Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

WEPA Funding announcement

Corresponding Document: News Release (2010-06-28)

Check against delivery

Thank you, Ms. Whitfield. [emcee].

Minister Bjornson, Mr. Robson, Mr. Mesman, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good afternoon.

I am very pleased to be here today on behalf of the Government of Canada.

I would like to say thank you to the staff of the Visitor Information Centre for hosting this event. 

Look around you—the wide variety of places to go, things to do, sights to see in Manitoba is amazing.

When the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement was signed last year, “promotion of economic development through tourism opportunities” was included as one of the five strategic priorities of the Agreement.

Today, I am proud to announce that the Governments of Canada and Manitoba are partnering, through WEPA, to invest more than $5 million ($5,045,100) to support a three-year international marketing and product development plan by Travel Manitoba.

The plan aims to rebuild the Manitoba tourism market in the United States and meet emerging opportunities elsewhere in the US and Europe.

The plan is designed to do this by increasing brand awareness and promoting tourism in Manitoba using traditional methods as well as the Internet.

It will focus on tourism strengths of rural Manitoba—such as wildlife viewing, outdoor adventure, and sport fishing.

This not only increases tourism opportunities in Manitoba, it contributes to the diversity of the rural economy.

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of the tourism providers in Manitoba are small and family owned businesses serving tourists on a seasonal basis.

By funding initiatives that stimulate economic development through international tourism opportunities, we are ensuring that Manitobans continue to benefit from a diversified economy.

The economic downturn has been felt everywhere, including the tourism sector.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan and our recent Jobs and Growth budget also include measures to stimulate international tourism.