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Canadian COVID-19 Update | Friday, May 29

May 29, 2020

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

  • The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program from Canadian employers 
    • 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
  • TIAC’s Vice-President, Stakeholder Relations and Business Development joined a regular call with ISED ADM, Paul Thompson, where he emphasized TIAC’s call for tourism-specific recovery support, as well as continued need for funding access 
    • An update was also given on industry questions and concerns raised during TIAC’s virtual town halls held this week with industry stakeholders in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario 
  • TIAC’s President and CEO spoke with the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages’ office today to discuss Canada’s Tourism Roundtable request for dialogue on reopening the visitor economy.
    • The letter, signed in collaboration with many industry organizations, can be read here
  • The President and CEO also spoke with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and NDP Tourism Critic Gord Johns on the state of the industry and the need to support the sector’s immediate needs for liquidity and dialogue on reopening the visitor economy.
  • Today, Transport Canada announced that restrictions on large passenger vessels and cruise ships will be extended until at least October 31, 2020. 

Government Announcements

  • Today, the Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government has been working with provinces and territories to keep Canadians safe throughout this crisis
    • Government discussions will continue to ensure that as we enter the recovery phase, every employee will have ten days of paid sick leave per year.
  • The Prime Minister announced $650 million to support Indigenous communities including health care, income assistance and shelters.
  • As shared above, the Prime Minister announced the decision with Minister Garneau that large cruise ships will not be allowed in Canadian waters until at least October 31, 2020. 
  • Airline refunds were also addressed in this morning’s press conference, with the Prime Minister saying we will continue to work with the industry and with concerned Canadians to ensure we find a fair way through this, while ensuring we have an airline industry to come back to after this difficult pandemic. 
    • The government is looking at what other airline companies are doing around the world and will have more to say in the coming weeks.
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