COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – May 15, 2020
Publié le 15 mai 2020
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May 15, 2020
Dear Tourism Stakeholders,
The TIAC Team continues to monitor and provide daily updates 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 Tourism Sector:
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TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- TIAC’s President and CEO participated on a bi-weekly call with the Associate Deputy Minister of ISED where Minister Joly joined in to provide an update on new measures announced this week and to hear from key stakeholders on various issues.
- TIAC thanked the Minister for her support in getting measures in place but also raised concerns that there remain gaps in the system for tourism businesses specifically.
- TIAC also reported there are early indications that many businesses may not qualify for the new RDA funds announced this week.
- The Minister has asked that we monitor and report back quickly on gaps as well as issues accessing the RDA funding.
- Today, the Prime Minister announced that the CEWS program will be extended a further three months, until the end of August, 2020.
- This is something TIAC has been pushing for and provides good news for sector businesses who have been asking for the extension of this program through the summer, and start of the recovery period
- This week’s State of the Industry report written by our partners at Twenty31 is now available on the TIAC website
- This weekly project is made possible through Canadian Experience Fund funding
- TIAC is also releasing a summary of the results from our DMO survey on the impact of COVID-19 on our local and regional marketing organizations
- TIAC thanks the over 175 participants from across the country who participated in this survey. These surveys are important for us to identify the gaps in support measures and better advocate to government on your behalf.
- TIAC is working with ISED and the Regional Economic Development Agencies to provide early feedback on the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) program. As this is a new program, we urge members to contact TIAC and let us know if you are encountering difficulties accessing this new program.
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Government Announcements
- Today, the Prime Minister announced an extension of the Canada Emergency Wage subsidy program. The program was set to end on June 6th, but will now be accessible to qualified businesses until the end of August.
- The government is also considering lowering the 30% threshold to allow more businesses to access the program – more details to come.
- A further $450 million in wage support was announced to support universities and health research institutes so they can retain researchers and labs during the shutdown.
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In Case You Missed It …
- Tourism SMEs and DMOs can now apply for assistance funding through their regional economic development agencies through the RRRF program.
- Details can be found here https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07682.html
- As this is a new program, we urge members to contact TIAC and let us know if you are encountering difficulties accessing this new program. As reported earlier, we are already in contact with government officials reporting on possible gaps. Your feedback and information is very important to help us advocate for changes.
- Parks Canada announced there will be limited reopening of national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites effective June 1, 2020
- Some trails, day use areas, green spaces and recreational boating are examples of permittable activities
- The gradual resumption of some key field-based ecological and cultural resource protection activities will also resume
- Camping will not be permitted until at least June 21, 2020
Resources for Businesses
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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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TIAC Members: Making a difference
Thank you to the many TIAC Members who are helping during this difficult time. From those offering support like temporary housing for essential service providers, to others who brought home stranded Canadians from around the world. You are making a difference.
Today, we are featuring Taste Detours in Wellington County, and their latest initiative - Little Bites: Taste from Isolation. This project features a variety of foodies in Wellington County who are releasing two recipes online per week to create a virtual recipe book.
The aim of the initiative is to show appreciation and support for members of the community’s local food scene who have been significantly affected by the pandemic.
Thank you to Lynn from Taste Detours for sharing your story!
Do you have a story to share about how tourism businesses are supporting communities during these challenging times? We want to hear from you whether you’re a TIAC member or not. We need to celebrate our industry and recognize your generosity during these trying times. Please share your stories with us at communications@tiac-aitc.ca.
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