OTTAWA, ON, May 23, 2021 / CNW / – The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister for Economic Development and Official Languages, made the following statement on Tourism Week in Canada::

“Today is the beginning of Tourism week in Canada. While over the past few years it has been an opportunity to celebrate the sector’s many successes, a particularly difficult period has now come to an end. While we cannot downplay the impact of the pandemic on the sector, there are still important opportunities for businesses. When it’s safe to travel Canada The tourism sector will flourish again, demonstrating the natural beauty of the country and the diversity of its people.

“We also welcome this opportunity to recognize the remarkable efforts of companies in the tourism sector that have shown resilience and determination to face economic uncertainties while taking significant steps to respond to a global health crisis.

“Our government has been at every step to offer various sources of support to keep the tourism businesses alive and to explore strategies for the recovery of the sector.

“We’ve helped small businesses pay their workers, rents and mortgages, and get their expenses covered through ongoing emergency programs like this Canada Emergency wage subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support, and the Canada Emergency business account. Businesses and non-profit organizations in the tourism, arts and culture sectors have received an estimate $ 15So far, 4 billion pandemics have been supported and we are determined to continue to support these hardest hit sectors.

“In the 2021 budget, our government proposes to drive their recovery through a full package of support services $ 1 billion over three years, including the creation of one $ 500 million Tourism Relief Fund to support tourism businesses in helping them recover from the pandemic and positioning themselves for future growth.

“There is reason for hope, and we will continue to nurture that hope. Canada The vaccination effort is in full swing. The Prime Minister has confirmed that there will be enough COVID-19 vaccines to offer their first dose to any eligible and willing Canadian by the summer, and enough doses to ensure that everyone can be fully vaccinated by September. The ongoing restrictions and efforts by Canadians to adhere to public health guidelines are helping us get closer to being able to travel.

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“Please rest assured that we are continually assessing the situation and making decisions based on evolving scientific data and advice from public health officials. When the time is right, we look forward to everyone getting back together and doing this Exploring great country welcoming visitors from near and far.

“The end of the pandemic is near and we must all work together to get there. Our government is listening Canada Tourism companies so we can continue to support them as they adapt, rebuild and grow.

“To Canada Tourism Company: Thank you for all of the effort you have made to keep Canadians safe. International visitors are eager to set foot on Canadian soil again and we aim to welcome them and hold festivals, events, conventions and meetings when needed. I encourage all Canadians to choose a Canadian destination for their travel plans when the restrictions are lifted. They are key to supporting the recovery of the tourism sector, and there are so many beautiful places to discover here at home. “

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SOURCE Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada

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