COVID Resources
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.
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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: October 21, 2021
Webinars, Events and Resources
Tourism Associations Directory
Announcements
Government of Canada announces new targeted support programs for businesses
The Government of Canada announced targeted COVID-19 support measures to create jobs and drive economic growth. Businesses still facing significant challenges due to the pandemic can access support through two streams:
-
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program - provides support through the wage and rent subsidy programs to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.
- Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program - provides support through the wage and rent subsidy programs to other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent.
These programs will be available until May 7, 2022, with the proposed subsidy rates in place until March 13, 2022. From March 13 until May 7, subsidy rates will decrease by half. A backgrounder provides details about the new programs.
New Public Health Measures Announced
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced new public health measures to address health care capacity pressures caused by rising case rates.
Mandatory Masking Indoor Public Spaces: Effective Friday, September 17, 2021 an interim province-wide mandatory masking order will be implemented for all indoor public spaces. Indoor public spaces are any enclosed space other than a private home or dwelling. This may include but is not exclusive to workplaces, retail locations, recreational venues, eating and dining establishments and professional buildings. “Indoor public spaces” includes those areas of a business or venue that are restricted to staff only (areas where there is no access for the public).
Proof of Vaccination: Effective October 1, 2021 a proof of vaccination or negative test policy will be implemented for all Government of Saskatchewan ministry, crown and agency employees. Employees of all Government of Saskatchewan ministries, crowns and agencies will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 1. Employees that do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to provide proof of a negative test result on a consistent basis.
For detailed information on these public health measures, visit the Government of Saskatchewan's COVID-19 resources page.
Application deadline extended for Canada Emergency Business Account
The Government of Canada announced an extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). The CEBA provides Interest-free loans of up to $60,000 available. Part of the loan (up to $20,000) is forgivable if balance paid by December 31, 2022.Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) and Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) extended to December 2021
The Government of Canada has extended the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) and the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) until December 31, 2021.
Through HASCAP, the Business Development Bank of Canada will work with participating financial institutions to offer government-guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $1 million. Businesses with multiple locations, such as hotels or restaurants, could be eligible for up to $6.25 million.
The BCAP loan guarantee, designed for Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses, is a partnership between Economic Development Canada and approved Canadian financial institutions. The program helps cover payroll and operating costs when cash flows have been temporarily reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review details to determine if this financing is a fit for your business.
Funding announced for COVID-19 safe events in the arts and music sectors
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 forthcoming on the Canadian Heritage website. Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake in 2021-2022.
Health and Safety
Government of Saskatchewan
COVID Alert App
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.
Public Health Agency of Canada
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Business Operations Support
Government of Saskatchewan
The Business Response Team works directly with businesses to identify program supports, both provincially and federally.
Business Response Team
1-844-800-8688
supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca
Saskatchewan Economic Development Authority
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. The new Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy Program can also be accessed to cover the training costs - application deadline is December 31.
Government of Canada
Federal Work-Sharing Program
The Government of Canada extended its Work-Sharing Program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure will provide income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
Canadian Business Resilience Network
- Resources page to navigate government programs for COVID-19 assistance
Employment and Social Development Canada
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
*please contact your financial institution first if you are not already a BDC member*
Canadian Payroll Association
Canadian Business Resilience Network
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Canadian Federation for Independent Business (CFIB)
Service Hospitality
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Global Affairs Canada
- Trade Commissioner Service Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses
- Western Economic Diversification Canada
- Google for Small Businesses
- Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Facebook Small Business Grants Program
- Bank of Canada Rate News
Finance Canada
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association
- Liquidity Options for Hotels
- Coronavirus Guide for Hospitality
- COVID 19 FAQ - Taking Care of Employees and Guests
Tourism Recovery
Employee Support
Government of Saskatchewan
Support for workers adversely affected by the COVID-19 situation:
Saskatchewan Self-Isolation Support Program
The Government of Saskatchewan offers the Saskatchewan Self-Isolation Support Program for Saskatchewan workers who are in self-isolation due to COVID-19 infection, contact or symptoms, and are ineligible for other government assistance programs. Eligible applications can access $450 per week for a maximum of two weeks.
Marketing Support
BC Hughes
Destination Think!
- COVID-19 Pandemic needs rational leadership from tourism destinations
- Facebook COVID-19 Support Group for DMOs and CMOs
- COVID-19 Support Network
Destination Canada
Recovery Support
Tourism Saskatchewan
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
Pathway to Recovery Training Series
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.
Clean it Right Saskatchewan
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:
- Accommodations, including hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts
- Restaurants and food services
- Retail businesses
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 Kari Burgess at 306-933-5913 or 1-800-331-1529, kari.burgess@tourismsask.com.
Saskatchewan Economic Development Authority
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.
Tourism HR Canada
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Restaurants Canada - Free Webinars and Resources
- Rapid Recovery Series - Ten sessions available, ranging in topics from Rebuilding Your Workforce, Opening Your Doors to a Safer Future, Winning You Customer Back, and more
- Restaurants Canada Rapid Recovery Guide
- Re-opening Tracker - Updated government announcements and activities across the country related to lifting restrictions and reopening the economy
Destination Think!
Service Hospitality
World Travel and Tourism Council
Webinars, Events and Resources
Tourism Saskatchewan
- Adapting Your Business: a Strategic Approach. Presenter: Albert Jame, Strategy Director, Zu.com.
- Know Your Markets. Presenters: Jonathan Potts, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Tourism Saskatchewan; Jeannette Lye, Manager of Planning and Research, Tourism Saskatchewan. Learn about Saskatchewan resident’s travel behaviour and media preferences. Find out who is travelling this summer, what they are looking for and how to reach them.
- Controlling for COVID-19 with Confidence - thinking beyond the mask and hand sanitizer to develop effective safety precautions. Presenter: Robyn Reist, Senior Specialist, Occupational Health and Safety, RCH Consulting Ltd.
- Ramping Up as the Curve Flattens. Presenter: Eva Gutsche, Owner, STEM Consulting & Marketing Inc.
All Tourism Saskatchewan webinars are posted the Pathways to Recovery playlist.
Government of Canada
World Tourism Organization
- UNWTO Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism
- UNWTO COVID 19 Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package
Destination Canada
Tourism HR Canada
Museums Association of Saskatchewan
- Considerations When Re-opening Museums
- Supporting Seasonal Staff During COVID-19
- Social Media During COVID-19
Restaurants Canada - Free Webinars and Resources
- Rapid Recovery Series - Ten sessions available, ranging in topics from Rebuilding Your Workforce, Opening Your Doors to a Safer Future, Winning You Customer Back, and more
- Restaurants Canada Rapid Recovery Guide
- COVID-19 Resources for Foodservice Operators
- Crisis Preparedness and Business Continuity Guide
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
SafetyCheck - Canadian Food Safety Group
Trans Canada Trail (The Great Trail)
Conference Board of Canada
- Click here for upcoming webinars and daily updates
Destination Think!
Service Hospitality
Business Development Bank of Canada
Tourism Associations Directory
- Destination Canada
- Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
- Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
- Tourism HR Canada
- Hotel Association of Canada (HAC)
- Restaurants Canada
If you didn't find what you were looking for above, please email your COVID-19 questions and concerns to questions@tourismsask.com.
OR, visit this Questions and Answers page for the tourism industry
