TIANS Calls on Province to Change Tourism Assistance Fund Responsibility

October 27 2020

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) is calling for the recently announced Tourism Sector Finance Assistance Program to be moved back into the provincial government for management and oversight.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that government is using Dalhousie University to control access to information regarding loan support for Nova Scotia’s Tourism Industry,” says TIANS Chair, Judy Saunders.

TIANS is calling on the Minister of Business and the Deputy Minister to move the program back into the government through one of its Crown Corporations or NS Business Inc., that have a governance structure and to allow for public accountability.
“Tourism is experiencing catastrophic losses in the province and the uncoordinated approach to program supports will ensure the overall impact to stabilize the sector will fall well short of any meaningful impact. We have had overwhelming support from operators across the province with our position around this issue,” says Saunders.

TIANS strongly believes that now, more than ever, government has a responsibility to ensure every dollar committed is invested wisely. The province should be leveraging the knowledge and skills within existing bodies familiar with the tourism sector. Moving administration and decision-making related to this fund back under the purview of the government is the right approach and makes the entire process more transparent.

TIANS is committed to representing the best interests of the Industry; enhancing and supporting the development of a competitive business environment; advocating on issues critical to the Industry’s success; and most importantly, leading Nova Scotia’s most promising economic sector.

Download: TIANS Calls for Fund Change Oct 27 2020