OMCA’s Statment on Bill C-2
On November 24th, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, introduced Bill C-2 in Parliament. This bill would:
- Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until
May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10% and
increase the subsidy rate to 50%. The extension would help businesses continue
to hire back workers, increase hours, and create the additional jobs Canada
needs for a robust recovery.
- Deliver targeted support to businesses still
facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support would be available
through three streams:
- Tourism
and Hospitality Recovery Program, which would provide support through
wage and rent subsidies to, for example, hotels, tour operators, travel agencies,
and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%. The types of business that
would be eligible are detailed in the proposed legislation and in the backgrounder
associated with today’s announcement.
- Hardest-Hit
Business Recovery Program, which would provide support through wage
and rent subsidies to other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a
subsidy rate of up to 50%.
- Local
Lockdown Program, which would provide businesses that face temporary
new local lockdowns up to the maximum amount available through the wage and
rent subsidy programs.
“The association is pleased to see the charter bus industry included as an eligible business type in the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program” stated Vince Accardi, President. “At first read, the legislation will provide members with much needed and on going supports either through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program or the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program” continued Accardi.
Although not law yet, the association will continue to work
with the government on the programs cut off criteria, issues
related to seasonality and issues related to new businesses.
Related Links:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2021/11/government-introduces-legislation-to-create-jobs-and-implement-targeted-covid-19-support.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2021/11/types-of-business-eligible-for-the-tourism-and-hospitality-recovery-program.html
Thank you to all members and supporters who sent a letter to their MP asking for motor coach inclusion