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FEATURED
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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES $68.5M IN RELIEF SUPPORT FOR SOUTHERN ONTARIO TOURISM SECTOR
On April 6, 2022, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced a total investment of $68.5 million through the Tourism Relief Fund for Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and 11 RTOs.
$3.5 million will go to ITO to deliver non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to Indigenous businesses, not-for-profit organizations, Band Councils, and Indigenous communities to invest in new or enhanced tourism experiences, upgrade tourism assets, attract domestic and international tourists, and support Indigenous businesses and organizations with pandemic recovery.
A total of $65 million will go to 11 RTOs across southern Ontario, which will distribute the funding through non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to southern Ontario tourism businesses and organizations to innovate and invest in new and enhanced tourism experiences. The fund will be open to incorporated businesses, not-for-profit incorporated organizations, municipalities, and Indigenous-owned businesses, communities, and organizations.
TIAO welcomes this announcement, which will support the local recovery needs of tourism businesses, organizations, and regions in southern Ontario.
More information on how to apply for support will be available on the ITO and eligible RTO websites.
TIAO WELCOMES CHANGES TO THE TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM
On April 4, 2022, the Government of Canada announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) under the Workforce Solutions Road Map. These changes include:
- Effective April 30, accommodation and food service employers will now be able to hire 30% of full-time equivalent positions at their worksite through the TFWP’s Low-Wage Stream for one year.
- Effective April 30, all other employers will be allowed to hire up to 20% of their workforce through the TFWP for low-wage positions until further notice, an increase from the former 10% cap for many employers.
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Effective April 30, employers in economic regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher can now submit Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to fill low-wage occupations in accommodations and food services. These LMIAs will be actively considered by the TFWP to address severe labour shortages that have persisted despite an unemployment rate of 6% or higher (previously, they were automatically refused under the Refusal to Process directive).
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LMIAs will be valid for 18 months, an increase from 9 months
- For a list of full measures, see the Government of Canada backgrounder
TIAO welcomes these changes to the TFWP. TIAO along with our partners, particularly the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA) and Resorts of Ontario (ROO), have been advocating for changes to the TFWP to expand its utility to our operators.
Raising the TFWP hiring cap from 10% to 30% for accommodation and food services will assist tourism and hospitality businesses fill essential positions, especially in rural areas where the industry-wide labour crisis is exacerbated by systemic infrastructure challenges (e.g., affordable housing, transportation). The removal of the 6% Refusal to Process directive opens up the opportunity for more tourism and hospitality businesses to fill persistently vacant low-wage positions through the TFWP.
However, we stress that while these measures will help to temporarily alleviate the labour crisis in our industry, barriers remain in tourism and hospitality recovery. With recovery expected to take years and the labour crisis a systemic issue, the 30% TFWP hiring cap for accommodation and food service sectors will be necessary for more than a one-year period. And while the removal of the Refusal to Process policy is encouraging, operators are still required to go through the costly process of demonstrating that there are no Canadians qualified or available to fill the positions and that temporary foreign workers are therefore required.
The recent TFWP changes are a promising step forward. TIAO will continue working with our partners to advocate for further policy changes that will address the labour crisis and support the recovery, rebuild, and sustainability of Ontario’s tourism and hospitality industry.
TIAO is accepting nominations for the 2022 TIAO Board of Directors. To learn more and apply, click here.
TIAO AND TOURISM DELEGATION TO DISCUSS MAT WITH MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING
TIAO has confirmed a date for a roundtable meeting to discuss MAT implementation issues with the Municipal Finance and Policy branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The roundtable meeting has been set for the end of April.
With the decline of COVID-19 relief funding and tourism recovery expected to take years, MAT revenues will be an increasingly important source of financing for tourism recovery, with funds directed to local tourism marketing and product development. As such, this roundtable meeting will be a critical opportunity to relay existing industry concerns regarding the MAT regulatory framework and our recommendations to ensure the MAT can best meet its objectives in funding local tourism rebuild and growth.
TIAO will be joined by a delegation of DMOs, RTOs, and tourism associations from rural municipalities where the MAT is in place. Key focal points of the meeting will include:
- Ensuring consistency in requiring STR platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) to collect and remit MAT in municipalities where MAT is legislated
- Ensuring MAT monies actually go toward tourism marketing and product development
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Ensuring that the MAT does not replace a tourism financing strategy but is part of it
If you have any feedback to add to the meeting agenda regarding MAT implementation, email jng@tiaontario.ca.
TIAO is currently accepting bids to host the 2023 and 2024 Summits.If you are interested in seeing if your destination is able to host an Ontario Tourism Summit in the future, please contact TIAO's event manager, Landon directly at landon@tiaontario.ca to receive a copy of the RFP.
BUILDING INCLUSIVE TOURISM
APRIL 13: BRINGING DEI TO DMOS
Join us by registering for each webinar in our monthly series on Building Inclusive Tourism.
On Wednesday,April 13, 2022, at 12 pm, we are presenting Bringing DEI to DMOs - Best Practices of Integrating DEI Principles at the DMO Level.
Session Information: This webinar features best practices of integrating DEI principles at the DMO level. The session will begin with a presentation from Greg DeShields, Executive Director of Tourism Diversity Matters, after which Rebecca Godfrey will moderate a discussion with Explore Edmonton on the status of their journey to build a more inclusive tourism industry.
Featuring Guest Speakers:
- Greg DeShields, Executive Director of Tourism Diversity Matters
- Paul Hawes - VP, Destination Development and Marketing, Explore Edmonton
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Kristen Foster, CMP - Senior Event Manager, Edmonton Convention Centre
Moderator: Rebecca Godfrey - Senior Strategic Consultant at Destination Think!
Register now and let the learning begin, please click here.
PERCEPTIONS OF ONTARIO AS A DESTINATION FOR LGBT+ TRAVELLERS SURVEY
Tourism partners in Ontario are conducting research on LGBT+ traveller perceptions of various regions of the province as a vacation destination. The survey also seeks to gather information on what types of tourism products and experiences these LGBT+ travellers would like to enjoy while in Ontario. If you identify as LGBT+, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your input will help to inform tourism development in Ontario. Thank you.
To take the survey, please click here.
LUXURY TAX LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN - BOATING ONTARIO
Join the Boating Ontario team and members and send a letter to your MP & MPPS on how the Luxury Tax will affect your business and community. Thank you for raising our collective voice on this issue! What you need to do;
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Open the attached template letter and copy to your letterhead, add your own thoughts on job losses, sales impacts etc. near top and sign. If you prefer Google Docs, please click here for the template letter.
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Click here to view Federal MP’s, find your MP and address the letter to them
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Be sure to copy your Ontario MPP and Boating Ontario rlayzell@boatingontario.ca in your email.
INTRODUCING NOW PLAYING TORONTO
Destination Toronto announced today the launch of Now Playing Toronto (NPTO) a new consumer-facing, free online platform featuring a one-stop source for arts, cultural and community events in Toronto.
Developed by Destination Toronto and the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, along with an Arts and Culture Advisory Council made up of leaders across major arts disciplines, Now Playing Toronto captures the full scope and scale of Toronto experiences and is designed to be the best place to find everything happening tonight, this weekend or a month from now.
A celebration of the breadth and diversity of events in our city, from what's new, up-and-coming artists to the largest shows and events, Now Playing Toronto is here to assist cultural organizations and event producers re-engage and reach new audiences.
MAKE LOCAL SOURCING WORK FOR YOU
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), in partnership with OTEC, has created a brand-new, free blended suite of online and instructor-led training program for hospitality businesses to better leverage the power of food tourism in Ontario. Food tourism is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism and a powerful driver for sustainable economic development in our region and beyond. Restaurants are an important part of the tourism industry in Ontario. Learn how local sourcing, storytelling and partnership can help grow your business and attract more people to Ontario.
To learn more and to enroll please click here.
JOIN TIAO IN TAKING THE PLEDGE - AND ENSURE THAT ONTARIO IS THE MOST COMMITTED PROVINCE TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Are you interested and committed to being more sustainable? Are you curious, but don't know where to start. Start your 2022 by taking the pledge.
The Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is a commitment to improve the sustainability performance of your tourism business or destination between now and 2030... but this is more than a pledge.
Launched in June 2021, the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is a global movement of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the tourism and hospitality industry that believe tourism has a tremendous opportunity to become a force for good and change the world. We believe that improving the social, cultural, environmental, and economic performance of our industry in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is not a trend or a cause, but is essential to the long term health and well-being of this important sector of the global economy. The Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is built upon the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism criteria, which is aligned with, and in the case of the business criteria, has achieved “Recognized” status, with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. We have set a goal of achieving this.
Take the pledge here: https://www.sustainabletourism2030.com/pledge/
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY EMERGENCY RECOVERY (THER)
As businesses and operators prepare for a strong summer season, workforce recovery remains a challenge. Access tools and strategies specific to your region, including readiness assessments, real-time data, and workshops for businesses. Learn more at LetsGetReady.ca
Vous vous préparez pour la saison printemps-été? Les renseignements sur le marché du travail local et des données sur les prévisions économiques doivent être fournis aux destinations en temps réel pour les aider à prendre des décisions. Pour en savoir plus sur la manière dont l’OTEC et ses partenaires appuient la relance selon les destinations, visitez onseprepare.ca
SAFE TRAVELS STAMP ADMINISTERED BY TIAO
 TIAO has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
As we are being asked to limit our travel, recognize that the Safe Travels Stamp contributes to comfort with consumer sentiment both from travelers to your area and for your local community. This recognition can lend itself to peace of mind.
Our application process has moved to an online system and you can access it here. Almost 2000 businesses have been approved. See list of successful applicants here.
DO YOU HAVE YOUR TIAO PROUD MEMBER LOGO?
We value our members and are proud to show you off, which is why we have a special TIAO "Proud Member" logo for your use. If you are a member and don't have the updated version, please reach out here.
MEMBERSHIP IN 2022 – IS IT COMPLIMENTARY?
In 2020, thanks to a grant provided by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industry, we had the opportunity to be able to extend complimentary membership for one year. TIAO then chose to extend this again in 2021 recognizing the continued struggle. We need to move forward and rebuild but we know that Re-opening does not mean recovery.
In yet another transition year - we need to charge for membership - but we are keeping our rates level and asking the RTOs, DMOs, Sector Associations, Government, Tourism Industry Suppliers and Educators to pay - as we work with you to cascade up and down the information so that we can continue to collaborate and work together to deliver the voice to industry.
We are offering complimentary membership to tourism operators IF the tourism operator is a member of their local DMO and/or Sector Association. We recognize that tourism operators are still challenged. By aligning with the DMOs/Sector Associations we are allowing tourism operators to not have to choose IF they can only afford one membership - we want them to work with those that can market and bring them business.
For those tourism operators that are able to and want to contribute to green shoots to support TIAO’s advocacy efforts, this is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to hearing from you, having more input, strengthening our industry’s voices and making sure tourism is represented.
Contact us for 2022 membership by emailing us directly at membership@tiaontario.ca
If you are a tourism operator that would like to contribute more than your membership dollars to TIAO to support our advocacy efforts, you can do so in one of two methods:
- Sponsorship of an existing action - Tourism Issues Forum, Policy Speaker Series, AGM, and/or Ontario Tourism Summit
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Become a Green shoots sponsor 🌱 - For those members that can afford to pay more than their membership, we will recognize the value of their existing membership through sponsorship (Green shoots sponsor) and use this value of their membership to continue the research and vital actions to rebuild and represent the industry’s voice to government in Ontario.
How does this work if I want to become a member of TIAO?
Welcome, we are glad to extend this to the industry. We ask that you reach out to us directly at: membership@tiaontario.ca We will set up your membership. We will also extend to you the option as we do to our existing members.
- Membership within TIAO for a period of one year from date of signing.
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Opportunity to sponsor an existing action - Tourism Issues Forum, Policy Speaker Series, AGM, and/or Ontario Tourism Summit AND/OR become a Green shoots sponsor 🌱 - For those members that can afford to pay more than their membership, we will recognize the value of their existing membership through sponsorship (Green shoots sponsor) and use this value of their membership to continue the research and vital actions to rebuild and represent the industry’s voice to government in Ontario.
 Why Green shoots?
Green shoots is a term used to describe signs of economic recovery or positive data during an economic downturn. The term green shoots is a reference to plant growth and recovery and has been used during down economies to describe signs of similar growth.
Welcome to the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
We are your association, and we are here for you!
GOVERNMENT RELEASES
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Province Helping Ukrainians Find Jobs in Ontario
Office of the Premier
At a time when the province has hundreds of thousands of in-demand jobs to be filled, the Ontario government is launching a suite of supports for Ukrainian families arriving under the new emergency travel authorization, including a dedicated hotline (1-888-562-4769) and email address (ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to connect new arrivals with job search supports and local employers in the community.
Ontario Supporting the Twin Elm Rugby Park
Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
The Ontario government is investing $100,000 to support capital repairs and improvements at the Twin Elm Rugby Park in Ottawa. “The Twin Elm Rugby Park is a popular athletic hub in eastern Ontario, supporting many athletes, coaches, volunteers and visitors across a wide variety of sport disciplines,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “That’s why our government is investing in this premier facility and helping to fund critical infrastructure improvements that will support and stabilize park operations, while ensuring that spectators, teams and players can continue to safely enjoy all this venue has to offer.”
Ontario Strengthening Economic Development in Sudbury Region
Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
The Ontario government is providing more than $1.3 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to three economic development projects to build a theatre venue, community centre and trail in the Sudbury region. This investment is building a stronger Ontario by creating good-paying jobs, supporting critical infrastructure and improving quality of life in Northern Ontario.
Ontario Raises the General Minimum Wage to $15.50
Labour, Training and Skills Development
The Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage to $15.50 per hour, as of October 1, 2022. In October 2022, Ontario’s new minimum wage rates will be:
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General: $15.50 per hour, a raise from $15 per hour
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Students under 18: $14.60 per hour, a raise from $14.10 per hour
- Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides: $77.60 per day when working less than five consecutive hours in a day; and $155.25 per day when working five or more hours in a day
- Homeworkers (those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers): $17.05 per hour, a raise from $16.50 per hour
Ontario Invests $19M to Help Tackle Housing Crisis
Attorney General
The Ontario government is investing more than $19 million over three years to help reduce the longstanding backlogs and accelerate decisions at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Funding will help appoint more impartial adjudicators at the OLT and LTB and support additional technology at the land tribunal to resolve cases faster.
Canada and Ontario Increasing Access to High-Speed Internet in Bruce and Grey Counties
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
As part of the Ontario government’s plan to connect every community to high-speed internet by 2025, the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $11 million to bring high-speed internet access to more than 6,100 homes, farms and businesses in Bruce and Grey counties by the end of 2022.
Ontario Cutting Gas and Fuel Taxes For Six Months To Provide Relief For Businesses and Families
Finance
As part of its plan to keep costs down for Ontario families and businesses, the Ontario government is introducing legislation that would, if passed, cut the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre and the fuel tax by 5.3 cents per litre for six months beginning July 1, 2022.
Ontario Strengthening Municipal Infrastructure in Sudbury
Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
The Ontario government is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) Fund to the City of Greater Sudbury to improve local road infrastructure. This funding is part of the government’s commitment to building strong northern communities, supporting economic development, and creating optimum conditions for businesses to thrive, grow and create good jobs.
Unfair Tolls Officially Gone on Highways 412 and 418
Office of the Premier
The Ontario government has permanently removed the unfair tolls on Highways 412 and 418 to help keep costs down for families and businesses in Durham Region. As of today, drivers will no longer need to pay to use these highways.
Government of Canada announces affordable high-speed Internet to help connect low-income families and seniors
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Canadians need access to high-quality Internet services at affordable prices. Through the Connecting Families initiative, the Government of Canada, in partnership with 14 Internet service providers (ISP), is supporting affordable high-speed Internet for those who need it most.
NEWS
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Scroll down to check out news articles in each of these sections:
- AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- COVID-19 IMPACT
- FESTIVALS & EVENTS
- FUNDING & GRANTS
- LABOUR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
- TRANSPORTATION
- OTHER NEWS
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Manitoulin’s ebike charging stations featured in Cycling in Ontario
The Manitoulin Expositor
The 2022 edition of Cycling in Ontario is out and Manitoulin Island gets great mentions for both Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates’ (MICA) charging station initiative and the great cycling routes the Island has to offer.
Cannabis Tourism Sparking Up in Toronto
Toronto Sun
Increasingly popular attractions for cannabis users include an endless selection of food choices, an arts and culture scene, and the number of people actively pushing for the cannabis lifestyle as well as cannabis-based tours.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Tourism Burlington Launches the A to Z Trail, Encouraging Discovering & Supporting Local
Tourism Burlington
Tourism Burlington launches the Free A to Z Trail web-based passport with experiences & promotions to discover all that Burlington has to offer.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton launches “Welcome Back to Sarnia Lambton” campaign rewarding visitors to visit, stay and discover Sarnia-Lambton
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton
The campaign features several new videos and advertising created for both Provincial and American tourist attraction, as Tourism Sarnia-Lambton promotes businesses and attractions partners throughout Lambton County.
Sault Ste. Marie mountain biking trails to get monster upshift
SOO Today
Sault Ste. Marie aims to become the premier mountain biking destination in Ontario.
COVID-19 IMPACT
Restaurants Canada launches #DineInDoOver campaign
City of Toronto
This April, Restaurants Canada is encouraging businesses and consumers to participate in #DineInDoOver, a campaign designed to kick off the revival of the foodservice and hospitality industry. Canadian consumers are encouraged to visit their favourite local restaurant and ‘redo’ the moments they’ve missed over the last two years.
Sault businesses expect slow return of U.S. visitors
CTV News
With COVID-19 testing requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers set to come down this week, Sault Ste. Marie's business and tourism community is getting ready for an increase in visitors crossing the International Bridge.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
One of the Top Food Festivals in Southwestern Ontario is Returning This Weekend
To Do Canada
Eat & Drink Norfolk features delicious wares from the food producers of Ontario’s Garden County. From distilleries and wineries to cheese markets, you can find over 30+ local vendors at the festival.
FUNDING & GRANTS
Government invests in NOHFC to strengthen Ontario’s tourism outreach
Travel and Tour World
The Ontario government is providing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to support Science North as it seeks to expand its tourism opportunities in Thunder Bay and Kenora and Thunder Bay.
Parry Sound-Muskoka businesses sharing in $7.5M
Northern Ontario Business
Nine business initiatives in Parry Sound-Muskoka are the recipients of $7,555,621 in federal funding. The FedNor funding, which comes through the Northern Ontario Development Program and Regional Economic Growth through Innovation, is expected to help create 139 jobs over the next five years.
LABOUR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Chair Henry welcomes major General Motors investment in Oshawa
Durham Region
Durham Region and Regional Chair John Henry welcome the major General Motors investment in the City of Oshawa - Municipal Government, bringing an estimated $1 billion to $1.3 billion and 1,400 to 1,700 jobs.
TRANSPORTATION
Wheelchair Accessibility in Cornwall, Ontario — Striving for Excellence
The Cornwall Seeker
While there are many accessible aspects to Cornwall, Ontario such as the transit system, there is always room for improvement in terms of expanding accessibility throughout the city and beyond.
OTHER NEWS
Tourist-friendly Grand Bend looks to clamp down on Airbnb with new bylaw
CBC
The tourist-friendly beach towns of Grand Bend, Port Franks and Ipperwash, Ontario are looking to clamp down on Airbnb and other online short-term rental services that some believe are driving up real estate prices and altering the very fabric of their communities.
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