This week, Canada entered phase 1 of easing border measures for travellers entering Canada. Although the border re-opening is much slower than we have been advocating for, it does provide reason for some optimism. This phase will provide Canada’s border services with the opportunity to test systems and build back their capacity to process visitors as they prepare for the next stage. This first phase focuses on fully vaccinated travellers who were previously eligible to enter Canada under the travel restrictions. As long as travelers follow all the protocols and steps outlined, fully vaccinated eligible travellers (like returning Canadians) will no longer be required to quarantine or complete a day-8 test.

This week, I was joined by members Gemma Bellekom from Robin Hood Tours / Maxey Travel / Badder Bus for a meeting with MP Karen Vecchio and by Hayden Nagel from Nagel Tours for a meeting with MP James Cummings. Both MPs committed to help us push the Federal government for continued business supports such as a tailored wage and fixed cost support program to replace CEWS and CERS. This program must focus on the hardest hit businesses who continue to experience significant revenue loss.

On Tuesday, the association joined the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses summer campaign launch. This campaign is designed to apply pressure over the summer months while Members of Parliament are in their ridings. I’m calling on all members to participate in this local grassroots effort by connecting with their MPs, helping build awareness of our industry’s struggles, and to build political pressure. We need all MPs to understand that our recovery will take longer due to continued border closures, lingering public health restrictions and lack of group business persists. We need government support to bridge our businesses through this challenging period.

Thank you for your ongoing support, stay safe.
Vince Accardi