As we look towards the upcoming federal budget, TIAC continues to meet with MPs, Ministers and officials from all parties to share our recommendations and 2021 Tourism Recovery Plan. Over the last month, TIAC has presented to over 100 individual MPs. It is critical that decision makers are aware of the challenges facing our sector, and more importantly, what we need to move toward recovery. 

TIAC’s new President and CEO, Beth Potter, presented to the Standing Committee on Finance on March 17, calling on the government for immediate action in this budget.

In addition to the recommendations on liquidity and improving current support programs to include the hardest hit in the sector, TIAC is asking for:  

• A tax incentive to Canadians for the 2021/2022 tax years to travel locally or within Canada; 
• The development of a Business Events and Recovery funding program; 
• Top up funding for Destination Canada to keep Canadian destinations top of mind, to support Destination Marketing Organizations and to entice the return of high value travellers; 
• The reinstatement of the visitor GST rebate program for international visitors; 
• The re-introduction of the federally funded Marquee Tourism Events Program; 
• Support for the tourism labour market and capacity building projects. 

We are advocating for the use of current science-based data, and effective testing and contact tracing, to commit to criteria on border opening. We are asking for federal guidance on a policy roadmap. 

We have further amplified these efforts through discussions with the media on the state of the Tourism Economy and the commitment and investment needed to help the sector through recovery.  

• The Rick Howe Show with Jordi Morgan - Mar 18, 2021, 02:18 PM (19:45-33:36)
• Standing Committee on Finance: Bill C-14 (Fall Economic Statement implementation).
• “One Year Into the Pandemic: Three Canadian Travel & Tourism Experts Offer Predictions”, Canadian Travel News
• “Industry Needs Action Now: TIAC Calls On Federal Government For Help In 2021 Budget”, Travel Press News
• Global News Mornings With Simi

How can you help? Get involved by sending a letter to your local MP at tourismcounts.ca. Simply enter your address, and send! It takes only a few minutes. Please share with your networks by using our instant share buttons or downloading one of our shareables at tourismcounts.ca.

It’s the powerful collective voice and support of our membership that will strengthen our advocacy initiatives.

TIAC continues dialogue with government to provide feedback from the industry on current support programs and improvements needed. Please take a moment to fill out our 5-minute survey if you plan on, or have, applied for the HASCAP program:

• English Questionnaire
• French Questionnaire

Please get in touch with our Advocacy team if you have any questions about our efforts, or have your own experience to share with us.