*
Pd

Southwestern British Columbia Tourist Assocation

July 19, 1979

Honourable W.R. Bennett
Premier

Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C.

Dear Mr. Premier

Oue to various actions taken ty your government, a most optimistic
business and community outlook exists today within the tourism and
recreation industry. Congratulations.

While we are positive about the future, our Board of Directors reflects
the growing uneasiness threughout the private sector as to the long
term effectiveness of the Ministry of Tourism as long as it is held in
Conjunction with another portfolio.

Indications are that there will be another new minister for the Ministry
of Tourism and Small Business Development in the autumn. We are
certain that you can appreciate the Problems of continuity and planning
which such changes create. We ask that you consider the appointment of
@ full time minister to handle the Portfolio of the tourism industry and
its impact upon the economy of British Columbia,

We also wish to draw to your attention that the ministry's Ceputy Minister
Position has been inactive or held ona temporary basis throughout most

of the past few years. Continued industry improvement requires the
appointment of a strong and professional administrative Person to the pasition
of Deputy Minister for Tourism.

The tourism industry has been the beneficiary of many successful government
programmes in the recent past. In view of the great potential which we

have and in light of the American President's statements encouraging

Honourable W.R. Bennett
Page 2
July 18, 1979

his citizens to "stay at home" we must now collectively renew our
efforts to contine the devetopment of this most important sector of
the B.C. economy.

Sincerely

Alex W. Kirilows
President, Board of Directors

"Kj

cc Concerned Groups and Individuals

Background Information Sheet — Ministry of Tourism

Minister:

1974 election to Fall 1978 - Honourable Grace McCarthy
Fall 1978 to Spring 1979 — Honcurable Elwood Veitch
Spring 1979 to Fall 1979 = Honourable Bon Phillips (Acting)
Fall 1979 to ? - indicated change

Ceputy Minister/Acting Deputy Minister:

Frevious Administration to early 1977 Mr. David Livingstone ~ Acting Position

April 1977 to March 1978 Mr. Wayne Currie Deputy Minister

April 1978 to March 1979 - Position Vacant

April 1979 to May 1979 Mr. Ben Leboe, Acting Position .

June 1979 ~ status unclarified (rr. Sandy Peeie - at present Ceputy Minister
for Economic Development minister) *