The federal government is providing $100,000 to the Churchill Chamber of Commerce to help it support 60 staff from 50 businesses in the town to comply with physical distancing guidelines, apply for recovery programs and prepare to welcome visitors.
The funding was announced July 31 by Economic Development and Official Languages Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid, who also said that $500,000 would go to the Forks Renewal Corporation in Winnipeg to help maintain 1,500 jobs, stabilize operations and assist with safety measures as The Forks continues its phased reopening.
"The tourism and travel sector have taken a severe hit and are in acute need," said Duguid in a press release. “This support to The Forks and the Churchill Chamber of Commerce demonstrates the importance the Government of Canada places on helping businesses and entrepreneurs continue their operations, pay their employees, and safely welcome visitors to Manitoba. We are committed to assisting small businesses as they strive to recover and flourish through this pandemic."
The funding is part of $95 million the federal government is directing to Western Canada businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our government recognizes that the tourism industry has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and federal support measures will ensure this sector remains strong and resilient, while supporting the jobs that depend on it,” said Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal. “This summer, we are encouraging Manitobans to experience what their own regions and communities have to offer and to ‘visit local’ by discovering our province."
Tourism accounted for three per cent of Manitoba’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017 and there were more than 20,000 jobs in the industry. The Forks receives more than four million visitors annually and generates approximately $190 million in direct and indirect economic benefits, while Churchill attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year and generated about $37 million in direct annual tourism expenditures in 2017.
"From polar bears in Churchill to delicious food and vibrant culture at The Forks, Manitoba has something for everyone,” said Economic Development and Official Languages Minister Mélanie Joly. “Manitoba's tourism businesses – and those whose livelihoods depend on them – have been hit hard by COVID-19. Our message 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, local jobs and help Manitoba tourism come back strong."
