Hardest-Hit Sector and other funding program updates

Dear members,

The federal government has introduced measures to ensure that the hardest-hit sectors and those who are most affected by the pandemic will continue to receive support. Below is a summary of these programs.

Canada Recovery Hiring Program

Increasing the subsidy rate for the Canada Recovery Hiring Program from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. The increased rate will help organizations continue to hire back workers and create the additional jobs Canada needs for a full recovery. Applications for period 22 are now open, covering the period of October 24 to November 20, 2021.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy ended on October 23, 2021, and have been replaced by targeted support to organizations that are still facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support will be available through two streams:

1. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
   
   will provide support through wage and rent subsidies to, for example, hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent. Eligible organizations would be required to meet the following two conditions to qualify for this program:
   • An average monthly revenue reduction of at least 40 per cent over the first 13 claim periods for the CEWS (12-month revenue decline); and
   • A current-month revenue decline of at least 40 per cent.
   Applications for period 22 are now open, covering the period of October 24 to November 20, 2021.
   
    
2. Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
   This program will provide support through wage and rent subsidies. It will support other organizations that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent. Eligible organizations would be required to meet the following two conditions to qualify for this program:
   • An average monthly revenue reduction of at least 50 per cent over the first 13 claim periods for the CEWS (12-month revenue decline); and
   • A current-month revenue decline of at least 50 per cent.
   Applications for period 22 are now open, covering the period of October 24 to November 20, 2021.

Eligibility for COVID-19 business subsidies

​There are other ways to qualify for wage or rent subsidies if you've been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, even if you do not qualify for the HHBRP. If you're not sure which subsidy may fit your situation, the federal government has provided an online resource that can help you determine which supports you qualify for. You can access this information by clicking here. 
 

GNWT-ITI PREP funding package information

Applications for GNWT’s Pandemic Relief Extension Program (PREP) continue to be open. PREP offers funding of up to $100,000 to cover operational costs to licensed tourism operators impacted by the economic disruptions associated with COVID-19. Please click on this link to find the complete information.

Members have been in touch about a number of issues - in particular the issue of land lease fees through the Department of Lands. We want to ensure that members are aware that in the above-mentioned PREP program, under Exceptions, there is a note about providing a stand-alone receipt for a commercial land lease for 100% reimbursement. Also under Exceptions, you will find information about bookkeeping and/or accounting services.  Please see link above for full details. 
 

Thank you,

Donna Lee Demarcke
Chief Executive Officer
NWT Tourism
Executive@spectacularnwt.com