The AHLA is pleased to have the opportunity to provide a feedback submission to the Government of Canada on their 2023 Budget. In our feedback, we highlight devastating impacts of COVID-19 had on tourism and how these challenges have compounded the financial difficulties Alberta hotels were already experiencing as a result of reduced activity in the oil & gas sector.
Travel Alberta, in its Forecasted Recovery of Alberta’s Visitor Economy, estimated that in 2020, lost traveler spending associated with the COVID-19 crisis amounted to $4.7 billion and approximately 27,000 jobs lost. While the industry is starting to recover, our 2022 Wage Survey found that 74% of our members reported they needed more staff vs. 38% in 2019.
The AHLA believes the following issues are fundamental to helping Canada’s tourism and hospitality industry contribute to a full economic recovery, and should be included in the upcoming federal budget.
We are grateful for the government’s recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and for the continued assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate the open dialogue with the Government of Canada and look forward to continued collaboration.
The AHLA will continue to advocate for the interests of the accommodation sector on behalf of our members, with a focus on measures that ensure continuous recovery and growth of our industry.
Read the full submission here. If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Chandler at lchander@ahla.ca.