Canadian COVID-19 Update | Thursday, May 7

May 7, 2020

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

• Yesterday, TIAC 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. 
• Attention DMOs – CLOSING SOON! TIAC’s survey assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on Destination Marketing Organizations will soon close. This data is very important in gauging how existing tools are being accessed and what more is needed to address the needs of Canada’s DMO operators.
  • We invite all DMOs to fill out this survey and pass on to any DMO contacts you may have.

In case you missed it … 

• 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. 
  • Details can be found on the Destination Canada website.
• The Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Research at Ryerson University has embarked on a research study to look at the policy actions of Federal and Provincial governments in response to the COVID-19.
  • In cooperation with TIAC and Provincial and Territorial Industry Associations, the research will analyse government policy initiatives, and how they impact tourism sector businesses.

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

Government Announcements

• Today, the Prime Minster announced the federal government has reached a cost sharing agreement with provinces and territories to give a wage boost to essential workers across the country.
  • 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. 
• In response to COVID-19, 1350 Canadian Armed Forces will be in Quebec long-term care homes as of next week and 265 Canadian Armed Forces Members have been deployed in Ontario to long-term care homes, and 1200 Rangers have been deployed in the north.