Industry Support
COVID-19 Updates

Industry Support

The below are relevant and official information sources regarding COVID-19:

For a comprehensive list of federal government resources updated daily, please visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website.

For FAQs with relevant and important links, please visit our FAQs section here.

 

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Government of Canada will support more small businesses and communities with targeted assistance delivered by regional development agencies. The funding will be allocated as follows:

Learn more here. 

 

Provincial Reopening Plans

Provincial authorities are beginning to outline their re-opening plans. Timelines and actions vary, but can provide businesses and workers with information on what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months. This list will be updated as new information is released:

 

Updates 

  • May 19, 2020: Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses.  Learn more here.
  • May 13, 2020: Government of Canada will support more small businesses and communities with targeted assistance delivered by regional development agencies. Learn more here.
  • May 8, 2020: Minister Bains announces new Industry Strategy Council. Learn more here.
  • April 24, 2020: Prime Minister announces partnerships with provinces and territories to deliver the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses. Learn more here.
  • Effective April 20, 2020: All air passengers departing or arriving via any Canadian airport will be required to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel. Learn more here.
  • April 18, 2020: Prime Minister announces support for Indigenous businesses. Learn more here
  • April 17, 2020: Prime Minister announces new support to protect Canadian jobs. The Government of Canada will provide over $1.7 billion for targeted measures, including: $675 million to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures, through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies. Learn more here.
  • April 16, 2020: Prime Minister announces additional support for small businesses. Learn more here. 
  • April 15, 2020: Prime Minister announces expanded access to Canada Emergency Response Benefit and support for essential workers. News Release: please click here. Backgrounder: please click here.
  • April 15, 2020: To help limit the spread of COVID-19, Parks Canada suspends camping, group activities, and events across the country until at least May 31, 2020. Learn more here. 
  • April 8, 2020: The Government of Canada provides further flexibility for employers to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Learn more here. 
  • April 8, 2020: Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19. Learn more here. 
  • March 30, 2020: The Government of Canada has updated its public-facing language on travel restrictions, please see the Public Health Agency of Canada for official government information.

 

Tourism Specific

  • Visit your Provincial Marketing Organization or Destination Marketing Organization’s website for additional information about support, services and guidance.
  • Tourism Industry Association of Canada: TIAC is committed to representing Canadian tourism businesses in the face of uncertainty and continues to advocate on behalf of the industry. You can also register for their industry newsletter.
  • Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: ITAC is monitoring the changing public policies by the day and the hour as things unfold. ITAC CEO, Keith Henry, has shared video messages to address these concerns and outline the steps we are taking during these uncertain times. You can also register for their industry newsletter.
  • Regional Development Agency: Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are the front line for economic development in Canada and help to address key economic challenges by providing regionally tailored programs, services, knowledge and expertise. RDAs are closely monitoring the COVID-19 global challenge and the potential impact it could have on your business and your workers, as well as the broader economy.

 

Planning Support for Businesses

 

Other Key Resources

  • Public Health Agency of Canada: General information on COVID-19
  • Follow Government of Canada social media channels for the latest updates
  • Monitor the Prime Ministers News page closely for relevant announcements
  • Download the Canada Business App to navigate government services, get recommendations tailored to your business, set up personalized notifications and find the answers you need to start up, scale up and access new markets