Tourism Saskatchewan understands that these are unprecedented times for the tourism industry and tourism operators throughout the province. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought financial stress and uncertainty to attractions, businesses, events and other tourism organizations. We are working closely with provincial and federal agencies, Destination Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and other industry partners to develop initial plans and support programs for the industry's recovery.
Please visit: Questions and answers for the Saskatchewan tourism industry
A Message from the Honourable Gene Makowsky
What you need to know
LAST UPDATED: March 26, 2020
COVID-19 is an urgent issue for travellers and businesses in Saskatchewan and globally. Tourism Saskatchewan is committed to supporting the province’s tourism industry and providing timely, accurate information relevant to our your needs.
As new developments, information and resources become available, this page will be updated.
A special email address for industry inquiries has been created. Email questions@tourismsask.com with tourism industry concerns or questions relating to COVID-19.
Saskatchewan Health Information
For up-to-date public health information and advisories in Saskatchewan, visit Saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus.
The Government of Saskatchewan has a COVID-19 self-assessment tool to determine whether Saskatchewan residents should be tested for COVID-19. Concerned residents can complete this assessment for themselves or on behalf of someone else, if unable.
Federal government
Read the latest federal government news releases
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Conference Board of Canada
The Conference Board of Canada has created a landing page for the public to access facts and timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a complimentary resource and accessible to all. The page features real-time Conference Board of Canada forecasts, targeted insights and breaking evidence on COVID-19.
Canadian Payroll Association: Payroll and COVID-19 Questions and Answers
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce offers several resources to help businesses, including a Pandemic Preparedness Guide and sign up for regular COVID-19 Updates. Links are provided to Government of Canada information regarding COVID-19 preparedness, prevention and risks, symptoms and treatment, travel advice and additional guidance documents. Also listed are various social media channels, public health updates, and business tools and supports – all addressing COVID-19.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has a COVID-19: Resources for Businesses page available.
Government of Saskatchewan - Business Response Team
- The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a Business Response Team to support businesses in the province dealing with the economic challenges resulting from COVID-19.
- The Business Response Team, led by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, will work with businesses to identify program supports available to them both provincially and federally.
- For more information, businesses can contact the Business Response Team by calling 1-844-800-8688, emailing supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca or by visiting: www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses
- A website has also been created to provide information on support for workers adversely affected by the current economic situation. Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-workers for information.
- If you are a Saskatchewan business, innovator, or supplier and you think you have a solution that can help us fight COVID-19, you may direct your submission to procurement@gov.sk.ca.
Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association
National Tourism Associations
- Destination Canada: www.destinationcanada.com/en
- Tourism Industry Association of Canada: tiac-aitc.ca
- Click here to subscribe to TIAC’s e-newsletter
- Advocacy: Relief proposal for the tourism, hospitality and restaurant sectors
- Tourism HR Canada: www.tourismhr.ca
- Hotel Association of Canada (HAC): www.hotelassociation.ca
- Restaurants Canada: www.restaurantscanada.org
- Restaurants Canada: COVID-19 HR & Employment Information for Foodservice - Free Webinar
- Restaurants Canada: COVID-19 Resources for Foodservice Operators
- Restaurants Canada: Crisis Preparedness and Business Continuity Guide
- Service Hospitality: COVID-19 Guide for Hospitality
General
Public Health Agency of Canada
- General information on COVID-19
- Travel Advisories – Canada and International
- Informed decision-making on mass gatherings
The World Health Organization (WHO)
- For the latest global updates on COVID-19, visit the World Health Organization’s worldwide outbreak update here.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have issued a joint statement on international co-operation as key to the containment of COVID-19. Read it here.
- World Health Organization: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
Support for Small Business
- Government of Canada: General Support for small businesses
- Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD): Support for Tourism Operators and SMEs
- Business Development Bank of Canada has several resources for businesses related to COVID-19
- NOTE: Businesses who are clients of BDC may phone them directly. Those who are not BDC clients, please contact your financial institution first, and you may be referred to BDC.
Service Hospitality
Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority - COVID-19 Resources page for Saskatoon businesses
Square One (Saskatchewan Centre for Entreprenuership)
Google for Small Businesses - Resources to help your small business manage through uncertainty
Regional Development Agency
Business Development Bank of Canada
- Special support for Entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19, including small business loan, small capital loan, purchase order financing
- Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs
- Free Webinar on March 25 for entrepreneurs
Employment and Social Development Canada- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – ESDC special measures will provide one-year temporary flexibilities nationally until March 14, 2021, including:
- Employment Insurance
- Work Sharing program (specific cases)
- Information on Occupational Health and Safety
- Guidance for employees to navigate various Employment Insurance scenarios (prepared and posted by Carleton University): EI Benefit Information Document
Export Development Canada
Global Affairs Canada
Macroeconomic Measures
Further Resources
BC Hotel Association: Resources to Help you Navigate the COVID-19 Virus
Destination Think!: Social media best practices for CMOs and DMOs
BC Hughes (Tourism Development, Management and Marketing) - Ten Things your tourism business can do during a global crisis
Destinations Canada - Tourism resources for COVID-19
Important Notice - Saskatchewan Provincial Parks
- In support of the province wide state of emergency, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks are not open at this time.
- SaskParks does not encourage visitation. As of March 23, 2020, park facilities closed, meaning there is no access to washrooms, visitor centres, picnic areas, as well as campgrounds and campsites.
- While park offices are closed, staff are still available by phone (1-800-205-7070) or email (parks.info@gov.sk.ca) to answer questions..
- SaskParks urges people to follow social distancing practices and take necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
For more information, visit saskparks.com, call 1-800-205-7070 or email parks.info@gov.sk.ca.
For the most up-to-date information on 2020 reservations and camping season, please click here.
Parks Canada Update
Parks Canada is calling on Canadians to support the national effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay home. The agency is temporarily suspending all motor vehicle access by visitors at all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas effective on March 25 until further notice.
All visitor services remain suspended and all visitor facilities remain closed.All parking lots, vehicle services, trails, washrooms, day use facilities, showers, visitor centres and camping facilities, including oTENTiks, yurts and backcountry camping, are closed until further notice.
Highways and roadways that pass through Parks Canada places will remain open.
Parks Canada will limit its activities to basic critical operations.
Information is also available on the Parks Canada website.
Prince Albert National Park Information and Q&As - PDF
Transportation
Airlines
- Air Canada has issued a response to COVID-19 here.
- WestJet has issued a response to COVID-19 here.