TIAC Successes

2021 Successes

• After months of advocating for sector specific support, Bill C-2 passed on December 17th. The new support ensures Canada's Tourism Industry; the "Hardest Hit Sector" will continue to receive wage and rent relief and save thousands of businesses and jobs. LINK
• TIAC welcomed the reintroduction of a Minister of Tourism with the appointment of the Honourable Randy Boissonnault as the new Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. LINK
• Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program : We knew that the wage and rent subsidy programs were slated to sunset at the end of October. So, we continued to push for a tailored solution. A demonstration of our efforts came when, as the first commitment on the campaign trail, Prime Minister Trudeau announced support for the hardest hit sectors, including a transition program that was very much aligned with the survival plan the Coalition had been advocating for. TIAC wrote many letters, made many phone calls, set up many meetings with Members of Parliament, Department officials and Senators, and appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance, as well as countless times in the media fighting for this bill. In December, we saw the greatest acknowledgement of these efforts. Bill C2: An Act to provide further support in response to COVID-19 was passed by both the House of Commons and the Senate. LINK
• The Prime Minister announced a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, noting that Canada was engaging with international partners to obtain recognition abroad, so the tool could be used to facilitate travel around the world. This was a win for the tourism industry as TIAC had been advocating for one pan Canadian proof of vaccination system. We know that since then there is much confusion regarding the Omicron variant and the changing travel rules and restrictions. Our biggest priority through this is clarity for the industry, and ensuring we continue to advocate for one process. As we start to see provinces and territories reacting with their own measures, we need to ensure we are vocalizing the need to not move backwards into a fragmented system. LINK
• The U.S. accepted travelers immunized with vaccines approved by the WHO– including Canadians who have received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Encouraged to see this as TIAC continues to advocate for a national proof of vaccination in Canada, and for travelers with vaccinations approved by the WHO - in addition to those approved by Health Canada - to be welcomed back.LINK
• The lifting of the government's international ban on non-essential travel was very welcome as we continue to build consumer confidence in travel again. TIAC advocated for this through the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses.
• The ban on cruise in Canadian waters was rescinded four months early due to advocacy work. Effective November 1, 2021, cruise ships were permitted in Canadian waters. Canada is working with the cruise ship industry, and other domestic and international partners, to support safe cruise ship travel in spring 2022. This allowed for ability to plan for 2022 season.LINK
• TIAC has been working tirelessly with industry partners requesting targeted support for the tourism industry. The TRF provided $500 Million in support for the tourism sector over a two-year period. The majority of the funding, $485 million, will be delivered by Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) directly to tourism businesses and organizations to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones. Of this $485 million, a minimum of 10% will be invested in Indigenous tourism projects.LINK
• TIAC announced the launch of the #OpentheBorder campaign, calling on the federal government to commit to a plan for reopening the Canada-U.S. border. The campaign focused on getting Canadian decision-makers to acknowledge the urgent need and to commit to a date to open the border, before the summer tourism season was lost. As a part of this campaign, TIAC hosted a number of Parliamentary and Congressional panels to discuss border reopening. The first included Beth Potter, MP Wayne Easter, Congressman Brian Higgins, and political reporter Althia Raj.
• Two press conferences with ALL PTTIAs (13) involved and supporting Tourism Week and the Open the Border campaign
• TIAC formed a national Cruise Committee, comprised of representatives from the five cruise regions: Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Northern Canada. This advisory committee works hand in hand with TIAC to identify cruise-related issues and provide recommendations.
• Relaunch of Tourism Round Table - TIAC as Co Chair. The Roundtable is focused on raising awareness on the barriers to travel and tourism caused by restrictions and testing requirements. We know there are more effective ways to protecting Canadians while also encouraging and facilitating travel.LINK
• Sector-specific acknowledgment for tourism in 2021 Federal Budget. LINK
• Hosted Industry Webinars providing updates on industry support efforts and partner plans. LINK
• Launch of TIAC 'Member Talk' - a monthly session open to membership to ask questions to the TIAC senior team. LINK
• Coordination of Town Hall events in partnership with Destination Canada and provincial and territorial associations. LINK
• Government announced a program change to CEWS to base year-to-date revenue comparison on 2019 revenue. LINK
• Coordinating the 2021 Tourism Week campaign for industry coast to coast to coast. Encouraging Canadians to take the Tourism Week pledge to travel in Canada this year. TIAC and tourism Week was featured on many significant media outlets. Tourism Week kicked off with a press conference held on May 21 at 11am EST. Representatives from every Provincial and Territorial Association were in attendance, as well as Destination Canada. A big focus of this year’s Tourism Week was on showcasing the solidarity of the industry, and celebrating its resilience. 34 individual media registered for the conference, including CBC, National Geographic and the Globe and Mail. A press release was distributed following the conference, followed by press releases each day from May 23 – May 30. TIAC highlighted a different region of the country each day of Tourism Week. LINK
• Coordination and execution of 2021 virtual advocacy days including TIAC Board Members in advance of the 2021 Federal Budget. Coordinated our first-ever, virtual Hill Week, online meetings with over 100 MPs.. LINK
• Launch of the 2021 Tourism Recovery Plan developed by the Tourism Recovery Committee. Comprised of tourism leaders from across Canada, representing all sectors of the visitor economy. It produced 2 reports with recommendations. This group met on a weekly basis to share status updates, ideas, and participate in dialogue on challenges and priorities for policy change and emergency support programs. LINK
• RRRF Funding Dedicated to Tourism outlined in Fall Economic Statement.
• Through TIAC's advocacy, HASCAP rollout was expedited and became available to industry in February 2021. LINK
• Elevating Canadian Experiences National Program delivered more than 100 capacity-building sessions in both culinary tourism development and winter/shoulder season development to over 4000 tourism operators and destination partners in 2020 and early 2021. We also supported the development of nine regional tourism development strategies. We also developed a suite of legacy tools from the program that is available to all Canadian tourism operators and destination partners. LINK
• Deployment of a weekly COVID-19 update outlining media and advocacy updates for the industry. LINK
• The undertaking of no less than six industry surveys including analysis of data and dissemination of information to stakeholders and partners on the state of the industry as well as the federal government on the effectiveness of relief programs. LINK

2020 Successes

• The Tourism Industry Association of Canada named one of WTM Virtual World Travel Leaders, the annual recognition of companies and individuals from around the globe which have had a positive impact on a specific region or sector. LINK
• Commissioned the State of the Industry Report, a monthly snapshot of recent global, regional and domestic tourism health and economic updates, and insights on the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry’s path to recovery. LINK
• Partnership with The Globe and Mail to encourage Canadians to choose a summer holiday exploring Canada. LINK
• Successful execution of the first-ever virtual Tourism Congress with over 3,000 registered attendees. LINK
• Specific mention and recognition of tourism in the November 2020 Fall Economic Statement. LINK
• Hardest Hit mentioned in speech from the throne and fall economic statement through efforts with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. LINK
• BCAP
• Tweaks to CEWs, CERS, other relief programs for tourism.
• Immigration rates
• Coordination of Town Hall events in partnership with Destination Canada and provincial and territorial associations.
• Development and deployment of a weekly COVID-19 update outlining media and advocacy updates for the industry. LINK
• As a result of COVID, DC has redirected $30M through Provincial Marketing Organizations to support DMO marketing campaigns.
• $40M through the RRRF fund is directed to support DMOs.
• TIAC hosted 2020 Tourism Week.
• Introduction of a COVID recovery plan.
• Wage subsidy program (CEWS) to keep labour force employed +CERB program to help those who have lost their jobs weather the storm + Changes to EI program to support laid-off employees - Recent promises in the Throne Speech indicate that this program will be extended through summer 2021.
• Creation of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee, with representation from regions across Canada and from all sectors of the tourism economy.
• Work Share program extended from 38 to 76 weeks – allowing businesses operating at lower capacity to keep employees on the payroll and share resources.
• Waived EI waiting period for those in quarantine.

2019 Successes

	Marketing $5 million to Destination Canada (DC) for domestic marketing Maintaining core funding for DC at $95.5 million The creation of a seventh Economic Strategy Table dedicated to tourism signals that the government is taking the sector seriously as a driver of economic growth in Canada Two extensive funds to support arts and festivals $16 million over two years, to the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support not-for-profit professional performing arts organizations in all regions of the country Major festivals will be supported by $24 million over two years to the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program and the Celebration and Commemoration Program Funding for Global Affairs Canada for Canada's participation in World Expo 2020, to be hosted in Dubai. This will be an opportunity to showcase Canada as a destination for trade, investment, tourism and culture, to a large international audience
	Access CATSA to become an independent agency from the government $78.6 million over two years for IRCC to facilitate the efficient entry of visitors $42.9 million over two years for IRCC call centres to better respond to visitor inquiries Increased oversight of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and $24.42 million over five years to expand the mandate of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP
	People Student Work Placement Programwill expand and receive $631.2M over five years for work-integrated learning for students in fields outside of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industries to support up to 20,000 new work placements Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will receive $150M over four years to increase innovative partnerships and create up to 20,000 additional job placements for student work experiences $710M over 5 years for the Canada Training Benefit to help with the cost of training fees and provide an EI training support to allow workers to take time off to pursue training without risking job security An EI Small Business Premium Rebate will pay employer EI premiums equal to or less than $20,000 per year who qualify for a rebate to offset the upward pressure on EI premiums resulting from the introduction of the new EI Training Support Benefit Supplement Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up payment by up to $947 per year for single seniors who wish to continue some work after retirement Commitments in the 2019 Liberal platform to improve seasonal worker EI programs, especially in tourism-based communities Commitments in the 2019 Conservative platform to support the establishment clear standards and timelines for Labour Market Impact Assessment processes and revise the zoning regions to make sure rural areas and tourism hotspots are not lumped into large geographic areas with urban hubs
	Product $58.2 million over two years for regional development agencies to develop new tourism experiences through the Canadian Experiences Fund Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will receive up to $31 million over the next five years to increase the number of detector dogs deployed across the country Investments of $19 million over five years to Parks Canada to update park infrastructure & develop of a new national park in the Northwest Territories Tourism & culture, as well as regional and local airports will be listed as categories that are eligible for ‘Municipal top-up funds' to improve and support infrastructure in local communities The extension of funding for the Canada Ferry Services contribution program to 2022 and procurement of 2 new ferries operating between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island and Quebec An investment of $1.7B over 13 years for Universal Broadband Access which will help rural, remote and indigenous tourism businesses develop market readiness Expanding the rental housing finance initiative - additional $10 billion over nine years in financing through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative, extending the program until 2027–28. This will support 42,500 new units across Canada, particularly in areas of low rental supply for tourism employees Commitment in the 2019 Liberal platform to create a Tourism Community Infrastructure Fund to invest $100million in the local needs of communities that rely on tourism Commitments in the NDP platform to support tourism development in rural communities through regional economic development agencies

2018 Successes

	Marketing $11 million over 3 years in funding for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada-China Year of Tourism and China readiness activities
	Access $236.4 million in funding for CATSA including funds to add new lanes for U.S. Pre-clearance of passengers at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport Investment of $85.5 million in the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) to continue existing operations in support of the Agency’s mandate $11 million in funding proposed for Transport Canada for the renewal of the Remote Passenger Rail Program $8 million over 3 years in funding proposed for Transport Canada to support the continued in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high frequency rail proposal for the Toronto-Quebec City corridor Promoted and achieved the expansion of the number of Visa Application Centres (VACs) to 135 worldwide
	People Measures for seasonal industries through programs such as “Working While on Claim” $230 million over 3 years to co-develop local solutions to labour issues that can be tested to support workforce development
	Product Several measures for Parks and Canadian tourism, with investments totaling $200 million including: Free admission for children $23.9 million over five years to Parks Canada to integrate Indigenous views, history and heritage into the national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites managed by that agency

2017 Successes

	Marketing Secured $95.5 million in permanent funding for Destination Canada 8.6 million over four years to support the development of Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry $13.6 million over five years, to Statistics Canada to broaden tourism data collection
	Access Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to ensure that the Express Entry system is responsive to the needs of the Canadian labour market Announcements for 7 new visa application centers (VACs) in China Mexican visa requirements lifted completely, and Brazilian, Romanian and Bulgarian visas lifted for eligible travellers
	People An exemption from the 10% cap on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) has been extended to the firms in seasonal industry An additional $7.8 million over two years to implement a new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program An additional $395.5 million over three years for the Youth Employment Strategy
	Product $364 million over two years for Parks Canada to continue its management of Canada’s national parks, marine conservation areas, and national heritage sites $30 million to complete the Trans Canada Trail

2016 Successes

	Marketing $10 million for the promotion and hosting in Toronto of the 2017 Invictus Games for ill and injured veterans
	Access $3.3 million to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail’s high-frequency rail proposal $34 million to VIA Rail for improvements at stations and maintenance centres $51.9 million to support the continued operation of ferry services in Atlantic Canada $22 million to Marine Atlantic Inc. to install a new mooring system for its ferries operating between Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, and North Sydney, Nova Scotia
	People Successful Trade Mission to China in October 2016 through government funding to offset costs for SMEs
	Product $40 million over two years to renew the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program delivered by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency $42.4 million to continue work on developing new national parks and national marine conservation areas, including the Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area, Nunavut and Thaidene Nene National Park, Northwest Territories $83.3 million, to provide free admission for all visitors to national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites operated by Parks Canada in 2017, and to provide free admission for all children under 18 years of age, beginning in 2018 $16.6 million over five years to expand the Learn to Camp program, develop new programming to tell Canada’s stories, and encourage Indigenous story-telling and eco-tourism opportunities $85.9 million to expand/improve part of the Trans-Canada Highway through Yoho National Park in British Columbia $21.6 million to pave highways through Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories $65.9 million for a new biking and walking trail in Jasper National Park in Alberta $17.7 million to build a new biking and walking trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia $25.3 million from the Small Communities Fund to support five recreational and sport facility projects in Nunavut, including a cultural centre in Cape Dorset, repairs for the Cambridge Bay Arena and the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre