Minister Chagger welcomed almost 50 young Canadians from across the country to learn about entrepreneurship in Canada’s tourism industry August 15, 2017 – Ottawa – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Canada’s tourism industry is an economic driver from coast to coast to coast and is the largest employer of young Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting this important industry—to creating new opportunities, stronger growth and more well-paying, middle-class jobs.

“Joining such a passionate and creative group of young Canadians for the past two days has been an inspiration. Their ideas, commitment and perspectives have been truly insightful. I hope that they leave this experience feeling empowered and encouraged about pursuing a career in Canada’s tourism sector, taking advantage of the many great opportunities there are for hard-working entrepreneurs to do what they love and grow their businesses, and helping promote Canada’s world-leading tourism experiences.”

– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

• Minister Chagger hosted the Canadian En[tour]preneur Experience in Ottawa from August 13 to 15.

• Participants from every province and territory were involved in the event.

• Partners included Business Development Bank of Canada, Canada Business Network, Destination Canada, Futurpreneur Canada, Hotel Association of Canada, Tourism HR Canada, Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs and Ottawa Tourism.

• Tourism mentors included Brew Donkey, C'est Bon Cooking, Hostelling International Canada, Parkbus, Twenty York Street and Winnipeg Trolley Company.

• Candidates were selected through an open application process based on a specific set of criteria to ensure regional representation, diversity and inclusiveness. An external advisory committee made recommendations on the 47 finalists.

• Videos of the event were featured on the Government of Canada’s “Leaders Today” Facebook page.

• Canada’s tourism sector directly or indirectly employs more than 1.8 million people, including 500,000 youth.

Associated Links

• Canada’s Tourism Vision
• www.facebook.com/YouthCanada

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt 

Jonathan Dignan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism
343-291-2700

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca