Powerful travel and tourism groups are welcoming passage of a Canadian government bill to aid the industry.
The Canadian Parliament and Justin Trudeau government on Thursday passed Bill C-2, which provides further support to the industry in response to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses said welcomes the passing of the bill for an industry that has been hit hard by border closures, travel bans, and the loss of international and domestic travellers.
A survey of Coalition members earlier in the year found that up to 60% did not expect to make it through the winter without extended government support. This support could not come at a more important time as Coalition members in travel, hospitality and major events face new challenges and setbacks as a result of the Omicron variant, the coalition said.
“Our members and employees need this program to survive as the pandemic challenges continue into next year,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Co-Chair of the Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses. “This is an investment in a sector that will come back with strength if given the opportunity.
It will also help keep people in the workforce that would otherwise be laid off – many of them Canada’s most vulnerable including women, young people and new Canadians.”
“We are grateful for the quick passage of this Bill. Our members have lost two years of business and are at a breaking point. Government support to date has been key to our survival and without the added support from Bill C-2, we would have seen the loss of key travel sector infrastructure that is core to the Canadian economy,” said Susie Grynol, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and Co-Chair of the Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses.
The Coalition is thankful for the broad-based support the sector has received by all Members in the House Commons and Senators.
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies also had positive things to say about the bill, although it noted that independent agents are still not getting the help they need.
“ACTA is extremely thankful that Parliament has finally passed Bill C-2, which includes the Tourism and Hospitality Program financial support programs,” said Wendy Paradis, President, ACTA.
Paradis noted that the bill’s passage came following months of intense advocacy by ACTA and other tourism and hospitality organizations.”
“The program will provide critically needed wage and rent subsidies to hard-hit travel agencies through to May 2022,” Paradise said. “As governments respond to the Omicron variant of concern with new travel restrictions and advisories, this support becomes increasingly important to sustain businesses throughout the winter. “
ACTA now calls on the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency to deliver this critical program without delay.
“Travel agencies have been without support since October and still have little to no revenue. The new restrictions and fear about the Omicron variant have jeopardized any hope of recovery this winter,” Paradis said.
Most Independent travel agents not eligible for this support
Unfortunately, ACTA notes that most independent travel agents are not eligible for support under the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program.
“These entrepreneurs have also been devastated by the pandemic and the government must take action,” said Paradis.
“We understand from our meetings with government that delivering sector specific financial support to independent workers is challenging, however the government must work with industry to find a way to navigate through these challenges,” she said. “ACTA will continue to advocate for a new program that supports travel agency furloughed employees, sole proprietors and independent contractors.”
