Hon. Karen Sorensen: Honourable senators, I am happy to stand once again to celebrate National Tourism Week.
As Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus, I’d like to thank everyone who made it out to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s National Tourism Week reception last night. It was very well attended by senators, and I very much appreciate it.
I’ve also been heartened by the response to my Senate inquiry on the nation-building value of tourism. I’m grateful to all senators who have spoken to date for sharing the best of their regions and adding several destinations to my bucket list. Your speeches have illustrated the outstanding diversity of Canada’s tourism offerings and how the tourism sector invigorates Canadian cities and sustains local communities. I know we have several other presentations on the docket, which I am really looking forward to hearing. I believe Senator Ross is speaking today. Thank you to those who still intend to speak.
As I often say, tourism is serious business. It’s a nation-building industry — one that helps us tell our stories and promote our values — and it is a major economic driver that supports over 2 million Canadian jobs and contributes tens of billions of dollars to Canada’s GDP. It’s a sector that creates opportunities for people from all walks of life, including new Canadians and foreign workers who bring needed skills from around the world.
As I talk about tourism jobs, you’re probably thinking of travel agents and tour guides; staff at hotels, airports, train stations and cruise lines; bus drivers, ride operators and outfitters; and not to mention staff at bars, restaurants, museums, concert halls and sports facilities. But the impact of tourism is much more widespread than even that.
Tourism generates economic activity at every level, from road‑trippers dining at mom-and-pop restaurants, to wildlife enthusiasts hiring experienced local guides, to international conference attendees making business deals with Canadian firms.
To capitalize on Canada’s potential as a destination, we need to invest in our assets and remove barriers that make it challenging to come here. We need to streamline our entry procedures and improve transportation networks. We need to increase hotel capacity to accommodate large international events and business conventions that help Canadian professionals access world markets. And we need to address the labour shortage that is profoundly impacting many sectors of the Canadian economy.
These are not niche concerns. The needs of the tourism industry are deeply linked with national priorities, such as investing in infrastructure, building homes and revitalizing our labour market. Conserving our environment, advancing reconciliation, maintaining an effective immigration system and growing our economy are also tourism industry priorities.
Expert stakeholders from the sector have ideas for how we can achieve these shared goals, and they are ready and willing to help. Tourism issues are Canadian issues, and investing in tourism is investing in Canada.
Thank you. Meegwetch.