QUEBEC — The annual Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers meeting (CCTM) was held recently to reiterate the need for continued collaboration and support for the tourism sector throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Co-chaired by Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism of Quebec, ministers discussed challenges affecting the sector’s recovery and re-affirmed their commitment to strengthen federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) collaboration in developing policies that will aid recovery.

Specifically, the ministers’ plan consists of three key elements: addressing challenges posed by workforce shortages, allowing access to destinations and promoting economic growth for the entire tourism sector, with a greater focus on sustainable tourism, events and Indigenous experiences.

“We know the Canadian tourism sector continues to be one of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Canadian economy will not fully recover until tourism has too,” said Minister Boissonnault. “I want to assure all Canadians in the sector that we will continue to support businesses through the current challenges. Tourism is everybody’s business, a key economic driver in communities across the country. As the federal minister of tourism, it is my responsibility to leverage best practices and to collaborate with my colleagues on a work plan for 2022 and years to come. The Canadian economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers.”

“Tourism is vital to our country, communities, economy and the people whose livelihoods depend on its continued success,” said Melanie Mark, B.C. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We recognize the ongoing challenges faced by the tourism sector and are committed to our collective recovery and future growth by working and paddling together. I am honoured to serve in my new role as co-chair of the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers, so we can champion tourism recovery in every postal code in our country.”

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