chagger highlighted Government of Canada initiatives and programs that support the growth of tourism in Sault Ste. Marie. Minister Chagger also mentioned that 2018 is the Canada-China Year of Tourism. She emphasized the economic contributions that Chinese travellers have made to the Canadian economy, and she encouraged Sault Ste. Marie to participate in the year-long event and highlight its local attractions of interest to Chinese visitors.

As Beijing gets ready to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, more and more Chinese travellers are taking an interest in winter activities; as part of the effort to promote tourism this year, the government is promoting more activities in rural parts of Canada, including in Northern Ontario.

Following the opening ceremony, the Minister attended an Ontario Hockey League game featuring the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds against Michigan's Saginaw Spirit. The Minister also met with local businesses at a round table to hear how the government can further support their development.

Quotes

"Canadian tourism is thriving. 2017 was a record-breaking year, and we expect even better things this year. It was great to join MP Sheehan for the opening of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival and to see all of the great activities that have been a feature of the Sault Ste. Marie community since 1964. Attractions and events such as the Carnival, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and Bushplane Days are great local tourist activities that help to create jobs and opportunities. We want to see the area welcome record numbers this year, and we are taking the actions and making the investments necessary to achieve this."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Quick facts

• The Bon Soo Winter Carnival is an annual event that has taken place in Sault Ste. Marie since 1964.
• Through FedNor, the federal government invested more than $10 million in Northern Ontario under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
• In 2016, more than 610,000 Chinese tourists came to Canada and spent about $1.5 billion in this country.

Associated links

• Canada-China Year of Tourism 2018
• Bon Soo Winter Carnival
• FedNor

Follow the department on Twitter: @ISED_CA

Follow Minister Chagger on Twitter: @MinofSBT

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Jonathan Dignan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, 343-291-2700; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]