TIAC – Message from the office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages

Dear TIAC Member,

We just received the following message from the office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages:

Here are the first measures announced by the Federal Government. More updates to come…

Below are the measures our government has announced today to address the impacts of COVID-19:

Parks Canada is suspending visitor services to all of its national parks, national marine conservation areas and historic sites beginning March 18.

Major economic measures will be announced tomorrow, March 18, to help Canadians as quickly as possible.

And below are the measures our government has taken to date to address the impacts of COVID-19:

We will be denying entry to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents – this measure will carve out some designated exceptions including for aircrews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and at this time, US citizens (link for details here).

Air operators will be formally mandated to prevent all travellers who present symptoms of COVID-19 to board a plane, and will be required to complete a basic health assessment of every air traveller based on guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada – this means that anyone who has symptoms will not be able to come to Canada (link for details here).

As of Wednesday, March 18, only four Canadian airports will be accepting international flights – Toronto Pearson Airport, Montreal-Trudeau Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Calgary International Airport. At this time, domestic flights as well as flights coming from the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and St. Pierre-et-Miquelon will not be affected. The travel restrictions announced today will not apply to commerce or trade – we will continue to ensure the supply of important goods to Canada (link for details here).

We have advised all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice (link for more details here).

Global Affairs Canada has set up an emergency loan program of up to $5,000 to help Canadians abroad who need money quickly to return home or to support themselves while they wait to return home (link for more details here).

We’ve deferred the start of the cruise ship season in Canada, from April 2, 2020, to July 1, 2020, at the earliest. This deferral will apply to cruise ships capable of carrying more than 500 passengers and crew members (link for more details here).

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES AND WORKERS

$27 million to fund COVID-19 research –this funding will support 47 research teams from across Canada that will focus on accelerating the development, testing, and implementation of measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak (link for details here).

$1-billion package to help Canadians cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, with half of the money going to the provinces and territories – the fund will help put in place the plans, infrastructure, and resources needed to protect the health and safety of all Canadians (link for details here).

Employment Insurance:The Government of Canada will waive the one-week waiting period for people who are in quarantine or have been directed to self-isolate and are claiming for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits (link for details here).

The Government of Canada will also introduce enhancements to the Work-Sharing Programto earmark an estimated of $12 million to help employers who are experiencing a downturn in business due to COVID-19, and their workers (link for details here).

Establishment of a $10 billion Business Credit Availability Programto further support financing in the private sector through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada (link for more details here).

Sincerely,

Charlotte Bell

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

t: 613-238-6378