MEDIA ADVISORY: Big banks or hospitality workers, who benefits under proposed federal program for hard-hit sectors? UNITE HERE Canada presents new analysis and report.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 12:30PM ET/10:30AM MT/9:30AM PT
Click here to register in advance 

WHAT:  UNITE HERE Canada, the hospitality workers union, will host an on-the-record media briefing on UNITE HERE Canada’s new report, Demystifying Canadian Hospitality Bailouts: Who Benefits, Big Banks or Working People?  The report shows how the federal government’s new funding program for hard-hit sectors, the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), may ultimately benefit profitable bank lenders, not thousands of laid off hotel workers.  HASCAP was announced in the government’s recent fiscal update.

A question and answer period will follow the briefing; the report will be made available upon request.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 9 at 12:30PM ET / 10:30AM MT / 9:30AM PT  

WHERE:  Online – Register for access information here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z80Sjy1PTLKBT06Z0AQpbg

WHO:  Ian Robb, UNITE HERE Canadian Director; Melissa Sobers, Research Analyst and report author; and UNITE HERE hospitality members

WHY:  Debt-laden hotel owners have passed up tens of billions of dollars in available money to retain workers through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program yet could soon access low interest loans fully guaranteed by the federal government under HASCAP.  The new report by UNITE HERE Canada identifies Canada’s Big 6 banks and other lenders – not hospitality workers or mom-and-pop hoteliers – as the ultimate beneficiaries of federal government relief.

CONTACT: Stephanie Fung, [email protected], (604) 928-7356; or Michelle Travis, [email protected], (778) 960-9785

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