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May 12, 2021

Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion & Int’l Trade Responds to HASCAP Inquiry

Advocacy

Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

Dear Mr. Judas, Ms. Baptiste, and Ms. Jarrett:


I am pleased to respond to your correspondence of March 26, 2021, which was co‑addressed to
the Honourable Chrystia Freeland and the Honourable Mélanie Joly and forwarded to me by
Minister Freeland, concerning support for tourism and hospitality businesses and the Highly
Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP).


The Government of Canada recognizes the significant impact the COVID‑19 pandemic continues
to have on the economy, affecting businesses of all sizes across every sector and region,
especially those operating in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Small and medium‑sized
enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the economy, are particularly vulnerable to
economic impacts from the pandemic.


As the situation continues to evolve, our government continues to take the necessary measures to
help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the pandemic. This includes adjusting programs
regularly based on the feedback we receive. Thank you for raising your concerns regarding
HASCAP. Through this program, the government is helping hard‑hit businesses that require
additional capital, based on having already benefited from other programs such as the Canada
Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and the Canada Emergency
Business Account, which are either fully supported or partially forgivable, to help businesses
bridge to the other side of the COVID‑19 pandemic.


Understanding that many SMEs are concerned with taking on more debt, HASCAP loans have
flexible repayment terms of up to 10 years and principal payments that may be delayed by up to
12 months. Additionally, the HASCAP interest rate at 4% is a favourable rate for hard‑hit
businesses, and no personal guarantee is taken under the program.


The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting tourism operators. To assist the
sector’s recovery, Budget 2021 proposes to make available a package of supports, totalling $1
billion over three years, starting in 2021–2022. This includes establishing a $500‑million tourism
relief fund to support investments by local tourism businesses in adapting their products and
services. The package also includes $200 million to help support Canada’s major festivals and
events. Additional information on these measures will be available once program details are
finalized.


Thank you for writing, and please accept my best wishes.


Sincerely,


The Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P.
c.c.: The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.

More Advocacy

TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Tourism Abbotsford’s Barb Roberts & Clare Seeley, as well as VCM’s Chad Wetsch on a site visit to a land-based Tilapia fish farm owned and operated by the Sumas First Nation who are expanding their Fraser Valley holdings with ambitious plans to bolster Abbotsford’s tourism infrastructure and experiences.
As he does regularly, TIABC CEO Walt Judas recently presented to tourism students and faculty at @westerncommunitycollege's (WCC) Surrey campus, focussing on industry issues and TIABC's advocacy priorities. Walt also serves on WCC's Program Advisory Committee (PAC), as well as the PACs of @capilanou and @myvcc.
🍽️ What an incredible farm-to-table experience! Backyard Farm Proprietor and Chef Chris Van Hooydonk welcomed TOTA's Board of Directors and guests Walt Judas, Richard Porges (DBC CEO) and Scott Fraser (DBC Chair) for a memorable meal in Osoyoos this week.

Chris's culinary philosophy focuses on utilizing the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create unique, tailored menus for each visit. With a commitment to true hospitality, the experience is marked by attentive service and a passion for showcasing the beauty of the South Okanagan.

Also pictured, Destination Osoyoos Executive Director Kelley Glazer, TOTA CEO Ellen Walker Matthews, and TOTA's Jane Parece. 

A huge thank you to Chris for providing such a delightful culinary experience! 🌿
🎉 Highlights from the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria! 🌟

Close to 450 tourism industry professionals convened in Victoria last week for the annual 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference, hosted by TIABC. Industry leaders representing businesses, sector associations, regional and community destination management organizations, First Nations, federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as non-government organizations gathered for the two-day event. 

Anchored by the conference theme - Shaping Our Future Together - the outstanding program provided both a knowledge and skills track via plenary sessions and workshops. Here are just a few highlights:

▪️ Opening keynote speaker Shaun Boothe shared a unique and emotional celebration of some of the world's most influential cultural icons. His energy and messages set the stage for the entire event.

▪️ Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport kicked off the conference by welcoming delegates and sharing her own personal story of working in BC's tourism industry.

▪️ Plenary Remarks by Hon. Soraya Martinez Ferrada: Insights from the Minister of Tourism and Economic Development Agency of Canada highlighted the industry's significance.

▪️TIABC CEO Walt Judas engaged in a compelling conversation with Premier David Eby whose remarks underscored the vital role of the tourism industry in British Columbia, earning him a standing ovation.

▪️ Opening Reception at the Royal BC Museum

A big thank you to all our sponsors for making this event possible! 🙌
Join us in celebrating the remarkable winners of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards Gala presented by @indigenoustourismbc! 🎉✨ 

Ten awards were given out to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sector. These awards showcased the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers this past year.

The winners of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards are:

Business Woman of the Year Award - Sponsored by Prince of Whales
⭐ Winner: Ingrid Jarrett, @bchotelassociation 

Community Contribution & Impact - Sponsored by Tourism Richmond
⭐Winner: @princeofwhaleswhalewatching 

DMO Professional Excellence - Sponsored by BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
⭐Winner: @visitrichmondbc 

Employees First - Sponsored by go2HR
⭐Winner: @golfbc 

Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience - Sponsored by Destination BC
⭐Winner: Vancouver Aquarium

Indigenous Operator or Experience | Sponsored by Indigenous Tourism BC and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
⭐Winner: @homalcotours

Innovation | Sponsored by Tourism Innovation Lab
⭐Winner: @tourismnewwest 

Remarkable Experience | Sponsored by BC Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA)
⭐Winner: @nimmobayresort

Sector Association Excellence Award | Sponsored by Acera Insurance
⭐Winner: Sport Fishing Institute of BC

Sustainability Excellence | Sponsored by Nanaimo Airport
⭐Winner: @40knotswinery 

📸 @arkitekcreative
Insightful session at the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference with post-secondary educators discussing collaboration with the tourism sector! 🌍 📚 

Post-secondary educators Patrick Brouder (TRU), Farhad Moghimehfa (VIU), Dennis Innes (VCC), Jamie Noakes (TRU), Jason Johnston (TRU), Moira Mcdonald (Royal Roads), Michael Lever (FDU), Jarrett Bachman (FDU), Sarah-Joy Kallos (CapU) and Natasha Mrkic-Subotic (CapU), presented at a lunchtime session on how their post-secondary sections can and do work with the tourism sector.