GNWT announces increased funding to the PREP program along with a second intake of the TRIP program, and other news
PANDEMIC RELIEF EXTENSION PROGRAM (PREP) UPDATE
The GNWT-ITI has increased the funding limit under the Pandemic Relief Extension Program (PREP). This funding provides operators with assistance with some fixed costs, and since PREP was launched in Spring 2021, numerous operators have taken advantage of the program from all regions. The minimum amount that may be claimed through PREP is $2,500, and the maximum amount eligible has been boosted to $150,000 (up from $100,000).
We want to ensure that members are aware that in thePREP program, under Exceptions, there is a note about providing a stand-alone receipt for a commercial land lease for 100% reimbursement. Also under Exceptions, you will find information about bookkeeping and/or accounting services. Please see this link for full details.
The deadline for PREP applications is March 31, 2022. Application forms and further information regarding eligibility requirements are available online at https://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/services
TOURISM RESTART INVESTMENT PROGRAM (TRIP) UPDATE
Today the GNWT shared new information about the Tourism Restart Investment Program (TRIP) funding program. The GNWT-ITI is launching a second intake of TRIP. ITI is inviting applicants to apply on this second intake to help with restart costs and to assist tourism operators and tourism-related businesses impacted by the travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes those operators that applied for and received funding for the first intake. Keeping operators’ foot in the tourism market door will help them to stay relevant to travellers looking to book vacations.
Funds are available to:
develop marketing activities for Canadian (domestic) and international audiences,
train and develop capacity in tourism experience delivery for new and returning employees,
adapt and enhance protocols for tourism activities, and
upgrade infrastructure for health and safety requirements to keep visitors and employees safe.
The deadline for TRIP applications is February 9, 2022. Application forms and further information regarding the program and eligibility requirements are available online at www.iti.gov.nt.ca/TRIP
ADVOCACY FOR THE BORDER REOPENING TO LEISURE TRAVEL
Lastly, you have likely seen in the news that GNWT Health Minister Green has mentioned the GNWT is expecting to lift the public health emergency in the spring and they are once again talking about reinstating leisure travel. We continue to work closely with the COVID Secretariat and our partners at the GNWT to advocate for our industry and members, especially related to the reinstatement of leisure travel, along with funding supports for our members. Thank you to all members who have reached out to us, to the GNWT, and to politicians directly in the past few weeks to share your challenges and stories.