COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – January 6, 2021
Publié le 6 Janvier 2021
January 6, 2021
Dear Tourism Stakeholders,
The TIAC Team is pleased to provide you with this update 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 Visitor Economy:
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TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- TIAC’s Acting CEO continues advocacy outreach to discuss measures outlined in the Fall Economic Statement with key decision makers, and evolving 2021 advocacy priorities.
- At the end of December, Conservative MP and Special Advisor to the Leader on Tourism Recovery, Tony Baldinelli, has sponsored an electronic petition that calls upon the Government of Canada to present a tourism recovery plan on or before the 2021 federal budget.
- Destination Canada has launched a new survey to better understand how we can improve COVID-19 research reports and what research you find valuable as we more forward.
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Government Announcements
- Canada U.S. Border Closure
- The Canada-U.S land border closure is extended to January 21, 2021.
- However, it is likely that this will be extended again, barring significant changes in case levels primarily in the US, or a large shift in political positions.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Update
- The Prime Minister weighed in on vaccinations in Canada in a press conference on January 5.
- To date, 148,000 Canadians have received the shot.
- Negative COVID-19 Test Required for all Air Travelers Coming to Canada – starting January 7th at 12:01am
- Marc Garneau, Federal Transport Minister held a news conference on January 6, 2021
- The ban on flights coming from the UK will end at midnight January 6, 2021
- All air passengers 5 years and older will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before traveling to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test within 72h prior to scheduled departure. Individuals are still required to quarantine for 14 days upon return.
- Exemptions include flight crews, and those travelling from South America or the Caribbean who, until January 14, will have a 92-hour window to obtain the test. Travellers from Haiti will be exempt until January 21.
- Airlines must confirm a negative test, take temperature, ask about COVID exposure and screen for symptoms.
- All travelers crossing by air, land or sea will be required to digitally submit forms through ArriveCAN.
- Regardless of arrival method, all arrivals must continue to quarantine for 14 days.
- News Link
- Feds Aim to Close Sickness Benefit Loophole for Travelers
- The federal government intends to close a loophole in current laws that allow Canadians who travelled abroad for personal holidays or non-essential trips to claim up to $1,000 in sick pay while they quarantine upon their return home. Legislation will likely be tabled once the house is in session later this month.
- News Link
- New Brunswick Sets Goal Of 70% Vaccination Before Lifting Travel Restrictions
- The Premier stated that this will depend on the availability of vaccines and the vaccination rates of other provinces.
- News Link
- PEI will not be rejoining the Atlantic Bubble
- The Premier will not rejoin the bubble while local cases are low, and with the uncertainty of a holiday spike. The decision will be reviewed on January 25th and then every two weeks.
- News link
- Ontario remains under lockdown until January 23
- Premier Doug Ford held a press conference on January 6 from Pearson International Airport
- The Ontario Government is launching a new voluntary and free border testing pilot program at Pearson for eligible international travellers returning to Ontario
- Eligible travellers will be able to pre register for the program or proceed to get tested when they arrive at the airport
- All travellers will continue to be required to follow the federal requirement for a mandatory 14-day quarantine after arrival
- News Link
- Quebec Announcement on Restrictions and a Possible Curfew
- Premier François Legault is expected to be unveiling new measures today at 5pm
- Quebec is currently under partial lockdown which began December 25
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