The Government of Canada supporting Prince Edward Island’s tourism sector
News release
July 26, 2021 Charlottetown Transport Canada
When the global pandemic hit, tourism came to a screeching halt as public safety measures kept most Canadians home and borders closed to international tourists. Now that vaccination efforts are paying off and declining case rates are allowing the easing of restrictions, tourism businesses and organizations can look to the future.
The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, and the Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, Sean Casey, were at the Charlottetown Port in Prince Edward Island today to highlight the Government of Canada’s support to the tourism sector:
- Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has provided over $15.4 billion in direct support to the tourism sector. Budget 2021 committed an additional $1 billion to help the tourism sector prepare to welcome domestic travellers and reposition Canada as a world-class destination. On July 12, we also announced $500-million in funding for the new Tourism Relief Fund for which eligible organizations can submit applications.
- On July 15, the Government of Canada announced that, as of November 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements.
- Today, Minister Alghabra announced that the Charlottetown Airport will receive over $1.5 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to maintain essential air services for residents and workers in Charlottetown and its surrounding communities. In addition, in May 2021, the Government of Canada also provided the airport with just over $1.5 million from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program for the purchase of an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle and the rehabilitation of the airport’s apron panels.
- The direct Toronto-Charlottetown route, and many other regional air routes across the country, were recently reinstated by Air Canada as a result of the financial support package provided to the airline by the Government of Canada in April 2021.
Quotes
“As Canadians have done their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to safely restart our economy and build back better. Prince Edward Island relies on tourism to create jobs and benefit from a healthy economy. This is why we are committed to supporting efforts to recover from the global pandemic and sustain the social and economic well-being of our communities.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport
“Tourism creates valuable jobs in communities across Canada, and they are especially important here in Prince Edward Island. This is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting efforts to recover from the global pandemic. These initiatives help Atlantic Canada to safely welcome back visitors, create and maintain local jobs, and ensure the tourism sector has a strong recovery.”
Sean Casey
Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
Quick facts
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Tourism is a key contributor to Canada’s economy. According to Statistics Canada, the tourism sector generated an estimated $104.4 billion in revenues in 2019, supported approximately 1 in 10 jobs in communities across Canada and contributed an estimated $45.1 billion in gross domestic product.
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To help manage the severe impact of COVID-19 on the sector, tourism-related businesses and not-for-profit organizations have received $15.4 billion in support for tourism, arts, and culture sectors to pay workers, provide rent and mortgage support, as well as providing liquidity support for small businesses.
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The cruise ship industry, which represents more than a $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector.
Associated links
Contacts
Allison St-Jean
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
(613) 290-8656
Allison.St-Jean@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613) 993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
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