Tourism Counts – February 9, 2022  

The TIAC Team is pleased to provide you with this update on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation, as well as highlights of TIAC's recent advocacy efforts. TIAC is working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard by government, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.  

TIAC Hill Days – February 15 to 17, 2022

Government relations is an important part of any industry association’s work. TIAC works hard at educating both parliamentarians from all parties and departmental officials at all levels of government, on the economic impact and cultural significance of Canada’s tourism industry, and maintaining positive relationships.  

 The purpose of TIAC’s Hill Event is to raise awareness of the issues faced by the tourism industry, and champion policies the Government can introduce to help rebuild the travel economy. These conversations allow members and stakeholders to get involved directly, while mobilizing grassroots efforts of members across the country. 

 TIAC meetings will be focused on educating the officials on tourism as an economic driver, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry as a whole, and what the industry needs for recovery. TIAC has identified a number of priorities, regrouping them under three broad headings:  

• Financial Supports 
• Labour Shortage in Tourism
• Branding and Barriers

Our voice is stronger together. 

More information on how you can support this initiative will be available this week at tourismcounts.ca. 

 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, at msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca. 

Update from Canada Revenue Agency

TIAC would like to ensure you are aware of the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) latest communications on the temporary expansion to the eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program. These temporary changes are applicable for claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022). 

The application portal for period 24 is now open. Applications can be made through the CRA’s My Business Account, or through Represent a Client for business representatives. 

  As a reminder, you must meet the following two conditions for claim periods 24 and 25: 

• You were subject to a qualifying public health restriction or qualifying partial (capacity-limiting) public health restriction
• You have a claim period revenue drop of at least 25%

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is committed to providing accurate and timely information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and updates impacting both members and travelers.  

Please visit TIAC COVID-19 page for more information on travel policies and available support programs.

Tourism Counts – February 2, 2022  

The TIAC Team is pleased to provide you with this update on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation, as well as highlights of TIAC's recent advocacy efforts. TIAC is working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard by government, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.  

TIAC Hill Days – February 15 to 17, 2022 

The purpose of TIAC’s Hill Event is to raise awareness for the tourism industry and the issues it faces. The meetings TIAC organizes help educate federal officials, while strengthening relationships with Parliamentarians. These conversations allow members and stakeholders to get involved directly, while mobilizing grassroots efforts of members across the country.

More information on TIAC’s key messaging for these meetings, and how you can get involved, will be shared on the next Member Talk, February 8th.

Member TALK

Description: Join TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter and special guest Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, The Honourable Randy Boissonnault.
Date: Feb 8, 2022
Time:12:15PM EST–**NEW TIME**
Register Now

TIAC President and CEO, Beth Potter, met with the new Associate Deputy Minister at ISED, Francis Bilodeau, to brief him on TIAC key priorities – financial support, labour and border access. TIAC is eager to work with Mr. Bilodeau moving forward on the industry’s recovery.

TIAC met with MP Pam Damoff to discuss the position regarding on-arrival testing and restrictions, and the importance of ensuring our border requirements are in line with global counterparts.

TIAC also met with Kelly Power, Director General with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to discuss how the Tourism Relief Fund is going. As noted above, TIAC would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes to tell TIAC how your experience has been as they continue tour advocacy on this front. Please find the survey here.

TIAC also met with the policy team in Minister Duclos office to discuss the issue of on arrival testing and quarantine wait times for international visitors, particularly in the west regarding ski vacations at this time.

TIAC continues their regular touch base with department officials at Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) where they brief contacts on the major issues the industry is facing and what TIAC needs to do to move to recovery.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, at msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca.

TIAC in the Media

Watch TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter’s most recent interviews here: 

• 'Travel is not the big bad monster': Coalition calling on feds to update travel rules
• ENOUGH ALREADY: Is Canada ready to end on arrival testing
• The Struggle Continues - TIAC AGM Talks About 'Slivers Of Hope,' Collaboration But There's Still A Way To Go

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is committed to providing accurate and timely information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and updates impacting both the members and travelers.