Important Notice
Thank you for your continued readership of TIAC’s COVID-19 updates. As the pandemic’s effect on our economy and way of life continues, TIAC continues to adapt its communications channels to keep the industry up-to-date with relevant information and announcements that are critical for businesses across the sector.
Recognizing the need to adapt continuously, we will be making some changes to the way we share COVID-19 updates. Starting today, COVID-19 updates in their current format – including updates on TIAC Advocacy, Government Announcements, Resources, and positive industry stories – will be distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays each week. We will also be sending out Support Advisories on an as-needed basis as new government support announcements and other measures applicable to sector businesses are published to ensure you are getting the information you need, when you need it. Finally, we will be reintroducing TIAC Talk newsletters on a monthly basis, including non-COVID related articles and information regarding other TIAC and sector initiatives and activities.
As always, we would like to recognize and thank TIAC members for their unwavering support of the association during these difficult times. We look forward to providing you with the information you need throughout this period, and as always, we welcome your ideas and feedback at all times. Stay safe and stay well!
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:
TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- TIAC has been busy planning for the release of our industry recovery advocacy plan, which will be launched on Friday June 5th
- Look out for a special release with our official document. Visit Tourismmatters.ca on Friday for details on how to participate in a letter writing campaign to help spread the message to your local MPs!
- Yesterday, the Honourable Navdeep Bains announced the members of the Industry Strategy Council, including Destination Canada Board chair Ben Cowan-Dewar representing the tourism sector and Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Port Authority representing the Transportation sectorThe Council will hold virtual meetings every two weeks over the next 90 days.
- Details can be found here
- Yesterday, TIAC’s President and CEO participated in a call with other industry stakeholders in Canada’s Tourism Roundtable to discuss ongoing efforts to increase government dialogue on a plan for reopening the visitor economy and borders to tourism activity.
- Yesterday in the Senate National Finance Committee, Senator Duncan (Yukon) highlighted the need for more government dialogue and support for Canada’s tourism industry
In Case You Missed It …
- The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program from Canadian employers – submissions are due on Friday June 5.
- TIAC encourages all industry businesses to take the time to fill out the consultation form, and emphasize the industry’s ongoing need for wage support while businesses try to reopen their doors with fewer financial resources this year
- Recordings of all of TIAC’s Virtual Town Hall sessions can be found on the TIAC website
- The latest Twenty31 ‘State of Tourism’ Dashboard is available now on the TIAC Website
- Parks Canada announced its participation in rent relief to align with the Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program.
- Parks Canada will be contacting all holders of commercial leases and licences of occupation in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to provide details on this additional relief being provided by the government.
Information will also be made available soon on the Parks Canada website. Please visit pc.gc.ca regularly for updates.
Resources for Businesses
- MPI has created a coronavirus resource page that pulls together meetings and events info and also links to several other resources helpful to the Business Events portion of our sector
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has begun releasing Global Safety Protocols for reopening with the ‘new normal’ in mind.
- 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 courses and created a resource hub for sector businesses
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:
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.
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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| New information is being shared at a rapid pace and we know it can be overwhelming. If you think you may have missed something, head over here to see all our communications that we’ve released so far: |
TIAC will continue to represent your interests with government officials and decision-makers throughout this crisis. Please stay safe and let us know what more we can do to help.