Senate Inquiry Highlights the Nation-Building Value of Tourism

On November 18, 2025, Senator Karen Sorensen introduced Senate Inquiry No. 8: The nation-building value of tourism in Canada — drawing national attention to the critical role tourism plays in the Canadian economy and the communities it supports.

Tourism is a $130 billion economic driver, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and sustaining businesses across every region of the country. Hotels are at the centre of that ecosystem — enabling business travel, large-scale conferences, festivals, and local experiences that fuel spending and strengthen communities.

In her remarks to the Senate, Senator Sorensen highlighted both the economic and cultural value of tourism, while calling for federal leadership to address longstanding challenges. She identified key barriers limiting Canada’s global competitiveness, including:

• Persistent labour shortages
• Lack of available and affordable housing
• Visa and border processing delays
• Transportation infrastructure gaps
• Hotel capacity constraints near major convention centres

The inquiry also serves as a procedural tool to invite Senators from across Canada to rise and speak to the importance of tourism in their own regions over the coming months. This process is expected to help build national momentum behind the pillars of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy and elevate the voice of the tourism industry in policy conversations.

Senator Sorensen also acknowledged the work of national industry partners — including the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Tourism HR Canada, Destination Canada, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Meetings Mean Business Canada, and the Hotel Association of Canada — in keeping policymakers informed and focused on practical solutions.

The Hotel Association of Canada will continue working with federal leaders to strengthen Canada’s position in the global visitor economy, increase hotel supply, and close workforce gaps.

🎥 Watch Senator Sorensen’s full speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeoTQ0RkeI0