Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

On April 23, 2021, Alice Wong asked a question in the House of Commons regarding the tourism industry.

The following is a transcript:

Hon. Alice Wong (Richmond Centre, CPC):

Madam Speaker, this past weekend Richmond lost another small business. After nearly 50 years of faithful service to the community, Hanson Travel was forced to permanently close its doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Mr. Lau is not alone. I have heard time and again from struggling businesses in Richmond that the government needs to take steps to help support Canadians in the air travel industry, including travel agents.

When will the government finally take real action to support our tourism industry?

Hon. Mélanie Joly (Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, Lib.):

Madam Speaker, obviously we know that tourism operators and travel agencies have gone through difficult times. That being said, we have been there for them since the beginning and there is also good news for them in the budget. I hope my colleague will share the good news about the $1 billion to support the tourism sector, making sure businesses have access to the wage subsidy and rent relief programs until September, as well as a lot of support through the regional development agency. There will be a new one in British Columbia, so that is also good news for tourism operators in her home province.

Filed under: Parliament, Video