March Break is here, and we, as Canadians, have a choice to make. We can continue pouring billions into the U.S. economy, or we can stand tall, redirect our spending, and reaffirm our commitment to our own economic strength and cultural heritage. Our Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries (HSTCIs) aren’t just about making memories — they are a $210 billion economic powerhouse, fueling Canadian jobs, businesses, and communities.
I’ll be the first to admit — I’ve taken my fair share of trips south. A quick shopping run to upstate New York, a Florida getaway during winter, or catching a hockey game in New England. And I’m not alone. In 2024, over 20 million Canadians traveled to the U.S., spending $20.5 billion and supporting 140,000 American jobs. That’s not just a drop in the bucket — it’s a massive injection of Canadian wealth into another country’s economy.
But this year, we have a chance to do something different. This March Break, let’s keep our money at home, invest in Canada, and remind the U.S. government that not only is Canada not for sale, we’re not buying what they’re selling either.
Spending our hard-earned dollars here at home isn’t just about economics — it’s about national pride. When we travel within Canada, we support local businesses, create jobs, fuel communities, and keep billions circulating in our economy. It’s time to reclaim our purchasing power and invest in ourselves.
And why wouldn’t we? Canada offers world-class travel experiences that stand shoulder to shoulder with anything the U.S. has to offer:
• Niagara Region over Napa Valley: Beyond the iconic falls, Niagara’s vineyards produce some of the world’s best wines, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
• Toronto over New York City: A global city in its own right, Toronto boasts an incredible arts scene, world-class dining, and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower.
• Montreal over Miami: Culture, history, and culinary excellence — Montreal’s festivals, cobblestone streets, and vibrant nightlife rival any major international destination.
• Cape Breton over Cape Cod: The Cabot Trail alone is enough to put Cape Breton on your travel list — stunning coastal views, rich Gaelic heritage, and some of the most scenic drives on earth.
But it doesn’t stop there. Tofino, the Arctic, Northern Ontario, Quebec City, Halifax, Prince Edward County, Prince Edward Island, Fogo Island, Kingston, and Ottawa all belong on your bucket list. Canada’s landscapes, history, culture, and hospitality are second to none.
By making the Great Canadian Road Trip our national priority, we can grow our $210 billion HSTCI sector by another $20 billion this year — just by choosing to stay home. That’s money in Canadian pockets, Canadian jobs created, and Canadian businesses thriving.
Let’s rediscover Canada, reinvest in Canada, and reignite our Canada pride.
Canada first, always.
National Post