Marsha Walden

Support for the hotel industry (taxation, marketing, workforce) Advocating for $10 million in funding annually over four years for the International Convention Attraction Fund to strengthen Canada’s ability to compete for high-value global events. Domestic workforce strategy, better alignment of youth employment programs with the hotel industry, connecting newcomers to hotel career Building a competitive investment climate through targeted fiscal measures to stimulate private sector investment in hotels Ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is responsive to labour market needs Access to CMHC financing for mixed use hotel/housing developments, higher Capital Cost Allowance rate for staff housing Fraudulent Hotel Bookings through temporary resident visa applications Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations.

Fair compensation for travel agencies and travel advisors; sustainability of travel agency business models; impacts of changes to supplier compensation on Canadian small businesses, consumers, and the travel and tourism sector. To discuss the role of travel agencies and travel advisors in Canada's travel ecosystem and advocate for policies that support fair compensation for travel distribution and servicing activities, consumer access to professional travel advice, and the viability of small and medium-sized travel businesses across Canada. Passenger Experience Enhancement: Advocating for improved passenger experience standards across all modes of transportation, including accessibility improvements, enhanced customer service protocols, and streamlined travel processes, and expanded trusted traveller program. Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR): Ongoing advocacy regarding the implementation and enhancement of APPR including compensation standards, refund timelines, airline obligations during delays, and passenger rights enforcement, competition bureau report on Canada's airline industry Workforce Development and Training: National workforce development initiatives to support the growth of the travel and tourism industry through professional development programs, certification standards, and training accessibility Visas and Passport Requirements: Pertaining to the cost of visas to enter various countries and ease of transportation and documentary requirements Small Business Support: Advocating for small-business-friendly policies that support recovery efforts, including assistance with COVID-era loan repayments (CEBA, RRRF) and access to forgivable portions of government loans Recognition of Travel Industry Regulations: Recognition of consumer protection for travellers from the current regulated provinces of B.C., Ontario and Quebec, to non-regulated provinces and territories Interprovincial Insurance Licensing Recognition: Advocating for mutual recognition of travel insurance licensing across provinces and territories to eliminate trade barriers, reduce regulatory duplication, and improve consumer access to licensed travel insurance professionals. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): Promoting a more inclusive and accessible travel industry through initiatives that support equitable opportunities, representation, and participation across all communities. ACTA advocates for policies, programs, and partnerships that advance DEIA, including the development of accessible travel services, inclusive marketing practices, support for underrepresented groups in the travel workforce, and recognition of travel advisors who specialize in accessible and inclusive travel. These efforts aim to ensure that all Canadians—regardless of ability, background, or identity—can both participate in and benefit from travel. Canada-US Trade Relations: Supporting the retail travel industry as it navigates increasingly complex Canada-U.S. relationships, including the impacts of potential tariffs and trade disruptions on the travel sector Artificial Intelligence and Travel Advisory Services: Advocating for policies and practices that ensure the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the travel industry.