An alliance of economic players is asking Ottawa to introduce a visitor tax refund program (RTV) in order to stimulate economic recovery, in particular the tourism sector, which has been heavily affected by the health crisis.
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In its brief submitted to the Minister of Tourism, the coalition believes that this program would allow foreign tourists to recover the goods and services tax (GST) and the provincial sales tax on purchases they take with them following their stay in Canada. .
For this alliance, the RTV strengthens the international competitiveness of Canadian tourism and retailers and can help increase the country’s retail sales and exports with increased returns from tourism purchases.
“We are convinced that the establishment of this program must be part of a series of actions by the government to ensure a strong economic recovery and position Canada as a shopping destination on a global scale,” said Jean-Christophe Bedos. , President and Chief Executive Officer of Birks Group Inc.
“It is necessary to seize every opportunity to stimulate the Canadian economy. The establishment of this program would greatly benefit the tourism sector, retailers and more broadly, the Canadian economy,” added Mr. Bedos.
The alliance is made up of Retail Council of Canada, Birks Group Inc., Aldo Group, Cadillac Fairview, Harry Rosen, Hudson’s Bay Company, Quadreal Real Estate Group, Global Blue Group and Triple Five.
