I wanted to discuss the visitor rebate program and the impact on the industry. We've seen the hotel associations and the tour associations united in opposition to the elimination of the visitor rebate program. The tourism commission, of course, serves that industry, among others. The elimination of the visitor rebate program makes Canada the only industrialized country with a consumption tax to not have a commensurate visitor rebate program. There were some steps taken to soften that, but it still did not go back to the original approach.
Furthermore, as a member of Parliament from Atlantic Canada, we're particularly sensitive to this due to the fact that we have a higher consumption tax. The federal tax, the combined HST in Atlantic Canada, has had a disproportionately negative impact on the industry in our region.
I would like to hear from the tourism commission's perspective what representations you are making to ensure full restoration of the visitor rebate program.