Major retailers call for tax refund for international tourists
A group of major Canadian retailers is asking the federal government to re-implement a Visitor Tax Refund in an effort to boost tourism and invigorate the Canadian economy.
The group, which includes Hudson’s Bay Company, Cadillac Fairview, Birks Group Inc., and Harry Rosen, says bringing back the refund could be a major incentive to the country’s tourism industry.
“We estimate, thanks to independent analysis, that this would bring up to $1 billion dollars, fresh revenue to Canada, tax revenue for the government, but also approximately 32,000 new jobs in Canada,” Jean-Christophe Bedos, president and CEO of Birks Group Inc. said.
The proposal is also supported by the Retail Council of Canada, who note that according to Statistics Canada data, the spend-per-tourist is down five per cent over the last seven years, while in countries like Japan and the Bahamas—who both recently implemented a visitor tax refund—tourist spending is up considerably.
“Every reasonable and cost-effective level should be used to renew the tourism sector’s important contribution to the Canadian economy, since many businesses rely on tourist spending,” Michelle Wasylyshen, national spokeswoman for the Retail Council of Canada, said.
Some Ottawa businesses say they support the move.
“I think it’s something that should be done and we should just keep something like that happening,” Ian Wright, owner of Snow Goose Gallery on Sparks Street, said.
Wright says tourism is a major part of his business and although this summer has been better, the store is still not seeing the amount of customers they were accustomed to prior to the pandemic. Among those who do come, Wright adds there are still tourists inquiring about Canada’s former visitor tax refund; a program cancelled by the federal government in 2007.
“It worked great and everybody said don’t stop it, don’t stop it,” Wright said.
In a statement to CTV News, Gabriel Felcarek, a spokesperson for the federal tourism minister, Randy Boissonneault, wrote, “A former rebate program was discontinued in 2007 because it was found not to be a cost-effective way for the federal government to help attract tourists to Canada.
“The Minister of Tourism is working with the tourism industry, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism operators to develop a new post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy,” Felcarek added.
But Ottawa retailers say tools like these are critical to helping the industry rebound.
“We want the economy back on track and tourism back on track, these things are really important,” Wright said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
'$6.66 per day': Advocacy groups disheartened by funding in budget for disability benefit
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
MPs summon ArriveCan contractor to the House to be admonished in rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.