Finance committee  We have done some analysis and found that some hotels can be at a break-even and survive without CERS or CEWS with a revenue loss of 20% or less compared to a normal year. While we do have some data indicating a modest rise in revenue for 2021 over COVID year one, this year hotels will be on average about 45% lower in their top line than in a typical normal year, which means that to survive, most of our hotels, on average, would need CEWS and CERS to be extended to the end of 2021.

Finance committee  Being part of the conversation is always welcome. Hotels are critical infrastructure as part of the overall travel and tourism economy. We all have a role to play. In fact, we play a critical role in the economy. As I said, the border conversation, as you mentioned, is a critical piece of that.

Finance committee  The best solution is just getting people moving and getting our customers back as quickly as possible. Obviously border reopening plays a critical role in that. I would say that the rural and resort hotels should see a decent summer, although some of the provincial travel barriers do remain a risk.

Finance committee  You're absolutely right. Our employees are scared and anxious about their future employment prospects. We employ some of Canada's most vulnerable populations: 60% are women, and we have millennials, immigrants and visible minorities. All of these vulnerable groups have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.

Finance committee  It's very important. It's critical to reopening. Of course, the borders play a role in that, and things such as bans on mass gatherings. We do need a framework that gives some certainty about reopening safely, and as soon as possible. That is indeed critical. Hotels are critical pieces of infrastructure in our communities.

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for the invitation to appear before you today. The people who work at Canada's hotels are just like every other Canadian: We want to get back to normal as soon as possible. However, our industry is unique. We are in the business of bringing people together face to face at conventions and weddings, or just to visit family, and that's simply not possible right away.