ACTA Responds to Federal Budget, Says “More Work Still to be Done”

ACTA President Suzanne Acton-Gervais welcomed the federal government’s decision to allocate funding to the travel industry, but says there is “more work to be done.”

In a statement, Acton-Gervais said the $5 billion dedicated to transportation and trade, and a $55 million commitment to the Airports Capital Assistance Program will enhance safety and operational efficiencies, which will further improve the traveller experience.

“While Budget 2025 outlines important initial investments, there is more work to be done. ACTA will continue collaborating with the federal government to implement key recommendations from our pre-budget submission, including harmonizing consumer-protection and travel-insurance rules, establishing license recognition nationwide, and creating an expanded Canadian Verified Trusted Traveller program, alongside the current U.S. NEXUS program, to speed up security screening.”

ACTA also welcomes the government’s commitment to streamlining approval processes for major infrastructure projects, including the Toronto–Quebec City High-Speed Rail Network, as well as the $1 billion investment in Arctic infrastructure that will help strengthen and expand tourism opportunities across Northern Canada.

Looking ahead, ACTA will continue to advocate for federal investments in modernized distribution infrastructure to better connect small and Indigenous tourism suppliers with global booking platforms and the Global Distribution System (GDS). The Association will also press for a review of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) to ensure that fines and penalties do not create cascading costs that could impact airline viability, reduce regional air service, or increase prices for travellers.

“While ACTA acknowledges the significant overall investments outlined in Budget 2025, we note a shift in direct support for the tourism sector,” Acton-Gervais said. “The sunsetting of the Tourism Growth Program and the adjusted funding levels for Parks Canada and Destination Canada present a challenge to maintaining the sector’s growth momentum and securing Canada’s position in the highly competitive international destination market.

ACTA remains steadfast in its advocacy—championing travel agencies and travel advisors, strengthening the industry, and ensuring travelers receive the highest level of professional service. We will continue to work with the federal government to deliver results for Canada’s travel agencies and travel advisors who are working on behalf of Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Travel is trade, and travel is a vital economic driver. Now more than ever, it is essential to support an environment where the travel sector can grow and thrive.”