![]() Smart adds that as part of the review, stakeholders have been engaged to provide their input, including trade associations, registrants and Ontario consumers. The goal of the future funding framework is an innovative funding model that meets the needs of consumer protection today and the future.” “We have said that all funding options were on the table and would be explored and considered for a future funding model. Since the start of the review, we have been committed to this being a transparent process,” Smart said. “TICO is actively conducting a comprehensive review of its funding framework, including the Compensation Fund. TICO responded to the ACTA/CATO statement with comments from CEO Richard Smart. The Travel Industry Council of Ontario celebrated 25 years at its virtual AGM led by CEO Richard Smart. An exemption for corporate travel agency clients from Fund contributions. Initiatives to "fix" the Compensation Fund or eliminate it. A full review of TICO programs and expenses. In Québec, the consumer pays for that protection approximately $3.50 per $1,000 in travel expense. ![]() ![]() A legislated Consumer “insurance” contribution system similar to the one in Québec for an adequate Compensation Fund and real protection. Travel businesses in Ontario are struggling with a post-pandemic debt load that is significant.”īoth ACTA and CATO are demanding the creation of a new funding model that will provide “a fairer playing field and real protection to the consumer.” Since the pandemic, the travel industry is still struggling to recover from the decimating effects of the COVID-19 health and financial crisis. We do not appreciate being kept in the dark, we do not appreciate being told that our asks will once again be ignored without any reason or explanation,” said Hébert.ĪCTA’s Paradis adds: “We are extremely frustrated with the process. “This is the biggest fee review in TICO’s history and yet when we met with TICO’s consultants, we have been provided with very partial information and no financial impact analysis on the industry. “We will mobilize to make sure TICO and the Ontario government will consider our recommendations and stop placing this unfair and uncompetitive burden on travel businesses.” Hébert says that ACTA and CATO will not stay silent until they are informed of the final decision. However, we are very concerned that nowhere does it appear to mention moving to a consumer “insurance” contribution model, that we have long been advocating.” “We hope the current audit conducted by the office of the Ontario Auditor General – dubbed the ‘Value for Money audit’ - will provide positive results and responses to our concerns. “While both organizations applaud the review of TICO, a full review of all TICO programs and administrative costs is needed,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President. The two industry association have joined forces to speak out about shared concerns about the provincial regulator and in particular their opposition to maintaining the current registrant fee system to fund the Ontario Consumer Compensation Fund. "Travel registrants will once again be called upon to pay the rising and staggering costs of an inadequate and costly systems that doesn't offer very much to consumers, (despite) TICO's core mandate being consumer protection," said Hebert, in a joint statement with ACTA.
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