Mitigating the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is a top priority for the Government of Yukon.
We're actively monitoring the impacts to the Yukon’s tourism industry and working collaboratively in response.
Subscribe to our industry newsletter for updates and other information.
We're investing $15 million over 3 years to support the tourism sector through our Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan.
The travel and gathering restrictions required to keep Yukoners and Canadians safe during the pandemic have significantly impacted the Yukon’s visitor economy.
The Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan will help guide the relief and recovery of the tourism sector in a way that is:
- safe;
- supported by residents;
- attractive for visitors; and
- economically viable.
Reports for surveys conducted in 2021
Reports for surveys conducted in 2020
The Department of Tourism and Culture has increased the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund (TCMF) for the 20/21 and 21/22 fiscal years.
The original increase was for $1 million. This brought the total available funding to $1.7 million for the 20/21 fiscal year.
On February 25, 2021, we announced a further $300,000 for the 21/22 fiscal year.
In addition to the increased funding, we have made these temporary changes to the program:
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We have waived the requirement for applicants to provide 50% equity for marketing projects and activities.
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Under the new criteria, initiatives targeting people who are already in Yukon will also be eligible. Previously, the TCMF was for marketing initiatives targeted outside of Yukon, with the intent of attracting visitors to the territory. This change will help support businesses target Yukoners while the other markets recover.
These changes will help support more Yukon businesses this summer and when the pandemic subsides. The interim guidelines will help industry to plan.
You can apply at any time.
Learn more
Visit the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund page for information including the:
This supplement was in effect between January 1 and March 31, 2021. It provided funding relief to non-profit organizations in the tourism and culture sectors.
The Yukon Historical and Museums Association administered this supplement, with funding from the Department of Tourism and Culture.
Eligible non-profit organizations could apply for up to $20,000 each. The total budget for this program was $300,000, which included administration costs.
A COVID-19 impact survey of non-profits, held in September 2020, helped to form this program.
Read the impact survey report.
This fund was able to support museums and cultural centres if they met the deficit criteria.
Learn more
In March 2020, Premier Sandy Silver announced that the Government of Yukon was developing the details of a stimulus package for Yukon businesses and workers.
Read the press release about the stimulus package.
We will continue to work on initiatives to safeguard Yukon's tourism sector and speed its recovery, together with:
- the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon;
- the Yukon Tourism Advisory Board;
- local chambers of commerce;
- Destination Canada; and
- Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Financial resources for businesses
Business Credit Availability Program
Under the federal government’s new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) can now provide over $10 billion of additional financing to customers facing economic challenges caused by COVID-19.
The program helps Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions gain access to credit through EDC, BDC and private sector lenders.
BDC special support for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19 also includes:
- Small business loans that can allow you to obtain up to $100,000 online in as little as 48 hours from the time of approval.
- Working capital loans to help you bridge cash flow gaps and support everyday operations.
- Purchase order financing to increase your cash flow to fulfil domestic or international orders with flexible terms.
- Advisory services to help you review your financial management and operations.
- Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has special measures that will provide temporary flexibility in programs until March 14, 2021. Find information on programs including:
- Employment Insurance;
- Work-Sharing Program (specific cases); and
- Occupational Health and Safety.
Regional Development Agencies
Canada’s 6 Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have been given more tools and flexibility to help local businesses deal with economic difficulties.
They will help local businesses deal with the immediate impact of COVID-19 on their operations by allowing, for example:
- deferred repayment;
- advance payments; or
- reimbursement of legitimate claims.
The RDAs will reallocate marketing efforts to support local and regional tourism. They take into account the latest advice from health agencies.
Visit Canada’s RDA webpage on COVID-19.
New loan programs for businesses and Canada Revenue Agency Measures
New loan programs have been announced. They include:
- a new Canada Emergency Business Account;
- the deferral of tax remittance and customs duty payments;
- a new Loan Guarantee for small and medium enterprises; and
- a new co-lending program for small and medium enterprises.
The Canadian Revenue Agency has also announced additional measures for individuals and businesses. They include information on:
- administrative tax measures;
- trusts, partnerships and NR4 Information Returns;
- Canada Pension Plan/Employment Insurance (CPP/EI);
- deadlines for charities;
- the suspension of audit activities
- the suspension of collections on new debt
- requirement to pay (RTP)
For more details on these announcements, visit Canada's webpage.
Information resources
Destination Canada
Destination Canada is providing ongoing support. Visit their website to learn more.
A message from Destination Canada:
“We know these are difficult times within the tourism sector. We know there is a lot of uncertainty around what our world will look like next month, next week, and even tomorrow. Now more than ever, we will leverage the power of Team Canada to align and support us through the times ahead.”
Public Health Agency of Canada
Find current travel advisories for Canadian and International locations.
Canadian Heritage
Previously awarded grants and contributions for local events, festivals or other initiatives are maintained and take into account the possibility of cancellations due to COVID-19.
Visit their website for more information.
Global Affairs Canada
Tourism Industy Association of Canada
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Adventure Travel Trade Association
Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board
Canadian Labour Congress
Macroeconomic measures
- Bank of Canada rate news
- Finance Canada measures (news release)
Use these resources from trusted sources:
Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon
Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Canadian Payroll Association
World Health Organization
Center for Disease Control (USA)
To support physical distancing, many of our staff are working from home. If you have questions, email industryservices@yukon.ca.