The federal budget was released yesterday and here is a quick snap shot of the impacts to Indigenous tourism in Canada.
Canada-China Year of Tourism:
- $11 million over 3 years ($9M in 2018-19) in funding for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada-China Year of Tourism as well as China readiness activities.
- ITAC is working with partners to continue to prepare for the Chinese market. ITAC plans to co-host new workshops on market readiness with export ready Indigenous tourism businesses. Watch for more details.
Parks Canada:
- Several measures that are positive for Parks and Canadian tourism, with investments totaling $200 million over 5 years including:
- Free admission for children is now a permanent measure as referenced in the Minister of Finance speech.
- $23.9 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to Parks Canada to integrate Indigenous views, history and heritage into the national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites managed by that agency.
- ITAC is working with Parks Canada through a new National MOU and is excited to build additional new work which compliments this new Federal Investment.
Labour:
- Measures for seasonal industries through programs such as “Working While on Claim”.
- $230 million over 3 years to co-develop local solutions to labour issues that can be tested to support workforce development.
- This is a critical area ITAC continues to advance as there is a severe labour challenge continuing to stall Indigenous tourism industry growth.
Other key Federal Budget commitments which ITAC supports includes the commitment to conservation.
The Budget release shows unprecedented levels of funding towards conservation efforts in land waterways, and wildlife. This is a critical commitment to many Indigenous communities and supports the importance of many current and developing Indigenous tourism business that depend on conservation of wildlife and the natural resources of their territories.
There is also significant mention of whales and marine life in the conservation portions of the budget. The government will make available $167.4 million over 5 years to address threats to whales from human activities. The health of these ecosystems is vital to the tourism industry, Indigenous communities, and consultation with Indigenous tourism stakeholders needs to be considered during the research period.
ITAC strongly agrees that Parks and protected areas need to be conserved for generations to enjoy.
Closing
Overall ITAC is pleased with the ongoing Federal Government support for Indigenous tourism as part of the tourism industry in the 2018-19 budget. This is the second Federal Budget over the past 2 years where the Federal Government included measures that seem positive for the Indigenous tourism industry. ITAC is proud to be part of the goals outlined in the New Tourism Vision and we continue to work to ensure Canada becomes the world leader as an Indigenous destination.
ITAC thanks Federal Small Business and Tourism Minister Honourable Bardish Chagger and Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Honourable Carolyn Bennett for their significant support to Indigenous tourism throughout Canada.