In Today's Update
- Message from Executive Director
- Moving Back to the Reopening Ontario Framework
- A Show of Support from NOTO Preferred Supplier Yamaha Motor Canada
- TIAO Call Next Week
- Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Land Border Crossing
- Update on CERB & Interest Relief on 2020 Income Tax Debt
- Opportunity to Participate in Federal Government's 2021 Budget Consultations
- Forestry Notices
- Early Bird Membership Pricing Continues
- Get Your Safe Travel Stamps
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:
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Message from NOTO Executive Director
I wanted to take the opportunity today to share a few quick updates with you but before I do, I want to send out a sincere thank you to those who continue to reach out to share their stories, suggestions and support.
For those of you who have renewed your membership, thank you, we appreciate how tight money is and I wish that we could offer a complimentary membership to all but we are just simply not in that position. We will however, continue to provide our newsletters for free to over 1400 subscribers for the time being. We have heard how our newsletters are helping to keep industry stakeholders informed and engaged and we need to continue this as we advocate for our sector of tourism.
We are finalizing our formal 2021 budget submissions for both the Federal of Provincial Governments and we have participated in two budget consultation sessions at the Provincial level to date. We encourage operators and organizations to follow the link below to participate in the Federal budget consultation. Our submissions will include a number of recommendations but of course the call for specific financial supports for seasonal tourism businesses is at the top of both of our lists.
NOTO is also finalizing our submission on Minister MacLeod's White Paper that outlines the Provincial 5-year plan for tourism in Ontario.
I also wanted to encourage those of you who are struggling financially to look into the Regional and Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) offered through FedNor through the CFDCs in Northern Ontario. This program received a top up from the Federal Government recently and has increased its offer from $40,000 to $60,000 with $20,000 forgivable portion. This program offers 0% interest loans with a current payback date of Dec 31, 2022 however, we are in discussions to extend the payback date by 12 to 18 months. In addition, part of our 2021 budget submission is a recommendation that the forgivable portion of the loan be made larger for our sector.
Something we recently learned about this program is that you can include fixed costs up to September 30, 2021. The deadline for all applications is June 30, 2021 and the amount of funding in the pot is limited so please contact your CFDC and get your applications in ASAP. Here are the links:
In the meantime, we are continuing our advocacy efforts for additional financial supports as the losses to our sector grow with every passing day that the border remains closed. We have seen a number of operators getting involved in direct advocacy efforts and this is helpful. We encourage you to continue to share the realities of your situations with political leaders and to keep your messages professional. Having a list of recommendations/solutions is of utmost importance. If you need any help with addresses or putting together your communications, please just reach out. we are here to help.
Looking forward to a few days to recharge before jumping into another busy week.
Happy Family Day!
Laurie
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Moving Back to the Reopening Ontario Framework
Grey-Lockdown:
· Niagara Region Public Health
Red-Control:
· Chatham-Kent Public Health;
· City of Hamilton Public Health Services;
· Durham Region Health Department;
· Halton Region Public Health;
· Middlesex-London Health Unit;
· Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services;
· Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit;
· Southwestern Public Health;
· Thunder Bay District Health Unit;
· Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health; and
· Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Orange-Restrict:
· Brant County Health Unit;
· Eastern Ontario Health Unit;
· Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit;
· Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit;
· Huron Perth Public Health;
· Lambton Public Health;
· Ottawa Public Health;
· Porcupine Health Unit; and
· Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
Yellow-Protect:
· Algoma Public Health;
· Grey Bruce Health Unit;
· Northwestern Health Unit; and
· Peterborough Public Health.
Green-Prevent:
· Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; and
· Timiskaming Health Unit.
North Bay Parry Sound, York, Toronto and Peel will be re-assessed on February 22nd. Until then, the Stay-at-Home order and current Shutdown regulations will continue to apply.
To view the full comprehensive list of the regulations and restrictions that will apply to each zone beginning on Tuesday, please click here. Please be advised that local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community.
As we move into the long weekend, the Stay-at-Home order and Shutdown continues to apply across all public health regions, with exception of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Health Unit and Renfrew County and District Health Unit, which returned to the Reopening Ontario Framework on Wednesday February 10th.
This means individuals are not to travel for leisure purposes at this time. The Government continues to advise all Ontarians to stay home to help stop the spread, even if you are located in a re-opened district.
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As a proud NOTO Preferred Supplier for over 40 years, Yamaha Motor Canada wants to demonstrate their solidarity with, and support for our association and tourism operators during these uncertain times.
Like partnering dealers, Yamaha has adapted to the challenges that COVID-19 has brought forth, yet their commitment to NOTO and its mission remains unchanged.
Yamaha knows that NOTO relies on membership funds to advocate on behalf of Ontario’s resource-based tourism industry and as a result, Yamaha has facilitated a special opportunity for dealers across Ontario to support our association through membership.
Through this special co-op program, dealers across Ontario can become a Preferred Supplier of NOTO through a 50/50 shared cost program! All claims must be submitted to Yamaha by March 31st, 2021. Dealers can select any NOTO membership level they would like (basic, bronze or silver). More details about NOTO’s Preferred Supplier membership can be seen here.
We would like to thank Yamaha Motor Canada for initiating this fantastic program to help grow NOTO’s membership base, for their commitment to the Resource-based tourism industry and for their continued support over the last 40 years.
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TIAO Call - Tuesday February 16th
Next week's Industry Update call will take place at 3:45 pm EST.
We have two special guests joining us - Alexandra Rodgers, Director of Policy at Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Office of the Minister and Jason Wang, Senior Policy Advisor and Manager of Public Appointments, Office of the Minister.
Alexandra and Jason will be speaking to the $115 million Skills Development Fund that was just announced and will be giving an overview of eligibility criteria, project requirements, and the application process.
Tuesday February 16
Call Time: 3:45 PM EST
Access Code: 709-535-813
You can also dial in using your phone.
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Land Border Crossing
Beginning on February 15th, any individual returning to Canada via a land border crossing will require to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Canadians returning to the country without a test will be fined up to $3000.
The Canada-US border continues to be closed to all non-essential travel. The next review of this closure will take place prior to February 21st.
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Update on CERB & Interest Relief on 2020 Income Tax Debt
The Federal Government announced that self-employed individuals who applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) that would have qualified based on their gross income and not their net income (of at least $5000) will not be required to repay the benefit as long as they met all other eligibility requirements. If you received a notice stating that you had to repay the the benefit, and you have submitted payment, the CRA will return these payments. More details on this will be available in a few weeks.
The Federal Government will also provide targeted interest relief to Canadians who received COVID-related income support benefits. Upon filing their 2020 income tax and benefit return, individuals will not be required to pay interest on any outstanding income tax debt for 2020 until April 30th, 2022. To qualify for this interest relief, individuals must have had a total taxable income of $75,000 or less in 2020 and have received income support in 2020 through one or more of the following programs:
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB);
- Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB);
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB);
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB);
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB);
- Employment Insurance benefits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will automatically apply the interest relief measure for individuals who meet these criteria. Also, any CRA-administered credits and benefits normally paid monthly or quarterly, like the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit will not be applied to reduce individuals’ tax debt owing for the 2020 tax year.
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REMINDER: Opportunity to Participate in Canada's 2021 Budget Consultations
The Federal government is asking Canadians for their ideas on how to continue to support families and businesses during COVID-19, while thinking about rebuilding the Canadian economy post-pandemic.
The 2021 Budget Consultations will close February 19th, 2021.
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Forestry Notices
It's once again that time of year where forestry activities are beginning to ramp up. NOTO would like to take this opportunity to remind operators of the importance of staying up-to-date on the forestry activities happening in your region. We encourage all operators to take some time to review Forest Management Plans (FMP) and to participate in the consultations to ensure your business values are respected in the development of an FMP.
The NOTO office has received the following consultation notices:
- Abitibi Forest - 2022-2032 Review of Long-Term Management Direction (closes Feb 19th)
- Algonquin Forest - 2021-2031 Draft FMP Review (closes May 11th)
- Black Spruce Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes March 31st)
- Dog River-Matawin Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes April 1st)
- Dryden Forest - Approved FMP Inspection (closes March 31st)
- English River Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (bridges, water crossings) (closes March 31st)
- Gordon Cosens Forest - FMP Amendment (closes March 31st)
- Gordon Cosens Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (closes March 31st)
- Kenora Forest - 2022-2032 Review of Proposed Operations (closes Feb. 27th)
- Martel Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (closes March 31st)
- Northshore Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (closes March 31st)
- Spanish Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (add harvest blocks) (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes March, 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - 2021-2031 FMP amendment (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (add harvest block & water crossing) (closes March 31st)
- Wabadowgong Noopming Forest (Armstrong Forest) - 2021-2023 Draft Contingency Plan (closes Feb. 20th)
- Whiskey Jack Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (prescribed burn) (closes March 31st)
- Review of Spruce Budworm Pest management Program for Abitibi River, Gordon Cosens, Martel, Nipissing, Pineland, Romeo Malette, Spanish, Sudbury, Temagami and Timiskaming Forests
To view these notices and to participate in the consultation, please click on the button below. To receive notices for your Forest Management Unit directly in your inbox, register an account on the MNRF's new forestry website by clicking the button below as well.
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Early Bird Pricing Now Available!
Join now or renew your membership to save and be entered for a chance to win the Early Bird Prize!
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Entry Level: $452.00
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Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
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Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
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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 so much for your support!
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Get Your Safe Travel 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’.
NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
If you've implemented our protocols, or any other Government approved protocols throughout your workplace, apply to receive your stamp!
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NOTO's COVID-19 Page
This page was created to keep you informed on the latest developments that may impact/help your businesses. This page features links to Government resources, information that may be useful to tourism operators and links to supports for tourism operators as they become available. This page will be updated regularly during this pandemic.
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Federal & Provincial Government Information
The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the buttons below.
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NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We do not receive Government funding for operating and rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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