While TIABC deals primarily with provincial MLAs and bureaucrats on various issues and opportunities, we also have good reason to support the work that other individual B.C. sector associations and our national counterparts at TIAC do on files that the federal government has direct influence over...hence the reason for my journey east.

 

During National Tourism Week, where there is likely more receptivity to meeting with the tourism industry, I had the opportunity to connect with B.C. MPs from all three parties to discuss issues that affect operators in their respective ridings. I would describe the conversations as cordial, direct, educational, and to some extent, encouraging. So, what did we talk about?  I'm glad you asked.

 

To cut to the chase, I provided each MP with a brief that included TIABC's and/or our sector partners' policy/position on various issues including:  labour (e.g. HUMA recommendations); airport privatization; campground assessments by CRA; GST rebate program for tour operators; and the proposed escalating excise tax on alcohol. I also referenced issues on TIABC's radar including climate change; pipelines/oil tankers; carbon pricing; marijuana legalization; and short-term rentals.

 

For virtually every MP, there were at least one or two issues where the implications of recent government policy or regulatory decisions on British Columbia's visitor economy were not fully understood.  From that perspective alone, the meetings were well worth the trip.  In fact, each MP either asked for more information, promised to follow-up with me, or committed to raising the issue with caucus or cabinet colleagues, as well as fellow MPs from other parties.

 

As we continue to wait patiently for the B.C. political landscape to unfold in order to move forward with our advocacy efforts in this province, we can at least advance issues at the federal government level in a more timely and intention way.

 

For the record, I left the beautiful weather behind in Vancouver.  Ottawa was wet. I've never seen rain fall harder as I ran from Parliament Hill back to my hotel.  Made me feel right at home.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

MP Pam Goldsmith-Jones (Liberal)

MP John Aldag (Liberal)

MP Gord Johns (NDP) and Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne

	MP Richard Cannings (NDP)

Bardish Chagger - Minister of Small Business and Tourism

One of TIABC's members, Dave Cowen of Butchart Gardens, is the tourism co-chair of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.  Dave and Rep. Gael Tarleton will be hosting a session in Portland this coming July to assess any potential negative or positive impacts that the upcoming NAFTA modernization will have on tourism, travel and transportation.  As we know, business travel, supply lines and general trade help drive tourism, as well as support the transportation infrastructure that visitors to our respective countries use. As NAFTA modernizes, there may well be potential to disrupt or improve our regional tourism economy, and PNWER needs your opinion to help provide input to the negotiation process.  If your business depends on trade with the U.S. or Mexico, there may well be a NAFTA effect that impacts your business...hence the reason PNWER is trying to get on top of this issue.

 

Please see below for further details and a link to take the quick NAFTA survey.  This will help PNWER determine if there might be material risk or impact to the tourism and travel ecosystem.  If you take 10 minutes to answer the survey, PNWER will have some very good data to work with. 

 

Thank you for your support, and if you have a trusted colleague in the tourism, transportation or travel sectors, please forward this email to them. Please complete the survey within the next five working days.

Survey link: 

http://naftasurvey.questionpro.com/