TIAC Talk Articles > Election 2021
posted on August 23, 2021
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The 2021 federal election is underway, with Canadians going to the polls on September 20. This means we have 25 days to ensure our voices are heard by all political parties, and by candidates across the country, on the importance of necessary targeted, ongoing support for the tourism industry.
While TIAC continues to meet with key decision makers and candidates in Ottawa and across the country, it is equally important for industry to make an effort to meet with their local candidates from all parties. Local constituents and businesses are able to provide their candidates with a more specific community perspective on issues related to tourism’s local impact.
Our voice is stronger together.
Please visit tourismvotes.ca to download your election toolkit and find information on how to get involved. Contact Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, at msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca with any questions or comments.
Our Priorities
TIAC is calling on all parties to commit to support the hardest hit of the hardest hit if elected. Our main priorities continue to be;
1. Supporting the Hardest Hit Sectors
- Support for the temporary wage and rent support program for up to 75% for sectors like hotels, tour operators, convention centers and festivals experiencing a minimum of 40% revenue loss from September 2021 until May 31, 2022;
- Ensure targeted support programs address the tourism industry’s unique needs including conditions for seasonal businesses and high debt service ratios;
- A key learning over the past 15 months is that Indigenous tourism operators have disproportionally fallen outside the criteria of government relief measures. To protect viable businesses in this emerging sector, it is vital to place an Indigenous lens on all recovery measures.
2. Support and implement one proof of vaccination system across Canada
- TIAC continues to advocate for a national, easy to use and understand, secure system for international travel;
- Ensure system is on par with other countries in G20 – Canada must be part of the seamless travel experience moving forward.
3. The Labour Challenge
- COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to the tourism labour market, much greater than the economy overall – disproportionately impacting youth and minority populations. TIAC recommends, in consultation with the tourism industry, the elected party commits to;
- Conduct a comprehensive review of all current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs to identify opportunities and align policies that will work for tourism, and to create a dedicated immigration pathway for the sector;
- Launch a campaign to promote employment opportunities in the sector and to address reputational damage or growing negative sentiments of the industry;
- Invest in a comprehensive Indigenous tourism workforce strategy to increase the number of Indigenous workers in the sector and boost the skills and cultural knowledge to help Indigenous tourism businesses thrive while firmly establishing Canada as a premiere destination for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.
4. Opening our International Borders and resuming travel
- The elected party should commit to encouraging Canadians to be confident in travel moving forward, by acknowledging the health and hygiene protocols put in place by tourism businesses, and by using a positive narrative to communicate regarding travel and tourism.
Party Platform Commitments
TIAC is heartened to see the inclusion of tourism support commitments in the Liberal, Conservative and NDP platform announcements thus far. Click the links below to