COVID-19

This page contains information for our stakeholders and business partners. For traveller and visitor information related to COVID-19, please click here.

To find out how you can support local Edmonton businesses while staying home, check out our latest articles. Let us know what your business has in the works by emailing us.

Click on the links below to see past webinars:

• Destination Canada webinars
  
• Travel Alberta webinars
  

• On Mar. 8, 2022 the City of Edmonton dropped its mandatory face coverings bylaw.
• On Feb. 28, 2022, the federal government lifted their non-essential global travel advisory.
• On Feb. 8, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced a three-step plan for phasing out public health measures in the province. Step one began on Feb. 9, 2022 and includes the removal of the Restrictions Exemption Program.
• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy ended on Oct. 23, 2021 and have been replaced by targeted support to organizations that are still facing significant pandemic-related challenges.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: Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program.
• As of Nov. 30, 2021 unvaccinated Canadians cannot travel by air or train. All passengers must show proof of vaccination to board.
• On Nov. 8, 2021 fully vaccinated Canadians will be able to cross the border in to the U.S. by land for leisure trips.
• The Government of Alberta launched the Alberta Jobs Now program, which will provide up to $370 million in funding to help private and non-profit businesses offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans in new or vacant positions. Additional funding is available for hiring persons with disabilities. The second intake will start on September 16, 2021.
• The federal government has announced the Tourism Relief Fund, which will invest $500M to help the tourism sector adapt, recover and reposition itself for future growth.
• The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund (CUSBRF) is providing small to medium-sized companies across Canada with grants of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of expenses businesses have incurred due to COVID-19. These costs include the purchase of personal protective equipment, adjustments to office space, and development of web/e-commerce capability.
• Financial support program for Canadians who have missed work due to COVID-19: apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit through your CRA account.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta are taking action to support tourism and other businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about the latest measures here:

• Government of Canada | Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• Government of Alberta | Alberta's Recovery Plan: Creating jobs, building, diversifying | Alberta Biz Connect
• City of Edmonton | Support for Edmonton businesses
  
• Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDA’s): can help small or medium sized businesses with additional funding and/or flexible arrangements as well as assistance to accessing federal funding to help you stay in business.
• Business Development Bank of Canada: offers support in the form of small business loans, working capital loans, purchase order financing and tools to review your financial management and operations.
• Export Development Canada: can help Canadian exporters access capital, secure financing, and grow their capital.
• Business Link: provides one-on-one guidance to Albertans who operate a small business.

For information on COVID-19 and health safety:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
  
• Alberta Health Services
• World Health Organization

Additional COVID-19 resources for tourism stakeholders are provided by:

• Destination Canada
  
• Travel Alberta
• Tourism Industry Association of Canada
• Tourism Industry Association of Alberta
• Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
• Indigenous Tourism Alberta
• Tourism HR Canada

Do not hesitate to reach out! We are here to help.