Industry Committee on May 18th, 2017

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Hello, Ms. Chagger. Thank you for being with us today.

You talked about the tourism sector, that it represents 2% of Canada's GDP and that it employs more than 1.7 million people. Last week at Rendez-vous Canada, I believe you talked about a new tourism vision. Can you tell us more about that vision?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Thank you for your question.

As part of the new tourism vision for Canada, our government will work with the tourism sector and the food sector to develop a national tourism strategy that includes gastronomic tourism, the LGBTQ2 community, and culinary tourism. I think if all MPs and cabinet work better together, we can get the results we want and need.

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

That is excellent.

I noticed also that we're looking to get something like a 30% increase in international tourism. Obviously, Canada is a beautiful, natural country, and I have to imagine that we're going to be selling nature. Would that not have a positive impact on people coming to Canada, an impact that even includes using campgrounds and things of that nature?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Indeed. We're working closely with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, because the parks in Canada are our national jewels. That's also why for Canada's birthday we have a free pass so that you can visit any national park or historic site for free. We really want to ensure that Canadians are discovering this country and that when people come to Canada they're considering not only the large urban centres but also the beautiful scenery we have to offer. If you look at large markets like China, they're considering Canada because they like the open space. They like the northern lights. They want to discover this fabulous country.

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

That will have a very positive impact on that industry or sector.

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Very much so.

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

That's very good to know.

I have a more specific question for you.

As you know, Quebec has a lot to offer in terms of agro-tourism. That includes wine, cheese, and so forth. This represents opportunities not only to export products, but also to attract tourists. Canada you tell us more about that? What ideas do you have to make the most of these assets?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

When I was in Calgary at Rendez-vous Canada, it was neat to see the different tourism operators from across the country coming together. Niagara Falls was talking about the fact that on the way to Niagara Falls, there is some time to spend between there and Toronto. There are so many wineries on the way, and there would be huge opportunities there.

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

They are excellent wineries.

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Yes, they are excellent wineries.

It was interesting, because our colleagues from Quebec, who were also present, talked about some of the things they were doing. They were able to share some ideas. The culture in Quebec is fabulous.

We really want to showcase 10 great provinces and three great territories. When it comes to the culinary tours and the piece you're talking about, every single community across this country has the ability to create the jobs and growth they want with that vision. Our vision is about marketing, to ensure that not only Canadians but also the world will know about what we have to offer. It's about access, working with the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Public Safety, and so forth to ensure that people are able to come into the country, whether it's to do with visas or with ensuring that it's a good experience right from the beginning. It's also about product. We want the people who come to our country to spend their money and take a little piece of Canada with them.

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Buy our great food and excellent wine.

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

That's right. The product is that wine, is that food, is the indigenous knick-knack that you cannot receive anywhere else. It's also about ensuring that those communities are benefiting. Ecotourism is a huge part of the vision, and we hope to build off it.

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

In my previous life, I did a lot of travel in the United States. I had a lot of visitors come up here, too, and they would all say to me that Quebec City was a hidden treasure. They didn't want me to talk about Quebec City, because they thought it was the most beautiful city in North America, and the last thing they wanted was more American tourists.

[Voices]

Oh, oh!

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

How can we go against that? How can we let the secret out of the bag?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

We are promoting this country like it's not been promoted before. The world is looking to Canada for leadership on many fronts, especially when it comes to being not only an innovation nation but also a vacation nation. We're going to ensure that whatever experience they are looking for, we are providing that experience to them.

I will tell you that when we signed the Nunavut declaration, it was a fruitful conversation that took place. Great provinces like Quebec were able to help highlight the importance of festivals and events. When people come to this country for that experience they are looking for, we recognize that there is also other time to spend supporting the local communities. Festivals and events will be part of that experience. Showcasing small businesses, restaurants, and so forth will be part of that experience.

We want to make sure we're working better with the cab that picks them up—for instance, these are the top 10 things going on in this area, and if you want to travel for an hour and half, you can also go do this. That's where we want the country working together, to really showcase what we have to offer.

[The Chair, Liberal, Dan Ruimy]

Thank you very much.

We'll move to Mr. Albas for five minutes.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Minister, deputy minister, and assistant deputy minister, thank you very much for being here today.

I'd like to start, Minister, in relation to the estimates. Your government claims to be supporting innovation in Canada, but through these estimates you plan to actually decrease money that goes toward marketplace competition investments. Now, obviously innovation and competition go hand in hand. Why is your government taking away funding from this area, and why aren't you supporting more competition in this great country?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

I'm sure we can get you some numbers and a different answer, because I'm sure you won't appreciate mine, as that seems to be the norm.

I will tell you that our approach is a little bit different—

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Minister, I asked a question about the shift away from it. What is the policy rationale?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

As you know, we are investing in the innovation agenda so that's $800 million, plus increased investments at this time. We're working with the regional development agencies to ensure we are looking at the regional differences across the country. The approach is different.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

I don't disagree that the approach is different. I'm asking why are you changing the approach when it comes to marketplace competition investments?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

We are changing the approach because the previous approach did not deliver the results it can, therefore we are taking a different approach to encourage innovation across strategic sectors to help create the growth.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

What was the failure in competitions?

[Kelly Gillis]

Can I ask for specifics on what you're quoting? When I look at the main estimates for our department, we have a total of $2.6 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion.