Please note the extended deadline for applications to TASS and TNASS for the current 2020–21 fiscal year has been updated in the Quick facts.
The Government of Yukon is extending and expanding several COVID-19 economic programs to support Yukon businesses. These programs will help keep local businesses in operation during the pandemic and contribute to Yukon’s economic resiliency.
The Yukon Business Relief Program, which helps businesses break even, will relaunch on April 1. Yukon businesses that previously benefitted from the program can reapply for additional support until September 30, 2021.
The Paid Sick Leave Rebate, which supports employers who pay workers to stay home if they become sick or are required to self-isolate, is also being relaunched on April 1, and extended until September 30, 2021.
Yukon restaurants and other businesses with a liquor licence that are struggling will be eligible to receive a discount of 25 per cent off the retail price of liquor until September 30, 2021.
Small and medium-sized Yukon businesses can apply to the Regional Relief Loan Program, which will provide up to $100,000 in deferred-interest, partially forgivable loans with no payments until January 1, 2023.
A number of supports will also continue through Yukon’s Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan. These include extension of the $4 million Tourism Accommodation and Non-Accommodation sector supplements to September 30, 2021; a $450,000 contribution to Yukon’s ELEVATE business mentoring program; and a $300,000 enhancement to the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund, bringing the total to $1 million.
The Government of Yukon will continue to monitor economic indicators and work closely with the private sector to identify priorities and provide further support as needed.
Our government is committed to supporting local businesses through these challenging times. Small businesses are a critical part of Yukon’s economy and the heart of our communities. We continue to work with our partners at all levels to monitor the state of our economy, adapt programming where needed, and respond to the needs of Yukoners.
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai
The targeted investments and flexibility of Yukon’s COVID-19 Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan will help ensure the survival of Yukon’s tourism businesses, and lead to a more resilient sector and a stronger Yukon economy as recovery takes shape.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie McLean
While the public health measures keep us safe, restaurants and other establishments continue to be impacted. Our government is pleased to extend this discount to support the Yukon’s local food and beverage industry adversely affected by the pandemic.
Minister responsible for Yukon Liquor Corporation John Streicker
Government of Yukon COVID-19 economic supports:
- Yukon Business Relief Program relaunching on April 1, with support available until September 30, 2021.
- Paid Sick Leave Rebate relaunching on April 1, with support available until September 30, 2021.
- Liquor discount for eligible licensees available until September 30, 2021. Licensees need to have qualified for the Yukon Business Relief Program or CanNor’s Northern Business Relief Fund since January 1, 2021, to receive the 25 per cent discount;
- Regional Relief Loan Program for small and medium-sized businesses. Applications must be received before March 31, 2021.
- Tourism Accommodation Sector Supplement (TASS) available until September 30, 2021.
- Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement (TNASS) available until September 30, 2021.
- Applications to TASS and TNASS for the current 2020–21 fiscal year, will have their deadline for applications extended to March 21, 2021.
- Dedicated funding to support Yukon’s tourism sector:
- $450,000 for Tourism Industry Association Yukon’s ELEVATE business mentoring program;
- $300,000 for the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund (bringing the total to $1 million); and
- $1 million in 2021–22 as part of an enhanced investment in a three-year destination marketing strategy.
More than $44.8 million in supports have been made available to date across Yukon’s economic sectors through expanded programming, new initiatives and waived or deferred fees.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Jason Seaton
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5907
jason.seaton@yukon.ca
Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@yukon.ca
Amelie Quirke Tomlins
Communications, Yukon Liquor Corporation
867-667-8924
amelie.quirke-tomlins@yukon.ca