Good morning, Mr. Chair and committee members.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here with you today.
My name is Beth Potter, and I am the president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, representing tourism industry interests at the national level from coast to coast to coast.
Today I want to highlight the increasing risks that wildfires pose to our industry and how we can work together to mitigate these risks. Every year, the threat of wildfires grows more acute, devastating communities across Canada, displacing residents, disrupting businesses and discouraging visitors. This past summer in Jasper, we were reminded of how these events continue to threaten entire regions.
For Canada's tourism industry, these events are more than just operational setbacks; they jeopardize livelihoods. Nature-based tourism, the core of many of our members' businesses, depends on the well-being of our landscapes. Wildfires don't just disrupt this; they put the very environments that draw visitors to Canada at risk.
The reality is that incidents of extreme weather are occurring more frequently across Canada, and their economic and societal impacts are far-reaching. We must strengthen our collective response to this growing challenge by developing a national wildfire preparedness plan. This would ensure that multiple sectors, including tourism, are better equipped to protect Canadians from the environmental, health and the job security risks that come with these incidents.
Wildfire management is a shared responsibility. The tourism sector is committed to working alongside government bodies at all levels, whether they are local communities or agencies like Parks Canada, to be better prepared for wildfire threats.
Coordination between fire management agencies and tourism operators is crucial. Real-time information sharing, emergency planning and public education will ensure that both visitors and operators are equipped to act under dire circumstances. This collaboration is already proving effective, and the tourism sector will continue to play its part.
Looking forward, the creation of a national framework that provides support for individuals and businesses after extreme weather events will be a vital step. This would allow communities not only to recover more quickly but also to reduce mental health challenges and business losses. With suitable support, people are less likely to leave their communities in search of economic stability, allowing for a quicker and stronger recovery.
We know that the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires are largely driven by climate change. That's why sustainable practices within our industry are so important. Parks Canada has highlighted how reintroducing fire to landscapes helps create healthier ecosystems. Similarly, the tourism industry is adopting strategies that reduce our environmental impact and contribute to the long-term resilience of the natural environments we rely on.
In line with the investments made in wildfire management across the country, we can continue to strengthen our collective efforts. Initiatives that enhance our ability to respond to wildfire incidents, such as the national fire equipment cache, are essential. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, training and public-private partnerships, we can ensure that communities and businesses have the tools they need to respond effectively to wildfires.
In closing, we have a real opportunity to strengthen our approach to wildfire management. It requires the collaboration of government, communities, fire agencies and industries like ours. By working together to build a national framework, to commit to readiness and to support effective communities, we can enhance public safety, preserve Canada's natural beauty and ensure that tourism remains a thriving part of our economy.
Thank you.