Federal investment primes Western Newfoundland for year-round adventures
News release
Federal investments strengthen a four-season tourism industry and promote award-winning attractions
November 27, 2025 · Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Tourism is essential to economic growth in Atlantic Canada. It creates jobs, builds vibrant communities, and shares with the rest of the world what makes this region and its people so unique. After a strong summer for tourism, the Government of Canada is investing in projects on the west coast of Newfoundland that will sustain that momentum into the rest of the year – developing local tourism experiences that will attract more visitors, both domestic and international.
Today, the Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, announced a total non-repayable investment of over $1.1 million in five tourism-related projects located on the west coast of Newfoundland. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
This contribution will support infrastructure upgrades to several outdoor trails throughout the western region that will enhance user experiences and facilitate year-round use. This will drive more tourism and economic activity during all four seasons.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening local economies. These investments will ensure that communities and organizations have the resources and infrastructure they need to create sustainable jobs, attract visitors from new markets, and prioritize long-term prosperity.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to investing in the infrastructure necessary to expand year-round tourism in the beautiful Long Range Mountains. We know today’s investments will be a catalyst to support local businesses, organizations, and communities writ large across Western Newfoundland.”
- The Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Quick facts
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According to Statistics Canada’s National Tourism Indicators released in September 2025:
- Tourism spending increased in the second quarter of 2025, due to strong domestic tourism activity.
- The number of tourism-related jobs in Canada reached 712,100 in the second quarter of 2025, with food and beverage, and recreation and entertainment among the highest contributing sectors
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Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector is comprised of over 12,285 businesses across food and beverage services, accommodations, recreation and entertainment, transportation and travel services generating over 121,000 jobs in the region in 2024.
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Tourism is a major employer for Atlantic Canadians living outside major cities, representing approximately 9.5 per cent of all local jobs in rural communities.
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Industries that rely on tourism contributed 3.87 per cent of Atlantic Canada’s GDP in 2024.
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The non-repayable funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund and Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
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Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
343-549-0347
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Paul.mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca