Rob meeting with representatives from tourism and hospitality venues

Roundtable Discussion Highlights Objectives for the Tourism Sector

February 4, 2010 -- Toronto, Ontario -- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism, today held a successful roundtable discussion on important tourism issues.

In order to discuss tourism initiatives and receive feedback, Minister Moore met with leading representatives from tourism venues and the hospitality industry. The roundtable allowed representatives to provide information on how the Government of Canada can further improve the competitiveness of the tourism industry, while also confronting any possible challenges that the industry may have.

"Engagement with our tourism industry is a top priority of my office," said Minister Moore. "Collaboration is critical. That is why I am working with stakeholders and representatives, including with my provincial and territorial counterparts, to continue to foster a vibrant tourism sector in Canada that capitalizes on our unique potential. As we all work toward ensuring the growth of the tourism sector, the discussions today will help to inform my office and lay the foundation for future developments."

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of tourism as a key economic driver and a source of employment, which provides over 660,000 Canadians with jobs. From 2007 - 2008, the federal government spent more than $540 million on projects that directly support tourism and is committed to maintaining the development of tourism as a top priority.

The federal government is also holding economic roundtable sessions with business and community leaders to hear their views about the development and implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and future opportunities to maintain a strong Canadian economy.

The consultation process allows the government and Canadians to look towards the future and determine what steps should be taken to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy. The government is seeking input from Canadians across the country to ensure that Canada continues to attract investment and create jobs.

The Government of Canada will complete a series of consultations across the country in preparation for the federal budget, which is scheduled to be tabled on March 4.

All Canadians can share their views on these issues as well as any other ideas they care to submit at this website

Rob Moore is the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and the MP for Fundy Royal.

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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, MP (Fundy Royal)
Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism
(613) 996-2316