GBTA Supports 2021 Budget

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) said that it supports this week’s federal budget that directs over $800 million to increase safety and improve facilitation for all travellers coming to Canada, or travelling within, for business or leisure as part of its plan for a post-pandemic recovery.

The GBTA said that this confirms that the federal government recognizes the critical role that air travel plays in facilitating trade and commerce, not only between countries but between Canadians from coast to coast.

Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President Canada of the GBTA, said that: “Yesterday’s federal budget recognizes that air travel is a critical component of Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and the growth of its economy.”

Tudorache continued: “Nearly one billion dollars is being directed to the CBSA, CATSA and border infrastructure to improve safety during travel, as well as aid facilitation for frequent fliers, largely represented by business travellers.”

While the federal government’s investment in travel safety and facilitation improves the conditions that will make Canada a more attractive place to do business, GBTA encourages the government to continue to examine other measures that will ease entry into Canada post-pandemic.

In addition, the GBTA said that a detailed plan outlining the easing of border restrictions would be welcomed by all travellers: domestic or foreign, and for business or leisure, in the coming weeks.

Said Tudorache: “As pandemic conditions improve, we also expect the government to outline a detailed plan and timeframe that would allow us to safely re-open our borders, to both international and domestic travellers.”

Go to www.gbta.org for more.