Passing of Bill C-2 Provides Critical Support as Travel and Tourism Sector Faces Omicron

The Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses welcomes the passing of Bill C-2, An Act to provide further support in response to COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism sector has been devastated by border closures, travel bans, and the loss of international and domestic travellers. A survey of Coalition members earlier in the year found that up to 60% did not expect to make it through the winter without extended government support.  This support could not come at a more important time as Coalition members in travel, hospitality and major events face new challenges and setbacks as a result of the Omicron variant.

“Our members and employees need this program to survive as the pandemic challenges continue into next year,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Co-Chair of the Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses. “This is an investment in a sector that will come back with strength if given the opportunity. It will also help keep people in the workforce that would otherwise be laid off – many of them Canada’s most vulnerable including women, young people and new Canadians.”

“We are grateful for the quick passage of this Bill. Our members have lost two years of business and are at a breaking point. Government support to date has been key to our survival and without the added support from Bill C-2, we would have seen the loss of key travel sector infrastructure that is core to the Canadian economy,” said Susie Grynol, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and Co-Chair of the Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses.

The Coalition is thankful for the broad-based support the sector has received by all Members in the House Commons and Senators.

Press Release