Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recent years, northern tourism and the economy have been challenged by disasters like forest fires, the pandemic, and now flooding, causing this fledgling economic sector to become virtually non-existent. Through no fault of their own, our tourism operators require even more support than they ever have before.
Despite recent news that NWT lodges are allowed to bring visitors from southern Canada, this is not enough for our suffering tourism and hospitality sector. Many businesses do not have the means or capacity to adjust their business models to meet new safety requirements or aren't willing or able to take on the additional risks.
With the possibility of additional supports in the coming weeks, we must continue to work closely with partners like NWT Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, and the business sector. Open dialogue with stakeholders and really listening to them is key to understanding the ongoing challenges, not just in regards to COVID impacts but with respect to the flooding and other natural disasters, as well as skyrocketing building costs.
From 2019 to 2020, there was a decrease of five Tourism Operators Licences or TOLs. Last year, the greatest declines were in the Beaufort Delta due to the loss of cruise ship tourism as a result of the restrictions on travel. If all TOLs are approved this year, there will be a total of 152 licences in place for 2021, a decrease of two from last year. However, many will likely not operate.
While this is the second year in which the GNWT has waived TOL fees, I don't believe this is enough. Fees will be waved for tourism operators who are not able to operate; however, some operators will continue to operate at a reduced capacity and will need support as well. How many will close if more assistance isn't available? What further supports will be provided during the post-pandemic recovery efforts in order to rebuild a successful and profitable tourism sector?
Relief programs from last season that have already been proven to help need to continue, as well, additional training and courses should be provided to help operators build their credentials, qualifications, and skills. These could include courses on plumbing, painting, or carpentry, as well as natural disaster and emergency response training; courses that have further benefit of helping people to maintain their own residences.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted