Tourism Advocacy Update – May 7, 2020 - Association de l'industrie touristique du Canada

COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – May 7, 2020

Tourism Advocacy Update – May 7, 2020

Publié le 7 mai 2020

Your Support is Fueling our Work for all Tourism Stakeholders

During these difficult and challenging times, we want to recognize members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Because of your ongoing support, the TIAC team can continue to focus on garnering greater assistance and relief measures for the entire Canadian tourism sector during this crisis.

You are powering our Tourism advocacy efforts through this global crisis.

Thank you

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:

May 7, 2020

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

Yesterday, TIAC launched a survey for sector businesses on the effectiveness of the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to gather more information on what aspects of the program are working and not working for those trying to access funds. It is imperative that we be able to share your experiences with Government officials.
- If you have applied for BCAP funding, successfully or not, please fill out the survey here.
- This information is vital to successfully assist industry businesses in efforts to access liquidity during these trying times.
Attention DMOs - CLOSING SOON! TIAC’s survey assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on Destination Marketing Organizations will soon close. This data is very important in gauging how existing tools are being accessed and what more is needed to address the needs of Canada’s DMO operators.
- We invite all DMOs to fill out this survey and pass on to any DMO contacts you may have.

In case you missed it …

On May 12, Destination Canada will host another industry webinar featuring Minister Joly and Destination Canada Chair, Ben Cowan-Dewar. TIAC’s President and CEO will also participate on this call to provide an update on advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry.
- Details can be found on the Destination Canada website.
The Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Research at Ryerson University has embarked on a research study to look at the policy actions of Federal and Provincial governments in response to the COVID-19.
- In cooperation with TIAC and Provincial and Territorial Industry Associations, the research will analyse government policy initiatives, and how they impact tourism sector businesses.

Resources for Businesses

Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of sector businesses related to COVID-19.
For operators looking for information on how to prepare to safely reopen their operations in the coming weeks, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual guidelines available to businesses regarding COVID-19.
Google for SMEs has also launched a page dedicated to supporting businesses during COVID-19 including practical steps and free digital skills training.
Our partners at Tourism HR Canada have opened their Emerit coursesand created a resource hub for sector businesses

Government Announcements

Today, the Prime Minster announced the federal government has reached a cost sharing agreement with provinces and territories to give a wage boost to essential workers across the country.
- The government will provide up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers, and each province and territory will determine which workers will be eligible for support, and how much they will receive.
In response to COVID-19, 1350 Canadian Armed Forces will be in Quebec long-term care homes as of next week and 265 Canadian Armed Forces Members have been deployed in Ontario to long-term care homes, and 1200 Rangers have been deployed in the north.

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 will continue to add links to provincial recovery plans as they become available:

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 La Distillerie Rheault de Hearst, as one of the businesses using their facilities to create disinfectant hand sanitizers for their community and front-line workers.

Thank you to the Société Economique de L’Ontario for sharing this story with us.

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.