TORONTO — TICO has opened recruitment for its new Industry Advisory Council (IAC).

The idea is that the IAC will provide input on the way travel consumer protection is delivered in the province.

The creation of a travel industry advisory council was one of 9 orders given in 2023 to TICO by Kaleed Rasheed, then Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario. Todd McCarthy has since taken over the portfolio.

A statement from TICO says: “Travel retailers and wholesalers serve a vital role in ensuring TICO’s consumer protection mandate is embraced and delivered to consumers in an effective and efficient manner. The purpose of TICO’s Industry Advisory Council (IAC) is to provide guidance and advice to the Board of Directors and senior management in the execution of TICO’s mandate.”

TICO is in fact launching two new councils – IAC to hear directly from industry, and  a separate Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) that will be dedicated to receiving feedback from consumers.

Membership will only be permitted on one TICO council, in the event there is also interest in applying to the CAC. More information about the CAC and membership requirements will be sent separately.

The previous Consumer and Industry Advisory Committee (CIAC) was dissolved effective Dec. 31, 2023. “Members of the two new councils – the IAC and CAC – are expected to possess a positive orientation towards TICO’s consumer protection mandate,” says TICO.

The new IAC will become active as of April 1.

The goal is to select up to 14 new members for the inaugural council, using a selection process, says TICO.

“Our goal is to select members representing a broad range of registrant business models reflective of different products, delivery channels, consumer groups, etc. from across the province,” adds TICO.

In addition to a “positive orientation to consumer protection”, TICO is also looking for prospective IAC members who …

understand and embrace TICO’s consumer protection mandate;are considered by peers as independent thinkers recognized for consensus building with strong strategic, risk management, communications and teamwork skills;epresent the diversity of Ontario, willing to consider a broad range of perspectives; and have unquestionable integrity, credibility and high ethical standards

The IAC will meet up to four times per year. Meetings will be ideally in-person, and members will have the time to commit to becoming a strong contributor.

Industry professionals interested in representing their travel sector perspective and contributing to the future of TICO’s consumer protection mandate are asked to complete a short online application form and send their resume to IACapplications@tico.ca.

The deadline for applications is Friday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.

A detailed Terms of Reference is available on TICO’s site, which provides further details, context and expectations for future IAC members. TICO also notes that common to similar public sector councils, members should expect a reasonable but thorough review of their candidacy, including an interview and necessary background checks. To further encourage participation, and reflect the expected modest time commitment, a standard per diem will be paid to members attending meetings.

Anyone with questions can email tico@tico.ca.