Vancouver, British Columbia, August 26, 2010 — The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today held two business roundtable meetings in Vancouver. The Minister of State discussed the recent success of obtaining Approved Destination Status with China and the challenges facing Canadian small business owners.
At the tourism roundtable meeting, Minister of State Moore spoke about the importance of the arrival of the first official tour groups from China last week. In June 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to implement Approved Destination Status (ADS). ADS allows Canada to market directly to Chinese consumers. This designation will result in more people travelling from China to Canada and will have a positive impact on the Canadian economy.
"We are thrilled to be able to promote Canada as an international destination of choice to our friends in China," said Minister of State Moore. "The arrival of more than 350 Chinese leisure travellers last week was an important step forward in Canadian tourism."
Minister of State Moore also discussed the development of the Federal Tourism Strategy (FTS). An FTS framework was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in June 2009 to help strengthen Canada's economy as the tourism sector grows and creates new jobs for Canadian workers. Further details on the FTS will be announced in the coming months.
During the business roundtable meeting, the Minister of State focused on the leading role of the federal government in positioning Canadian small businesses for success. The Minister of State also highlighted the government's efforts to cut red tape, emphasizing the successful reduction in paperwork burden for small businesses by 20 percent. He assured the business leaders that the government would continue to work in their interests.
"Our government is committed to creating the best possible climate for small business growth," said Minister of State Moore. "We are continuing to consult small business owners across Canada to help us achieve that goal."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Sean Phelan
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-797-7965
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
