by Leanne Czerwinski, posted on 1:54 PM, June 1, 2020
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Important Notice
Thank you for your continued readership of TIAC’s COVID-19 updates. As the pandemic’s effect on our economy and way of life continues, TIAC continues to adapt its communications channels to keep the industry up-to-date with relevant information and announcements that are critical for businesses across the sector.
Recognizing the need to adapt continuously, we will be making some changes to the way we share COVID-19 updates. Starting today, COVID-19 updates in their current format – including updates on TIAC Advocacy, Government Announcements, Resources, and positive industry stories - will be distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays each week. We will also be sending out Support Advisories on an as-needed basis as new government support announcements and other measures applicable to sector businesses are published to ensure you are getting the information you need, when you need it. Finally, we will be reintroducing TIAC Talk newsletters on a monthly basis, including non-COVID related articles and information regarding other TIAC and sector initiatives and activities.
As always, we would like to recognize and thank TIAC members for their unwavering support of the association during these difficult times. We look forward to providing you with the information you need throughout this period, and as always, we welcome your ideas and feedback at all times. Stay safe and stay well!
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June 1, 2020
Dear Tourism Stakeholders,
The TIAC Team continues to monitor and provide daily updates on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation. We are working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard by government, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.
Please find the latest updates on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of Canada’s Tourism Sector:
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TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- TIAC was pleased to see $70M dedicated to federal support programs funded through Regional Development Agencies as well as Destination Canada yesterday. As TIAC has been advocating for DMO support for several weeks, we believe these announcements are a step in the right direction in addressing a significant gap as well as providing domestic marketing funds managed through Destination Canada. With more announcements yet to come, TIAC continues to advocate the need for additional support for the entire visitor economy, including much-needed recovery programs.
- TIAC advocates for support for all sectors of the tourism eco-system, including Canada's Indigenous Tourism businesses. We hope to see further announcements for funding programs supporting Indigenous tourism businesses now and into recovery.
- Today, Parks Canada announced its participation in rent relief to align with the Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program.
- Parks Canada will be contacting all holders of commercial leases and licences of occupation in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to provide details on this additional relief being provided by the government.
- Information will also be made available soon on the Parks Canada website. Please visit pc.gc.ca regularly for updates.
- TIAC will be launching its Industry Leaders Recovery Committee recommendations for government support later this week, addressing immediate, short and long-term needs. Stay tuned for TIAC updates and social media for further details.
- For our Ontario readers, Ontario’s Finance Committee will be studying the impacts of COVID-19, starting with the tourism sector. Requests to appear are due today.
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Government Announcements
- In case you missed it, over the weekend, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, the Hon. Melanie Joly, announced $70 million in dedicated funds for tourism in Canada.
- $30 million of funding will flow through Destination Canada as funding originally earmarked for international tourism marketing being repurposed for domestic tourism marketing.
- The remainder of the funds will be allocated via other previously announced envelopes and will be administered via Regional Development Agencies in Ontario and Western Canada. Further funding announcements are forthcoming for Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.
- Today, the Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government will be a partner for Provinces and Territories in their reopening process.
- He announced the first step in this support for municipalities: the federal government will be accelerating this year’s Gas Tax payments to municipalities, and will be making the entire $2.2 billion payment available to municipalities now instead of through bi-annual payments.
- The Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing anti-racism demonstrations south of the border. He acknowledged Canada’s own peaceful protests that took place over the weekend in solidarity with Americans, and reaffirmed that racism and discrimination have no place in Canada and that we need to continue to build a better and more equal country for all.
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In Case You Missed It …
- Recordings of all of TIAC’s Virtual Town Hall sessions can be found on the TIAC website https://tiac-aitc.ca/Tourism_Town_Hall_Series.html
- The latest Twenty31 'State of Tourism' Dashboard is available now on the TIAC Website
- The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program from Canadian employers
- TIAC encourages all industry businesses to take the time to fill out the consultation form, and emphasize the industry’s ongoing need for wage support while businesses try to reopen their doors with fewer financial resources this year
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Looking Ahead – COVID-19 Recovery
Several provinces have begun announcing plans for reopening economies. Timelines and actions vary, but can provide businesses and workers with information on what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months. TIAC is following up on measures announced by British Columbia to limit gatherings of more than 50 people and seeking a coordinated approach between provinces in the recovery phase. We have reached out to our provincial counterparts to work together in an effort to create an orderly recovery strategy that will address health concerns and support tourism businesses. TIAC will continue to add links to provincial recovery plans as they become available:
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TIAC Members: Making a difference
Thank you to the many TIAC Members who are helping during this difficult time. From those offering support like temporary housing for essential service providers, to others who brought home stranded Canadians from around the world. You are making a difference.
Do you have a story to share about how tourism businesses are supporting communities during these challenging times? We want to hear from you whether you’re a TIAC member or not. We need to celebrate our industry and recognize your generosity during these trying times. Please share your stories with us at communications@tiac-aitc.ca.
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