MP Patrick Weiler announces tourism fund for businesses

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

With borders slated to reopen, MP Patrick Weiler was at a landmark Squamish tourist facility for making the announcement.

On July 22, MP Patrick Weiler was at the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola to announce that businesses could apply to the federal government for a grant from this new $485-million fund.

“To help businesses welcome back Canadians when it’s safe to do so, our government recently announced the launch of Canada’s new half-billion [dollar] Tourism Relief Fund,” said Weiler.

“Through this support, tourism operators will be able to ensure the greatest experience for Canadians and visitors from abroad when the travel restrictions are lifted. This investment will help businesses and organizations in the tourism sector adapt their operations to the new normal, and modernize their offerings, as well as projects that will help the sector adopt more environmentally sustainable and inclusive practices,” he said further.

There was no definite amount of money allocated for Squamish, or any other local community, and how much the area gets will depend on the applications received.

A range of organizations can apply for the money, such as businesses, not-for-profits and First Nations governments, among others, Weiler said.

“It’s purposely made fairly broad to be able to account for something that might not fit that neat definition of a tourist business,” he added.

Weiler also said that $1 million has been given to the Sea to Sky Gondola via the federal government’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.

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