Working for You: Top 5 Things to Know About Your National Association This Month

A critical turning point in our FairRules.ca campaign and we need your help. 

Recently, HAC had an important meeting with senior officials in the Department of Finance. During the discussion, we were told that HAC’s pre-budget recommendations to modernize Canada’s approach to short-term rentals in a digital economy and create a more level playing field for hotels, are under consideration, in front of Government and to keep the pressure on. This is a strong indication that our message is being heard loud and clear. HAC also had the opportunity to have a brief chat with The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, at the Economic Club of Canada’s breakfast the morning after the Minister delivered his Fall Economic Statement.

The time to put public pressure on is now and we need to continue the momentum as we approach the 2019 Federal Budget. We are asking you to take meaningful action for our industry – which you can do in just a few simple clicks of a button!
Here is what you can do:

1. Visit fairrules.ca/sendaletter to send a letter to your Member of Parliament and participate in our grassroots campaign.
2. Share this with your network of industry colleagues.
3. Spread the word on social media. Click here to tweet and share it now.

For further information, please contact Alana Baker, Director of Government Relations, at abaker@hotelassociation.ca.

Hotel Industry Leaders from around the World Gather for the first ReformBNB Conference

On November 19, HAC participated in the first international short-term rental conference in New York City. Attended by hotel industry representatives, academics, community organizers and government officials from more than 20 countries and 30 cities, ReformBNB provided an opportunity to discuss best practices and strategies for regulating Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms in response to the rise of commercial operations. With plans to reconvene in the Spring, the international group hopes to continue the momentum and build the foundation of greater collaboration moving forward.

Labour Roundtable Discussion with MP Blake Richards

HAC, along with association members, attended a labour roundtable discussion hosted by Blake Richards, MP and Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet Minister for Tourism. As labour shortages remain a high priority and issue of concern for the hotel sector, this was a meaningful opportunity to provide feedback on the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, highlight where improvements are needed and offer suggested recommendations for a path forward. As part of a broader consultation process, Mr. Richards is also seeking input from stakeholders across the country on building a vision for Canada’s immigration policy and completely revamping Canada’s low skilled TFW program. Provide input via the online survey.

West Coast: Connecting at the Western Canadian Lodging Conference

Alison Evans, Interim President of HAC, was in Vancouver, British Columbia, to attend the Western Canadian Lodging Conference, alongside members of the hotel industry. Alison offered welcoming remarks and focused on the Association’s milestone accomplishments in 2018 and offered an update on Phase 2 of our FairRules campaign. This was an important opportunity for the Association to connect with members and colleagues on the West Coast.

You told us that labour shortages were one of your most significant business impediments. And we heard you.

Together with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and our project partner, Tourism HR Canada, we are delighted to bring you details of the highly-anticipated Employing Newcomers in Canadian Hotels Pilot Project: Destination Employment. This is a brand new program that will mobilize at least 1,300 refugees and new Canadians into available hotel jobs in five key regions across the country. Those employed through the program will have an opportunity to obtain work experience that will help them develop critical skills as well as room to grow, while Canadian hotels can fill current job vacancies. Get Involved >

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