In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- REMINDER: 2021 Moose Regulation Changes
- NOTO Awards
- TIAO Calls Next Week
- Election Results
- Proof of Vaccination
- Ontario Eases Capacity Limits in Select Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
- Call for Nomination - Join NOTO's Board of Directors
- Extension of Job-Protected Infectious Disease Emergency Leave to January 1, 2022
- Americans Can Complete Their Random Test (if selected at the border) at the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Information Center
- TSNN: Hired Staff After June 1st, 2021?
- Safe Travel Stamp
- Renew or Join NOTO! - Early Bird Rates Extended!
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
NOTO Contact Emails:
|
|
A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
This week we returned to building our meeting schedule with Federal MPs and agencies to ensure that there is a strong focus on the needs of tourism as our Federal Government returns to Parliament. We know that many of you are concerned with looming repayment deadlines and this summer season did not bring the comfort level we had all hoped for.
Some of you may not be aware that the Tourism Relief Fund offered by the Federal Government has a liquidity component to it that will be administered on a case-by-case basis. This is in addition to the product enhancement and development component. I would encourage any of you that are still struggling to cover operating expenses and financial commitments to contact a FedNor Officer in your area. You can find your contact at this link: Find a FedNor Officer.
Currently this program is only eligible for incorporated businesses but we are still advocating to see broader inclusion for the TRF in the near future.
I want to thank the moose and bear operators that reached out to me this week and encourage others to reach out to me. It is important that I hear from operators to ensure I have current information to bring into our discussions with government. I am cognizant that people are tired of completing surveys but at some point as we wrap up the 2021 summer and fall seasons expect one from us so that we can continue to ensure our advocacy work remains in line with your needs.
Stay tuned for more information about our 2021 Annual General Meeting as well a the Tourism Training Week that will take place virtually from November 16th to the 19th. Destination Northern Ontario and NOTO are working together once again to develop an agenda that will include a wide range of workshops, information sessions and panel discussions on topics that we hope will assist tourism businesses through to recovery.
Be well,
Laurie
|
|
REMINDER: 2021 Moose Regulation Changes
As we enter the moose hunting season, here is a reminder of the new regulations that came into play for outfitters.
- Validation certificates are being eliminated. MNRF will only be issuing moose tags and hunters can only be issued one tag per year.
- Tourist outfitters who have been allocated tourism industry moose tags based on the distribution of shares in each WMU will apply for moose tags for their registered guests.
- Residents and non-resident hunters will need to purchase their moose tags in addition to their moose hunting license. Moose tags will cost $30 for a calf tag, $150 for a cow/calf tag and $200 for a bull tag which is paid by the registered guest through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. A cow/calf tag allows the hunter to harvest either a cow or a calf, not both.
- Non-residents cannot acquire a moose tag unless they use the services of a moose outfitter and hunt as a registered guest.
- If a resident hunter claims a moose tag that they have been awarded through the point-based allocation process, they can not purchase a moose tag through a tourist outfitter.
Hunter Reporting:
- Hunter reporting requirements are similar to the past, but the requirement is now based on moose licence holders.
- All moose hunters must submit their report to the outfitter by the required deadline – and generally should provide their completed report to the outfitter before they leave their place of accommodation.
- The hunter report will now be a separate form, not part of the 1026 form.
- All resident, non-resident and hunters that are party hunting on a tourism industry tag must submit a hunter report with information on hunting activity and harvest while hunting on the TI tag.
- The law requires hunters to complete reports accurately and submit them on time to outfitters, and for outfitters to submit all completed reports to MNRF by the required deadline.
There are also other changes and additional information on these regulation changes that can be seen in by clicking on the button below. If you have any question, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Note: We have heard from many of you that you are frustrated and curious about changes that you are experiencing in your moose tag allocations for 2022. NOTO is reaching out to MNDMNRF to request a webinar to provide moose operators with the opportunity to hear the science behind these changes and ask questions. We will keep you posted as soon as we are able to confirm this.
|
|
NOTO Awards
The NOTO awards were created to acknowledge the people who make Ontario's tourism industry so vibrant. The awards are presented every year to members who have gone above and beyond to improve both the natural and working environment, and/or tourism as a whole.
Please take a moment to think about someone who you feel should be acknowledged for their contributions to the tourism industry for the following awards:
-
NOTO Conservation Award: Awarded to a NOTO member who has contributed substantially to conservation.
-
Bob Giles Award: Awarded to a NOTO member who has shown outstanding performance in the field of Northern Ontario Tourism.
-
Outfitter of the Year Award: Awarded to a NOTO member who made an outstanding contribution to tourism over the last year.
-
Tourism Champion: Awarded annually to a person who supports a strong and united tourism industry. A person who sees tourism in a much larger picture than their own specific business or role they play. This award does not necessarily need to be given to a tourism business owner or a NOTO member.
-
Preferred Supplier of The Year Award: Awarded to a NOTO Preferred Supplier in recognition of their dedication, support and participation in furthering the goals and objectives of NOTO and its members.
To view more details and examples of activities that would qualify for these awards, and to access the nomination forms, please click on the button below.
Nominations close October 15th, 2021 at 4pm.
|
|
TIAO Calls - Tuesday September 28th
This week we are inviting you to join our industry conference call and share your experience and provide feedback regarding the proof of vaccination implementation.
Following our discussion we will be joined by special guest, Hassel Aviles, Executive Director at Not 9 to 5. Hassel will share resources and guidance to ensure workplace & mental health safety.
Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health advocacy for the foodservice sector. Through practical education and meaningful community-building, they are reimagining the industry by breaking stigmas and fuelling hope.
Their vision is a safe, supportive workplace for all in consideration of both physical and mental health.
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 548-438-517
COVID-19 Ontario Tourism Update Call
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 823-421-653
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
|
|
Election Results
The election results are in and Canadians have re-elected a Liberal minority Government. As part of their campaign pledge, the Liberal Party committed to the following:
COVID-19 Supports & Measures:
- Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program to March 31, 2022
- Provide Canada’s hard-hit tourism industry with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of their expenses from September 2021 to May 31, 2022 for qualifying businesses experiencing a minimum of 40% revenue loss.
- Introduce legislation to protect businesses from legal challenges if they require proof of vaccination from employees and customers.
- Introduce a tax credit for small businesses to invest in better ventilation
Addressing the Labour Shortage:
- Expand pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers and former international students, and streamline the application process for Canadian companies hiring temporary foreign workers to fill labour shortages
Connecting Northern and Rural Businesses to Broadband:
- Accelerate the rollout of wireless and high-speed internet in rural and Northern Canada by requiring those that have purchased the rights to build broadband to actually do so by 2025.
Regional Development Agencies:
- Allowed FedNor to become standalone agency which will allow them to meet the unique needs of Northern Ontario.
Changes to EI:
- Introduce a new EI benefit for self-employed Canadians, delivered through the tax system, that would provide unemployment assistance comparable to EI and lasting for as much as 26 weeks. This could provide support of nearly $15,500. Self-employed Canadians seeking to access this benefit would only be responsible to contribute the portion they would normally pay if they were a salaried employee.
- Move forward with a stronger and more inclusive EI system that addresses gaps made obvious during COVID-19 with a goal to create a new and modern EI system that covers all workers, including workers in seasonal employment, and which is simpler and more responsive for both workers and employers.
NOTO is already beginning to ramp up meetings with various MPs and FedNor to continue advocating for changes to the eligibility criteria of the Tourism Relief Fund, to pass the extension of CEWS as soon as possible, and to continue to express our industry's need for additional financial support. We also continue to advocate to have a greater portion of the loans become forgivable, and for an extension to the payback periods for programs like the RRRF, CEBA, and more.
|
|
Proof of Vaccination
In addition to these resources, the Government also produced Proof of Vaccination posters that businesses and organizations can print and display as needed. The posters can be accessed online in English and French. Other tools and resources, including a questions and answers document, are also available online to help businesses implement the necessary safety measures.
To view a summary of the regulations and guidance for businesses on the new vaccine certificate requirements, please click here.
|
|
Ontario Eases Capacity Limits in Select Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
As of September 25, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., capacity limits will be increased for meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres, sporting events, concerts, theatres and cinemas, racing venues (e.g., horse racing), and commercial and film television productions with studio audiences will be increased to up to 50 per cent capacity or 10,000 people (whichever is less) for indoor events.
The capacity limits will not change for restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments and other indoor establishments not listed above that require vaccine certificates.
|
|
Call for Nominations - Closes Sept. 30th
Join NOTO's Board of Directors!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are calling out to all camp operators who are members of NOTO to encourage you to consider putting your name forward for a seat on our Board. It is important for this organization to have a Board that is representative of its members; a Board that can set the goals and objectives of the organization while ensuring they are responding to the needs of the industry. Help us support the growth of resource-based tourism in Ontario!
The following number of seats are available in each of our four electoral regions this year:
- Northwest: 1
- North Central: 1
- Northeast: 2
- South: 3
In order to stand for election, you must be a paid-up Regular member. You can nominate or run only in your own region. Each nomination must be endorsed by two camp operators from your region. The nomination form can be found by clicking the following link: https://noto.ca/fm/2021NominationForm
Completed nomination forms should be returned to the NOTO office by email, FAX or mail by September 30, 2021. Once the nominations are received, ballots will be prepared and sent to the membership electronically. You will also be able to vote by mail or FAX up to 24 hrs before the Annual General Meeting. NOTE: The AGM will be held virtually this fall and the date will be announced soon.
We encourage you to consider putting your name forward to run for the NOTO Board of Directors. In general, NOTO Board members meet by conference call once a month for approximately 2 hours with the exception of the operating season where calls are held less frequently.
|
|
Extension of Job-Protected Infectious Disease Emergency Leave to January 1, 2022
The Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development has confirmed that job-protected unpaid infectious disease emergency leave (IDEL) will now be extended until January 1, 2022.
This measure was designed to ease staffing and financial burdens on businesses by temporarily freezing layoffs. Under the IDEL, non-unionized employees whose work hours have been temporarily reduced or eliminated due to COVID-19 will not be considered to be laid off under the Employment Standards Act.
This layoff freeze protects employees, allowing them to be reinstated, be free from penalty, and earn credits for length of employment and seniority. It also protects businesses from the obligation to issue termination pay after the end of the layoff period.
|
|
Americans Can Complete Their Random Test (if selected at the border) at the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Information Center
Through the work of our Associate Member, Algoma Country, alongside the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Tourism Information Center, they have gained permission to support the tourism industry by offering their location as an option to complete random testing and provide visitors with a handout with the Purolator drop box locations during their operating days.
The Sault Ste. Marie Travel Information Center (OTIC) is located at 261 Queen Street West and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm EST. The OTIC can provide the WiFi username and password at their location during operating days. Travelers must come in to ask for this information.
The OTIC kindly asks that operators do not advertise this option on their social media. Operators can communicate this to their guests who may express concerns as to where to complete their test, should they be selected.
Please remind your guests that if they are selected for random testing:
- The test needs to be done within 24 hours after receiving it and the guests should be familiar with their own personal device’s camera and mic since the test is done live online with a nurse after they set up an account as per the instructions they will receive with the test kit.
- Travelers must have access to the internet to complete the tests by video.
- To view an instructional video on the take home tests, please click here.
|
|
Hired Staff After June 1st, 2021?
Register Them To Receive a Wage Subsidy!
If you have hired staff after June 1st, 2021, you can register them to the Tourism SkillsNet North program to have them trained and received a wage subsidy! We understand that you may need all hands on deck, that's why we are committed to working with you to have your employees complete the e-training near or at the end of the operating season. As long as your employees complete the online training, you will receive a 30% wage subsidy (up to $3000) per employee!
Register your business and your employees today by clicking on the button below.
|
|
Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) created the Safe Travels Stamp which is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
In Ontario, the Safe Travels Stamp are administered by TIAO. NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
|
|
Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
NOTO has extended the early bird membership pricing for the remainder of 2021!
-
Entry Level: $452.00
-
Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
-
Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
-
Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
-
Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
-
Silver:
$1,367.30 NOW: $1,299.50
Prices listed above include HST. To renew your membership or to join NOTO, please click on the appropriate category link above to access the membership form. Completed forms can be printed and mailed to the NOTO office, or scanned and emailed to kate@noto.net or laurie@noto.net.
Thank you for your support!
|
|
NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners to continue our work. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
