As we head into a Provincial election, OMCA continues to advocate on behalf of our members and will be connecting directly with all with provincial candidates to raise awareness about our industry. Leading up to June 2, early polls indicate that the Progressive Conservatives are poised for re-election, with Liberals potentially overtaking the NDP to form the official opposition. OMCA did meet with platform teams in advance of the election call and has been working directly with the Liberal team to communicate the impacts of their “buck a ride” promise on private operators and rural communities should they not support private service providers. 

On April 6, 2022, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced a total investment of $68.5 million through the Tourism Relief Fund for Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and 11 RTOs. RTOs across southern Ontario will distribute the funding through non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to southern Ontario tourism businesses and organizations to innovate and invest in new and enhanced tourism experiences. Applications are open now and close of May 15^th. OMCA encourages members to connect with the Regional Tourism Organization apply for funding

Planning for the Ontario Transportation Expo – July 17^th – 20^th, OMCA Golf Tournament – Tuesday August 23^rd and OMCA’s Marketplace – November 13-16^th are in full swing. Please remember to save the dates and register early. Please contact the OMCA team for sponsorship opportunities.

Thank you to all members took advantage of the loyalty discount in membership fees and renewed your 2022 membership with the association. If your organization has not renewed yet, please do so soon. It is your membership support that fuels our advocacy work. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.