MMBC advocates on Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) was well represented in Ottawa last during Hill Days (October 19–21). An initiative of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Hill Days is an opportunity for MMBC leaders to meet and raise awareness of business event industry priorities among Members of Parliament, Senators and other decision-makers. More than 50 federal government officials met with the MMBC and TIAC delegations, and over 45 parliamentarians attended a tourism industry-hosted reception. MMBC chair Laura Pallotta, vice-chair and government relations lead Minto Schneider and MMBC board member David Campbell met with representatives of all three political parties. MMBC’s 2022 Fact Sheet was included in TIAC’s information package and distributed to officials. During roundtable discussions, the MMBC delegation articulated  concerns of the business events industry, including the slow return of international business, the labour shortage, as well as additional funding needed to bolster the international marketing efforts of Destination Canada and Destination Canada Business Events. “One result of the pandemic is that more people in Ottawa recognise the importance of the travel industry and how it impacts the economy,” said Pallotta. “The concerns of the business events industry are really resonating on Parliament Hill right now and we will continue to drive that momentum.”