Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, today perhaps more than ever, Canada has what the world wants. This past year, we welcomed a record number of visitors, with last summer alone generating over $60 billion in tourism revenue. In Mississauga, we see that potential first-hand, from Square One to Celebration Square, from the Riverwood Conservancy to Port Credit, and from Streetsville and the Egyptian Museum to, of course, Ridgeway Plaza.

As we mark the start of National Tourism Week, can Mississauga’s own, the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, share how our government will continue to support our tourism sector, create good jobs and strengthen our economy?

Hon. Rechie Valdez (Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his support of our tourism industry, which hit a record $60 billion last summer thanks to the help of the Canada Strong pass.

Last week I announced $15 million through the international convention attraction fund to bring international events here to Canadian cities. To date, ICAF has secured 116 events, with over 324,000 attendees, and has generated $803 million in economic impact. We are supporting local businesses. We are creating good jobs and strengthening our tourism industry.

I wish everyone a happy Tourism Week.