Premier Doug Ford says Ontarians can play a major role to help hunting and fishing camps in northwestern Ontario recover from COVID-19.
When asked by CKDR News if financial relief is coming for outfitters, Ford stated “everything is on the table.”
Ford says he understands the frustration, noting the Minister of Tourism is shouting and screaming everyday at the table saying “Hey I need more. I need to help these people.”
He followed by making a plea to the rest of the province to make the trip north.
“Let’s support our own. Let’s support Ontario. Let’s buy local. Let’s buy Ontario. Let’s buy Canadian. That’s what we need to do. Start supporting each other. There’s 14.5-million people. We’re an economic powerhouse. Let’s stick together.”
Ford adds “Why don’t we look at our province. Why don’t we travel around. I know a lot of my pals, they love fishing, so why not go up north and rent one of these cabins.”
He stresses “We will get the economy going. But go up to a local fishing lodge. Go camping. Support our local people and we’ll get through this.”
Ford also stated “I’m first to admit. Before I was premier I covered a lot of Ontario but nothing compared to when I traveled on the election and going way up in Kenora and just beautiful places. And so many friends in the Indigenous communities up there saying they are going to take me fishing. I can’t wait. I’m going to take you up on that offer.”
Vic Fedeli is the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the MPP for Nipissing.
Fedeli says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford has been instrumental in fighting for tourist operators and constituents.
Rickford says he continues to have conversations with individual camp owners.
“We have great relations with these people. I call many of the owners around here friends, in some instances very close friends. We have very respective, productive dialogue out here in Sunset Country.”
Rickford notes “As the chairman of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. We are going to be looking at small business supports but supports specifically for the tourist operators.”
The Minister of Northern Development adds “We’re going to find a way to support these businesses. Whether it’s through Internship programs, giving them some relief on providing support for them to hire people, different things like that. That’s what we will be looking at in the coming days. The first important step was to get them open.”
Tourist camps have stated 90%-98% of their clients come from the United States.
Reports indicate the Canada/U.S. border closure will be extended beyond June 21.
To hear the response from Premier Doug Ford and Minister Vic Fedeli during the daily COVID-19 media update, visit the Audio link below.
Support local Ontario. There’s 14.5 million of us who can camp, fish, shop, and support our local economies. This summer, let’s explore our own backyards and support business at home. pic.twitter.com/RrTrDlo2L5
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 8, 2020
