Yukon NDP calls for more supports for struggling hospitality industry

Whitehorse – Last week, Yukon NDP MLAs Kate White and Emily Tredger hosted a virtual roundtable discussion for restaurant and bar owners across the territory. The discussion was focused on how the government can better support struggling hospitality businesses.

This roundtable was organized as the Yukon NDP Caucus was hearing from business owners wondering why, with more cases than ever before and stricter measures in place, there were less supports than at the beginning of the pandemic.

Business owners from across the territory joined in. Discussions lead to suggestions on several regulatory, financial and communication supports that hospitality businesses will need to survive until spring.

“Bars and restaurants are so important to Yukoners and tourists alike. They make our community a more vibrant place to live. The government needs to do everything they can to help them survive. Right now, they’re not getting the help they need.”

  • Emily Tredger, MLA Whitehorse Centre

“I’ve worked in hospitality and owned a business, I know how hard it is on a good day. So many in the industry are struggling right now and not getting enough support to pay their bills. Some of these suggestions would be easy fixes that would go a long way to support the hospitality industry in these tough times.”

  • Kate White, MLA Takhini-Kopper King

The Yukon NDP have assembled a list of changes based on input provided by the roundtable that the government can make to help restaurants make it through the pandemic.