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News / TIAC Tourism Advocacy Update: January 2022
The most up-to-date information to help businesses navigate this difficult time
January 20, 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 their 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.
Please find the latest updates on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of Canada’s Visitor Economy:
TIAC Advocacy Update
The Canada Revenue Agency is holding an English and French session this week on the supports announced in Bill C-2, including the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program. These sessions are targeted specifically at the tourism and hospitality industry. Coalition Co-Chairs, Beth Potter and Susie Grynol, will be attending the sessions and will provide remarks.
Please note that you must register to be able to attend. Links below.
Please also note that the session will use a software called Slido to collect questions in advance. Once registered, you will receive a link to Slido to be able to post questions. You will also be able to ‘upvote’ questions, and those that receive the most votes are most likely to be addressed on the call. The Coalition will submit the following questions on behalf of TIAC members. The CRA will answer those questions that receive the most engagement, so please upvote these questions in Slido to ensure that they are given priority on the call.
Session on the targeted COVID-19 support measures in English
- Date: Thursday, January 20, 2022 - TODAY
- Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., EST Location: MS Teams Live
If you are interested in participating in this English session, click here to register.
Session en français sur les mesures de soutien ciblées COVID-19
- Date : Vendredi 21 janvier 2022
- Heure : 13 h - 14 h, HNE
- Emplacement : MS Teams Live
Si vous souhaitez participer à cette session en français, cliquez ici pour vous inscrire. If you are interested in participating in this French session, click here to register.
This week, TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter met with MP Vance Badawey, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services. Beth expressed appreciation for the extension of CEBA loan repayment, but that debt relief is still a significant concern for the industry. The seasonal business qualification issue with the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program was discussed in detail. TIAC reiterated support for the recently published ITAC Strategic Recovery Plan.
Beth met with Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, MP Rachel Bendayan. MP Bendayan was well versed in all of the areas of concern, and has been a true champion for the industry as we move into recovery. Labour was a main area of focus during this discussion. TIAC thanks MP Bendayan for all of her support.
TIAC met with the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, regarding the Tourism Relief Fund in particular. TIAC will be sending a survey to members on this program in the near future to get your feedback.
TIAC also met with the Shadow Minister of Tourism, MP Michelle Ferreri. This meeting included members of TIAC's national cruise committee, and MP Fererri was very engaged learning about the needs of this specific sector of the industry. TIAC looks forward to working with MP Ferreri’s office to restore confidence in Canadian travel.
In all meetings, Beth stressed that the increasing and changing restrictions, and the additional travel advisories, are happening in the prime booking window for the summer season. TIAC expressed concerns about the messaging this is sending to travelers about coming to Canada.
TIAC continues their regular touch base with department officials at Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) where we brief contacts on the major issues the industry is facing and what we need to do to move to recovery. TIAC'a focus continues to be on forming a strategy to address the chronic Labour Challenge, and to address consumer confidence in the tourism industry.
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:
- As Omicron variant spreads, some Sask. residents cancel, reconsider holiday travel plans | CBC News
- Tourism industry may have to live off domestic travel until the fall, says minister | CBC News
- Tourism group urges Ontario residents to shop local if planning to celebrate new year at home | CBC News
- Feds urged to loosen travel testing rules | CTV News
- Air Canada, WestJet, Pearson ask government to drop COVID arrival testing requirement | Globalnews.ca
- Should Canada lift PCR testing for international travellers?
- Airlines seek end to mandatory COVID-19 testing of vaccinated passengers on arrival | CBC News
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is committed to providing accurate and timely information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and updates impacting both TIAC members and travellers.
January 12, 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 their 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.
Please find the latest updates on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of Canada’s Visitor Economy:
TIAC Advocacy Update
TIAC hopes the programs in Bill C-2 provide some relief as we navigate through Omicron and through the winter months. TIAC is still working with officials in the Finance Department on solutions for seasonal and new businesses.
Applications are now open on the CRA website. If you missed this week’s Member Talk, details on the following programs were discussed, and the recording is available through your member login on the TIAC site.
- Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)
–Wage & Fixed Expenses
Effective: October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022
- Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
–Wage & Fixed Expenses
Effective: October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022
- Local Lockdown Program
–Wage & Commercial Rent
Effective: October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022
Temporarily expansion effective: December 21, 2021 to February 12, 2022
- Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Effective: June 6, 2021, to May 7, 2022
More on applications here: canada.ca.
The TIAC national cruise committee will hold its first meeting of 2022 this week. The group is working closely with a Transport Canada marine working group ensuring COVID-19 processes will work across the country as we prepare for the 2022 season.
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 we need to do to move to recovery. TIAC's focus continues to be on forming a strategy to address the chronic Labour Challenge, and to address consumer confidence in the tourism industry.
TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter met with MP Terry Beech this week, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Mr. Beech was well versed in the needs of the industry, and TIAC very much appreciated the time to explain the changes we need in Bill C-2 to allow for seasonal businesses to take advantage of much needed supports.
TIAC has a number of MP meetings scheduled this week and will provide an update on the outcome of these meetings in next week’s TIAC in Action.
To learn more or provide comments on any of TIAC advocacy initiatives, please reach out to Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, at msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca.
TIAC in the Media
President and CEO Beth Potter has been active in the media over the past two weeks given the numerous announcements. Watch Beth’s interviews here:
- TIAC Welcomes Feds Moves
- Tourism industry may have to live off domestic travel until the fall, says minister
- Travel industry coalition pushes for new testing requirements after U.K. changes pre-departure rules
- Feds urged to loosen travel testing rules
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is committed to providing accurate and timely information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and updates impacting both TIAC members and travellers.
