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.
COVID-19 Funding and Program Summary Document - Updated June, 2021
Includes Federal, Provincial and Tourism Saskatchewan supports available
Click on the links below to go to the sections. In addition, check out the Questions and Answers for the tourism industry in Saskatchewan.
Last Updated: May 3, 2021
Webinars, Events and Resources
Tourism Associations Directory
Announcements
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy extended
The Government of Saskatchewan announced an extension of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS). Applications will be open until June 30, 2021.Many tourism and hospitality employers are eligible for the RSTS, which reimburses private-sector employers for employee training costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per business.
Eligible tourism and hospitality employers can enrol employees in Tourism Saskatchewan training programs for upgrading skills or earning certification. Tourism Saskatchewan has developed a series of specialized training programs that combine pandemic-specific information with national emerit Professional Certification.
Apply for the subsidy by June 30.
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.
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.Extensions announced for emergency wage and rent subsidies
The Government of Canada announced that current rate structures for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support will be extended until June 15, 2021.
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy enables employers to retain staff or quickly rehire laid off workers.
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy provides direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage interest support to tenants and property owners. Lockdown Support provides additional rent relief to organizations that are subject to a lockdown and must shut their doors or significantly restrict their activities under public health orders.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund expanded
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provides assistance to businesses unable to access other federal support programs. The fund is administered by Western Economic Diversification (WD) in Western Canada.
Revisions to the program include an increase in interest-free loans. Businesses that apply to the RRRF can now request up to $60,000 in interest-free, repayable support, up from $40,000 previously offered. Existing RRRF recipients can apply $20,000 of additional funding if they continue to experience loses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, fully repayable liquidity support over $60,000 is available to eligible applicants.
Review details and apply by March 31, 2021.
Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) extended to cover January
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) provides a payment to small and medium-sized businesses directly affected by provincial public health orders related to COVID-19. Payments are issued based on 15 per cent of a business's monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000.
Payments for December 2020 and January, February and March 2021 are issued based on 15 per cent of a business's monthly sales revenue in November/December 2019 or January 2020, to a maximum of $5,000 per month.
The program is open for applications and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.
Those who qualified for the December intake of the SSBEP will not have to re-apply for January/February/March payments. For additional information on the program, email ssbep@gov.sk.ca or call 1-800-667-6102 or 306-787-6645 in Regina.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
The Government of Canada announced the launch of the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), which provides financial support to businesses that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Eligible businesses can being applying to principal financial institutions on February 1. The HASCAP Guarantee is available until June 30, 2021.
Review details to determine if this financing is a fit for your business.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) extended to June 2021
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) helps Canadian businesses that have experienced a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsidies are available to cover a portion of employee wages, enabling businesses to keep or rehire staff. helps Canadian businesses that have experienced a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsidies are available to cover a portion of employee wages, enabling businesses to keep or rehire staff.
In November, CEWS changes were announced, including the extension of the program to June 2021.
Review the eligibility and application details.
Government of Canada supports Saskatchewan jobs
The Government of Canada announced $1.925 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) for business ecosystem support in Saskatchewan. Delivered through WD’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), the support will enable 24 organizations to fund more than 2,600 enterprises in all stages of the business lifecycle – from startups to established firms.
The funding directly supports over 340 jobs in the funded organizations, and additional employment among the small businesses that benefit from the programs.
This additional RRRF funding complements existing programs offered by WD, including the Women Entrepreneur Strategy Ecosystem Fund, and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program.
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
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) program reimburses eligible private-sector employers for employee training (maximum of $10,000 per business) to mitigate costs required for safe re-opening. The RSTS application deadline has been extended to December 31, 2020.
For more information, visit saskatchewan.ca/training-subsidy, call 306-964-1005 (Saskatoon and area) or 306-787-4677 (Regina and area) or email cansaskjobgrant@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
Government of Saskatchewan
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.
Employers may be eligible for reimbursement of all training costs through the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy. Apply by June 30, 2021. For more information, contact Lendee Wiebe, 306- 933-5910, lendee.wiebe@tourismsask.com, or call toll-free 1-800-331-1529.
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. 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
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. (Recording)
- 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. (Recording)
- 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. (Recording)
- Ramping Up as the Curve Flattens. Presenter: Eva Gutsche, Owner, STEM Consulting & Marketing Inc. (Recording)
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
Community Futures Newsask
Museums Association of Saskatchewan
- Considerations When Re-opening Museums
- Supporting Seasonal Staff During COVID-19
- Social Media During COVID-19
Go2HR
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
Twenty31
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!
- Three Recovery Phases for your Destination and DMO: Mitigate, Restart, Reimagine
- Leading your destination through crisis
Crowdriff
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
