As we continue to lobby for liquidity support and sector-specific funding, MMBC is encouraged that this week’s Speech from the Throne specifically recognizes tourism and travel among Canada’s hardest-hit industries due to COVID-19.
During the September 23, 2020 Throne Speech, the federal government promised some much-needed assistance by extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and other programs to help businesses survive this difficult time. We are also pleased by the government’s continued commitment to improving COVID-19 testing as well as a proactive vaccine strategy, both of which will be key to returning inbound travel to pre-pandemic levels and aid in the return of normal travel activities.
Additional highlights:
- Expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account to help businesses with fixed costs
- Improving the Business Credit Availability Program
- Support for hospitality and cultural industries
- Support for the aviation sector
To recognize the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the livelihoods of people working in tourism and travel—and by extension, the meetings and business events sector—is an important advocacy win for our community.
Congratulations to our colleagues at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), who have worked tirelessly to bring the industry’s advocacy message before Ottawa decision-makers.
Read the September 23, 2020 Throne Speech here.
Read TIAC’s statement here.