COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – June 16-17, 2020
Publié le 17 juin 2020
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 communication channels to keep the industry up-to-date with relevant information and announcements that are critical for businesses across the sector. As a reminder, COVID-19 updates will now be sent twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday. Should pressing announcements or government updates happen on other days, we will issue special releases to your inbox with the pertinent information.
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 16-17, 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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Special Notice to Industry - #TourismCounts!
For several years the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has used the hashtag, campaign name and domain names #TourismMatters and TourismMatters.ca. In recent weeks, well deserved and long overdue attention has come to the campaign of Black Lives Matter. This is a campaign to end systemic racism and a call for allies to speak up. Tourism supports this fight for equality and to end racism. To demonstrate our support and respect for Black Lives Matter, and to avoid confusion and potential misalignment, TIAC is retiring our domain name use of ‘matters’. We call on all Canadians to unite and fight racism. As of today, our social media and campaign slogan shifts to #TourismCounts.
TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- The TIAC President & CEO held a meeting yesterday with ISED Associate Deputy Minister Paul Thompson
- The President continues to emphasize TIAC’s latest #TourismCounts campaign with a push for a more cohesive recovery and economic reopening plan.
- This Sunday, June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day - a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Let us join together on June 21st, to respect, learn and appreciate Indigenous culture and enjoy the summer solstice; the longest day of the year.
- As Canada’s tourism sector begins the process of reopening, rebuilding and recovering, it is vital that government supports the sustainability of Indigenous tourism businesses and the associations across Canada who are contributing to business growth and success. For more information on the Tourism Recovery Plan please click here
- For more information on supporting indigenous tourism businesses as we move through recovery, please visit https://indigenoustourism.ca/corporate/itac-strategic-recovery-plan/ and view their "Virtually Yours" campaign which highlights Indigenous peoples from across Canada: https://vimeo.com/416435049
- Our partners at TourismHR Canada have launched the COVID-19 Tourism Workforce Impact Survey
- If you are a business owner in our sector, please take a few minutes to help collect this important information on how COVID-19 impacts you and your employees – click here
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Government Announcements
- Earlier today, the government announced that they will update the country on the state of government finances on July 8.
- TIAC will closely monitor this fiscal and economic snapshot, and its implication on our industry.
- Yesterday, the Prime Minister confirmed recent rumours that the US/Canada border closure will be extended by 30 days to July 21, 2020. This was first reported in Reuters last week, and TIAC has been closely monitoring the situation.
- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended for an additional 8 weeks. This is for Canadians who are currently receiving the CERB, and still can’t get back to work. The Prime Minister also confirmed that the government will no longer be moving forward on attestations from CERB applicants that they are trying to get back to work.
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In Case You Missed It …
- TIAC has launched a new letter writing campaign, and we need your help reaching politicians across Canada to send the message that #TourismCounts and we need support now.
- Visit TourismCounts.ca and click “Send Your Letter” to ask your MP to support the tourism industry through COVID-19 recovery efforts.
- We ask business leaders to also encourage their staff and suppliers to send a letter as well – we need everyone to lend a voice to our message!
- The Government of Canada has announced applications are open for the Enabling Accessibility Fund – which aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or to access employment.
- Workplace project applications must aim at removing barriers and increasing accessibility and/or safety in facilities where persons with disabilities work or could work in the future.
- If you would like to apply for funding or learn more about EAF funding opportunities underway, please visit the EAF funding webpage.
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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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