January 12, 2022
New TIAO Survey on the Current Challenges Facing Ontario's Tourism Businesses in 2022 
In the coming weeks, TIAO will be meeting with a variety of government ministers, opposition critics, MPPs and MPs to detail the very latest information regarding the state of the tourism industry in Ontario. 
To be blunt, we know that the stakes for our industry have never been higher: Two years into the pandemic, saddled with increasing levels of debts, increased fixed costs and non-existent revenues, our industry has had period of reopening—but never recovery. That’s why we remain relentless in our pursuit for continued economic supports and to fix programs that don’t meet the needs of our industry. 
As we head into those meetings, it is vital that we are able to substantiate our recommendations with empirical information that helps us fill the gaps of support. If you could take just a few moments to fill in the following survey, you’ll be helping us make a stronger case when we meet face to face. 
Question and answer sessions on the targeted COVID-19 support measures for businesses and organizations
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadian businesses and organizations in the face of the ongoing pandemic. To this end, COVID-19 Recovery Programs will continue to provide support to Canadian businesses and organizations. On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, applications opened for the Canada Recovery Hiring Program, the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program. 

Please visit the COVID-19 wage and hiring support for businesses web pages and the COVID-19 rent and property expense support for businesses web pages for detailed information about eligibility requirements, how application periods are structured, and how to apply.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is hosting a series of interactive question and answer sessions for affected businesses and organizations.
Document outlining the details of the current provincial and federal COVID-19 support for businesses
Reconnect Ontario 2022 now open for applications
Reconnect Ontario supports festivals and events that have a tourism economic impact and motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, reconnect people with local experiences and increase tourism spending. 

The program aims to support innovative events in Ontario that will:

  • offer safe experiences that encourage people to travel locally, participate and rediscover the beauty and diversity of all that Ontario communities have to offer 
  • draw tourists and local visitors, whether in-person or virtually, through innovative programming, and generate positive economic impact for the local community, the region and the province
  • provide job opportunities for Ontarians, particularly in the tourism, culture and entertainment sectors
  • increase Ontario’s profile through media and/or social media exposure to generate interest in future travel to the province.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Enhances Curbside Pick-Up Options for Customers
Minister Ng announces new call for proposals under the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced a call for proposals for new projects under the Women Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund, one of the initiatives of the $6 billion Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES). She was joined by the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth; Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development; and representatives of organizations that have received WES support, Christine Nakamura, Vice-President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, and Alida Burke, COO of Growcer.