Tourism Industry Association Of Canada COVID-19 UPDATE
March 20, 2020
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Tourism Industry Association Of Canada COVID-19 UPDATE

Given the ongoing situation related to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on tourism, TIAC will continue to provide regular information concerning steps the Government is taking to address the situation and ensure we are providing up to date information to Government officials from our members.

Please find the latest update on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of our members:

  • Following yesterday’s economic response announcement, today, the Government assured Canadians that they are working to ensure the measures announced will be available to Canadians as quickly as possible.
  • The Prime Minister said that he will be working closely with the clerk of the Privy Council to talk about support for public servants and ways to ensure Canadians can access support.
  • As of March 18, there are 772 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, with 9 deaths. 55,000 Canadians have been tested, with 10,000 since yesterday. Canadians need to be assured that it will take time for social distancing to show results. What is concerning, is the sharp rise in cases as travel is being reduced.
  • The government is continuing discussions with the US to implement non-essential travel restrictions across the border. They expect this to come into effect by Saturday, March 21st.
  • Small business support was discussed again today. Directly from the Minister of Small Business’ office, here is additional information.
  • The government is:
  • - Eliminating the payroll tax for three months by providing a 10% wage subsidy to small businesses;
  • - Helping businesses with cash flow by deferring tax payments until August 31st;
  • - Increasing credit available to farmers through Farm Credit Canada.
  • - Introducing a new Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks for self-employed people who are not    eligible for EI sickness benefits.
  • - Establishing a coordinated approach with the financial sector: cutting interest rates to 0.75%, and major banks increasing      lending capacity by $300 billion;
  • - Establishing a Business Credit Availability Program through BDC and EDC worth $10 billion – providing more short-term        loans, working capital, and export insurance-credit so that more Canadian businesses are supported.
  • - Enhancing the Work-Sharing Program to help businesses pay wages so they don’t have to lay anyone off.

TIAC continues to seek more information on how these programs will roll-out for Canadians and tourism businesses.

Daily Updates can be found here - https://tiac-aitc.ca/_Impact_on_Tourism.html

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