After many weeks of speculation, the Prime Minister has called a federal election. The formal request came this morning at Rideau Hall when Trudeau asked the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and hold a 36-day election campaign with Election Day set for September 20th. The opposition party leaders had called for the Prime Minister to hold off on an election given the pandemic dynamic and the need for a focus on recovery and the threat of a fourth wave of the pandemic.

Throughout 2021 the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has owned the advocacy push for greater support for the industry. This included major achievements such as enhanced Federal Budget measures, an expanded Tourism Relief Fund, extension of CEWS and CERS, and opening the US/Canada land border to American tourists. In addition to owning the advocacy landscape, TIAC has maintained the media narrative on tourism pandemic concerns for 2021.

As an extension of this approach TIAC will run a proactive Tourism advocacy and media campaign. This will include direct TIAC activity, as well as TIAC’s leadership of the Hardest Hit Coalition fighting for business survival support for the tourism suite of sectors.

What You Can Expect

TIAC is launching the following proactive steps to keep members informed and ready to engage with local candidates:

• TourismVotes.ca microsite as one-stop shopping for information on the election
• Detailed Platform Analysis for impact on tourism
• Social Media Content to support TIAC issues
• Email updates to members on important developments
• Hardest Hit Coalition actions
• Regional meetings with candidates
• Work with election media
• Digital advocacy tool once candidates are named
• Talking points for members when meeting candidates

Politicians never listen more than when they are counting on local votes. TIAC will be busy fighting for our industry, and supporting you to fight for recovery.