The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program rent and wage subsidies are scheduled to decline in half on March 13 and end entirely on May 7.
"The fifth wave of Omicron has devasted Canada's travel and tourism small businesses, nearly eliminating the winter holiday season," said Wendy Paradis, President, ACTA. "While recovery is on the horizon, border restrictions remain and travel agencies and independent travel agents cannot recover until the summer season."
She added: "It is imperative that the rent and wage subsidies continue at 100% levels until at least July, 2022."
To lobby for an extension, ACTA is starting a new campaign from today through Friday, March 11.
Travel agency owners are invited to visit www.savetravel.ca and upload a 1-2 minute video that ACTA will promote on social media and directly with government leaders and politicians.
The videos should explain the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, how the rent and wage subsidies allow for survival until recovery, and a plea that the scheduled decline on March 13 be eliminated and that benefits continue in full until July.
"These videos can be a powerful and emotional advocacy tool," said Paradis.
Following this campaign, ACTA says it will establish a video campaign for independent travel agent financial support.
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