Parliamentary Secretary Lockhart meets with local business representatives to discuss how the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will support economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador Français
May 22, 2019, 08:30 ET
Government of Canada makes investments to empower communities and create middle class jobs across the country
ST. JOHN'S, May 22, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's tourism sector is booming, bringing in record numbers of international visitors in 2017 and 2018. This sector accounts for one in ten Canadian jobs. The Government of Canada is building on this momentum by investing in tourism to create middle class jobs and grow our economy. This will help give communities from coast to coast to coast new opportunities to show the world their culture, history and natural beauty.
That's why Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, today met with stakeholders from local tourism businesses to discuss how Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will bolster tourism infrastructure and diversify tourist experiences across the country.
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 Newfoundland and Labrador, by:
- providing $58.5 million in funding through the Canadian Experiences Fund to enhance Canada's tourism experiences;
- developing tourism investment groups where all levels of government will collaborate to invest more efficiently and identify ways to raise private investment; and
- creating the new Tourism Industry Economic Strategy Table to provide a platform for government and industry leaders to work together on overcoming challenges in the tourism sector.
These three pillars will take a whole-of-government approach to addressing barriers to growth, such as lack of investment coordination and labour shortages.
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've 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
"The world is experiencing a global tourism boom. This dynamic can provide significant economic benefits to tourism hubs like St. John's and other communities across Canada. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will give stakeholders across the country what they need to stimulate tourism and support Canadian tourism operators and employees alike."
– Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"This new strategy is great news for Newfoundland and Labrador. To further support the tourism sector in this region, the Canada Summer Jobs program will be supporting close to 4,000 summer jobs for young Canadians. Through this program, youth will get the opportunity to build skills and gain experience while helping employers fill openings during their busy summer months. This is part of our plan to help young Canadians launch great careers and build the middle class in Canada."
– Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East
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
For further information: Contacts, Pavan Sapra, Office of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, Alaina.lockhart.a2@parl.gc.ca; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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