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COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – March 24, 2021

Tourism Advocacy Update – March 24, 2021

Publié le 25 Mars 2021
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March 24, 2021
 
We need your help! 
 
With the announcement of the federal government tabling the 2021 Budget on April 19, now is the time to collectively ensure the tourism industry's voice is heard. 
 
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) President and CEO, Beth Potter has been meeting with Ministers and MPs across the country, participating in press conferences and interviews to elevate the need for continued industry support and solutions.  
 
TIAC's 2021 Tourism Recovery Plan is in place and outlines the recommendations to supporting business solvency, championing safety, and keep Canada globally competitive. Plus we continue to collaborate and support the Hardest-Hit Collation efforts. 
 
Only one piece is missing- you! We need your support of our advocacy efforts and we need you to strengthen our voice.  
 
Please take a few seconds, visit TourismCounts.ca and send your letter to your Member of Parliament (MP). 
 
Over 1,200 of your colleagues across Canada have taken up the charge and sent their letter. We need your voice too!
 
You might be asking yourself, how will my letter make a difference. Did you know that staff keeps a tally of the letters their MP receives on each topic; it keeps them informed on what is important to their constituency; so your act will make a difference.
 
Tourism counts and they need to hear from you before April 19th. Please send your letter today, share it on your social networks and encourage your colleagues and acquaintances to do the same.
 
Jennifer Taylor
Vice-President, Marketing & Member Relations
 
 
 
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:
 
 
TIAC’s Advocacy Update
 
TIAC’s President and CEO, Beth Potter, participated in a press conference this morning representing TIAC’s interests in the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. The Coalition is calling on the Federal Government to provide certainty and announce an extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) supports to the end of the year for the hardest hit sectors in the April budget.
 
Watch the announcement here: https://bit.ly/3riw6b4
 
The announcement has been featured in news stories across the country:
 
With the federal budget date announced for April 19th, meetings with Senators and MPs of all parties are ongoing as we call on the federal government for sector specific support to be included.
 
To complement and further our efforts, please get involved and show your support for the industry by sending a letter to your local MP at tourismcounts.ca. Simply enter your address, and send! 
 
 
Government Announcements 
  • Canada Emergency Business Account Extended
    • The deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account applications is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
    • This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/2OO2F3t
  • WestJet To Service To 5 Cities in Eastern Canada
    • Flights in and out of Charlottetown, Fredericton, Moncton, Sydney and Quebec City will resume beginning June 24 through to June 30.
    • News Link: https://bit.ly/3tJSDi
  • Legislation Expands Recovery Benefit, Blocks International Travelers from Benefits
    • All international travelers who need to quarantine or isolate upon their return to Canada, including people returning from vacation, are ineligible to receive support from any of the recovery benefits for the period of their mandatory quarantine or isolation.
    • These changes are retroactive to October 2, 2020. 
    • Individuals who would normally be exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirements are still eligible.
    • The Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit are extended from 26 weeks to 38 weeks, and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.
    • Workers claiming EI regular benefits can now access up to a maximum of 50 weeks for claims established between September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021.
    • Self-employed workers who have opted in to the EI program to access special benefits are now able to use a 2020 earnings threshold of $5,000, compared to the previous threshold of $7,555.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/3rbfqlP
  • Atlantic Bubble 2.0 – to reopen April 19
    • The Council of Atlantic Premiers announced on Thursday that the opening of the bubble is conditional upon COVID-19 case numbers remaining low in the region.
    • Newfoundland and Labrador will be included in the bubble, conditional on its case and alert level.
    • People from outside Atlantic Canada will still need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arriving in any of the four provinces.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/30WyxW3
  • Nova Scotia Lifts Restrictions on New Brunswick Border and Surrounding Counties.
    • The New Brunswick border is opening and remaining restrictions in parts of Halifax and surrounding communities will be lifted.
    • Residents of New Brunswick will no longer have to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia. Changes to province wide restrictions;
      • Business or organization can have 150 outdoors or 50 per cent capacity (max 100) indoors.
      • Retail and malls operate at 75 per cent capacity and follow other public health measures.
      • Sports practices, training and games, competitions, tournaments and arts and culture rehearsals and performances can have 60 people without physical distancing.
      • Spectators are allowed if the business or organization hosting the event has a gathering plan that follows event guidelines and the process outlined within those guidelines.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/3ccfaia 
  • Ontario Invests in Francophone Tourism
    • The Ontario government is investing more than $2M to support Francophone tourism across the province.
    • $1.5M through the Ontario Arts Council to support 36 organizations that offer safe public performances and activities of interest to Francophone tourists.
    • Nearly $300,000 through Celebrate Ontario and the Reconnect Festival and Event Program.
    • $250,000 to support Société économique de l'Ontario.
    • $75,000 through the Tourism Economic and Development Recovery Fund to support Le Centre culturel ARTEM.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/3cTfgdH
  • BC Upgrading Airports
    • The province partnered with 27 regional airports and the federal government to provide a boost in funding as part of B.C.’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan and B.C. Air Access Program grants. The $9.28 million will enhance local airport infrastructure.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/3s34rvD
  • Manitoba Waives 2021 Permit and License Fees For Resource Tourism Industry
    • The province has responded to a request from the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association by agreeing to extend resource tourism licenses and permits, which would normally be valid until March 31, 2021, for one year.
    • In addition, the province will waive renewal requirements in 2021 including licenses and permits for outfitters and their associated facilities related to angling, hunting and eco-tourism.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/3vKlgy2 
  • Alberta Postpones Phase 3
    • As of March 22, there will be no easing of any restrictions. Hospitalizations have been increasing for the past seven days.
    • The health minister did not provide a new deadline for when the third stage of reopening will be addressed but explained they will continue carefully monitoring hospitalizations and other leading indicators.
    • News Link: https://bit.ly/3tLSYB7
  • Saskatchewan Expands Public Health Order For Regina And Area
    • Effective immediately;
      • All private indoor gatherings in the Regina area are prohibited immediately.
      • Travel in or out of the Regina area is to be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
      • Recommended work from home
    • Effective March 28th;
      • In-person dining is not permitted.
      • Event venues, arts venues, museums, libraries, theatre, cinemas, or any non-essential indoor locations that had limits of 30 individuals are not permitted to operate at this time.
    • These additional restrictions will be reviewed April 5th. The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment will be extended to those businesses impacted by these changes. Application details will be announced in the coming days.
    • Release Link: https://bit.ly/3rg2n2s
 
 
 
As I close in on the end of my second week at TIAC, I’d like to start with a big thank you to all the members and partners who have welcomed me to the national table so warmly.
 
That said, it’s been a very busy week. This morning, as part of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, we held a press conference calling on Minister Freeland and the Federal Government to extend and enhance both the CEWS and CERS programs. These programs are vital to ensuring that we don’t lose 60% of our industry in the coming months. 
 
Also today, the province of Ontario has released its budget. I was very pleased to see the specific support for our suite of sectors through the Ontario Tourism & Hospitality Grant as well as the Tourism Recovery Fund. This indicates that the Ford government has heard our industry clearly, and understands the need for continued support for our businesses until health restrictions on businesses and capacity lessen.
 
These 2 events today have led to a lot of media interviews. We are telling your story, sharing your plight, and urging continued support.
 
Our foot is on the gas and we won’t let up!
Until next week, stay well.
 
Beth Potter
President & CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Canada

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