Tourism Saskatchewan understands that these are unprecedented times for Saskatchewan’s tourism industry and tourism operators. The COVID-19 pandemic brought financial stress and uncertainty to attractions, businesses, events and other tourism organizations.
We are working closely with provincial and federal agencies, Destination Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and other industry partners to develop plans and support programs for the industry's recovery.
Email your COVID-19 questions and concerns to questions@tourismsask.com.
Last Updated: November 7, 2022
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The Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 restrictions at ports-of-entry.
Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements, including mask wearing on planes and trains.
The Canada Digital Adoption Program is designed to help small businesses adapt to the digital economy through enhancing their online presence and adopting digital technologies.
The Government of Canada has partnered with the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Digital Main Street and Economic Development Regina to deliver Grow Your Business Online grant to small businesses.
Eligible businesses include:
Micro-grants are available for costs related, but not limited to, the following:
Create an account and apply now.
The Government of Saskatchewan’s Re-Skill Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) is a program that provides employers with financial support to train employees. Private and not-for-profit-sector employers can apply for the subsidy.
Designed to speed economic recovery, the RSTS offers financial assistance for employer-driven, short-term training programs. Its objectives are as follows:
Many tourism and hospitality employers may be eligible for the RSTS, which reimburses employee training costs to a maximum of $5,000.
Review the application checklist. Applications will be accepted, assessed and approved based on available funding.
The Government of Canada announced an extension of the repayment timeframe for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing
Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2023 will result in loan forgiveness of up to 33 percent (up to $20,000).
The Government of Canada announced details of the Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations. The fund will assist with the planning and presentation of COVID-19 safe events, both live and digital, in the arts and music sectors. It supports work opportunities for artists and cultural works and helps to stabilize the overall environment.
A total of $181.5 million will be invested in 2021-2022. Funding available through the Canada Council for the Arts will support the creation or adaptation of works to be shared with virtual audiences, as well as research, creation and production of new work through the Explore and Create Program.
The Department of Canadian Heritage is receiving $65 million, including $40 million to support live arts and music events and their digital distribution.
More details are available on the Canadian Heritage website. Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake in 2021-2022.
A global company, STR provides premier data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for the hospitality industry. To help grow Saskatchewan’s performance sample, hotels across the province are invited to participate in a complimentary program, led by STR. The data collected through this program will assist hotel managers and destination marketers to gauge performance trends, make strategic decisions and position properties, businesses and communities for a strong recovery.
Read more details about data use, confidentiality and advantages to participating businesses.
Sign up for this important program today.
The Health Canada COVID Alert app is available to Saskatchewan residents. Once downloaded to your smart phone, subscribers may participate in digital COVID-19 exposure alerts. The national COVID Alert app uses Bluetooth technology to detect when users are near each other. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can choose to let other users know about potential exposure risk without sharing any personal information. The Health Canada COVID Alert app is available at no cost in the Apple and Google Play app store. For more information, visit www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html.
The Saskatchewan Economic Development Authority is offering training through its Destination Creation Program.
Support for workers adversely affected by the COVID-19 situation:
Tourism Saskatchewan’s video, "Pathway to Recovery," lays out Tourism Saskatchewan’s phased plan to support the tourism industry through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, through close work with DMOs, CMOs, operators and industry stakeholders. As the Re-open Saskatchewan plan states: "Although the challenge is formidable, it’s one that we’re overcoming by working together."
Tourism Saskatchewan’s online Pathway to Recovery Training Series offers 14 comprehensive training programs to keep workplaces operational and adjust to pandemic safety protocols. Each program delivers online, instructor-led training to increase knowledge and improve job skills, and includes pandemic-specific training.
Tourism Saskatchewan’s Clean It Right program is a convenient online training tool for tourism businesses. It helps implement clearly defined policies and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting facilities. The online course, available 24-7, is delivered through three custom modules that address the needs of specific industries:
To earn Clean It Right Business certification, a property must have all cleaning staff complete the program. Designated businesses are authorized to display a Clean It Right window decal and electronic logo to reassure the public of a clean and safe environment.
The program is being provided by Tourism Saskatchewan free of charge to all Saskatchewan businesses.
Enrol staff in the training at Business.TourismSaskatchewan.com.
For more information, contact Tourism Saskatchewan Workforce Development: (306) 933-5900, toll-free 1-800-331-1529, or tourism.training@tourismsask.com
The Saskatchewan Economic Development Authority is offering training through its Destination Creation Program. Businesses can apply to the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant to subsidize these training costs.
All Tourism Saskatchewan webinars are posted the Pathways to Recovery playlist.
If you didn't find what you were looking for above, please email your COVID-19 questions and concerns to questions@tourismsask.com.
