Dear Colleagues,

The following information about resources you can tap into through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) has been forwarded to us from our colleagues at TIAC via Federal Minster Mélanie Joly. 

The Minister’s office has also begun to disseminate this through their various networks and information channels. In particular, please note the following:

• The six Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have been given more tools and flexibility to help local businesses deal with economic difficulties. They will help them deal with the immediate impact of COVID-19 on their operations by allowing, for example, deferred repayment, advance payments or reimbursement of legitimate claims.

• The RDAs will reallocate marketing efforts to support local and regional tourism, taking into account the latest advice from health agencies. Destination Canada is also closely monitoring the global situation and adjusting its marketing strategy accordingly, a central part of which is promoting domestic tourism.

• In collaboration with the Minister of Canadian Heritage, government is ensuring that grants and contributions awarded to local events, festivals or other initiatives are maintained and take into account the possibility of cancellations due to COVID-19.

Businesses affected by the situation are asked to contact their local economic development officer. The Minister’s team at Economic Development and Official Languages is also ready to assist if need be.

You can download the fact sheet by clicking here.

We hope you find these resources useful - we will continue to forward on any resources that we receive from our partners during this difficult time.

The TIAO team.