FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2023

Tourism Industry Association of Canada Congratulates Newly Appointed Ministers and urges extension of CEBA debt repayment deadline

OTTAWA, ON - The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) extends its warmest congratulations to Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada on her appointment to the federal cabinet as Minister of Tourism. This significant announcement marks a new chapter in Canada's tourism landscape, and TIAC eagerly anticipates collaborating with Minister Martinez Ferrada to further enhance the growth and success of our nation's vibrant tourism sector.

The Association also looks forward to closely collaborating with Minister Randy Boissonnault in his new role as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages; Minister Marc Miller as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Minister Pablo Rodríguez as the new Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant; Minister Pascale St-Onge as the new Minister of Canadian Heritage; Minister Sean Fraser as the new Minister of Immigration, Infrastructure and Communities; and Minister Rechie Valdez as the new Minister of Small Business.

Earlier this week, TIAC spearheaded a coalition letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland calling for the urgent extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment deadline. Businesses across the country continue to recover from the pandemic. But it is not business as usual, and many small and medium-sized companies in our communities continue to struggle to stay afloat. TIAC, along with more than 250 other business and association signatories, firmly believes the government needs to step up, extend the CEBA debt repayment deadline, and collaboratively work to develop a whole-of-government effort to ensure businesses don’t close their doors because of factors out of their control.

“We aren’t asking for more money, we are asking for more time,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. “We look forward to continuing our important work advocating for the tourism sector, and doing so with the many ministers whose portfolios interact with various aspects of the industry.”

Tourism plays an integral role in the Canadian economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting countless jobs in every region of the country. It is a cornerstone of our national identity, drawing millions of visitors each year to explore our breathtaking landscapes, experience our vibrant cities, and immerse themselves in our diverse cultures.

At TIAC, we firmly believe that collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential for the sustainable growth and prosperity of our industry. As Minister Martinez Ferrada assumes this crucial responsibility, we would like to offer our full support and expertise to help achieve the shared goal of making Canada's tourism industry even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.

We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are eager to collaborate for the betterment of our industry and our country.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Michel Boyer
Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
communications@tiac-aitc.ca
Mobile: 613-301-7835

About TIAC: Founded in 1930 to encourage the development of tourism in Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is the national voice and champion of the industry. TIAC serves today as the national private-sector advocate for the pre-pandemic $105 billion travel sector. Based in Ottawa, TIAC takes action on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses and promotes positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper. TIAC is responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, and its advocacy work involves promoting and supporting policies, programs and activities that will benefit the sector's growth and development. TIAC's membership reflects partnerships among all sectors of the industry, and provincial, territorial and regional tourism associations, enabling the association to address the full range of issues facing Canadian tourism.

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