FEDERAL BUDGET & CONSULTATIONS

The Government of Canada invited stakeholders to provide input on the development of the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan through a public consultation process. As the national voice of Canada’s hotel industry, Hotels Canada participated in the consultation to share the sector’s perspectives on immigration policy and its importance to addressing persistent workforce challenges. The consultation was conducted through an online questionnaire. To support transparency and provide stakeholders with access to our recommendations, Hotels Canada is publishing our submission below in the format in which it was provided to the Government of Canada.

Hotels Canada’s 2026 Pre-Budget Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance outlines recommendations to strengthen hotel investment, support tourism growth, expand housing opportunities, and build a more sustainable hospitality workforce.

Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU) as part of its study on Canada’s Underlying Productivity Gaps and Capital Outflow.

Submission to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) as part of its consultations for a Rural Development Action Plan.

Submission to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) as part of its national engagement on Youth in the Labour Market.

Input to the Red Tape Reduction Office for its Horizontal Red Tape Reviews.

Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) for its study on the impacts of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) on the labour market.

Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) for its study on Youth Employment in Canada.

The tourism sector is a key economic driver, contributing $130 billion annually to the Canadian economy (approximately 2% of Canada’s GDP) and supporting growth across every riding in the country. A cornerstone of the sector is Canada’s hotel industry, which generates $30 billion in annual revenue, $12 billion in government taxes across all three levels, and employs over 320,000 Canadians. Canadian hotels are vital contributors to communities across the country, representing a substantial capital asset value of approximately $74 billion—with even more projected in future development. These investments are closely tied to the local economies and social fabric of their regions. In many rural and remote areas, hotels provide housing for employees, lifting pressure on the local housing stock. The majority of Canadian hotels—about 85%—are small and medium-sized businesses, many of which are family-owned, whether operating under a brand or independently. Despite a global travel boom and positive interest in Canada from travellers and investors alike, we are falling short on our potential. Destination Canada estimates the national economy risks leaving $20 billion on the table annually by 2030 without improved competitiveness. To fully realize Canada’s tourism growth potential, Canada must address major barriers, including improving tourism competitiveness, fostering a competitive tax and investment climate, and resolving workforce challenges in targeted regions.

With its peaceful reputation, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, Canada can become a top-rated destination globally. However, there are significant barriers to unlock Canada’s potential including: critical workforce and housing shortages, a lack of investment, and diminishing international competitiveness.

With its peaceful reputation, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, Canada can become a top-rated destination globally. However, there are significant barriers to unlock Canada’s potential including: critical workforce and housing shortages, a lack of investment, and diminishing international competitiveness.