July 12, 2021 (OTTAWA, ON) – The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is heartened by the new Tourism Relief Fund outlined in the July 12, 2021 announcement by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

TIAC has been working tirelessly with industry partners requesting targeted support for the tourism industry. As part of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, TIAC and its colleagues are encouraged to see the creation of the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).

“The tourism industry continues to face significant hardship due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. During today’s press conference, Minister Joly acknowledged the unique set of factors our suite of sectors has endured, and repeatedly highlighted the fact that the tourism industry was first and hardest hit,” said Beth Potter, President & CEO of TIAC.

“We appreciate the announcement of additional funds to the industry through the Tourism Relief Fund, with a focused lens to ensure support to Indigenous operators. While it is not going to solve all problems, this funding could make the difference between a business being able to stay in operation and employ staff throughout the long road to recovery. We encourage all tourism businesses and organizations to check with their Regional Development Agency to find out how they can take advantage of this funding.”

The TRF will provide $500 Million in support for the tourism sector over a two-year period. The majority of the funding, $485 million, will be delivered by Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) directly to tourism businesses and organizations to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones. Of this $485 million, a minimum of 10% will be invested in Indigenous tourism projects.

Additionally, $15 million will be delivered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to support destination development, seasonal and local attractions, human resources and skills development.

Funds delivered to businesses will be either non-repayable (contributions up to $100,000) or repayable (contributions up to $500,000). Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous organizations (not generating profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

To find out if your organization qualifies for TRF funding and to apply, visit your regional development agency‘s web page:

➜ Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) 

For communities in Atlantic Canada

➜ Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

For communities in Quebec

➜ Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For communities in Canada’s three territories

➜ Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

For communities in southern Ontario

➜FedNor

For communities in northern Ontario

➜Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)

For communities in Western Canada