TORONTO — The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is urging for collaboration across Canada’s tourism industry as well as government party lines following the results of the federal election.

Extending its congratulations to the re-elected Liberal Government and all party candidates, Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC says that the organization is “working diligently” with all elected representative and senior federal officials on behalf of the industry.

“Collaboration is going to be critical to moving us forward,” she said. “It has been our biggest strength over the past 18 months.”

Potter added that TIAC was encouraged to see tourism-specific pledges mentioned in party platforms during the campaign, and advocated for all parties to work with the industry on: targeted support for the hardest hit; delivery of a proof of vaccination certification program; and the implementation of progressive strategies to address such issues as the labour shortage and traveller confidence.

In the first announcement on the campaign trail, the Liberal Party announced that it would do the following:

• Provide Canada’s tourism industry, including hotels, tour operators, convention centers and festivals that experience a minimum 40% revenue loss, with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of their expenses (a maximum subsidy rate of up to 75% would be available between September 2021 until May 31, 2022)
• Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program to March 31, 2022
• Launch the Arts and Culture Recovery Program that will match ticket sales for performing arts, live theatres and other cultural venues to compensate for reduced capacity
• Extend COVID-related insurance coverage for media production stoppages to support 150,000 Canadian jobs
• Implement a transitional support program to help bridge workers from the creative industry who continue to be impacted by the pandemic

“It is vital that this once $105 billion industry be recognized as the important economic driver it is,” said Potter. “We look forward to working on an urgent basis with all Parliamentarians to ensure the survival of the tourism industry.”

Earlier this week, ACTA also expressed its intentions to work with the newly elected government and hold it to its promise to provide further financial aid to hardest-hit tourism businesses.