NDP MPP for Ottawa Centre, Joel Harden, released the following statement in response to news that the Ford government is cutting the provincial share of funding to Ottawa Tourism:
QUEEN’S PARK — “Doug Ford’s decision to slash every last dollar of provincial funding from Ottawa Tourism is a slap in the face to Ottawa, and to the people who have worked hard to build a vibrant and powerful tourism industry in this great city.
Ford’s cut is short-sighted, and it will have serious economic repercussions, jeopardizing the billions of dollars in economic activity that tourism brings to Ottawa.
Ottawa has had an especially tough go in recent weeks, as our community banded together to protect each other against the rise of floodwater. When the water recedes, I am confident that our resilient community will come together to rebuild. And when we have done so, and our city is as safe and beautiful as ever, we’re going to need Ottawa Tourism to tell the world that Ottawa is ready to welcome visitors once more.
We want people from across Ontario, Canada and around the world to know it’s time to return to the Summer Tulip Festival, the Jazz Festival and Children’s Festival.
Tourism is an integral part of Ottawa’s economy, and a key part of our flood recovery plan. It doesn’t cost money — it makes money. Doug Ford is ripping away every last dime of provincial support for that money-making and economy-driving industry. This is a destructive move that will lead to job losses and a loss of investment in our city.
Ottawans deserve a provincial government that supports its local economy, not one that attacks it.”