BREW DONKEY CELEBRATES PROPOSED NEW REGULATORY CHANGES THAT SUPPORT LOW RISK TOUR OPERATORS

On the cusp of its second anniversary, Brew Donkey is celebrating a new regulatory proposal that would make it easier for tour companies that offer one-day tours to operate.

Under the proposal, which was released by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services on November 3, companies that offer one-day tours would be exempt from requirements under the TIA.

The proposal comes after months of close cooperation between Brew Donkey, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), and the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. All three organizations, with support from the office of Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi, worked together after TICO notified Brew Donkey of compliance issues under the Travel Industry Act (TIA) earlier this year.

“We’re happy we had this opportunity to work with the Ministry and TICO to find a solution that allows companies like ours to work within the law to promote tourism in Ontario,” said Brad Campeau, Brew Donkey owner and operator.

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is inviting the public to comment on the proposal, which is available on the regulatory registry . The comment period closes on

December 18, 2015

. Brew Donkey has been invited to participate in further consultations, and looks forward to continuing to collaborate on a long-term solution.

Campeau credits community support for creating the right environment to make this proposal possible.

“We couldn’t have done this without the thousands of people who took time to voice their opinions to TICO, the Ministry and their local MPPs,” said Campeau. “We’re extremely grateful to the community for their support.” ** Background ** In May, Brew Donkey made the unusual decision to offer its tours free of charge, after TICO notified them that the company was not compliant with the Travel Industry Act.

Two weeks later, TICO agreed that Brew Donkey could continue to operate until a resolution could be found. In August, Brew Donkey and TICO agreed on changes that would bring the company into compliance. These changes, which are seamless for Brew Donkey customers, have been in place since

October 1

. The new proposed new changes would further simplify things, while still ensuring that the tourism industry operates safely and effectively.