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.ASSOCIATION NEWS
Update from the OMCA President
OMCA
Last week, the Ontario government announced the details of new Ontario Tourism Recovery Program (OTRP). I was pleased to see that our advocacy worked, and motorcoach operators and group travel providers were included as eligible businesses in this program. Since this announcement I have been hearing from members concerned with some of the program criteria. Some of these concerns included:
- The mention of audited financial statements. This is not a requirement for applicants and the program criteria is now clear that if third-party statements are not available, the applicant may submit annual financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) accompanied by a dated and signed chief financial officer, owner, or accountant that certified statement that verifies the accuracy and approval of all information contained therein.
- Where do Tour Operators fit in? OMCA has confirmed that Tour Operators fit under the eligible business category; Scenic/sightseeing tours - Businesses that provide in-province tours and transportation with interpretive guiding for tourists. Includes guided sightseeing motor coaches, tourist railways, scenic helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides, trams, trollies, cable cars and gondola rides.
- How should motorcoach businesses account for the number of visitors? Although not clear, I’m recommending that operators use daily passenger counts for scheduled or chartered inter-city passenger service within Ontario.
The biggest concern that I have heard has been around the $100 million funding envelope and if the money will be enough. I agree that this program will likely be inundated with applications and that $100 million could be spread thin. This grant-based program is available to businesses that have experienced eligible revenue decline of at least 50% in the reported 2020–2021 year (COVID impact year), compared to fiscal year-end 2019 (pre-COVID baseline year). Knowing that many OMCA members and so many businesses in the Tourism sector fit these criteria, the Association and other partner associations have already started to advocacy for additional funding. Applications open October 13th and will be open for one month.
The federal government is expected to announce its new cabinet next week. The association is in the process of issuing welcome letters to all MP’s. This includes a push for them to support and implement an expanded wage and rent subsidy program for hard hit sectors, like ours.
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Marketplace 3D: Limited Tickets Remaining
OMCA
It has been almost 2 years to the day since OMCA members met in-person. OMCA celebrated its 90th birthday at the 2019 Marketplace in Ottawa, and if we knew then what we know now, we would have savoured the experience just a little bit more. Nevertheless, the time has finally come to attend live education sessions, hear the chatter of industry colleagues around you, and clink glasses at a cocktail reception. There is no better place to be on November 3rd than the Delta Marriot Hotel and Conference Centre near Toronto Pearson Airport, where OMCA members will reunite with industry colleagues live and in-person! OMCA is hosting an afternoon packed with compelling discussions and presentations on topics that affect the group travel industry, and will conclude with a cocktail reception hour. The full schedule, including confirmed speakers, can be found online. Extensive safety measures will be in place to continue the fight against the spread of COVID-19. These measure include, but are not limited to: Limited Capacity to allow for physical distancing; Proof of full vaccination will be required (per Ontario law); Masks/face coverings must be worn; Attendees will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. There are limited tickets are remaining for the 3D Marketplace sessions. Register today before it fills up!
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.INDUSTRY NEWS
Government of Ontario providing financial relief to help employers cope with impacts of COVID-19
Miller Thomson LLP
On October 6, 2021, Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, announced a number of proposed changes that, if passed, will help employers across the province of Ontario cope with the economic hardship imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister McNaughton expressed that the intention of these changes is to save employers hundreds of millions of dollars that can be reinvested into the economy. At the same time, Minister McNaughton expressed a desire to avoid reducing the benefits and services to which injured workers are entitled.
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Plan an unforgettable trip to Brantford. Book Tourism Brantford’s complimentary Bus Welcome Program and receive a personalized step-on welcome and a gift bag that includes pre-packaged local treats for everyone on your bus, including the tour escort and driver.
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Saskatchewan is one big, beautiful place. You will find something that most people could use a bit more of – peace and quiet. Wherever you travel in Saskatchewan, nature is never far away. Even at the centre of Saskatchewan’s major cities, Regina and Saskatoon, you are only minutes away from impressive landscapes and wide-open spaces.
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Is your business experiencing labour pains?
Huntsville Doppler
Every aspect of the economy goes through cycles. Interest rates rise and fall, consumer confidence balloons and deflates, capital is tight and capital flows.
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Apply now: Tourism employers offered wage subsidy
HR Reporter
Tourism HR Canada has launched a student work placement program that offers employers a wage subsidy of up to 75 per cent of a qualifying student's wages, to a maximum of $7,500, using federal funding.
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