Discussing Advocacy with Heather Craig-Peddie, VP Advocacy and Member Relations, ACTA

As ACTA continues to make progress under the four pillars of the association (Advocacy | Educate | Elevate | Connect and Promote), ACTA's VP of Advocacy and Member Relations, Heather Craig-Peddie, took a moment to reflect on her role and how it drives the advocacy efforts of the association 

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT ACTA as the VP of ADVOCACY and MEMBER RELATIONS AND HOW IT IMPACTS ACTA’S PROGRESS ON ADVOCACY ISSUES?

Members belong to a trade association for many reasons. For some members, it is the tangible benefits that an association offers. For most however, the number one reason for belonging to a trade association is for the Advocacy, the first of ACTA’s four pillars - the foundation of the organization. ACTA is recognized by governments (federal and provincial) and supplier partners as the voice of the retail travel community in Canada. Whether the member is a large TMC or a small independent, having this unified voice provides the greatest impact of industry representation. Considering the importance of this pillar and my prior position as Vice President, it was a natural transition for me to focus primarily on Advocacy and Member Relations. ACTA now has a dedicated team member to lead these critical industry issues, seeing that concerns are addressed and progress is made. 

WHAT ARE THE KEY ADVOCACY ISSUES OR INITIATIVES THAT COME TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT ACTA’S ACTIVITIES NATIONALLY?

ACTA’s latest 2017 Q3 report on Advocacy highlights some of the major initiatives that we are involved in both national (federal) and provincial. At a federal level, ACTA had an invitation to a private luncheon with Marc Garneau, the Minister of Transport and MP Omar Alghabra, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs). The purpose of the meeting was to hear ACTA’s input on the upcoming Bill C-49 concerning the passenger bill of rights, slated as Phase 3 of the Regulatory Modernization Initiative (RMI). Other talking points included much of what was cited in ACTA’s 2014 submission to the Canadian Transportation Act Review: the need for a competitive but healthy travel industry in Canada, the reduction of taxes and airport fees to stop the drain of travelers from Canadian airports to USA border airports, and transparency in pricing. Typically, governments want to hear from one representative body. This is why an opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with the Minister of Transport is so important to our retail travel agency members.

ACTA is also closely involved with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Specifically, ACTA appoints retail members to sit on joint committees with equal representation between travel agency retailers and airlines. These members are senior representatives from leisure and corporate agencies across the country. IATA looks to ACTA to fill these positions, and again, this an opportunity that would not be made available to an individual agency. It is critical that ACTA and our members are involved in these committees so that the retail interest is at the forefront before rules, resolutions or regulations are imposed.

Insurance is both a national and provincial initiative that remains “on the stove”.  As a national initiative, the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) released their Position Paper on May 31, 2017, which ACTA (as an industry stakeholder), provided feedback. From ACTA’s perspective, the recommendations made by the CCIR do not immediately affect the retail travel community as they are directed to the Insurers to implement. However, as the Insurers begin to make these changes, travel agencies will hear from their respective Insurers to advise of any changes in their policies or processes. Training and education within the distribution channel of an Insurer is ultimately where retail travel agencies may see some changes and where ACTA will play a role. ACTA will continue to work closely with CCIR and our Travel Health Insurance Partners to keep members updated on the status of these industry recommendations.

Insurance as a provincial initiative is on the front burner, particularly in Alberta. We see three current issues in Alberta:

  • The ability of travel agents in Alberta to sell travel insurance to their customers based in other provinces and, linked to that, the harmonization of provincial regulations across Canada;
  • The provision of the Insurance Act that prescribes that only “employees” of licensed agencies are entitled to sell travel insurance in Alberta; and
  • The absence of representation for the travel industry and other restricted licence holders on the Councils.

ACTA and members of the Alberta Regional Council Insurance Sub-Committee has had several meetings with the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) to move our agenda. The CEO of the AIC does recognize the change in the industry landscape and the need for the sale of travel insurance to accommodate these changes… an encouraging acknowledgment. Understanding that change with government and regulatory bodies such as the AIC does not happen overnight, ACTA is in for the long haul. We will continue to be present and persevere in the pursuit of a level playing field for all travel agents in Alberta. 

Although the Review of the Travel Industry Act in Ontario is a provincial matter, it does have a national reach. Phase 1 of this Review started in the summer of 2016 and by July 31, 2017, Phase 3 wrapped up. The legislative and regulatory changes are still to come. This is another example of “being in it for the long haul”, and why the industry needs ACTA. You have an advocate on your side, 365 days a year, pushing the issues of your behalf so you can continue to run your business!