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FOBBA has achieved significant Provincial recognition. It sits on the Board of the Tourism Federation of Ontario and through this is up dated on what is happening in the Province related to Tourism. The Deputy Minister has promised FOBBA at least two meeting per year to discuss the bed and breakfast industry and what is needed to help it.
 

The FOBBA Fire Code Committee has hired a recognized Fire Safety Engineer, Stephen Tomlin P.Eng., to represent members in discussions with the officials at the Fire Marshall’s Office. There is also a Deputy Minister who is to act as an intermediatory. This is an on going action and changes are taking place for hotels at the moment.
 

The water regulations have been switched to the Ministry of Health and are certainly more comfortable for bed and breakfasts now.
 

FOBBA is working with the Ministry to assist with the implementation of the new Ontario Tourism Strategy (see www.tourism.gov.on.ca) and subsequently have been present at discussions about it. The biggest achievement is FOBBA’s rating system, which members have been field testing. FOBBA is now ready to come to some decisions about how to implement it with trained inspectors and obtain the support of the Ministry of Tourism. Several meetings have been held with Ministry consultants and other parties. All this has involved committees and the executive in many hours of work on members behalf.
 

For information about entering Canada from the US through land border crossings, please click here.
 

Congratulations, former Ontario Finance Minister Greg Sorbara is being asked study how to draw more international visitors to the province.  He will examine the entire tourism industry to see where there is room for improvement.  Sorbara will look at practices around the world and recommend areas where Ontario can specialize and grow.  The former head of the Liberal party will put together an action plan for next year (2009), which sources say will ensure tourism continues to boost the provinces's economy.