Industry committee  In 2003, obviously, it was a poor year, but 2004 rebounded somewhat. SARS is not on the radar screen any more. In the surveys that are being done, the concern over SARS is under 1%, it's so minuscule.

Industry committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. As you know, Mr. Jones is with me today. He's our vice-president, public affairs, and he'll be certainly involved in any of the questions and answers later on in our session. First, let me thank the committee for the opportunity to appear before you to help situate the tourism sector within your investigation of Canada's service sector.

Finance committee  Three things. First, I agree with Tony that HR is our number one issue, one of our top three. It's a challenge right across the country. It used to be just a summertime problem, in our peak season, but it's a problem throughout the year now. We have to do a better job of getting foreign workers to work in our country and allowing immigration to bring in workers for our industry.

Finance committee  WHTI became law in December of 2004. It became known in April of 2005, when they started releasing the rollout of the law. A final rulemaking has come out. We've submitted to the first rulemaking--there was an opportunity to submit input--and we've submitted now to the final rulemaking.

Finance committee  I think we're better off trying to mitigate the damage. There will be damage. The border, as of next year, will become more expensive and more bureaucratic and more difficult for travellers. As people responsible for the public good, you must realize our industry is going to be damaged by that, and we should try to mitigate the damage.

Finance committee  If I can take a first run at it—

Finance committee  I have something to say on both, but I'll save you time, Tony. The WHTI is a big hit on our industry, as you have heard. We're anticipating to lose, in North America—travel between Canada and the United States—$2.5 billion before the law even takes effect. It's already had an effect on bookings, conventions, and meetings across Canada, because nobody is going to book a convention in Las Vegas when they don't know what the law of the land will be.

Finance committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, I want to thank the committee for giving tourism a voice in the pre-budget consultations. We hope your report will acknowledge the important role this industry can play in ensuring Canada's prosperity.