Canadian RV Industry Welcomes Commitments to Canadian Tourism and National Parks in the 2016 Federal Budget

OTTAWA, March 23, 2016 /CNW/ - The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada congratulates the Liberal government on key measures outlined in the recent Federal Budget, addressing needs for the RV industry.

Presented in the House of Commons by Federal Minister of Finance, the Honourable Bill Morneau, the 2016 budget proposes greater investment in our national parks and tourism industry. The 2016 Federal Budget proposes to promote Canada's tourism sector as an integral part of the economy. The Government proposes $50 million over two years, starting in 2016-17, to Destination Canada to seize opportunities with partners by augmenting marking initiatives in important international markets, such as the United States and China.

"We are pleased to see the investments in both our tourism industry and national parks, as RVing and camping play vital roles in Canada's tourism sector," stated Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA of Canada.

Additionally, the Government has committed to providing up to $142.3 million, over five years, to the Parks Canada Agency and National Resources Canada to deliver on commitments for the development of new national parks and national marine conversation areas; the provision of free admission for all visitors to national parks operated by the Agency; and the expansion of the Learn to Camp Program.

"As a key component of our ongoing advocacy strategy, we have recommended that the federal government provide targeted investment in camping and RV infrastructure in Canada's national parks, in order to maintain the treasured parts of Canadian history. Investing in this infrastructure will play a critical role in the overall contributions of the tourism industry to future economic development and prosperity." Hamm adds, "Moreover, upgrades in infrastructure is essential if we want to be able to ensure the future of this industry and make it more accessible to all Canadians."

Contributing $14.5 Billion to the Canadian economy in a given year, the Canadian RV industry makes vital contributions to ongoing tourism and recreation spending across Canada. Some 14% of Canadian households currently own an RV and there are more than 1 million RVs on Canada's roads today. 

"We are pleased to see these measures outlined in the 2016 Federal Budget," concluded Hamm.  "We look forward to continuing to work with government on these and other key initiatives, to ensure that proactive roles are being taken to develop policies that support all travel and tourism, and recognize RVing as a prosperous tourism activity."

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada is a national, volunteer federation of provincial and regional RVDA associations and their members, who have united to form a professional trade association for all businesses involved in the recreation vehicle industry.

SOURCE Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada

For further information: Ashley Rensler, Public Affairs, 613.233.8906, [e-mail]; Eleonore Hamm, President, RVDA of Canada, 604.718.6325, [e-mail]