June 2, 2021

 

As we learn of re-opening plans across Canada, many members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) have shared their optimism of seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel.  While it is nice to hear positive feedback, rest assured we remain in the trenches working on recovery and advocating for solutions to help your business, the greatest being the re-opening of borders.

 

That is why we are at the table of The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable, united with other like-minded organizations elevating the priority to re-open travel and ask the government to announce an implementation plan based on the recommendations of their Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel. The Government of Canada needs to listen to their panel of experts and make changes to current policies based on science and evidence.

 

As co-chair of the Roundtable, along with my counterpart from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, I can assure you, your concerns and priorities are well represented.

 

On another positive note, Sunday wrapped up a very successful Tourism Week in Canada and we were pleased to share stories about members and regions from coast to coast to coast and saw tremendous participation across this country with a wave of glowing green. Thanks to everyone who embraced the national campaign to elevate the importance of tourism as a significant economic generator, job creator and overall contributor to the well-being of the country.

 

As your National Voice for the Tourism Industry, TIAC will continue to champion your needs. We appreciate your continued support and engagement in our efforts.

 

Our success begins with you.

 

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:

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

Tourism Week officially ended this past Sunday, May 30, and the industry certainly showed up! We saw engagement and support from across the country. Many taking the 2021 Tourism Pledge, that is, when restrictions are lifted, to travel in Canada first, businesses lighting up in Tourism Week ‘glowing green’, and support across party lines in the House of Commons.

 

Our kickoff event featured a video from Minister of Economic Development, Melanie Joly. We heard from multiple MPs through statements in the House of Commons throughout Tourism Week, and through sharing the message of the importance of tourism in Canada via social media.

 

Thank you for your support and efforts to showcase the economic importance of the tourism economy in Canada, and the unique needs for continued support through to recovery.

 

Our advocacy work moves ahead, and we will continue to promote the pledge and the importance of domestic tourism as our industry recovers. Please take the pledge and share with your networks. Visit tourismcounts.ca to learn more.

TIAC’s President and CEO met with the Prime Minister’s Office last week, discussing the status of border reopening, and how the industry can support. TIAC also met with the Minister of Health’s team this week to discuss progress on proof of vaccination requirements for Canada, and the path forward. While no official position has been released, we continue to advocate proof of vaccination to be required for international travel only, and a ‘one Canada’ system for international travellers.

 

TIAC Chaired a meeting with the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable this week, a cross Canadian coalition of leaders in the tourism and travel sector committed to working together to restart the industry safely, to discuss the path forward in urging the federal government to release a plan for border reopening. An official release was sent out June 1.

 

TIAC is proud to be a part of the Faster Together taskforce campaign which launched last week. Faster Together is a national volunteer-based initiative designed to encourage up take of COVID-19 vaccinations and help speed a recovery from the pandemic. Please see campaign’s official launch release here.

 

TIAC is holding its first National Cruise Committee Meeting today, June 2. Please reach out to Madison Simmons, TIAC’s Director of Government Affairs at msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca if you would like to learn more about the group’s initiatives

CDIC Trustee Stakeholder Update

 

As of April 30, 2022, several changes to the CDIC Act will take effect that will impact how CDIC provides deposit insurance protection for deposits held in trust. CDIC has made some important additions to its website to include additional information targeted to Trustees.

 

These additions provide critical information on the upcoming changes to the rules governing deposit insurance protection for deposits that trustees hold in their professional capacity (i.e., as professional trustees) or in any other capacity as a trustee. A key element of the new information is a Decision Tree Tool designed to assists trustees in determining whether they qualify as a Professional Trustee under the CDIC legislation. These changes look to raise awareness amongst trustees and ensure they are prepared to meet the new requirements as of April 30, 2022.

 

We will continue to share information as available.

Tourism Town Halls allow tourism operators to provide first-hand input on issues affecting their business and the tourism industry in this time of COVID and provide feedback on government policy for the recovery and rebuilding of our sector. They also provide a front-line forum exposure for governments, TIAC, Destination Canada and event sponsors to collaborate with small and medium-sized tourism business operators.

 

 

 

Register to attend a Tourism Town Hall by clicking here.

 

Our members are our priority. Please reach out with any comments or questions on advocacy initiatives to beth@tiac-aitc.ca.

Mark your calendar for our next Member TALK taking place Tuesday, June 8th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm EDT.

 

This month we have special guest Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions who will be talking about the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge.

 

Member TALKs take place on the second Tuesday of every month.