TIANS prides itself as the leading advocate for tourism issues in Nova Scotia. This role is a crucial service for the Nova Scotia tourism industry. Partnerships with alliances and affiliates have allowed us to lead and shape the future of our industry. In the past few years TIANS has been involved in a number of advocacy issues affecting the industry’s competitiveness:
ADVOCACY UPDATE:
TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS ACT UPDATE
From December – January TIANS accepted feedback from Industry on the current standards and any proposed improvements that should be considered. On February 13th the Quality Standards Working Group representing all accommodation sectors met and reviewed the current standards and made suggestions for the new program. A draft document is being developed for industry review. The Quality Standards Working Group will continue to provide TIANS feedback and direction as the program gets finalized.
By enhancing the current quality standards with more of a focus on cleanliness and state of repair this will be an extremely positive improvement in elevating the quality of the accommodation product Nova Scotia offers visitors.
To view the Tourist Accommodation Act repeal announcement from the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage please click here
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
TIANS takes Position on Clear Cutting
In December TIANS issued a joint release with the Ecology Action Centre encouraging hte end to clear cutting in Nova Scotia. To review the letter please click here
Protected Areas Network
TIANS and the Public Lands Coalition are extremely pleased with another recent announcement related to protected areas. On December 7th the Department of Environment & Labour, and the Department of Natural Resources announced a review of the crown lands of Ship Harbour Long Lake area for consideration as part of the Protected Areas Network. This is an important milestone toward completing the Protected Areas Network. To review the work of the Public Lands Coalition please visit www.publiclands.ca
TIANS Pushes for Coastal Strategy
TIANS has written the Department of Environment & Labour, encouraging them to implement the recommendation in the Whites Point Quarry Review related to the development of a Coastal Strategy for Nova Scotia. To review the letter, please click here.
FINANCIAL ADVOCACY
Seasonal Tourism Business Designation
On February 15th TIANS met with The Honourable Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage to discuss key issues affecting the business environment for Nova Scotia’s tourism industry.
An issue that TIANS has been concerned with was the issue of the constrictive terms under which a business may qualify for the Seasonal Tourist Business (STB) tax incentive. Currently operators who wish to take advantage of the incentive are required to close for 120 consecutive days, which prevents them from offering their products and services during holiday weekends or events which could assist them in building their business.
In a letter to Minister Dooks, TIANS has requested a consideration of a move to closure for 120 non-consecutive days which would allow Nova Scotia businesses to enhance their offerings to the public without penalizing them for wishing to open for certain events such as New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day. To view the letter please click here.
Also related to Seasonal Tourism Business Designation:
TIANS responds to Bill 191
TIANS responds to considered changes to the seasonal Tourism business designation. To view TIANS position please click here.
Tourism Investment
On February 12th TIANS wrote a letter to Premier Rodney MacDonald urging investment for a modernized facility to host larger events and conventions. To view the letter please click here.
Federal Budget
On February 26th Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered his budget speech in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The federal government has identified several initiatives in the 2008 Budget which will have a direct impact on Canada’s tourism sector which include:
- $75 million over two years for the Canada Border Services Agency to ensure that it has the necessary resources to effectively manage the flow of people and goods.
- A higher-security electronic passport with a ten-year validity period.
- $14 million over two years for the Canada-US Nexus program for high-frequency, low-risk travelers across the border.
To view all benefits to the tourism industry that were identified by TIAC please click here
TRANSPORATION ADVOCACY
Taxi Deregulation
On February 26th TIANS and NSTHRC presented to the Halifax Regional Municipal Council regarding the proposed amendments to Bylaw T-108 respecting taxicab and limousine regulations. For TIANS’ and NSTHRC’s position please click here.
HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES AND ADVOCACY
Government of Canada Helps Strengthen National Tourism Industry
On February 18th the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development announced funding for the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council. To view the press release please click here.
Responsible Service Program
On February 19th TIANS and NSTHRC presented to the Interdepartmental Committee on Alcohol Service. Because of the increase in over service and violence in particular in HRM, this Committee has been struck to look at new regulations to address these challenges. The Department of Health Promotion and Protection has been asked to lead this Interdepartmental Committee on Alcohol Policy in Licensed Establishments to provide the Government of Nova Scotia with recommendations on the following five issues by early March:
- Advertising discounted drinks
- Discounted alcohol prices
- Hours of operation
- Training bar staff
- Training security staff
The presentation supports our policies and also the Council’s efforts to enhance the education & training components. To view the presentation please click here
Canada Summer Job Program
In early January we received a letter from the Honourable Monte Solberg in response to our input last year regarding the changes made to the Canada Summer Job Program in 2007. We are pleased to inform you that many changes were made and that $97.5 Million will be allocated across the 308 federal constituencies. To view the letter please click here.
Please see our positions on various topics under Advocacy Archives.
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