Federal Government Extends Support Programs

To support Canadians and Canadian businesses through the pandemic, the government introduced a comprehensive set of support measures, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support. These programs have supported millions of workers and continue to adapt as the pandemic evolves.

In this context, the Government of Canada is proposing to extend these measures until October 23, 2021, and increase the wage and rent subsidy rates between August 29 and September 25, 2021.

The government is also proposing technical changes and clarifications to increase flexibility and certainty for organizations using these programs and the Canada Recovery Hiring Program introduced in Budget 2021. 

Eligible employers would still also be able to apply for the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program instead of the wage subsidy if they so choose. The hiring program provides alternative support for businesses affected by the pandemic and helps them hire workers, and increase workers' hours or wages, as the economy reopens. The hiring program is available from June 6, 2021 until November 20, 2021, allowing employers to shift from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to this new support, at a pace that works for them.

Read more HERE.

Webinar
Thursday, August 12, 2021
10:00am - 11:00am 
 
Join Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) Health and Safety Consultants Rob Oliver and Janice Gallant for a webinar about how to reopen museums safely in your roles as both workplaces and public attractions.

The goal of this webinar is to provide information that supports a healthy, safe and successful re-opening of museums. The one hour webinar will:

• Overview the Provincial Step 3 Reopening Requirements for Museums.
• Identify protective strategies, measures and resources to support a health and safe reopening for you and your visitors. 
• Provide the opportunity to discuss key questions related to the application of the requirements in a museum setting.

Register HERE. 

Speakers: 

Do you have a project to share? Present a webinar!
Do you have an idea to discuss? Host a Member Check-in!
Do you have another idea? Let us know!

The OMA is currently accepting proposals for Webinars and Member Check-ins on the theme of Decision-Making in the Museum Present and Future.

Read the Call for Proposals and find out how to submit HERE.

Questions? Email Mary Collier at pd@museumsontario.ca.

The deadline for nominations to the Awards of Excellence 2021 has been extended until August 9, 2021 for the following Award category:

• Promising Leadership

Step up to thank those colleagues that are dedicated to supporting and energizing our community. Self-nominations are also encouraged!

Learn more HERE.
Submit your nomination HERE.

How has your heritage organization or site been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
 
The Department of Canadian Heritage is conducting the Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions for the 2020 data year. The purpose of this year’s survey is to gain economic and sector characteristic data with particular emphasis on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s heritage sector. Survey results will be used to monitor changes in the sector, measure performance, and make comparisons to other data sources to better understand the sector as well as assist in the development of national and regional policies and programs.
 
Canadian Heritage will be sending out the survey this week (week of August 2^nd) via email. It has been streamlined to ensure user-friendliness and quick responses. We ask that you please take time to answer the survey, as each response is needed in order to accurately measure the effects of last year’s pandemic on the heritage sector.

Register your events and activities for the Ontario Culture Days 2021 festival by this Friday to enjoy promotional and marketing benefits, including consideration to be included in the “Day in the Life” video series and a feature on the Ontario Culture Days website!

Read more HERE.

The Ontario government has announced details of its plan to revitalize Ontario Place into a world-class destination. Three successful participants from the 2019 Call for Development process Therme Group, Live Nation and Écorécréo Group will help deliver an exciting, inclusive and family friendly experience that will play a key role in the province’s post-pandemic recovery, both as a tourism destination and as a display of Ontario’s strong cultural identity. The government also outlined the next phase of consultations with stakeholders and community members.

Starting in August, the government will launch the next phase of engagement through Ontario.ca/OntarioPlace, providing an opportunity for all Ontarians to share how they would like to experience a redeveloped Ontario Place. Virtual public information sessions will also be held in the fall with planning and development consultations related to the site-wide environmental assessment, heritage, and site servicing to follow later in the year. The redevelopment website, Ontario.ca/OntarioPlace, will be kept up to date with the latest information about planned public and stakeholder engagement.

Read the News Release HERE.

Throughout the summer, the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, will be sharing a newly-launched #RediscoverON podcast to showcase all Ontario has to offer.

Listen to the July 29th episode HERE. 

Minister MacLeod invites you and your team to become #RediscoverON Ambassadors for the month of August. By showcasing your organizations through your eyes, you will help restore confidence in these critical sectors and encourage Ontarians to #RediscoverON this summer. As a #RediscoverON Ambassador you can have fun while helping the heritage, sport, tourism and culture sectors in your own community. You are invited to promote a local itinerary that includes your pride of place; from iconic landmarks, to cultural attractions, trails and parks and must-try eateries, there is no better time to experience and explore all our province has to offer; the world in one province. Be sure to share your adventures and operations on social media using #RediscoverON! Throughout Minister MacLeod's summer tour across the province, she will be following your suggestions and highlighting the great places and businesses you are sharing.