"There is more work to be done": ACTA responds to Budget 2025

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) is welcoming aspects of the federal government’s 2025 budget, but says “there is more work to be done.”

Suzanne Acton-Gervais, president of ACTA, issued a statement Wednesday (Nov. 5), saying that the association welcomes the government’s decision to allocate $115 billion for national infrastructure, including $5 billion dedicated to transportation and trade, and a $55 million commitment to the Airports Capital Assistance Program.

“This funding will enhance safety and operational efficiencies, which will further improve the traveller experience,” Acton-Gervais said in a press release.

But while Budget 2025 outlines important initial investments, “there is more work to be done,” Acton-Gervais said, noting key recommendations from ACTA’s pre-budget submission.

READ MORE: Budget 2025 hints at airport privatization, CAC welcomes investments

This includes 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.

But ACTA applauds the inclusion of streamlined approval processes to accelerate projects like the Toronto–Quebec City High-Speed Rail Network, and $1 billion for Arctic infrastructure that will expand tourism across the North.

The association will also continue to call for modernized distribution infrastructure to connect small and Indigenous tourism suppliers to global booking systems and the Global Distribution System (GDS), Acton-Gervais said.

Additionally, the association will continue to advocate for a review of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) fines to avoid cascading costs that would negatively impact airline economics, reduce regional connectivity, and raise 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,” said Acton-Gervais.

The sunsetting of the Tourism Growth Program and the adjusted funding levels for Parks Canada and Destination Canada, in particular, present a challenge to maintaining the sector’s growth momentum and securing Canada’s position in the highly competitive international destination market, she said.

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

“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.”

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.