Minister of State Bernier Highlights Northern Tourism Experience During Polar Expedition

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT--(Marketwire - Oct. 16, 2012) - Today, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), toured Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions, a member of the Canadian Tourism Commission's (CTC) Signature Experiences Collection (SEC), and underscored the importance of the tourism sector to Canada's economy.

"The Government of Canada is working to position Canada's tourism sector to take advantage of international growth opportunities and create jobs in Canada," said Minister of State Bernier. "The inclusion of Northern small and medium-sized tourism businesses in the Signature Experiences Collection raises their profile in international markets and helps the local economy in the long term."

The SEC is one of several initiatives under the Federal Tourism Strategy (FTS). The CTC developed the program to promote Canadian tourism businesses that exemplify the Canadian travel experience. The program encourages Canadian tourism operators to evolve and offer more innovative products and experiences, which contribute to increasing Canada's economic competitiveness. There are fifteen SEC members from the territories, including four from Nunavut.

"Our government continues to work with the provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers. At our last meeting in May 2012, we agreed to meet again in Yukon," said Minister of State Bernier. "I look forward to exploring how best to continue supporting the tourism industry and to visiting the North again."

Visit the Supporting Tourism website (www.tourism.gc.ca) for details on the FTS. For information on the SEC and the application process, please visit the Canadian Tourism Commission website (http://en-corporate.canada.travel/SEC).