Canadian COVID-19 Update | Thursday, May 14

May 14, 2020

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

• Today, Parks Canada announced that there will be limited reopening of national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites effective June 1, 2020
  • Some trails, day use areas, green spaces and recreational boating are examples of permittable activities 
  • The gradual resumption of some key field-based ecological and cultural resource protection activities will also resume
  • Camping will not be permitted until at least June 21, 2020

Government Announcements

• Today, the Prime Minister announced $470 million to support Canada’s fish harvesters who are economically impacted but cannot access federal measures. 
  • The government has launched the Fish Harvester Benefit – support will be provided to those who experience fishing income declines beyond 25%. This measure will cover 75% of losses, up to a maximum per individual equivalent to what is provided under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
• The Prime Minister also touched on the $306 million dedicated to provide interest free loans and non-repayable contributions to Indigenous businesses. There is also targeted support of up to $75M for students, and $10 million towards emergency shelters for those fleeing domestic violence. 
• The partial reopening of Parks Canada spaces was also covered in the Prime Minister’s daily remarks

In Case You Missed It … 

• Tourism SMEs and DMOs can now apply for assistance funding through their regional economic development agencies through the RRRF program.   
  • Details can be found here https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07682.html
  • As this is a new program, we urge members to contact TIAC and let us know if you are encountering difficulties accessing this new program.
• The President & CEO participated in a COVID-19 webinar hosted by Destination Canada yesterday evening, alongside Minister Melanie Joly  
  • A recording can be found here https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/coronavirus-updates/covid-19-webinars/12-may-2020

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 courses and created a resource hub for sector businesses