Bill C‑2 passed in HOC and Senate

Bill C-2 has passed in the House of Commons and the Senate. The bill, which provides further support in response to Covid-19. C-2's passing is being lauded by advocates for some of the hardest-hit industry sectors like travel, tourism, and hospitality.

"Just an incredible day for the hotel industry! We are so relieved to see Bill C-2 Pass the Senate and move towards Royal Assent. What a moment for a sector so deeply devastated to exhale, and in face of growing travel restrictions, this Bill is a lifeline. I have so many people to thank. Our amazing members who rolled up their sleeves, our all-star team, my coalition partners, and my Co-Chair Beth Potter," said Susie Grynol, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada.

Grynol appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance on December 9th to discuss the importance of targeted support for Canada’s hotels, and the need to pass Bill C-2 without delay.

Key takeaways:

• 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 per cent. The types of business that would be eligible are detailed in the proposed legislation and in the backgrounder.
  • 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 per cent.
  • 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.

• Establish the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit which would provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers who are directly impacted by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown in their region up until May 7, 2022. Eligible workers would be able to apply to receive this support retroactively from October 24, 2021.

(Source: Canada.ca)