October 2, 2020 OTTAWA, ON – Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $600 million in additional funding for the Regional Relief Recovery Fund – RRRF ($456M) and Community Futures Fund -CFF ($144M). Businesses in the tourism sector have been identified as one of the targeted beneficiaries of this increased funding. This is a welcome announcement for the sector, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is pleased to see tourism mentioned directly as a key sector. TIAC has been calling for additional funds for RRRF through our recovery plan to government. 

 

“As we have been saying for a long time, tourism was the first sector hit, the hardest hit, and will be the last to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19,” stated Charlotte Bell, TIAC President & CEO. “We were pleased to see the tourism sector recognized as a primary benefactor of government support programs. We hope that this increased funding, and direction to Regional Development Agencies to prioritize tourism businesses, will see a more equitable distribution of funding to those businesses hardest hit in all areas of the country. “

 

TIAC encourages the Government and Regional Development Agencies to implement a standardized model of fund distribution across the country. We strongly believe that tourism businesses, not-for-profits and Destination Marketing Organizations from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador should expect equitable access to government support. 

 

TIAC wishes to thank Minister Mélanie Joly for her unwavering support of additional support for the industry through these unprecedented times. 

 

 

For more information: 

 

Vince Accardi

Vice President Stakeholder Relations and Business Development