July 21, 2021

 

Though we still have our work cut out for us in our fight for recovery, I write this today heartened by a few announcements over the past week.

 

Last week, Canada’s Minister of Transport announced an accelerated timeline for resuming cruise ship activity in Canada. Cruise ships will be allowed in Canadian waters as of November 1, 2021. This is great news for our industry as we can now prepare to be fully operational for the 2022 cruise season, and allow cruise lines to plan confidently for their return to Canadian waters. A huge thank you to our National Cruise Committee for their work on this important initiative.

 

This week, TIAC welcomed the announcement on upcoming changes to Canada’s current border closures and restrictions. We have been advocating for a science-based plan for reopening borders and restarting our visitor economy, and are happy to see dates laid out that our industry can now plan for. There is still work to do, and we continue our efforts to answer some of outstanding questions, including the need for PCR pre departure tests and the impact on short term and business travel, and the need for a secure digital proof of vaccination system.

 

We continue to advocate for tailored, sector specific support in the wake of the CEWS and CERS support programs declining. We know that our hardest hit businesses will need continued support to fully recover.

 

We would like to hear from you – following the release of details on the Tourism Relief Fund, please reach out with any comments or questions to beth@tiac-aitc.ca.

 

Sincerely,

 

Beth Potter

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Dear Tourism Stakeholders,

 

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 our recent advocacy efforts. We are 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:

Advocacy Update

Over the past week, President and CEO Beth Potter has participated in a number of meetings with government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss borders and proof of vaccination recommendations.

 

We continue our work with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, focusing on providing a new funding model to Minister Freeland to replace the existing CEWS/CERS programs.

 

TIAC remains focused on our work with the Faster Together Taskforce to promote the importance of vaccinations to our recovery. 

Government Announcements 

 

Vaccine Progression & Tracking

 

Federal government working with international community on vaccine passport

 

Federal Announcement on Relaxed Border Measures

 

CRA seeking participants to test the Canada Recovery hiring Program (CRHP) content on Canada.ca

 

Government of Canada aims to restart cruise ship season in Canada

 

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) launches new Tourism Recovery Tracker to support global tourism

 

Destination Canada provides up to date domestic travel restrictions and traveller self isolation requirements for all provinces and territories.

 

Provincial and Territorial Reopening Plans at a glance.

 

Tourism Relief Fund

 

Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative

 

Public Health Agency of Canada NEW Digital Engagement Tool Kit