August 31, 2021

Dear Industry Partner,

As the Fall approaches, we find ourselves getting closer to the September 20th Federal Election and TIANS remains committed to working on your behalf leading up to the election of Canada's next leader.  We have been in communication with Nova Scotia's 2021 election candidates, reiterating the importance of the Tourism Sector in rebuilding our Province, and our Country.  Now more than ever, as we emerge from the global pandemic, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our ongoing calls for Government programs and supports for Tourism. 

Through continued efforts as part of the national Hardest Hit Coalition we have seen evidence that the collective voice matters. Leading up to and post-election, we will continue to advocate for extension of the Rent and Wage Subsidy programs and additional targeted support for the Tourism Industry.  Be sure YOUR voice is heard on September 20th. 

A few reminders on programs designed to save Tourism Operators money.  Part 2 of the Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program, closes today, August 31st - Online Application is quick and easy.  As well, the Seasonal Business Designation deadline to apply is tomorrow, September 1st.  Information and links to the online applications are provided below. 

Also, a reminder that the Tourism Relief Fund remains open for applications.  This federal program, administered by ACOA in Atlantic Canada, has been set up to provide $500 Million in support for the tourism sector over a two-year period. Full details and application links can be found on TourismStrong.ca. To assist Industry in learning more about this program, TIANS held an information webinar on August 25th; below you will find a link to the Tourism Relief Fund webinar presentation, as well as a listing of regional ACOA Account Managers, who are there to assist with application completion, guidance, and direction.  Please be in touch with them and see how you can take advantage of this wonderful program.

From a staffing perspective, we continue to hear from Members facing enormous challenges around attraction and retention.  Know that TIANS and the NS Tourism Human Resource Council remain committed to working with our national partners to help find solutions to the significant labour shortages facing the Tourism workforce in Nova Scotia.  Be sure to contact us if you have a job posting for TourismTalent.com, or check out the site, if you are looking for a Tourism Job.  

As announced by Tourism HR Canada earlier in the month a new federally funded Student Work Placement Program was launched.  Propel offers paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector.  Full program details, Propel application hub and contact information are provided below.  

Starting in September, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada kick off a series of monthly information sessions for employers in Atlantic Canada. Employers can attend for free to learn about Canada’s economic immigration programs and resources to help attract, hire and retain global talent. Registration information and details around their Virtual Café are below.

As we continue to rebuild and reshape the Tourism Sector in Nova Scotia, please remember TIANS is here for you. Check out our current money saving Member Benefit from Johnson Insurance (and a opportunity .  Please contact our helpdesk for any assistance you may need: 902.423.4480 or tians@tians.ca.  Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. 

In closing, a reminder that, today at 2:30 Premier-designate Tim Houston will be sworn in as Nova Scotia's 30th Premier.  The event is taking place at the Halifax Convention Centre and can be livestreamed here.

Stay Well.  Stay Tourism Strong.

The TIANS Team

CLEAN IT RIGHT TRAINING AVAILABLE

Program expansion, in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia, new Transportation Module

Introduced last year for Tourism, Hospitality and Retail operators, TIANS has seen incredible interest in the Clean It Right (CIR) training program.  Based on the success and popularity, CIR, has been expanded to provide awareness and safe cleaning education to a broader scope of Nova Scotia businesses; earlier in the month we announced the formal launch of the new 'Transportation' Module.  We firmly believe that a commitment to a clean and safe environment will give your business a competitive edge now and in the future, as we all adjust to the new normal.  Tourism businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia can register to create a free business training account and access for staff to complete Clean It Right Program online.

Online registration is quick and easy - simply fill in your contact information and select from the four training modules - Accommodations, Food & Beverage, Retail and Transportation (NEW). The Clean it Right training program is available to tourism businesses at no charge, for a limited time.  Sign up your staff today and get on your way to becoming a Clean It Right Designated Business and being recognized as a CIR business on novascotia.com! 

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Visitors and Customers!

TOURISM RELIEF FUND

Tourism Relief Fund - Open for Applications 

The Federal Government's Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), announced in July, is open for applications. The TRF will provide $500 Million in support for the tourism sector over a two-year period. The majority of the funding, $485 million, will be delivered by Regional Development Agencies directly to tourism businesses and organizations to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones. Additionally, $15 million will be delivered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to support destination development, seasonal and local attractions, human resources and skills development. Funds delivered to businesses will be either non-repayable - up to $100,000, or repayable - up to $500,000. Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous organizations, not generating profits, will be eligible for non-repayable contributions. Visit Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency webpage for more information and to determine eligibility to apply. 

Click here for a copy of the August 25th Tourism Relief Fund Webinar Presentation or view recorded session.

Download ACOA's contact listing for your regional Account Managers - who are ready and able to assist with your application process.

TOURISM PROGRAMS - PENDING DEADLINES

Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program - Part 2

Nova Scotia's accommodation operators can apply for assistance with property tax bills to help with COVID-19 recovery.  The Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program Part 2 will give eligible tourism accommodation operators a one-time 50% rebate on the first six months of their commercial property taxes paid for 2021-2022.

The deadline to apply is TODAY, August 31, 2021. 

Full TARP Program details, eligibility criteria and online application form are available here.

Additional Information and Resources from Tourism Nova Scotia are available online.

2022 Seasonal Tourist Business Designation Program - Deadline Approaching

Do you operate a business that is closed for at least four months in the taxation year and is a Restaurant, Roofed Accommodation or Camping Establishment?  If so you are considered a Seasonal Tourist Business and may receive a reduced tax rate on the municipal tax bill - but you must apply.

Property Valuation Services staff are there to answer your questions regarding the 2022 application process, eligibility and more.  Please contact PVSC staff at directly at 1.800.380.7775.   

Application Deadline is Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

Program information and application forms are conveniently available online at the PVSC website. 

TOURISM HR CANADA

Student Work Placement Program Offering Paid Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector - Propel

If you are like so many others dealing with the increasing staffing shortage, we encouraged you to check out this innovative, newly launched program.  Tourism HR Canada announced the federally funded Student Work Placement Program in early August.  Aimed squarely at the tourism and hospitality sector, Propel is a new initiative to help the hardest-hit sector recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

The latest addition to the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers post-secondary students opportunities to develop the work-ready skills required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation. Qualifying employers are provided with a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 for each student hired through the program.

Visit THRC's website for more information about the Propel Student Work Placement Program, or to begin the application process for the fall semester, visit Tourism HR Canada's application portal for employers and post-secondary students.

If you would like additional details about Propel, the Student Work Placement Program, or work-integrated learning, please email propel@tourismhr.ca.

ECONOMIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Join Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Outreach Officers for a series of monthly information sessions for employers in Atlantic Canada.  The first virtual information session "Global Skills Strategy" takes place, September 1st @2pm.  Sessions will be held monthly until November 24th.  Employers can attend for free to learn about Canada’s economic immigration programs and resources to help attract, hire and retain global talent. Register for Learning Sessions 

Also, starting on September 8 and running through to November 17, IRCC are resuming their Virtual Café - a live chat with Outreach Officers, addressing questions around the economic immigration programs.

TOURISM TALENT JOB RECRUITMENT SITE

Tourism Talent – Job Recruitment Site for the Tourism Sector 

Now more than ever, employers are faced with labour challenges and ATTRACTION and RETENTION are a priority as re-opening continues in Nova Scotia. Tourism Talent is a provincially focused tourism recruitment site developed to attract top Tourism Talent to our industry and our province.  If you are looking for staff, Contact us to post your job on our exclusive, tourism recruitment site.  If you are looking for a job, check out the many front line, supervisory and management positions online today.  There are currently postings for Guest Services Agents, Supervisors, Managers; Housekeeping; F&B Servers, Managers; Shuttle Drivers; Cooks; Banquet Staff; Marketing Coordinators - in all regions of the province.

TourismTalent.com – Tourism Attraction, Tourism Employment, Tourism Careers 

TIANS MEMBER BENEFIT - SUPPLIER OFFER

Did you know…Johnson Insurance offers employees of TIANS member organizations preferred rates on your personal home and car insurance.

As one of our trusted partners, Johnson offers you specially designed policies – saving you up to $800 a year when you bundle your home and car insurance.

Call Johnson for your personal quote to see how much you can save, PLUS be entered for a chance to WIN groceries for a year!  1.877.217.5833 

View Full Offer Details and Contest Information

FIN 2021 | SEPTEMBER 16 - 23