Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia Awards Gala (Investment in Tourism)

Speaking Notes
for
John Duncan
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia Awards Gala (Investment in Tourism)

Richmond, British Columbia
March 19, 2009

Check against delivery

Good evening, Elders, Chiefs, award nominees, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I want to begin by acknowledging the Coast Salish People whose traditional territories we are in right now.

I am delighted to be taking part in this outstanding Awards Gala, with these wonderful entertainers. It is my honour to be here tonight representing two federal ministers: the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians; and the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

Both Minister Strahl and Minister Yelich have asked me to pass on their warm congratulations to the award nominees and very best wishes to everyone at the Gala for a great celebration.

I want to start by paying tribute to the excellent work of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia in promoting the diverse range of exceptional Aboriginal tourism experiences available to Canadians and international travelers.

ATBC is fulfilling its goal to be a one-stop resource for First Nation entrepreneurs who are operating, or looking to start a tourism business. And the numbers tell the story. Since 1997, ATBC has grown from a core group of 20 established Aboriginal tourism attractions to a base of more than 170 members.

Our Conservative government is proud to be a partner in helping ATBC realize its vision of building a successful, sustainable and culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry in British Columbia—an industry that is dynamic and prosperous while and at the same time deeply respectful of Aboriginal traditions and values.

Seizing economic opportunities by working with willing partners to ensure success for all Canadians is a top priority for our Government. The growth in entrepreneurship in this province has a profound impact on our economic landscape, and this is expected to continue for some time to come. Tourism in particular has been identified as a unique economic development opportunity for Aboriginal communities and businesses, as well as for the B.C. tourism sector overall.

For all these reasons, this Conservative Government is committed to supporting opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in the growth and development of the tourism industry.

I am therefore very pleased to announce that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada are providing $5 million to enable ATBC to implement a multi-year Aboriginal Tourism Blueprint Strategy.

This Strategy will generate many benefits, including a stronger, more diversified and more competitive British Columbia tourism industry. It will also provide for increased capacity and improved access to tourism and education programs for rural Aboriginal communities and create more employment and career opportunities for Aboriginal people in the province.

Of course, a key element of the Blueprint Strategy is creating a sustained legacy of Aboriginal benefits derived from Aboriginal participation in the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Through tourism involvement leading up to, during and after the Games, the Strategy will help to create long-term economic development, stimulate job creation, training and capacity-building among Aboriginal tourism businesses and communities, as well as promote the growth of Aboriginal cultural tourism products, services and trained workers.

There is no issue more top of mind to Canadians today than the economy. You can be assured that our Conservative Government has taken unprecedented action through our Economic Action Plan to stimulate the Canadian economy and combat the global recession. This was confirmed last week by the International Monetary Fund, and I quote:

"Canada is better placed than many countries to weather the global financial turbulence and worldwide recession, thanks to sound policy management and proactive steps to maintain economic and financial stability".

In conclusion, I would like to extend my personal congratulations to tonight's award nominees and my thanks to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia for allowing me to share in your celebration.

Thank you.