COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – May 8, 2020
Publié le 8 mai 2020
We can’t do what we do, without you.
As Canada’s voice for the travel economy, our focus right now is to help all stakeholders during the COVID-19 Global pandemic. TIAC’s President and CEO, Charlotte Bell meets daily with federal leaders to address the impact on the industry and discuss solutions for survival and recovery.
While we are all in this together, we want to take this time to thank TIAC Members. It is because of your investment and support that TIAC is able to lead the charge. Your support fuels our work for the benefit of all industry stakeholders.
Thank you TIAC Members.
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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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May 8, 2020
TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- One of TIAC’s primary advocacy asks has been the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Today, the Prime Minister announced that this important measure will be extended past its original end date of June 6, 2020.
- More details will be announced next week and at this time, additional information can be found below under “Government Announcements”
- The President & CEO also participated in a standing phone call with ISED Associate Deputy Minister, Paul Thompson where she raised the need for immediate support to address liquidity needs and emphasized the importance of extending the Wage Subsidy program as a key component to help the travel economy.
- TIAC’s President & CEO and partners at the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) discussed strategic joint advocacy efforts to ensure further industry support from the government
- The fourth edition of the Twenty31 industry dashboard on COVID-19 is now available on the TIAC website
- This project is made possible through Canadian Experience Fund federal funding.
- Our partners at Destination Canada/Business Events Canada has published a report entitled “COVID 19 Impact and Recovery Report - Business Events” which you can access here
In case you missed it …
- TIAC has 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.
- 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.
Resources for Businesses
Government Announcements
- Today, the Prime Minister announced an extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program beyond the month of June.
- 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.
- Details on the full extent of the extension are expected early next week
- A new Industry Strategy Council was also announced by the Prime Minister, focussing on assessing the scope and depth of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on industries captured under the various Economic Strategy Tables – including tourism – and providing valuable private sector advice to the federal government. We are delighted to see retail and transportation added as other important economic strategy tables.
- The Council will be co-chaired by Minister Navdeep Bains and former Desjardins CEO Monique Leroux. Members will be announced in the near future.
- TIAC will continue to monitor developments related to this Council and will report back on any additional information as it becomes available.
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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 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 Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush and the Dairy Distillery in Mississippi Mills, Ontario. Three days after the Pancake House was forced into closure, bringing an abrupt end to the traditional maple season, Fulton’s received a call from Dairy Distillery to advise they wanted to share the profits of their Maple Cream liquor sales 50/50 with Fulton’s. With much gratitude Fulton’s accepted the generous cheque of $1500.00. Fulton's always donates the contents of the "Pay It Forward Jar" (loose change donations from very generous customers) back to the community. This year, it was decided to complete the circle of giving and $225 was sent to Dairy Distillery to purchase hand sanitizer for front line workers at the Lanark County Paramedic Service.
Read the full story here.
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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