ACTA outlines priorities for incoming federal government

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) has outlined its priorities for the incoming federal government.

In a press release Tuesday (May 27), ACTA said it will continue to engage with all Members of Parliament to “establish and deepen relationships and to present the priorities of travel agencies and independent travel advisors – and working to build bipartisan support for the retail travel industry as government sets its legislative agenda.”

“Timing is critical as the retail travel sector continues its recovery and navigates the rapidly changing Canada-US relationship and threat of tariffs on the economy,” the association said.

READ MORE: Is Carney the right choice for the travel industry? Travel pros sound off

ACTA’s priorities for Canada’s new parliament, including:

• Securing ongoing recognition of the retail travel industry’s economic importance in government policy decisions
• Advocating for small-business-friendly policies that support recovery efforts, including mitigating challenges for companies dealing with COVID-era loan repayments
• Pushing for legislative and regulatory enhancements that strengthen traveller confidence
• Promoting policies supporting women entrepreneurs
• Seeking ongoing input opportunities on international travel policies affecting Canadian travellers
• Supporting the retail travel industry as it navigates "an increasingly complex Canada-U.S. relationship," including the impacts of tariffs

Strategies & goals

One of ACTA’s top priorities will be to strengthen its position as a go-to resource for new MPs on travel-related issues and leverage existing relationships with veteran MPs, offering industry expertise to inform policy discussions and legislative decisions.

ACTA said it will also continue to build relationships across party lines to “ensure the retail travel industry’s voice is heard in federal decision-making.”

After a six-month break, Parliament is back in session Tuesday with MPs returning to the House of Commons.

Mark Carney led the Liberals to a minority-government win on April 28 in an election that was disrupted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s steep trade tariffs and threats about annexation.

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