The countdown is on until Canada’s federal election — the first-ever held during a pandemic. Where do the parties stand on key issues that may affect meetings and events professionals? Here’s a breakdown (as of Sept. 7) of each platform, as it relates to the industry. Canadians can cast their vote Sept. 20. Advancing polling begins Sept. 10. Bloc Québécois The Bloc has called for a study of the impact of bankruptcies on small and medium-sized businesses, and would like…
The Liberal government delivered its long-awaited budget last month, unveiling $101.4 billion in new spending. Supports were specifically promised to aid the recovery of Canada’s hard-hit tourism industry, which includes meetings and business events. It outlines $1 billion over three years for tourism, starting in 2021/2022; a $500-million Tourism Relief Fund to support investments by local tourism businesses in adapting to the pandemic; a $595-million Recovery Hiring Program to make it easier for businesses to hire back laid-off workers or…
Sixty per cent of Canada’s hardest hit businesses will not survive to the end of the year if the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) supports are not renewed beyond their June 5 deadline. This is according to a March survey released by the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, an industry-driven group of more than 100 stakeholders representing a variety of sectors, including tourism, travel, arts and culture, events and festivals, accommodation and hospitality. “Our…
Eligible businesses can now start applying to the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP). Announced Jan. 26, the program provides financial support to businesses across the country, in all sectors, that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. This includes restaurants, businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and those that rely on in-person service. Through HASCAP, the Business Development Bank of Canada will work with participating Canadian financial institutions to offer government guaranteed, low interest loans of up…
