Dear Hotel Community,
As a result of the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in British Columbia, this week Dr. Bonnie Henry introduced a number of new advisories and safety precautions to quell the spread of the virus. This includes
further restrictions on restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
,
as well as a continued emphasis on avoiding gatherings of groups more than six people.
Included in this revised Public Health Order, are restric
tions surrounding events. The order mandates that events may only be hosted between noon and 11 p.m, and no more than two events may be hosted in one day on the same premises or in an area of the premises. We recognize the implications that this mandate will have on many of you
–
as day meetings
are one of the few opportunities still available to our industry
–
and have addressed these concerns with government. While our aim has always been to protect the safety of guests, employees and communities, we remain conscious of introducing safety measures that align with industry operations and continue to advocate for this on your behalf.
Yesterday it was also announced that there will be
new provisions on vacation properties and short term rentals
to reduce large gatherings. Since we first felt the effects of COVID-19, our hotel community has been compliant and has actively worked alongside the government and WorkSafeBC to introduce updated safety policies and protocols. This has not been the case for short-term rentals as they are not held to these same standards. We are in continued discussion on what these new provisions will mean for our accommodation sector at large while continuing to highlight that our industry is well-equipped to continue safely welcoming guests.
Furthermore, an important reminder that the maximum length of a temporary layoff related to COVID-19 was extended to 24 weeks, ending on August 30, 2020. As part of a new variance to the Employment Standards Act, employers and employees can apply to extend temporary layoffs. This can be done by submitting a joint application through the Employment Standards Branch (ESB) by August 25, 2020, with a decisions to be received by August 30, 2020. The BC Hotel Association is coordinating a webinar in order to clarify on this process and will have more details for you next week.
Finally, as we continue to advocate for accommodators across the province, the BCHA along with numerous tourism organizations across B.C. have expressed concern and opposition to the governments recommended changes to Bill 23. We will continue to keep you updated on these efforts as well.
Stay safe,
Bryan Pilbeam
Board Chair, BC Hotel Association
Vice-President and General Manager, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
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The BCHA would like to highlight significant concern and clear non-support for Bill 23,
Worker's Compensation Amendment Act
and the governments's recommended changes, currently in second reading, for WCB changes.
Along with many other affected Tourism entities in B.C., the below letter was signed and sent to outline the opposition.
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The government has set a new CEWS deadline of December 19, 2020, although it only provided details to November 21, 2020. Other proposed new changes to the wage subsidy on July 17, 2020, including new measures to expand the eligibility to employers who do not meet the previous 30% revenue threshold and to replace the subsidy with a new two-part subsidy consisting of a “base” and “top-up” amount. Under the new rules, the amount of the wage subsidy an eligible employer could qualify for would vary depending on their revenue decline, with a maximum combined subsidy of up to 85% of eligible remuneration.
The draft legislation also contains new changes that provide continuity rules for employers that have recently purchased assets of a business, provide an appeal process for the wage subsidy and extend the subsidy application deadline. The draft legislation further includes previously tabled measures to allow the government to temporarily extend or suspend certain federal statutory deadlines and time limits up to December 31, 2020.
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Variance to Employment Standards Act
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COVID-19 Temporary Layoffs
Navigating layoffs is always hard, especially in these uncertain times. Recent changes to temporary layoffs means employees and employers have more options for support. Together, employers and employees can apply to extend temporary layoffs due...
Read more
www2.gov.bc.ca
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Tourism Vancouver
Get Ready for a ComeBack!
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Some time away is a good time for reflection. As Vancouver took a collective breath to keep everyone safe, we also had pause to think about our place in the world, and what it means to truly live together. Now as we step out, cautious yet optimistic, we’re primed and ready to come back to our neighbourhoods and community -- bolder, brighter, and more beautiful than ever before.
All we have accomplished so far keeping ourselves, and each other, safe is paying off now and we deserve some good things. The things we can find in our local restaurants, hotels, attractions and businesses that have also been waiting patiently. Now, the wait is over.
Cue our #VancouverComeBack.
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As part of our education pillar, BCHA continues to offer new courses and webinars from our education partners. Through our education series, BCHA members and hospitality professionals may access tools for continued growth within the hospitality industry at a significantly reduced price. We encourage you to take this time to explore the courses below:
Kennedy Training Network
Okanagan College
C
lick here
to sign up for any of the upcoming courses or webinars or
learn more
about all the education BCHA has to offer.
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B.C. tightens restrictions on bars and restaurants as...
British Columbia health officials announced 34 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, in an unscheduled news conference called amid in a recent spike in cases. It's the fourth time in five days that 30 or more cases have been reported in 24 hours.
Read more
globalnews.ca
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93% of Vancouver hotel rooms were empty last weekend,...
Hotels in cities and rural areas are struggling, according to an industry leader, with occupancy rates around the province hovering somewhere between 20 and 30 per cent. BC Hotel Association president Ingrid Jarrett says the Okanagan and parts of ...
Read more
globalnews.ca
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Occupancy numbers at all vacation, rental and resort...
The B.C. government is set to unveil strict rules on Airbnb, cabin, and houseboat rentals. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province is in the process of putting together an order requiring those who rent properties, whether...
Read more
globalnews.ca
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Throughout COVID-19, there has been an increase in fraudulent certification programs. Members have reported receiving emails encouraging them to participate. Be cautious and research the validity of these organizations when approached. For further guidance, contact our team at BCHA before engaging -
membership@bcha.com
. BCHA is currently working with industry partners and our provincial and national counterparts regarding a certification program, and the pro’s and con’s of developing and managing one on behalf of industry. We will keep you apprised.
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