Canada Unveils $1 Billion Tourism Relief Package in 2021 Budget

Strategic Insights -

Canada's tourism industry is gearing up for a robust recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. To support this effort, the Government of Canada is making available a $1 billion package over three years, starting in 2021-22, as part of its Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. The package includes investments in festivals, events, and cultural celebrations, as well as a $500-million Tourism Relief Fund to support local tourism businesses in adapting to public health measures and positioning themselves for future growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Canada is allocating $1 billion over three years to support the tourism industry's recovery, with a focus on festivals, events, and cultural celebrations.
  • The package includes $200 million through the regional development agencies to support major festivals and events, and $200 million through Canadian Heritage to support local festivals, community cultural events, and outdoor theatre performances.
  • A $500-million Tourism Relief Fund will be administered by the regional development agencies to support local tourism businesses in adapting to public health measures and positioning themselves for future growth.
  • Budget 2021 also proposes several measures to support arts and culture, including a $300 million recovery fund for arts, culture, heritage, and sport sectors.
  • The Government of Canada is committed to creating 1 million jobs by the end of the year, with Budget 2021 supporting almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities, including 215,000 opportunities for youth.
  • The Budget includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan to create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery.

Statistics:

  • $1 billion: The amount allocated by the Government of Canada to support the tourism industry's recovery over three years.
  • $200 million: The allocated amount through the regional development agencies to support major festivals and events.
  • $200 million: The allocated amount through Canadian Heritage to support local festivals, community cultural events, and outdoor theatre performances.
  • $500 million: The amount allocated for the Tourism Relief Fund to support local tourism businesses in adapting to public health measures and positioning themselves for future growth.
  • $300 million: The amount allocated for a recovery fund for arts, culture, heritage, and sport sectors.
  • $101.4 billion: The total amount in proposed investments over three years as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan.

Sources:

  • Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
  • Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
  • Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan