ACTA Applauds Extension of Wage Subsidy, Says More Lobbying Still Needed
by Daniel McCarthy /
The Association of Canadian Travel Agents on Thursday threw its support behind the Liberal government’s extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), something that ACTA has been advocating for since COVID-19 began earlier this year.
At the same time, ACTA cautioned that its advocacy efforts won’t “stop here” and “in fact, we’ve just entered the next step of critical lobbying to ensure that travel agents are part of all types of financial aid support for as long as possible.”
“The extension of CEWS is great news for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially Canada’s hardest hit industries such as Travel Agencies.” said Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA. “We commend the government for working with ACTA and our other sector partners and committing to extend a program so critical to so many Canadians.”
According to ACTA, the Canadian Government will also take further steps this fall, some crucial for the survival of the travel trade, to continue to support the hardest hit businesses including expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account, improving the Business Credit Availability Program, and introducing specific programs for travel and tourism.
“ACTA maintains that there is need for ongoing sector specific support for travel agencies, travel agents and the travel industry,” said Paradis. “Our businesses are resilient and will thrive in time, and I am encouraged the government recognizes the need for bridge support to get us through these difficult times.”