April 17, 2026 - Toronto, Ontario
Canada has what the world is looking for: vibrant cities, top-tier venues and the capacity to host major international business events. These events bring high-value visitors to Canada who spend locally, support small businesses, fill hotel rooms and restaurants, and create jobs in communities across the country. By attracting more global conferences and conventions, Canada is turning its tourism advantage into year-round economic growth.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, and Danielle Martin, Member of Parliament for University-Rosedale, announced $15 million over three years for the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF). They were joined by Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada (DC).
Launched in March 2024, ICAF is administered by DC and aims to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian destinations to attract high-value international events. Through this initiative, DC works with destination marketing organizations to strengthen their bids to host major international events that align with DC's priority economic sectors or that advance a federal mandate, objective or initiative.
Since 2023, the federal government has invested $60 million to help DC attract major events. As of March 2026, ICAF has helped Canadian destinations secure 116 events that will attract approximately 324,200 attendees and make a direct economic impact of $803.3 million, benefitting local communities.
The 116 major international events secured through ICAF so far include:
- 2025 International Symposium on Avian Influenza, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Toronto, Ontario
- 2027 World Road Congress, Vancouver, British Columbia
- 2028 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Montreal, Quebec
- 2028 International Geological Congress, Calgary, Alberta
