Following recent reports that former federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is being considered for the CEO role at Destination Canada, AHLA is joining industry partners in calling for a transparent, competitive, and merit-based selection process.
This is not about any individual or political party. It is about ensuring Canada’s national tourism marketing organization is led by someone with the experience, qualifications, and industry understanding needed to support the visitor economy.
For Alberta hotels, Destination Canada’s leadership matters. Its work to attract international travellers, business events, conferences, and long-haul visitors directly influences room demand, occupancy, destination competitiveness, and economic activity in communities across the province.
That is why AHLA is taking a position. This appointment affects how Canada competes for visitors, events, and investment at a time when hotels are working to grow demand, support jobs, and strengthen the communities connected to tourism.
AHLA is one of many voices, including Hotels Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA), calling on the federal government to ensure Destination Canada’s next CEO is selected through a process that gives industry stakeholders confidence.
A fair, open process reflects the importance of Destination Canada’s mandate and the economic contribution of Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector.
As the voice of Alberta’s hotel industry, AHLA will continue to speak up when national decisions affect our members’ ability to attract guests, grow their businesses, and support a strong visitor economy.
Read AHLA’s formal letter to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism for more information.