ACTA Celebrates Passage Of Bill C-2

There is at least some reason to celebrate today (Dec. 17) following the passage of Bill C-2 which will provide continued support for Canada’s travel and tourism industry.

ACTA president, Wendy Paradis said: “ACTA is extremely thankful that Parliament has finally passed Bill C-2, which includes the Tourism and Hospitality Program financial support programs. The program will provide critically needed wage and rent subsidies to hard-hit travel agencies through to May 2022.”

Paradis added: “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. “

And the industry association is now calling on the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency to deliver this critical program without delay.

Said ACTA’s president: “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.”

However, ACTA points out that unfortunately, most independent travel agents are not eligible for support under the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program

Paradis observed that: “These entrepreneurs have also been devastated by the pandemic and the government must take action,” said Paradis.

And she continued: “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,”

Paradis said that: “ACTA will continue to advocate for a new program that supports travel agency furloughed employees, sole proprietors and independent contractors.”

The association also offered ‘a major thank you’ to all of the travel agency owners, employees and independent travel agents for their incredible outreach to MPs across Canada.