Tourism Counts – February 9, 2022  
 
TIAC continues our work on getting Canada’s tourism industry back to business. We need to dispel the myth that travel is not safe right now, and reaffirm that the safety of Canadians, and all travellers, is paramount to our industry. We look forward to our annual Hill Days next week so that we can deliver this messaging directly to Parliamentarians. More information on these meetings can be found in the next section of this email. 
 
I will be appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance this Thursday, February 10 at 3:30 pm ET, discussing our pre-budget submission recommendations, including amendments to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) and debt relief for loans taken out through the RRRF and CEBA programs. The final document will be available to members later this week. 
 
We had a very productive meeting last week strategizing on how to combat the major labour challenge. We will be circling back with each of you for your support on this important advocacy work. We need to work on the reputational damage that has happened to our industry during the pandemic.  
 
I was thrilled to have Minister Boissonnault join our Member Talk yesterday, February 8. We discussed plans for the industry moving forward, including how we can communicate to the world that Canada is part of the seamless travel experience and is welcoming visitors. Watch the recording here.
 
We also continue our important work with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses and the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable. We have been working on updating our strategies and you will hear from us in the coming days on our new initiatives.
 
Please reach out with any comments or questions on our advocacy work at beth@tiac-aitc.ca.


Sincerely,  
 
Beth Potter 
President and 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.
TIAC Advocacy Update  
TIAC Hill Days – February 15 to 17, 2022 
  
Government relations is an important part of any industry association’s work. TIAC works hard at educating both parliamentarians from all parties and departmental officials at all levels of government, on the economic impact and cultural significance of Canada’s tourism industry, and maintaining positive relationships.  
 
The purpose of TIAC’s Hill Event is to raise awareness of the issues faced by the tourism industry, and champion policies the Government can introduce to help rebuild the travel economy. These conversations allow members and stakeholders to get involved directly, while mobilizing grassroots efforts of members across the country. 
 
Our meetings will be focused on educating the officials on tourism as an economic driver, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry as a whole, and what the industry needs for recovery. TIAC has identified a number of priorities, regrouping them under three broad headings:  

  • Financial Supports 
  • Labour Shortage in Tourism and; 
  • Branding and Barriers
  
Our voice is stronger together. 
 
More information on how you can support this initiative will be available this week at tourismcounts.ca
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, at msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca.  
Update from Canada Revenue Agency
We would like to ensure you are aware of the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) latest communications on the temporary expansion to the eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program. These temporary changes are applicable for claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022). 

The application portal for period 24 is now open. Applications can be made through the CRA’s My Business Account, or through Represent a Client for business representatives. 
  
As a reminder, you must meet the following two conditions for claim periods 24 and 25: 

  • you were subject to a qualifying public health restriction or qualifying partial (capacity-limiting) public health restriction; and 
  • you have a claim period revenue drop of at least 25%. 
 
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is committed to providing accurate and timely information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and updates impacting both our members and travelers.  
 
Please visit our COVID-19 page for more information on travel policies and available support programs.