COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – May 22, 2020
Publié le 22 mai 2020
May 22, 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
- Today, TIAC participated in a regularly scheduled call with ISED Assistant Deputy Minister Paul Thompson
- TIAC continued to emphasize the problems encountered by Destination Marketing Organizations in accessing the new funding managed by Canada’s 6 Regional Development Agencies.
- Our partners at Destination Canada have released new data on COVID-19 impacts to the tourism sector, and a new recovery outlook document
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Government Announcements
- Today, a Cabinet meeting was held to determine if the House of Commons will return to regular sittings next week
- The Prime Minister also hosted a call with provincial Premiers today to discuss how to safely reopen the economy, and the need to adjust to ‘a new normal’
- More federal resources were announced for COVID-19 contact tracing including interviewers from Statistics Canadare supported but balancing this with ensuring airlines are able to recover.
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In Case You Missed It …
- The TIAC Team has been busy working on materials for Tourism Week, which will be held from May 24-30, 2020
- TIAC has launched a microsite providing tools that businesses/organizations can use throughout tourism week – www.tourismmatters.ca
- TIAC will also be hosting virtual Tourism Town Halls in partnership with Destination Canada and some of our provincial partners – find out more and register here
- Recently announced changes to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) mean more businesses – including sole proprietors – can access this support program, which provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000, of which 25% (up to $10,000) will be forgiven if the full sum is repaid by December 31, 2022
- TIAC encourages those who have not applied due to concerns over eligibility to consider approaching their financial institution to see if these new terms apply. We also want to hear from you if you encounter problems accessing this or other government programs. Your feedback is crucial to help our advocacy efforts.
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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 recognizing Pursuit in Banff, Alberta, who have launched an at-cost meal program called Easy Eats. The program launched in late April, and is feeding the community with meals every Friday as it faces high unemployment due to tourism shutdowns. Any additional money from meals or donations is being donated to Banff Food Rescue. You can find more information about this program here.
Thanks to Pursuit for showing leadership in your community.
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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