Publié le 25 novembre 2020
November 25, 2020
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:
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TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- Last week, the Acting CEO presented to TIAC membership during the Association’s virtual Annual General Meeting.
- Earlier this month, TIAC hosted 3,000 tourism professionals during the first virtual Tourism Congress.
- This week, the Acting CEO participated in COVID-19 industry impact discussions with Algonquin College’s Travel Services Program Advisory Committee and with students of Humber College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program.
- On November 24, TIAC participated in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s weekly call with National Tourism Stakeholders.
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Government Announcements
- The Federal government is set to deliver its economic, fiscal update on Monday, November 30, 2020.
- Qualifying organizations can now apply directly for the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) program through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This means qualifying organizations can apply for the subsidy without the need to claim the assistance through their landlords.
- In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford is calling on the federal government to support the replacement of its 14-day quarantine measure for international travellers with rapid COVID-19 testing.
- Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have announced changes to the Atlantic bubble. All travel into these two provinces, including those travelling for work from other Atlantic provinces, will have to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival.
- Yukon has made masks mandatory in the Territory as of December 1. Premier Sandy Silver made the announcement on November 23 during the government’s weekly COVID-19 update.
- Alberta’s Premier Jason Kenney announced new restrictions that prohibit all social gatherings in people’s homes and make masks mandatory for all indoor workplaces in the province’s two largest cities.
- B.C’s Provincial Health Officer has ordered that all events and social gatherings are suspended to reduce COVID-19 transmission. This is in effect from November 19, 2020 to December 7, 2020.
- Quebec Premier Legault authorized private gatherings of no more than 10 people during Christmas time. People willing to meet will have, however, to self-isolate one week before and after this celebration time.
- Quebec Tables $10B Appropriations Bill for Pandemic Support – Including Tourism:
- $5B for health care system the remainder are for the following
- The tourism recovery plan and measures to support the hotel sector
- Financial assistance to support municipalities
- The concerted temporary action program for businesses
- The youth educational success support fund
- The cultural and communications sector economic recovery plan
- Release link
- Nunavut has moved to territory wide COVID-19 restrictions and has closed all recreational activities for a 2-week period beginning November 18.
- The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, stated during the press COVID-19 update that more and larger outbreaks are occurring in long term care homes, congregate living settings and hospitals, and spreading in Indigenous communities. Community transmission remains the main factor of contagion.
- During Question Period on November 18th, Conservative MP Tony Baldinelli (Niagara Falls) asked why the Government has not announced a sector-specific travel and tourism recovery plan yet, 9 months into the pandemic.
- Conservative MP James Cumming (Edmonton Centre) expressed worry about the state of travel agencies, all experiencing a revenue decrease by 90%. 82% of travel agents are women whose income is totally tied to commissions from selling airfares and vacation packages to their clients.
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In Case You Missed It …
- Destination Canada’s 2020 Annual Public Meeting (APM), will be taking place virtually on Wednesday, December 2, 2020
- As of Nov. 21, all air travellers entering Canada will have to provide specific COVID-related information including travel information, self-assessment, and quarantine plans through the government’s ArriveCAN platform
- The measures are mandatory and can be completed online or through an app prior to boarding and also require post-arrival follow-up.
- TIAC is hopeful that innovations such as this app will help with ease of travel when international borders begin to open
- Parks Canada announced plans to delay the reservation service launch date for the 2021 visitor season in order to offer visitors a safe and enjoyable experience, allowing them to make more informed decisions regarding COVID-19
- The Hardest Hit Coalition has launched a government facing campaign advocating for targeted relief measures
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