The meetings and business events industry has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic, yet we will play a crucial role in rebuilding Canada’s economy. That’s why Meetings Mean Business Canada was encouraged when the Liberal Party reiterated its support for our industry during the election campaign, with a promise to:

• Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program to March 31, 2022;
• Provide the tourism industry with temporary wage and rent subsidy streams for sectors like hotels, tour operators, convention centres and festivals experiencing a minimum of 40% loss. Qualifying businesses in these sectors would be able to access a maximum subsidy rate of up to 75%, commensurate to their revenue loss, in order to help cover fixed costs like wages and rent between September 2021 until May 31, 2022; 
• Implement a transitional support program to help bridge workers from the creative industry who continue to be impacted by the pandemic.

Continued support for businesses in our sector is required until borders are fully open and recovery is in full swing. Pre-pandemic, our industry contributed $19.3 billion directly to Canada’s GDP, and sustained 229,000 direct jobs. Face-to-face business events can help Canada rebuild because they are a proven catalyst for domestic and international collaboration and investment.

Meetings Mean Business Canada is ready to work closely with all newly-elected Members of Parliament on a sector-specific recovery plan that supports our industry.