Kitchener-based bus company feels industry ignored by federal government

Great Canadian Holidays & Coaches has been in operation for 37 years.

But for the past 20 months, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has hardly been in operation at all.

“Since the pandemic hit us, we've basically done no business, up until Labour Day,” said Larry Hundt, owner of the Kitchener-based company.

For the past two or three months, Hundt's company was able to resume minor operation, about 10 to 30 per cent of what it normally does.  Now, with the slower, winter season approaching, he's concerned his company won't survive.

Hundt is calling on the federal government for much needed support.

The federal Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program is meant to aid the tourism sector, which has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, but that program does not include tour bus companies. 

“What they didn't talk about was bus companies,” added Hundt. “Our bus company does a ton of tourism work. Probably 85 per cent of what we do is tourism related. The bus industry is upset and concerned that they were left out of that federal bill.”

Hundt said he hopes the industry will get the attention it needs and become eligible for the funding, once the House reconvenes (supposedly sometime next week).

“Our big concern is getting through another harsh winter with our equipment,” he said. “Not being able to qualify for that federal program, because we're a bus company, was quite hurtful.”

Alternatively, the company is able to apply for provincial grants via the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program.

Hundt said applications are being processed for that, but the funding isn't guaranteed. 

Comparatively, the United States government has provided significant funding to tour bus companies.  

“My American friends, with companies similar to ours, have been getting all kinds of funding,” added Hundt.

Hundt said his company is at about 20 per cent of its typical revenue. 

“What's keeping us going right now, primarily, is University and College athletics,” added Hundt. “Sports teams, the Kitchener Rangers, and contracts like that…but 70 per cent of our buses are parked.”

Hundt also brought attention to transit, and the billions of dollars in funding it receives.

“We're the highway transit system that connects cities,” Hundt added. “We have a vital service that we provide, but we don't get any help.”

As for COVID-19 protocols, the company said mandatory vaccinations have been a game-changer.

“We've had virtually no push-back at all,” said Michelle Tupman, Larry's daughter and the Vice President of Great Canadian Holidays & Coaches.

“It's really given people the comfort to get back on a motor coach. It's given us, and our passengers, confidence to take those steps forward.”