Mr. Speaker, this is Tourism Week in Canada. It is a chance for us to highlight the tremendous importance of this sector to our national and local economies, and to our lives as Canadians. More than any other sector in the Northwest Territories, tourism offers spin-off benefits and the potential to establish and grow viable and sustainable ventures in every one of our 33 communities.
Last season, tourism contributed over $137.9 million to the Northwest Territories economy; not just to individual owners and operators, but to service suppliers in accommodations, transportation, the food and beverage industry, travel trade, and the conference sector. This is one of the reasons why our government is investing almost $8 million into tourism in the coming fiscal year.
An agreement signed last month between Canada’s three territories and the Canadian Tourism Commission will help us optimize opportunities and cost savings by marketing the Northwest Territories tourism product along with the Yukon and Nunavut under the shared identity as Canada’s North. It is an agreement that will provide valuable dividends as we work to capitalize on unprecedented opportunities to raise the profile of the Northwest Territories at the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver.
The government’s Tourism 2010 Plan and the $15 million it represents in direct and leveraged investment is one of the most significant commitments ever made for tourism in the Northwest Territories. The introduction of the Tourism Diversification and Marketing Program last year is another good example of our tourism dollars in action and has enabled many of our operators to take steps to re-invent or expand their products and operations to meet the trends and demands that we anticipate will provide growth for our tourism industry in the future.
This summer, Industry, Tourism and Investment is offering marine safety training courses to tourism operators and their guides to ensure that they meet the new regulations that have been implemented by Transport Canada. These tourism-based initiatives and others are the tools with which we are working to balance and increase the diversity of the Northwest Territories’ economy, maximizing opportunities and contributing to an improvement in the quality of life for all Northwest Territories residents.
Tourism counts in our economy. In the next few weeks you’ll be seeing public service announcements on television reminding people about the importance of this industry and what it means to our Territory in employment and diversification.
This Wednesday, as part of the national celebration in Ottawa, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada will announce distinguished Canadians who will be inducted into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame. This honour publically recognizes individuals who have made tourism their life’s work and made a positive impact on the industry. I am proud to say that the names of Merlyn and Jean Carter, founders of Carter Air Services, and Nonacho Lake Lodge have been included on the list.
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The Carters pioneered our fishing industry and Merlyn was mentor to many bush pilots who have gone on to great success. Exceptional service, leadership, and integrity will always be associated with the Carter name here in the North. Congratulations to Jean and her family.
I would like to take the time today to recognize the board and staff of Northwest Territories Tourism who, in its role as our destination marketing organization, is an important and valued partner in our efforts on behalf of the tourism sector. As well, I would like to recognize the work of CDETNO, who market the Northwest Territories to our French speaking audience.
And finally, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of my departmental staff who are working with and on behalf of our tourism industry to deliver training programs and services.
I would like to pay tribute to the hardworking men and women who make up the Northwest Territories tourism industry. At every level, these individuals’ determination, strength, and resilience have built our industry, and their service and reputation are the face of our Territory to the world.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Ms. Lee.
