Publié le 13 juillet 2020
July 9-13, 2020
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
- Today, the government confirmed that the CEWS program will be extended until December 2020, a measure that TIAC and others have been pushing for in recent weeks to support businesses through recovery
- TIAC is extremely pleased to see this important program extended. TIAC’s President and CEO has been in contact with a number of government officials today emphasizing the importance of providing details concerning the program extension and the conditions for businesses to qualify as clarity is critical for business planning purposes.
- We are told that details are imminent and TIAC expects more to be announced later this week. Please rest assured that we will communicate all details related to this important program as soon as they become available.
- Tomorrow, TIAC’s President and CEO is scheduled to speak with Minister Joly to discuss, among other things, the state of the industry, the work being conducted by the tourism roundtable and other matters.
- Last Friday, TIAC’s President and CEO participated on a bi-weekly call with ISED officials including Associate Deputy Minister Paul Thompson during which she emphasized the importance of the CEWS program, its extension and ensuring clear communication of any conditions for businesses to qualify.
- The President & CEO also reported that TIAC’s latest survey will soon be closed, at which point TIAC will share important data concerning the CEWS, BCAP and RRRF programs.
- Discussions on labour issues, with an emphasis on dealing with upcoming provincial layoff deadlines were discussed and are ongoing.
- Government officials reported that the Industry Council (which includes tourism/transportation) met recently and that the urgency of developing a communications stance that focuses on recovery/safe travel rather than lockdown is being discussed.
- TIAC has long advocated for a change in the narrative towards a more recovery/safe travel focus and is pleased to see discussions taking place through the Industry Council Table led by ISED.
- Late last week, employment numbers were released by Statistics Canada, showing that unemployment is decreasing across the country
- The tourism sector added 243,900 jobs back into the economy in May and June, mostly full-time employees
- TIAC is hopeful that continued government support will continue to increase employment numbers and help the sector get back to business.
- Twenty31’s latest report on the 'State of the Industry' is available now on the TIAC website
- Canadian Heritage has released Phase II of emergency COVID-19 funding for cultural, heritage and sports organizations. Those in the live music industry and organizations who did not get approved for phase I funding in the program should look at FACTOR’s funding criteria, who will distribute funds on behalf of government.
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Government Announcements
- Today, the Prime Minister announced that the wage subsidy will be extended until December, as was expected following the additional $50 billion allocated to the program in last week’s Fiscal Snapshot.
- Details on the extension’s criteria are expected to be announced imminently.
- The government will also provide an update on the federal/provincial Safe Restart program later in the week.
- With the international border closure deadline approaching, the Prime Minister was asked about a timeline for reopening the border in today’s news conference.
- The Prime Minister did not provide any new details, but did note the government would have more information later in the week.
- It has been noted that the volume of travellers across the border has increased recently and the government has bolstered screening efforts at 36 points of entry across Canada.
- The Ontario Premier announced today that most parts of Ontario will move to phase 3 of reopening on Friday July 17. This means that businesses able to abide by social distancing guidelines may begin to host up to 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors.
- Greater details on what phase 3 looks like in Ontario and guides to other Provincial reopening plans, can be found below.
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In Case You Missed It …
- Destination Canada is looking for stories from tourism businesses that outline how these businesses have adapted to COVID-19 health and safety requirements but also still maintain a great guest experience. They want to showcase how Canada is ready to welcome visitors and demonstrating the innovation and creativity across the industry.
- All you need to do is send the name of your business with a short description along with any images or links to help round out the story. Deadline: July 17 Send to: Communications@destinationcanada.com
- There are two days left to submit your response to TIAC’s Government Measures survey, that will help us make the case to government to extend and expand COVID-19 recovery support for the tourism sector
- Tourism sector businesses and organizations who want to comment on the government’s development of the Municipal Nominee Program and levels of future immigration can now fill out an online consultation form here.
- Thanks to you, we are closer to reaching our letter writing campaign goal to garner 1000 letters by the end of this week. If you haven’t already done so, please go to TourismCounts.ca and click “Send your Letter” to help us reach our goal!
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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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