January 12, 2021

Happy New Year to you all. I know that this is not the way we envisioned starting off 2022 – with a new variant and new restrictions. Please know that our work continues on your behalf - as strong as ever.

We continue to ask questions and hold federal officials accountable to decisions being made that impact our industry, including the need for PCR testing at the border.

The new Omicron variant has caused much confusion with new restrictions. We continue to press that the tourism industry needs to be part of developing a process to handle variants of concern, and it needs to provide for predictability. The constant modifications without notice of requirements is a considerable issue for the industry, especially when things are not clear and not uniformly applied across Canada. We know this, and we are working to ensure consistency and clear communication to industry.

It is unfortunate that the CDC has made the decision to revise its travel advisory for Canada to Level 4. This only increases the need for consumer confidence to be prioritized. Businesses cannot afford consumer doubt at a time when many are looking to book for the summer months. Our meetings with Parliamentarians always include this message.

We hope that many of you have been able to apply for the support programs available through Bill C-2. We want to hear from you on your experience with this application process. Please reach out to my team with any questions or comments – this helps inform our feedback and advocacy work with our government partners.

Please reach out with any comments or questions on our advocacy work at [email protected].

Sincerely,

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 Advocacy Update

We hope the programs in Bill C-2 provide some relief as we navigate through Omicron and through the winter months. We are still working with officials in the Finance Department on solutions for seasonal and new businesses.

Applications are now open on the CRA website. If you missed this week’s Member Talk, details on the following programs were discussed, and the recording is available through your member login on the TIAC site.

• Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)
–Wage & Fixed Expenses
Effective: October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022

• Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
–Wage & Fixed Expenses
Effective: October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022

• Local Lockdown Program
–Wage & Commercial Rent
Effective: October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022
Temporarily expansion effective: December 21, 2021 to February 12, 2022

• Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Effective: June 6, 2021, to May 7, 2022



The TIAC national cruise committee will hold its first meeting of 2022 this week. The group is working closely with a Transport Canada marine working group ensuring COVID-19 processes will work across the country as we prepare for the 2022 season.

We continue our regular touch base with department officials at Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) where we brief contacts on the major issues the industry is facing and what we need to do to move to recovery. Our focus continues to be on forming a strategy to address the chronic Labour Challenge, and to address consumer confidence in the tourism industry.

TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter met with MP Terry Beech this week, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Mr. Beech was well versed in the needs of the industry, and we very much appreciated the time to explain the changes we need in Bill C-2 to allow for seasonal businesses to take advantage of much needed supports.

We have a number of MP meetings scheduled this week and will provide an update on the outcome of these meetings in next week’s TIAC in Action.
To learn more or provide comments on any of our advocacy initiatives, please reach out to Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected].
TIAC in the Media

President and CEO Beth Potter has been active in the media over the past two weeks given the numerous announcements. Watch Beth’s interviews here:
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.