Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Tourism

VICTORIA – Federal/Provincial/Territorial Tourism Ministers met today to discuss issues related to the tourism industry. Ministers agreed quick action is necessary to increase Canada’s competitiveness in the global tourism industry, and resolve specific concerns related to air transportation policy, tourism funding, cross-border travel and northern and aboriginal tourism.

“Canada offers a remarkable range of destinations to travelers from home and abroad,” said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Tourism. “The opportunities presented by this growing sector of the economy cross urban and rural lines. Today’s meeting will help ensure that the industry continues to expand the economies of communities in every province and territory of Canada.”

The Ministers were unanimous in acknowledging the need for strong border security measures, but also recognized that crossing delays and line-ups can be detrimental to tourism in Canada. They discussed ways to improve conditions and encourage a return to robust cross-border trends.

Ministers discussed a report commissioned by the provincial and territorial tourism Ministers which addresses several key air policy issues impacting tourism. One of the key issues discussed was the Air Travelers’ Security Charge. The provincial and territorial Ministers agreed to send to senior federal Ministers the provincial and territorial governments’ position and recommendations on this issue by December 18, 2002. The Ministers further agreed with the need to meet with senior federal Ministers to discuss air policy and border issues early in the New Year.

Ministers recognize the challenge of fragmented and inconsistent resources dedicated to tourism. At the initiative of Minister Rock, agreement was reached to develop elements of a tourism strategy. The strategy will maximize resources for the growth and development of the tourism industry in Canada while recognizing the unique nature and characteristics of the provinces and territories and respecting their priorities and jurisdictions.

“I would like to thank Minister Rock for coming to Victoria and agreeing to champion tourism at the federal cabinet table,” said Honourable Rick Thorpe, Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise. “It is essential that we take quick action on these very important issues to ensure that we are globally competitive in the tourism industry.”

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Contact:

                                               

Selena Beattie            Office of Allan Rock            Minister of Industry            (613) 995-9001

Theresa Lumsdon            Media Relations’ Officer            Government of British Columbia            (250) 889-3502

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FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-TERRITORIAL MEETING OF
MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TOURISM
-------------------------------
RENCONTRE FÉDÉRALE-PROVINCIALE-TERRITORIALE
DES MINISTRES RESPONSABLES DU TOURISME

VICTORIA, B.C. / C.-B.
December 7, 2002 / Le 7 décembre 2002

MINISTERS IN ATTENDANCE / MINISTRES PRÉSENTS
OTHER REPRESENTATIVES / AUTRES REPRÉSENTANTS

CANADA

                                               

The Honourable / L’honorable Allan Rock            Minister of Industry / Ministre de l’Industrie

CO-CHAIR / COPRÉSIDENT

BRITISH COLUMBIA / COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE

                                               

The Honourable / L’honorable Rick Thorpe            Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise /            Ministre de la Concurrence, des Sciences et des Entreprises

CO-CHAIR / COPRÉSIDENT

ONTARIO

The Honourable / L’honorable Frank Klees
Minister of Tourism and Recreation /
Ministre du Tourisme et des Loisirs

QUEBEC / QUÉBEC

Manon Blanchet
MNA for Crémazie /
Députée de Crémazie

NOVA SCOTIA / NOUVELLE-ÉCOSSE

The Honourable / L’honorable Rodney MacDonald
Minister of Tourism and Culture /
Ministre du Tourisme et de la Culture

NEW BRUNSWICK / NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK

The Honourable / L’honorable Paul Robichaud
Minister of Tourism and Parks /
Ministre du Tourisme et des Parcs

MANITOBA

The Honourable / L’honorable Eric Robinson
Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism /
Ministre de la Culture, du Patrimoine et du Tourisme

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND / ÎLE-DU-PRINCE-ÉDOUARD

The Honourable / L’honorable Jeffrey Lantz
Minister of Tourism / Ministre du Tourisme

SASKATCHEWAN

The Honourable / L’honorable Eldon Lautermilch
Minister of Industry and Resources /
Ministre de l’Industrie et des Ressources

ALBERTA

Drew Hutton
MLA for Edmonton-Glenora /
Député d’Edmonton-Glenora

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR / TERRE-NEUVE-ET-LABRADOR

The Honourable / L’honorable Julie Bettney
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation /
Ministre du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Loisirs

YUKON

Vicki Hancock
Deputy Minister / Sous-ministre

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES / TERRITOIRES DU NORD-OUEST

The Honourable / L’honorable Joe Handley
Minister of Transportation / Ministre des Transports