It is the utmost pleasure of Mercury publications to support the efforts put forward by Jason Cheskes and Above the Line Solutions, to host tremendous Canadian Hotel Leadership Dinners for well over the last decade. These dinners have become a unique Canadian hotel industry tradition of hosting varied hotel professionals in a casual social environment where building and strengthening relationships across the industry is facilitated. We are thrilled be part of these initiatives and providing support with a photographer at each to capture the events. Our great thanks on behalf of the hotel industry, to Jason for his tireless efforts and creating these fantastic events tied to the timing of key industry conferences.- Frank Yeo, Publisher, Mercury Publications.

In March, 60 hotel leaders gathered for the Hotel Association of Canada’s “Welcome Back” Canadian Hotel Leadership dinner held following the HAC conference’s opening reception at the newly reopened Keg Toronto Airport, and recognizing the conference’s return to the Toronto area.

This year’s attendees included representatives from the HAC, Wyndham, Coast, Marriott, Travelodge, Realstar, Bayview Hospitality, Silver Hotels, IHG, Diamond Hotels, Aimmbridge, Synvest, Crown, Superior Lodging, Choice, Best Western, ZS Holdings, ORHMA, Vrancor, Holloway, Accor, Pomeroy, the Gupta Group, SilverBirch, Sandman, MasterBuilt, LHM, Oxford, and Listel Hotels.

Sponsors for the event included Foodbuy, Ecolab, Imperial Dade, RHB, LOC International, Moby TV, Eden Textiles, and Nerval.

Upcoming 2026 Canadian VIP Hotel Leadership Dinners are being held April 28th following the CHIC conference, and October 29th following WCLC.

Photos from the HAC Conference Opening Reception, March 4, 2026. Photography by Phillip Chin, Photographer at Large.

OTTAWA, ON - March 10, 2026 — The Government of Canada announcement of new investments through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) confirms that Tourism HR Canada is one of 14 organizations awarded funding to support workforce development and labour market intelligence across key sectors of the Canadian economy.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced up to $94.5 million over five years split among select workforce development councils. The investment in Tourism HR Canada secures the extension and enhancement of its trusted labour market intelligence (LMI) and innovative resources designed to help tourism operators, workers, job seekers, and educators better understand and respond to workforce challenges and workplace changes.

Tourism has re-emerged as one of Canada’s fastest-growing sectors, generating nearly $130 billion in economic activity while supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses and one in ten jobs nationwide. As an industry rooted in human interaction, it is particularly reliant on strong workforce planning and data-driven labour market insights for long-term resilience and success. 

One of Canada’s largest employers—and a vital first job for many young people—tourism supports a workforce of more than 2.2 million people across communities in every region of the country. As the sector continues to adapt to global challenges and emerging technology, access to timely, reliable labour market intelligence and practical workforce development resources is essential to ensure businesses have the talent needed to thrive.

Through this federal investment, Tourism HR Canada will conduct new research, share insights, enhance career awareness, and develop practical tools to help tourism stakeholders navigate rapidly evolving labour market, environmental, and geopolitical conditions. 

“Canada’s tourism sector is a powerful driver of jobs and local prosperity, employing more than 2.2 million people in communities from coast to coast to coast,” states Philip Mondor, Tourism HR Canada President and CEO. “Investing in strong labour market information and workforce initiatives helps ensure tourism businesses have the insights and tools they need to attract, train, and retain the skilled workers who create world-class visitor experiences. By strengthening the tourism workforce, we are supporting local economies, opening pathways to good jobs, and helping communities across Canada continue to benefit from a vibrant visitor economy.”

Tourism HR Canada’s findings and tools will help guide shifting workforce strategies, support skills development, and improve job readiness across the tourism sector. Ultimately, the initiative will contribute to building a stronger tourism workforce and a more competitive Canadian economy.

Vancouver, B.C. – March 10, 2026 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing and one of Canada’s largest hotel brands, is pleased to announce the addition of its newest franchised property in Edson, Alberta. The newly rebranded , marking the seventh Coast Hotels property owned by Mundi Hotel Enterprises Inc., officially opened its doors as a Coast Hotel on March 10, 2026.

Located along the Yellowhead Highway, Coast Edson Hotel is ideally positioned to serve business travelers, outdoor recreation visitors, and pass-through guests traveling between Edmonton and Jasper National Park. The property offers designed for both comfort and convenience, suited for solo travelers, families, and longer-stay guests.

Coast Edson Hotel offers a wide range of , including free on-site parking, complimentary wi-fi, free parking, pet-friendly rooms, a fitness centre, guest laundry, and wheelchair-accessible rooms. In-room conveniences include a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Meeting space is also available for small groups or business sessions.

“Expanding into Edson with Coast Edson Hotel aligns with our commitment to deliver consistent quality and local hospitality across Western Canada,” said Takamasa Machiura, President and CEO of Coast Hotels Limited. “The addition of this property strengthens our presence in Alberta and provides travelers with a comfortable, well-appointed experience that reflects Coast Hotels commitment to quality and local hospitality.”

Surrounded by forests, provincial parks and a growing economic base, Edson offers a for travelers, making Coast Edson Hotel an appealing base for exploring the region. Visitors can experience the community’s heritage at the Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre or enjoy outdoor recreation in Willmore Park, which features scenic riverside trails suited to hiking, cycling and year-round exploration. The Edson Golf Club provides a picturesque option for golfers, while families can enjoy amenities such as the Kinsmen Spray Park in warmer months. With access to forested foothills, rivers and provincial recreation areas, the region supports seasonal pursuits ranging from fishing, paddling, and camping to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering travelers a well-rounded mix of cultural, recreational, and nature-based experiences.

“We are proud to add a seventh property to the Coast Hotel brand, “ said Ron Mundi, owner of Mundi Hotel Enterprises Inc. “Coast Edson Hotel brings together the comfort, hospitality and value that travelers expect from us, while reflecting our continued commitment to growth in key communities across Alberta and beyond.”

March 5, 2026 – CALGARY – Superior Lodging Corporation is proud to announce that forty-five Canadian Super 8 by Wyndham properties have been honored as winners of the "Pride of Super 8" award for 2025.

The annual "Pride of Super 8" award is a prestigious designation recognizing hotels that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to customer service and a top-tier guest experience. To qualify, properties must meet criteria, including high quality-assurance scores and outstanding guest satisfaction ratings. Please join us in congratulating:

"Everyone at Superior Lodging Corporation is thrilled to announce that forty-five Canadian Super 8 by Wyndham properties have been named as 'Pride of' Super 8 award winners for 2025," said Marc Staniloff, President & CEO, Superior Lodging Corp. "This isn't simply an award, it's a testament to the hard work and commitment our teams put into every stay. Thank you for your dedication."

Click here to view all of the 2025 "Pride of Super 8" Award Winners