Tourist Operators in Ontario hold Rally Seeking Government Support for Losses
What: Protest Rally
Where: Fort Vermilion in Vermilion Bay, Ontario
When: June 13, 2020 from 10AM – 1PM
Who: All tourist related businesses and concerned citizens
Why: Tourist operators in Northwest Ontario are largely open seasonally, have a high percentage of international guests, and must make an annual income to cover all expenses during those weeks in operation. Tourist operators were forced to either close or not open for the 2020 fishing season because of the Canadian government mandates resulting from the worldwide, COVID-19 pandemic.
Many operators have not qualified for any of the current government programs because those programs were not set up for the seasonal nature of the way these businesses function. The government has not been forthcoming with any plans for meaningful assistance and communication is slow or non-existent. A group of tourist operators determined one way to get our voices heard was to hold a peaceful rally to protest the lack of support.
Specifically, the results we would like to see are:
- That the government designate a senior representative and immediately organize a meeting with concerned business owners in the tourism industry to discuss our concerns.
- That the government accurately measure and acknowledge the value of current and future losses incurred by the tourism industry in Northwest Ontario as a direct result of the government closures due to the pandemic.
- That the government develop a meaningful relief program that provides non-repayable or forgivable compensation to the tourism industry businesses for the losses they have and will incur as a direct result of the government closures due to the pandemic.
- That any fees related to operating a seasonal outfitting business such as Land Use Permit fees, Bear Management Area fees, bait license, and other similar fees be waived for 2020.
- To ensure clear and accurate information from the government so businesses can plan for the future.
For more information please contact:
Julian Kalka – Andy Myers Lodge 1-807-220-6330
Steve Smith – Sunset Country Adventures 1-807-728-3167
Christine Swafford – Manotak Lodge 1-807-529-3231
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