A Have an idea for a story? Minews@theotherpress.ca © Tragic shooting in Nova Scotia e April 27 COVD-19 update ¢ Prime Minister amends Canada summer jobs program to employ more students ..and more Area attractions to close 1f unable to open » Arts, culture, and tourism hit hard by COVID-19 Atiba Nelson Staff Reporter he arts, culture, and tourism industry in Vancouver may lose three important institutions. The Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Aquarium, and Science World at the Telus World of Science may be forced to closed if they are not allowed to open. Science World at the Telus World of Science closed its doors on March 13 to enact social distancing measures. Three days later on March 16, the Vancouver Art Gallery announced that it would be closing temporarily, and then a day later the Vancouver Aquarium cancelled all programming and closed its doors to the public. The aquarium, which is the oldest and largest in Canada, is home to over 70,000 animals, and costs roughly one- million dollars a month to operate. Additionally, the facility does not receive any government funding. “If nothing is done, it will be two, maximum three months until [we] shut down,” said Lasse Gustavsson, Chief Executive Officer at the Vancouver Aquarium “[but] we can't switch off the light and lock the door and go home, the animals have to be taken care of. We need the federal and provincial government to help us.” The aquarium isn’t the only facility that is asking the federal government for help. Science World, which relies on a government wage subsidy to pay employees, similarly claims that after the subsidy ends the facility is three to four months away from insolvency. 6¢ Se 4 “epee? an Ps aaa =e = oe ey e-to Illustration by Sonam Kaloti The aquarium, which is the oldest and largest in Canada, is home to over 70,000 animals, and costs roughly one-million dollars a month to operate. While these icons of the Vancouver are closed, the Vancouver Art Gallery has debuted an online gathering called “Art Connects” to link artists with audiences. To advocate for government relief, Vancouver attractions have formed an umbrella organization called The Metro Vancouver Tourism and Hospitality Industry Response and Recovery Task Force. Via a press release, the role of the group is to urge governments to “...counter the devastating effects COVID-19 and Canada’s response to the pandemic has had on the sector.” “While many businesses have felt the impact of COVID-19 over the last 30 days, it’s important to remember that the hospitality industry in Metro Vancouver has now suffered through its third month of negative impact,” said Nancy Small, Task Force Co-Chair. Federal Government announces aid. package for post-secondary students » Nine-billion-dollar package pushes country further into debt Atiba Nelson Staff Reporter arly in the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government came to the aid of affected workers by offering monthly monetary benefits, further plunging Canada into the deepest national debt it has ever faced. Now students are also set to receive money. Last week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised post-secondary students a new emergency benefit due to educational interruption and dwindling job prospects amidst the COVID-19 crisis. With Rideau Cottage in the background, the Prime Minster announced a $1250 monthly payment coming to post- secondary students until August. The benefit would increase to $1,750 monthly for students with disabilities, or students who have dependents. “The future of our economy and our country relies on the opportunities and support we provide to Canadian students today. To promote a sustainable economic recovery, we need a strong workforce and good job opportunities for young people,” said Trudeau through a press release. “That means giving them the support they need to continue their studies and encouraging them to serve their communities. Together, we will get through this difficult time.” In 2016 to 2017, the federal government reported that enrollment at Canadian public colleges and universities totalled 2,051,865 students—with 12 percent of overall enrolments being international or non-Canadian students. The new federal plan laid out by Trudeau did not address whether international students were eligible for the benefit. The total package being generated by the federal government to help post- secondary students includes a new Canada Student Service Grant which will go to students who volunteer via national service or serve their communities. Although the Canada Student Service Grant will not translate to money directly to students, it will provide up to $5,000 for a recipient's education in the fall. The new package is in addition to the changes the federal government recently made to the Canada Summer Jobs program—increasing the wage subsidy and extending employment end dates. There has also been a suspension of the repayment schedule and interest accruing on student and apprentice loans. The national debt is now more than $715-billion dollars after rising every year since the Trudeau government was elected.