Budget fails Ontario tourism sector, says MPP Ted Arnott
This year's Provincial Budget will be received with disappointment by the tourism industry, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
Faced with a 27 percent budget cut this year, the Ministry of Tourism will face huge challenges in developing an effective plan for Ontario 's tourism sector, contending with a stronger Canadian dollar, increased border security, record high oil prices and fewer travellers coming to Ontario from the United States . Industry experts speculate that the price of gasoline could rise as high as $1.50 a litre this summer, creating significant difficulties for tourism.
“We have to question whether Mr. McGuinty values the hard work of the public servants in the Ministry of Tourism,” said Mr. Arnott. “Considerably cutting the funding to an already lean Ministry will have dramatic results on the Ministry's ability to help the tourism sector thrive.”
“The tourism industry is under pressure,” said Mr. Arnott. “The high Canadian dollar, soaring gasoline prices and passport uncertainty represent significant challenges in the upcoming travel season. I am disappointed the McGuinty Liberals are not doing more to address these issues.”
Ministry of Tourism statistics show a 21.6 percent decline in trips from the U.S. to Ontario in December 2007 over 2006, with most of these declines attributed to a decrease in same-day travel.
Earlier this month, the Minister of Tourism announced that Greg Sorbara, MPP for Vaughan , would Chair an Ontario Tourism Competitiveness Study. The study, which will drag out over the next two years, will cost taxpayers $8 million even as the Ministry's budget has been cut.
“Let's hope that this is not just an opportunity for Mr. Sorbara to do a farewell tour at the taxypayers' expense,” said Mr. Arnott. “We have so much to offer the world,” said Mr. Arnott. “Across Ontario , including my own constituency of Wellington-Halton Hills, we have events, attractions and hospitality that are second to none.”
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