Pictured from l. to r. are: Kevin Betzold, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada President, Dean Del Mastro, MP, Bruce Stanton, MP, and Derek Dobson, Convention Chairman.

Mr. Chair; Parliamentarians; Association Members and Dealers; Bon soir madams et monsieur; good evening ladies and genetlemen – et bienvenue á Ottawa pour votre quatrième la convention bi-annuelle - welcome to Ottawa for this your fourth biennial convention.

Having spent a lifetime (at least until about 2 years ago) in the tourism industry – I can certainly understand the kind of work that lies ahead for your growing and vibrant sector of the recreation, leisure and tourism industry. You offer a very unique product – an experience really – that, especially here in Canada, provides unparalleled benefits and flexibility to a growing and (as you know) ever more discerning travel consumer.

With products to fit every one’s budget – the ability to connect Canadians and visitors with our spectacular outdoors – and a range of vehicles and experiences to suit every segment of customer from young families to senior couples – your industry is in a good position to benefit from a healthy and vibrant Canadian economy.

Now, you have been in this industry long enough to know that there will always be some challenges to overcome. The cost of fuel, the high Canadian dollar, and misperceptions about crossing the border into Canada; hasn’t made it “easy” to attract more visitors and increase vehicle sales. It’s something the industry cannot and I am certain - is not taking lightly.

As one of Canada’s vital and traditional industry sectors that has been hit hard by these obstacles, the tourism industry in Canada is certainly looking at every opportunity to re-position and focus its efforts to get our share of tourism receipts turned around and growing once again.

Our government recognizes these challenges. Notre gouvernement

reconnaît ces défis. We have a dedicated Ministry for Tourism and Small Business – ably led by the Hon. Diane Abloncy, with a mandate to help bolster the fortunes of these two vital sectors of our economy.

And in the speech from the throne, just adopted by the House of Commons yesterday – her Excellency outlined the government’s intentions to, and I’ll quote, “… stand up for Canada’s traditional industries. Key sectors including forestry, fisheries, manufacturing and tourism [that] are facing challenges”.

The road ahead for your industry, like other service and retail sectors, will certainly need a careful look at how more customers can be attracted to the recreational vehicle experience. Your theme of this convention hits the mark. “Teaming up for a better customer experience is exactly where greater sales and market share will come from”.

In closing, I share the view that RV’ing is a growing and dynamic part of Canada’s tourism and leisure industry; it’s sustainable; and it benefits our economy in every corner of this great country. It allows visitors and residents – families and couples - to see the very best of what Canada showcases to the world.

On behalf of all my colleagues in Parliament, I wish you – all; members, dealers, and service providers - a successful conference, a healthy bottom line for 2007, and continued success in the years ahead.

Thank you. Merci, et bonne soirée.