MMBC Advocates on Parliament Hill

MMBC was well represented in Ottawa last month during Hill Days (October 19–21). An initiative of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Hill Days is an opportunity for MMBC leaders to meet and raise awareness of business event industry priorities among Members of Parliament, Senators and other decision makers. More than 50 federal government officials met with the MMBC and TIAC delegations, and over 45 Parliamentarians attended a tourism industry-hosted reception.

MMBC Chair Laura Pallotta, Vice-chair and Government Relations lead Minto Schneider and MMBC board member David Campbell met with representatives of all three political parties. MMBC’s 2022 Fact Sheet was included in TIAC’s information package and distributed to officials.

During roundtable discussions, the MMBC delegation articulated the concerns of the business events industry, including the slow return of international business, the labour shortage as well as additional funding needed to bolster the international marketing efforts of Destination Canada and Destination Canada Business Events.

“One result of the pandemic is that more people in Ottawa to recognize the importance of the travel industry and how it impacts the economy,” Laura says. “The concerns of the business events industry are really resonating on Parliament Hill right now and we will continue to drive that momentum.”

Highlights

  • Roundtable with four leaders of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus: Co-chairs Senator Karen Sorensen and MP Patrick Weiler (Liberal), MP Tony Baldinelli (Conservative Tourism Critic) and MP Richard Cannings (NDP). During the meeting, the Caucus committed to a followup meeting with MMBC that will focus specifically on business events and the concerns of destination marketing organizations.
  • Roundtable with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) officials
  • Private dinner for all participants with MP Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance
  • Breakfast meeting with Senator Karen Sorensen, Co-chair of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus