Independent travel agents have been without direct financial support since the end of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) in October – despite being among the hardest-hit entrepreneurs on a long road to recovery.

ACTA is launching a new advocacy campaign, www.helpita.ca, which provides a platform for independent travel agents to record a video detailing their personal story and why immediate financial support is necessary.

These videos will be shared widely on social media and with politicians in a national advocacy campaign.

All independent travel agents are strongly encouraged to visit www.helpita.ca and record a video for this campaign

“ACTA continues to lobby and advocate for independent travel agent financial support, including with senior political and government officials,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President.

A detailed proposal, the Independent Travel Agent Relief Program (ITARP), was submitted to the federal government in late December and has since been under consideration.

“It is disappointing that financial support has not yet materialized, especially at a time of such dire need,” said Paradis.

“Our continued engagement and lobbying of government continues and ACTA calls for immediate and equitable financial support for independent travel agents.”