News Releases

March 18, 2021

The Manitoba government is waiving the 2021 annual permit and licence renewal fees for resource tourism operators to reduce their financial burden caused by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.

“The tourism industry is an integral part of Manitoba’s economy, and we know it has been impacted by travel bans and group-size restrictions,” said Guillemard. “Our government is committed to protecting our province’s lodges and outfitters, and helping to reduce their financial burden during these unprecedented times.”

The province has responded to a request from the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association by agreeing to extend resource tourism licences and permits, which would normally be valid until March 31, 2021, for one year. In addition, the province will waive renewal requirements in 2021 including licences and permits for outfitters and their associated facilities related to angling, hunting and ecotourism.

The total value of this licence and permit fee reprieve for the resource tourism sector is approximately $110,000, the minister noted. This support builds on similar assistance provided last year, when licences and permits were extended for Manitoba’s approximately 425 operators from May to September 2020.

“Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters would like to thank the Manitoba government for working with our industry on relieving the renewal requirements, including fees for our operators, to remain open,” said DJ Seales, president, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. “As the Canada-U.S. border remains closed, many operators may have a second year of a limited season or no season. This assistance will ensure that when the border reopens we will be ready for business and we look forward to the day we are all able to enjoy the outdoors together.”

Resource tourism operators must normally renew their licences and permits annually by March 31, and renewal notices are mailed in late January.

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