The federal budget was released today by Minister of Finance, the Honourable Bill Morneau. This budget is the last presented by the incumbent government before the next federal election. The budget includes several measures that support the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC’s) strategic pillars and advocacy priorities.

 

TIAC has prepared this summary document to assist members in understanding the measures put forward by government in Budget 2019 and how they relate to the tourism economy. TIAC outlined its priorities to the government in our Pre-Budget submission in August, and throughout the year in numerous forums and meetings with government decision-makers.

 

Here is a snapshot of budget measures that relate to our industry:

 

Please see below for more details on each of the above categories.

 

Overall, the 2019 federal budget is positive for tourism and puts forward a number of initiatives that should assist in meeting our goals – specifically showcasing Canada; addressing access barriers; and finding industry labour solutions. Moving into election season, we hope to see these commitments continue to be brought forward by all political parties. Tourism's presence in this budget should also signal to all political parties that policies that support the tourism sector are of vital importance to the economy, and should be included in all party platforms.

 

TIAC would like to thank government stakeholders, notably the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, for their continued support and dedication to Tourism in Canada.

 

Tourism becomes Canada’s seventh "Economic Strategy Table" as a result of Budget 2019. This is a very positive development for the tourism industry, as it prioritizes and recognizes the sector’s potential to lead economic growth for the country alongside other leading industry sectors. For more information on Canada’s Economic Strategy Table, please go to: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/098.nsf/eng/home.

 

As a result, government and industry will connect to create innovative and ambitious growth targets, and address barriers. This aligns with TIAC’s longstanding call for a whole-of-government approach for one of Canada’s leading economic pillars.

 

The Budget also proposes $58.2 million over two years for regional development agencies to develop new tourism experiences. This funding which will fall under the banner of “the Canadian Experience Fund” will be used to grow five priority segments:

 

1.      Indigenous tourism

2.      Rural and remote tourism

3.      Winter tourism

4.      Inclusiveness (primarily LGBTQ2+)

5.      Culinary tourism

 

This funding envelope will be exclusively dedicated for use by the tourism industry, and will increase access to funding in regional development offices.

 

TIAC has long called for additional funding to support access for international visitors who come to Canada. Budget 2019 proposes an investment of $78.6 million over two years for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), to facilitate the efficient entry of visitors, beginning in 2019–20. This investment will ensure that resources are in place to process global demand for Canadian visitor visas, work and study permits. A further $42.9 million over two years will also be invested in IRCC call centres to better serve enquiries from visitors, new Canadians, and others.

 

A broad focus of this budget was on ensuring Canadians have the skills and opportunities to succeed in the Canadian job market. This includes programs that may include funding for tourism sector job training. TIAC is pleased that many of these initiatives will support our continued requests for access to labour and skill development in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Specific measures proposed in the budget include:

 

 

TIAC will continue to keep members informed of how we can use these measures to help close the labour gap facing sector businesses across the country.

 

TIAC has been a long-time advocate for increased marketing funding and promotion of Canadian tourism. TIAC is pleased to see Destination Canada's core funding remain at $95.5 million annually on a permanent basis. Budget 2019 also proposed that $5M be allocated to domestic tourism marketing through Destination Canada in the next year to "help Canadians discover lesser-known areas, hidden national gems and new experiences across the country."

 

 

Budget 2019 will see the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) begin a transition from a government agency, to an independent, not-for-profit entity. The government is also increasing oversight of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and will invest $24.42 million over five years to expand the mandate of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP.

 

These budget measures tie directly to TIACs pre-budget recommendations for making travel safer and more efficient for travellers.

 

Canada Border Services Agency will also receive up to $31 million over the next five years, starting in 2019–20, with up to $5.8 million per year ongoing, to increase the number of detector dogs deployed across the country.

 

 

Budget 2019 included several other project and policy announcements that have positive implications for the tourism economy. These include:

 

TIAC is happy to report that this budget includes measures that tie into every part of strategic imperatives:

 

TIAC will be working with our government stakeholders in the coming days and weeks to provide our members with additional information and details on how they can access these new programs and initiatives. Stay tuned for more information.

 

 

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For more information contact:

Marcela Diaz

Director, Public Affairs and Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

t: 613-238-6378