COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – June 25-29, 2020
Publié le 29 juin 2020
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.
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Please note that due to the Canada Day holiday this Wednesday, TIAC’s next update will be sent on Thursday July 2nd.
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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 25-29, 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
- Early tomorrow, TIAC will be launching an in-depth industry survey that will cover the use of government support programs to obtain much-needed data to Government in order to address support for the visitor economy.
- While TIAC understands that multiple requests for surveys may feel burdensome on industry, we must continue to collect quantifiable data about your businesses in order to show the government the continued need for sector-wide support. Relying on anecdotal information will not meet our needs for support.
- Last week, TIAC President & CEO held a meeting with the office of Minister Joly, where TIAC emphasized the importance of clarifying support for the industry during government announcements, and the fair allocation and distribution of funding to support sector recovery.
- Later today, TIAC representatives will participate in a Business Liaison Group call with the Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, Graham Flack and Employment Commissioner Judith Andrews to discuss CERB and the return to Employment Insurance.
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Government Announcements
- Today, the Prime Minister announced that the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program will be extended by one month, and the government is working with the provinces to accomplish this.
- The Prime Minister also announced that, after today, daily public health briefings will be suspended.
- Moving forward, these briefings will only take place when new information is available.
- The Minister of Finance recently announced that the expanded CEBA program will now be offered via Canada’s banks instead of just through the government portal.
- The Minister says they are working on bringing this to credit unions as fast as possible.
- On June 25, FedDev Ontario, in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, announced the names of the destination marketing organizations that will receive funding from the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund.
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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!
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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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