The COVID-19 pandemic had a major economic impact on B.C., leading to job losses, business closures, and disruptions to supply chains.
In September 2020, the province announced $1.5 billion in funding for a variety of programs to help promote a sustainable economic recovery. This included the Destination Development grant stream of the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program, which supported the development and repair of tourism infrastructure and amenities. This grant stream is under the same program as the Community Economic Resilience stream we reported on in June 2022.
This audit will examine whether the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport administered the Destination Development grant stream according to government financial policy and program guidelines.
It will look at:
- Assessment of funding applications
- Contract stipulations and reporting requirements
- Distribution of funding
- Ministry oversight
For more information, watch the auditor general's announcement video.
Updated: October 2022