Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to propose the following motion to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology:
That the Standing Committee on Industry, science and technology undertake a study on the state of the tourism industry in Canada by June 2nd 2015 and report its findings to the House.
As you know, this is an important industry. Globally, the tourism industry represents $1 trillion, and its strong growth is expected to continue at a rate of between 3% and 4% annually until 2030. In Canada, the tourism industry generates nearly 10% of jobs, and 618,300 of those represent direct employment—more direct jobs than in the oil and gas industry.
Every year, tourism accounts for $16.4 billion in export earnings and represents nearly 2% as a share of GDP. In addition to creating a large number of jobs, the tourism industry stimulates trade and investment, which, in turn, contribute to a better quality of life for Canadians. That means more dollars being spent in communities.
For all these reasons and because it costs relatively little to stimulate the industry, many countries have made tourism one of their economic priorities. Ignoring the global trend, the Canadian government has cut the Canadian Tourism Commission's budget over a number of years. In 2014-15, the commission's budget was down to $57.9 million. In just 10 years, it has lost nearly half of its budget, or 41.5%. And during that same period, Canada was one of the only top 50 travel destinations to experience a drop in the number of visitors from other countries.
According to the World Tourism Organization, between 2002 and 2013, the number of international visitors to Canada dropped by 20%, causing Canada to fall from 7th to 17th in the rankings. Furthermore, according to Statistics Canada figures released in July 2014, the number of unemployed workers was on the rise, while the number of people receiving EI benefits was shrinking. Changes made by the Conservatives to the EI program have reduced Canadians' access to benefits. In fact, more than 6 out of 10 unemployed Canadians don't receive EI benefits. The situation is of particular concern to the tourism industry, which requires a skilled workforce available during high seasons.
In a 2013 report, the Conference Board of Canada recommended changes to the airline industry, whose high taxes and base fares unfortunately make Canada a very costly travel destination. What's more, Canada requires foreign nationals wanting to visit the country for leisure or business to obtain visas. They need them in order to enter the country.
Although visas deter undesirable visitors, they can also discourage travellers going on vacation. According to a TIAC survey, Canada's visa application process is considered burdensome, intrusive and lengthier than those of its main tourism rivals, thereby discouraging potential visitors.
Whether in the form of financial support or just—