Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Tourism

HALIFAX - May 20, 2002 – Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism met in Halifax, Nova Scotia today to discuss key challenges facing Canada's $55 billion tourism industry including issues involving air travel and relationship with the federal government.

Air travel issues dominated the agenda. The minsters reviewed the report and recommendations of staff regarding airline industry restructuring as well as a presentation by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) on air travel concerns. Ministers also appreciated the effort by Air Canada president and CEO Robert Milton to meet with them. The ministers agreed they would continue to work with the tourism industry to resolve air travel and air policy issues.

Provincial/Territorial ministers recognize and acknowledge the importance of security within the air industry. But ministers were united in their concerns regarding the negative impacts of the new Air Travellers Security Charge. They have agreed to a national study on the tax impact and have agreed to work collectively to fine tune a number of recommendations to mitigate implications for tourism of the security charge.

The ministers also discussed federal/provincial/territorial funding agreements and strengthening partnerships with the federal government in tourism policy development. Particularly, attention was given to disparity in tourism funding agreements across the country, especially in northern Canada where no such funding agreement exists.

Ministers will request a meeting with the federal minister responsible for tourism Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Industry Canada within the next two months.

Tourism requires a champion at the federal table to ensure coordinated efforts to support the sector within the federal government and with provincial initiatives. The federal government role extends beyond marketing and includes policy, such as air issues and development such as infrastructure. The ministers felt strongly, effective results will only be achieved with the federal government at the table.

Throughout all discussions the ministers focused on efforts to improve Canada's international tourism competitiveness. They participated in a discussion with the Canadian Tourism Commission on the corporation's strategic priorities to grow the industry.

Nine provincial ministers and three territorial ministers attended the meeting. Quebec Tourism Minister Richard Legendre was the only minister unable to attend due to the World Ecotourism Summit being held in Quebec City. For the fourth year in a row, the federal minister responsible for tourism did not attend the Provincial / Territorial Tourism Ministers' meeting.

British Columbia assumes the chair of the Provincial/Territorial Tourism Ministers' meeting.

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For more information:
Kelly Deveaux
902-424-4207