Latest news with #CanadianSnowbirdAssociation
Toronto Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Amid plummeting travel to U.S., new bill would let Canadian snowbirds stay south of the border for longer
A new bipartisan bill introduced in U.S. Congress proposes extending the time that snowbirds can stay south of the border, amid blowback to a new registration regime for Canadians and dropping tourism dollars. 'Many of our members would like to see this legislation passed because it would give them greater flexibility in their travel plans,' said Evan Rachkovsky, director of research and communications for the Canadian Snowbird Association, which has been lobbying for the legislation.
The Province
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
New U.S. bill would benefit Canadian snowbirds, allowing them to stay there longer
'This policy is a step in right direction as it recognizes the pivotal impact Canadian snowbirds have on the U.S. sunbelt,' says the Canadian Snowbird Association A Canadian flag flies next to the American one at the Lewiston-Queenston border crossing bridge in Niagara Falls, Ont., on Feb. 4, 2025. Photo byAmid heightened tensions and stricter travel policies between the U.S. and Canada, a new bill would extend the amount of time Canadians can spend in the United States. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, which was introduced on April 29, would allow Canadian citizens who own or lease a residence in the U.S. to stay for 240 days annually. That is nearly two months longer than the current policy, which permits Canadians to be in the U.S. for 182 days a year. 'The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) has been working closely with members of the United States Congress in an effort to have the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act enacted into law. We are pleased to see it re-introduced in the current session of Congress,' the association said in an emailed statement to National Post on Thursday. 'Canada is the largest international tourism market in the United States, with annual spending in excess of US$20 billion. This policy is a step in right direction as it recognizes the pivotal impact Canadian snowbirds have on the U.S. sunbelt. If this bill becomes law, it will allow Canadian snowbirds, who frequent the United States, greater flexibility in their travel plans.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. CSA is a nonprofit organization with 100,000 members that advocates on behalf of Canadian travellers and works to improve their rights and privileges. Majority of Canadians feel unwelcome and unsafe travelling to United States: new poll Congressman Ken Calvert, who represents part of the Coachella Valley in California, cosponsored the act. He said it will 'provide an important boost to the economic engine of the Coachella Valley, which is fuelled by visitors from Canada and all over the world,' in a news release on May 1. He said it would ultimately lead to more jobs being created and would expand economic growth in the region. 'Canadians own an estimated seven per cent of all homes in the Coachella Valley. Even more lease a residence during the winter. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act would allow them to spend more time here and make an even bigger contribution to our local economy,' he said on a post on X on Wednesday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In April, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a campaign to attract Canadian travellers. Last year, 1.8 million Canadians visited the state and spent US$3.72 billion. The governor wanted to make it clear that 'California is a grateful partner.' Another state where Canadians spend much of their time, especially in winter months, is Florida. Congresswoman Laurel Lee is a Florida representative who also cosponsored the bill. 'Canadian residents contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies — especially here in Florida,' she said in a statement to Desert Sun. 'By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here, we're supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbours, and helping local communities thrive.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis boasted that 3.3 million Canadians visited the state in 2024. However, reports from local news outlets in Florida revealed that its communities could feel the effect of Canadians leaving after it was announced in February that all foreign nationals would have to register to stay longer than 30 days. 'It's not only having a negative impact on the tourism market, but business as a whole,' Cole Peacock, the owner of Seed and Bean market in Fort Myers, told Gulf Coast News. One Canadian with a home in the Fort Myers area told the publication she'd be leaving on April 2. The registration policy came into effect on April 11. Another family told Gulf Coast News they would not return to the area next year. New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said in a news release that Canada provides 'more visits to the United States than any other country,' adding that Canadians 'are critically important to North Country tourism and industry.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. According to tourism organization New York City Tourism + Conventions, roughly one million Canadians visited New York last year. 'Providing Canadians who own homes and property in the United States with extra time to visit and boost our economy will help revive Canadian tourism to the United States,' she said. Per the news release, the bill still has safeguards in place. It prohibits Canadian snowbirds from working for U.S. employers or accessing public assistance programs, and clarifies that they will retain their nonresident tax status. 'This bipartisan bill reflects a shared commitment to supporting local economies, rebuilding cross-border tourism, and strengthening the U.S.-Canada relationship through smart, targeted immigration policy,' the news release said. Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. 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Vancouver Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
New U.S. bill would benefit Canadian snowbirds, allowing them to stay there longer
Amid heightened tensions and stricter travel policies between the U.S. and Canada, a new bill would extend the amount of time Canadians can spend in the United States. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act , which was introduced on April 29, would allow Canadian citizens who own or lease a residence in the U.S. to stay for 240 days annually. That is nearly two months longer than the current policy, which permits Canadians to be in the U.S. for 182 days a year. 'The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) has been working closely with members of the United States Congress in an effort to have the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act enacted into law. We are pleased to see it re-introduced in the current session of Congress,' the association said in an emailed statement to National Post on Thursday. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Canada is the largest international tourism market in the United States, with annual spending in excess of US$20 billion. This policy is a step in right direction as it recognizes the pivotal impact Canadian snowbirds have on the U.S. sunbelt. If this bill becomes law, it will allow Canadian snowbirds, who frequent the United States, greater flexibility in their travel plans.' CSA is a nonprofit organization with 100,000 members that advocates on behalf of Canadian travellers and works to improve their rights and privileges. Congressman Ken Calvert, who represents part of the Coachella Valley in California, cosponsored the act. He said it will 'provide an important boost to the economic engine of the Coachella Valley, which is fuelled by visitors from Canada and all over the world,' in a news release on May 1. He said it would ultimately lead to more jobs being created and would expand economic growth in the region. 'Canadians own an estimated seven per cent of all homes in the Coachella Valley. Even more lease a residence during the winter. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act would allow them to spend more time here and make an even bigger contribution to our local economy,' he said on a post on X on Wednesday. In April, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a campaign to attract Canadian travellers. Last year, 1.8 million Canadians visited the state and spent US$3.72 billion. The governor wanted to make it clear that 'California is a grateful partner.' Another state where Canadians spend much of their time, especially in winter months, is Florida. Congresswoman Laurel Lee is a Florida representative who also cosponsored the bill. 'Canadian residents contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies — especially here in Florida,' she said in a statement to Desert Sun . 'By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here, we're supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbours, and helping local communities thrive.' In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis boasted that 3.3 million Canadians visited the state in 2024 . However, reports from local news outlets in Florida revealed that its communities could feel the effect of Canadians leaving after it was announced in February that all foreign nationals would have to register to stay longer than 30 days. 'It's not only having a negative impact on the tourism market, but business as a whole,' Cole Peacock, the owner of Seed and Bean market in Fort Myers, told Gulf Coast News . One Canadian with a home in the Fort Myers area told the publication she'd be leaving on April 2. The registration policy came into effect on April 11. Another family told Gulf Coast News they would not return to the area next year. New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said in a news release that Canada provides 'more visits to the United States than any other country,' adding that Canadians 'are critically important to North Country tourism and industry.' According to tourism organization New York City Tourism + Conventions, roughly one million Canadians visited New York last year. 'Providing Canadians who own homes and property in the United States with extra time to visit and boost our economy will help revive Canadian tourism to the United States,' she said. Per the news release, the bill still has safeguards in place. It prohibits Canadian snowbirds from working for U.S. employers or accessing public assistance programs, and clarifies that they will retain their nonresident tax status. 'This bipartisan bill reflects a shared commitment to supporting local economies, rebuilding cross-border tourism, and strengthening the U.S.-Canada relationship through smart, targeted immigration policy,' the news release said. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
New U.S. bill would benefit Canadian snowbirds, allowing them to stay there longer
Amid heightened tensions and stricter travel policies between the U.S. and Canada, a new bill would extend the amount of time Canadians can spend in the United States. Article content Article content The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, which was introduced on April 29, would allow Canadian citizens who own or lease a residence in the U.S. to stay for 240 days annually. That is nearly two months longer than the current policy, which permits Canadians to be in the U.S. for 182 days a year. Article content 'The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) has been working closely with members of the United States Congress in an effort to have the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act enacted into law. We are pleased to see it re-introduced in the current session of Congress,' the association said in an emailed statement to National Post on Thursday. Article content Article content 'Canada is the largest international tourism market in the United States, with annual spending in excess of US$20 billion. This policy is a step in right direction as it recognizes the pivotal impact Canadian snowbirds have on the U.S. sunbelt. If this bill becomes law, it will allow Canadian snowbirds, who frequent the United States, greater flexibility in their travel plans.' Article content CSA is a nonprofit organization with 100,000 members that advocates on behalf of Canadian travellers and works to improve their rights and privileges. Article content Congressman Ken Calvert, who represents part of the Coachella Valley in California, cosponsored the act. He said it will 'provide an important boost to the economic engine of the Coachella Valley, which is fuelled by visitors from Canada and all over the world,' in a news release on May 1. Article content Article content He said it would ultimately lead to more jobs being created and would expand economic growth in the region. Article content Article content 'Canadians own an estimated seven per cent of all homes in the Coachella Valley. Even more lease a residence during the winter. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act would allow them to spend more time here and make an even bigger contribution to our local economy,' he said on a post on X on Wednesday. Article content In April, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a campaign to attract Canadian travellers. Last year, 1.8 million Canadians visited the state and spent US$3.72 billion. The governor wanted to make it clear that 'California is a grateful partner.' Article content Another state where Canadians spend much of their time, especially in winter months, is Florida. Congresswoman Laurel Lee is a Florida representative who also cosponsored the bill. Article content 'Canadian residents contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies — especially here in Florida,' she said in a statement to Desert Sun. 'By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here, we're supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbours, and helping local communities thrive.'
Axios
14-03-2025
- Business
- Axios
Canadian snowbirds must register with U.S. under new Trump rule
Canadians staying in the U.S. for longer than 30 days — a norm for many snowbirds who spend their winters in Arizona — will have to register with U.S. immigration authorities beginning next month. Why it matters: About 100,000 Canadian tourists winter in Arizona, contributing about $1.4 billion to the Arizona economy, according to the Arizona Canada Business Council. The big picture: The new policy marks yet another escalation in the friction between the U.S. and its northern neighbors, as President Trump pushes an on-again, off-again trade war with Canada and taunts the U.S. ally with annexation. Beginning April 11, the U.S. will expand enforcement of an existing law that requires foreign nationals 14 or older not already registered with the U.S. government to register if they plan to stay in the country for 30 days or longer. The law has not been consistently applied to Canadians, according to the New York Times. And under current regulations, many Canadian visitors entering the U.S. for "business or pleasure" are not issued necessary documentation, according to the new interim rule published in the Federal Register on Wednesday. Driving the news: The rule implements part of a Day 1 executive order in which Trump called for previously unregistered foreign nationals to comply with the law. "Failure to comply," the order read, should be "treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority." What they're saying: The Canadian Snowbird Association, an advocacy organization for Canadian travelers, said in a statement earlier this month it was working with congressional representatives to "amend this registration requirement" and exempt Canadian travelers. What we're watching: RV park owners in Yuma — a popular spot for Canadian snowbirds — are concerned that escalating tensions between the U.S. and Canada may lead to fewer tourists next year, according to multiple media reports. "What we don't want to do is disturb that population so they hop over us and go down to Mexico instead of staying with us," Palms RV Resort manager Bill Evans told Arizona's Family this week.
