Tourism Industry Association of Ontario | Advocacy in Action

Advocacy in Action - March 4th

04 Mar 2024 by Andrew Siegwart

TIAO has been actively responding to the recently announced international student permit cap, which aims to enhance the student experience and address housing concerns by reducing undergraduate study permits by 35% nationwide. Ontario, hosting 70% of Canada's international students, is expected to be disproportionately affected, particularly impacting its renowned post-secondary programs in tourism and hospitality, and their students who work in tourism while studying in Ontario. A TIAO member survey highlighted concerns such as increased recruitment costs, reduced service levels for customers, and revenue losses for operators.

TIAO has advocated for emergency funding, immigration reforms, increased promotion of high-school level hospitality programs, and funding for private-sector workforce housing development. TIAO's efforts thus far have resulted in substantial media coverage, including this CBC Radio interview.

The Ontario Government's subsequent announcement of $1.3 billion in funding is viewed as a positive first step by TIAO; however, we continue to press for further measures to support schools, students, and industry.

Andrew Siegwart

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

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`Advocacy in Action - March 4th`

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