Ottawa, ON – Tony Baldinelli, Conservative Shadow Minister for Tourism, released the following statement responding to reports that former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is the Liberals’ preferred candidate to lead Destination Canada:
“In the midst of Canada’s busiest tourism season, Destination Canada remains without a permanent President and CEO. This oversight is yet another example of the Carney Liberals delaying critical appointments that support Canadian workers and businesses.
“Last month, I raised my concerns about this vacancy and rumours of a political patronage appointment for this post at Destination Canada with the Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez. She fails to understand Canada’s tourism industry and what sort of individual is qualified for this role.
“While this speculation around Jagmeet Singh is still just that, the fact that CTV News is reporting him as a possible candidate is deeply troubling, and I share the concerns of many in Canada’s tourism sector about this potential Liberal appointee, with one industry source calling it an “insult”.
“Mr. Singh has already done enough damage to our country by propping up the Liberal government in the previous parliament. Now, it seems that Prime Minister Mark Carney may consider rewarding him for past services that benefitted the Liberal Party.
“Our tourism workers and businesses need a competent and qualified leader in this role, not just another member of the Liberal club. We need someone with sound judgment and experience that understands this industry across all of its diverse sectors.
“I will continue to monitor developments on this key file, and I await this long-overdue appointment to fill this key role at Destination Canada.”