62/ APRIL 2020 THE RIDER


Support And Resources For Equine Farms And Equestrian Facilities


Ottawa, ON, March 24, 2020 – Eques- trian Canada (EC) would like to pro- vide an update regarding its ongoing advocacy on behalf of equine farms and equestrian facilities facing finan- cial hardship during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as offer resources for support during this unprecedented disruption of normal business operations. EC is the national governing


body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to repre- sent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. We em- pathize with all those who are directly affected by this situation, are fully aware of the potential financial impli- cations and will continue to support the equine and equestrian industries to the best of our ability.


How is EC advocating for equine farms and equestrian facilities? In order to recover from the eco-


nomic impacts of COVID-19, it is im- perative that we take a coordinated, collaborative approach to advocacy. EC is working in close partnership with the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) to understand and plan for the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the equine and equestrian industries and related businesses. EC is actively communicating


with federal agencies and corporations to ensure that equine farms and eques- trian facilities can access support. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri- Food, The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, has been made aware of the fi- nancial hardships that Canadian equine farms and farm businesses face with the loss of their public-facing equestrian operations. EC has re- quested collaboration and support for the sector through multiple channels and will continue to work with organ- izations such as the Canadian Federa- tion of Agriculture to amplify the voice of our industries. Additionally, conversations have


been initiated with Farm Credit Canada, Canada’s largest agricultural term lender, as well as other leading agriculture financial lending institu- tions. It is of the utmost importance that our equine farms and equestrian facilities have access to the necessary financial support; we are working to ensure that the sector’s needs are heard, the diversity of our sector is un- derstood, and that we are recognized


during future decision-making and as- sessment processes. Although conversations are in


the early stages, EC is hopeful and will continue to work in service of the needs of our equines, farmers, facility owners and industry members alike.


Next Steps In order to develop an effective


and needs-based advocacy plan, EC needs industry input to understand the immediate and long-term needs of equine farms and equestrian facilities. We will be collecting industry-based business profiles that will enhance our capacity to interact with key stake- holders (e.g. government agencies, fi- nancial institutes). A communication will follow tomorrow, March 25, link- ing to a survey to collect this informa- tion.


Additional next steps include: • Ensuring that the EC website and statement on COVID-19 is kept up-to- date to deliver the information and re- sources farm and facilities owners require on an ongoing basis and in an easily accessible format. • Establishing a communication net- work with Canada’s equine farm and equestrian facility owners through we- binars, website, social media and other digital engagement exercises. EC appreciates your patience as


we navigate these unprecedented times and will continue to provide continuous, thorough and up-to-date communication concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Please submit any and all questions and concerns re- lated to COVID-19 through the feed- back portal here.


What resources are available to me as an equine farm or equestrian fa- cility?


We recommend that all equine


farm and equestrian facility owners take the time to ensure your business administrative records are up-to-date and ready for potential financial re- sources and programming that may become available. For provincial/territorial


re-


sources, visit the website of your re- spective PTSO. Additionally, please review the resources outlined below:


Farm Credit Canada Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is


Canada’s leading agricultural lender. After receiving a $5 billion enhance-


CapriCMW– COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions


Editor’s Note - Visit


https://www.therider.com/site/blog/20 20/03/26/ec-support-and-resources- for-equine-farms to access all the links in this story.


Sell your Farm Property in The Rider’s Real Estate Pages!


ment in lending capacity from the Government of Canada, FCC an- nounced several new initiatives that will give more Canadian agriculture businesses faster access to a line of credit. These include the option of payment deferrals for existing FCC customers and a new credit line offer of up to $500,000. As part of its ongo- ing support efforts, FCC also is asking existing customers who have cash flow or other financial concerns to contact the organization to discuss al- ternatives, such as loan payment de- ferrals and products available to assist with cash flow needs. Existing customers facing finan-


cial pressure are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager or the FCC Customer Service Centre at 1- 888-332-3301 to discuss their individ- ual situation and options. If you are currently not a member of FCC, it is recommended to that you reach out to begin to engage with FCC and explore what options are available for com- mercial equine farming businesses. Please review the following re-


sources to prepare to engage with FCC:


Working with Farm Credit Canada Guide Loan Essentials Borrowing Basics Cash Flow Planning Applying for Financing Business Support Resources


Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Re- sponse Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada BDC – Support for entrepreneurs im- pacted by the coronavirus COVID-19 Agriculture Business Operating Credit Resources


RBC Farm Management Line of Credit TD Agriculture Borrowing Solutions Scotiabank Credit Line for Agriculture Insurance Resources


COC and CPC thank IOC for its decision to postpone Games to 2021


would like to thank Presi- dent Thomas Bach, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee for this decision which continues to show their commitment to safe- guarding the health and safety of athletes and the world community. We also renew our


TORONTO/OTTAWA (March 24, 2020) – The Canadian Olympic Commit- tee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) issued the following statement on Tuesday in re- action to the conclusion made by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach, and Japanese Prime Minis- ter, Abe Shinzo, that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date be- yond 2020: The COC and CPC


when the time comes, the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 or- ganizing committee will de- liver a world-class Games that celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic values and unites and inspires the world. The Olympic and Paralympic Games have


ment, the IOC has given Tokyo hopefuls worldwide the clarity they need about the immediate future, so we can all concentrate on our collective health and well- being and take all necessary steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are confident that


commitment to work with the IOC, International Para- lympic Committee (IPC) and the Tokyo 2020 organ- izing committee and offer them our full support in helping navigate all the complexities that reschedul- ing the Games will bring. With this postpone-


proud of the leadership and resilience that our athletes, National Sport Organiza- tions, partners and the Cana- dian sport community have demonstrated in these un- precedented times. While postponement comes with its own set of challenges, Team Canada will rise to the challenge to showcase our very best on the interna- tional stage.


Committee News Release


An Update from USET Foundation on Postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games


Gladstone, NJ – Following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Or- ganizing Committee’s an- nouncement on March 24, 2020, of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games, the USET Foundation wishes to thank all of its donors for their incredible partnership leading up to the champi- onships. We will continue to monitor preparations and maintain our support of US Equestrian and its high per- formance athletes. We greatly appreciate


our partnership with US Equestrian, and share its statement regarding the an- nouncement as follows: “We have received of-


ficial confirmation today from the IOC and Organiz- ing Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games that in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic both organizations have jointly decided to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games to 2021. Prioritizing the safety and


health of athletes, staff, and spectators is paramount dur- ing this challenging time, and we applaud and support their difficult decision. The postponement of


the Olympic & Paralympic Games is unprecedented in modern day history, and we know that there will be many challenges ahead, but remain committed to work- ing with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the Fédération Equestre In- ternationale (FEI) to ensure the success of our teams and athletes in 2021. We are deeply disap-


pointed for our athletes and their teams, the coaches, support staff, horse owners, sponsors, supporters, and USET Foundation donors and supporters who have wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to the Olympic & Paralympic dream, but in the face of adversity, we have watched them continu- ally persevere and know they will be prepared to rep- resent our country to the best of their abilities next


year. We also understand


that this decision will im- pact many, and as we wait to understand the revised ap- proach of the IOC and Or- ganizing Committee in the coming weeks, we will con- tinue to provide updates and information to our athletes, stakeholders, sponsors, and fans. This is a trying time for our community and we look forward to the incredi- ble feeling of watching our athletes inspire others and embody the Olympic & Par- alympic spirit next year in Tokyo.” USET Foundation re-


mains committed to sup- porting the US Equestrian high performance athletes throughout their journeys to the Olympic & Paralympic Games. We will continue to keep our donors and follow- ers informed as plans form throughout the balance of the year and into 2021.


A USET Foundation News Release


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events for the next issue of The Rider


Canadian Olympic


through sport the way only a Games can. We are incredibly


long been a symbol of hope and Tokyo 2020 will be a celebration of all that we now seek to overcome. There may be no better way to move on from this most difficult time than seeing the world brought


together


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