NEWS RELEASE • JUNE 24, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency supports tourism industry in Labrador to help maintain local jobs
Government of Canada invests more than $16 million to strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and help the industry move forward, including over $1 million in Labrador
Moncton, New Brunswick, June 24, 2020 – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry is crucial to the vitality of communities across the region, including Labrador. Every year, millions of visitors are drawn to Canada’s East Coast for its spectacular landscapes, delicious food, friendly people and destinations such as the Labrador Pioneer Footpath. Tourism supports over 100,000 good jobs at more than 8,000 businesses across Atlantic Canada, playing a crucial role in local economies – and also local pride. Yet the tourism sector has been hit hard by COVID-19, and there are real concerns about what the future will look like.
Federal government support for local tourism in Labrador
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador, today announced more than $16 million in federal investments to support the tourism industry across Atlantic Canada, including over $1 million for projects in Labrador.
Delivered by ACOA, this funding will support Flowers River Outfitters Limited enhance their company’s product offering for the upcoming season. These funds will also help Nunacor Development Corporation undertake the NunatuKavut Destination Trails Initiative helping advance this important project in Labrador. P & B Enterprises Limited will now have funding available to expand and modernize an existing accommodations facility helping the company improve the location for future visitors. For future tourist seasons, ACOA has allocated funding to the White Wolf Snowmobile Club Corporation to acquire a groomer and construct a servicing asset to support winter tourism development. And finally, this funding will also provide Southern Labrador Development Association undertake an assessment of the Labrador Pioneer Footpath.
These important initiatives will not only help local tourism operators recover from the impact of COVID-19, but position Labrador to attract more visitors and grow its tourism in the years to come.
This complements the funding that each province is receiving from Destination Canada for destination marketing organizations, $4.5 million in total, to implement targeted marketing programs and encourage residents to discover their own backyards.
Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Atlantic Canada’s tourism businesses through this difficult time. This includes significant measures to help them keep employees, manage cash flow and pay rent. It also includes the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to cover those who don’t qualify for other programs, nearly doubling the budget of ACOA and the other Regional Development Agencies. Finally, the government has redirected $30 million from Destination Canada’s budget towards domestic travel, one of the first times it will be promoting Canada to Canadians.
Quotes
“From the Cabot Trail to the Bay of Fundy, the beaches of Cavendish to the mountains of Gros Morne, it’s not hard to see why visitors are drawn to Atlantic Canada. Yet tourism and those whose livelihoods depend on it have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we’re here for them. This investment will help more people discover the wonders of their own backyard, while supporting local jobs in tourism. Our message to Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this together. We’re working with you to support good jobs and help tourism come back strong.”
-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“With this funding, Labrador’s tourism sector will receive added support to help important projects get underway and ensure the sector evolves strongly after the COVID-19 crisis. From adventurous winter attractions to historical summer sites, this funding supports the strength and diversity of the tourism sector, communities and businesses and enhances the many exciting attractions available across Labrador. We will continue to work together with the tourism sector to ensure this important industry remains viable, strong and ready to welcome visitors back post COVID-19.”
-Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
Quick facts
• The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance the development and growth of businesses and facilitate innovation.
• ACOA is investing more than $9 million to support 71 tourism projects across the four Atlantic provinces.
• ACOA is also contributing more than $2.4 million to support ten initiatives with nine destination development and marketing organizations in Atlantic Canada to promote, grow and support tourism in their city, region or experience sector.
• On May 31, Minister Joly announced that over the next 18 months, Destination Canada, Canada’s national tourism marketing organization, will invest $30 million in provincial marketing organizations (PMOs), which will be matched by provinces and territories, to deliver locally-led marketing programs. This includes $1 million for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Associated Links
• Destination Canada’s unprecedented partnership with the Provinces gives Canadian communities the lift they need
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
• Prime Minister announces additional support for small businesses
• Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID 19
• Prime Minister announces more support for workers and businesses through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Stay Connected
• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit the ACOA website
• Follow us on Twitter @ACOACanada and on LinkedIn @ACOA-APECA
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Contacts
Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
[email protected]
Michael Clarke
Media Assistant
Office of Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
[email protected]
