TORONTO — ACTA has launched a new advocacy campaign, www.helpita.ca, with a platform for independent travel agents to record videos detailing their personal story and why immediate financial support is necessary.

ACTA says the videos will be shared widely on social media and with politicians in a national advocacy campaign.

ACTA President Wendy Paradis says all independent travel agents are strongly encouraged to visit www.helpita.ca and record a video for the campaign.

“ACTA continues to lobby and advocate for independent travel agent financial support, including with senior political and government officials,” says Paradis.

Paradis notes that independent travel agents have been without direct financial support since the end of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) in October 2021.

ACTA submitted its ITARP proposal (Independent Travel Agent Relief Program) to the federal government in December 2021, with no word yet from the government on next steps.

“It is disappointing that financial support has not yet materialized, especially at a time of such dire need,” said Paradis.

She added: “Our continued engagement and lobbying of government continues and ACTA calls for immediate and equitable financial support for independent travel agents.”