A Message from BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community,

As we find ourselves in mid-March we are all looking towards the future for the reopening, the restart and the recovery. Enormous efforts and work has and is being done behind the scenes by industry professionals to support our robust interconnected sector. Federally we continue to advocate for extension of CEWS given the continuation of the border closures, and changes to the CERS relief. Provincially we continue to advocate for property tax relief, energy cost relief, commission caps, and access to the SME Grant. We are also fully engaged with our provincial counterparts with the survey results from the insurance survey, thank you very much for your candid answers and feedback. Your voice is increasingly important. Be prepared – another one is coming your way – with some additional questions which will help in our advocacy efforts.
 
Yesterday we released a graduated safe restart plan for BC Meetings and Events on behalf of the working group. We have been working with this group behind the scenes to create a plan. Our goal is to support the reopening of this critical sector as soon as possible.
 
Those of you who are hiring for the anticipated spring/summer season, health and safety and training meetings are allowed as per the PHO orders when they cannot be held virtually. Please ensure your meeting protocols adhere to the BCCDC guidelines.
 
The meetings and events sector is an integral part of the tourism and hospitality sector employing a diverse highly skilled work force with significant numbers of employees being women, youth, immigrants, and indigenous peoples of British Columbia. We need this sector to restart and will work diligently towards that end.
 
Stay Safe,
  
Ingrid Jarrett
BCHA President & CEO
Todays industry update includes:

  • BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group Shares its Graduated Safe Restart Plan 
  • InnFocus Call for Submissions 'Leaders of the Future'
  • Stream Financial CEWS & CERS Application Assistance
  • BCHF #HospitalityHustle
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • ABLE BC COVID-19 Crisis Communications for BC's Hospitality Industry
  • TIABC FREE Culinary Tourism Webinars!
  • Impact Conference 2021
  • BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
  • In The News
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For any questions please reach out to our team. 
BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group Shares its Graduated Safe Restart Plan 
Yesterday, on behalf of the meetings and events community across the province, The BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group presented its graduated Safe Restart Plan to the provincial government to coincide with the overall reopening of British Columbia.
 
Separated into four stages, the plan aims to protect the health and safety of the public while allowing controlled meetings and events within purpose-built venues such as hotels and convention centres to take place – kick-starting BC’s devastated tourism sector, getting industry workers back to work, nurturing the mental health and wellness of British Columbians, and fostering business growth and innovation. 
 
With strict industry compliance, professional planning and management, and ongoing dialogue and cooperation with our province’s health authorities, the BC Meetings & Events Restart Plan can support the survival of the accommodation industry. 
 
Read the entire release here.
For media, email communications@bcha.com
InnFocus Call for Submissions | Leaders of the Future Column
Are you or someone you know a rising star in the tourism and hospitality industry? InnFocus Magazine is looking to feature a young change maker for the Summer 2021 issue in the 'Leaders of the Future Column'. Please reach out to Kelsey Millman at communications@bcha.com with your nomination, outlining:
  • The name and title of the nominee
  • A short intro on why they would be a good candidate for the column

In our most recent issue of InnFocus, we celebrated Tania Chaisson, Operations Manager at Pemberton Valley Lodge. Read about Tania's commitment to her team, industry and how she has helped lead operations through the COVID-19 storm.


CLICK TO READ SPRING 2021 INNFOCUS
Stream Financial CEWS & CERS Application Assistance
Our preferred financial partner, Stream Financial is offering assistance in helping members prepare new and or amended CEWS or CERS applications. Stream can also review existing applications. 
 
By offering this service as a flat fee it will make it easy for members to determine whether it is worth their while to have is do the work vs the potential subsidy they will receive.
 
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy:
Filing New and Amended or Review Existing Filed
 
Per filing Fee up to 10 employees = $300 + HST
Per each additional 1-10 employees= +$25 + HST
Per each additional Payroll Program account = $50 + HST
 
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy:
Prepare Filing New and Amended or Review Existing Filed
 
Per filing fee for the 1st location = $150+HST
Per each additional location= +$50+HST
 
Member will provide us all information electronically and preferably in a spreadsheet if possible. If they wish us to file on their behalf they will need to be willing to authorize us to access their CRA account. (This take a number of days to be granted access).
 
Any member wanting more details around these services or with more questions can reach out at: 
BCHF: Hospitality Hustle
This FREE province-wide virtual event, a fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), is a great way to promote your overall wellbeing and to connect safely with others in the hospitality industry.

#HospitalityHustle presented by Odlum Brown Limited is meant to give people a healthy goal that would help keep them physically and mentally strong!
 
Show solidarity with owners and workers in the hospitality and tourism industry who are…
  • struggling or have lost their livelihoods
  • still working hard to keep their business afloat during extraordinary times
  • providing a takeout option for those who are socially isolating and/or need a night off
 
Learn more at:
Mark Your Calendars
ABLE BC COVID-19 Crisis Communications for BC's Hospitality Industry

Join ABLE BC for a webinar on Wednesday, March 24 at 10:00 am: COVID-19 Crisis Communications for BC's Hospitality Industry.
 
Register here. The webinar is free for ABLE BC members and $25 for non-members. 

The purpose of this 1-hour webinar, led by ABLE BC's Executive Director Jeff Guignard, is to help you know what to do from a communications perspective - with your staff and customers - if something happens.
 
Leave with a checklist of the 7 steps to crisis communications and communications templates to support you in case of an outbreak. Jeff will also share tips on how to speak with the media during a crisis and how ABLE BC can help you.
 
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada in partnership with TIABC is happy to offer free online Culinary Tourism webinars to tourism operators and organizations
 
Five themed webinars will assist small and medium tourism operators and partners develop culinary tourism strategies to maintain their businesses and attract both domestic international visitors once Canada is ready to welcome them again. 
Growing Agritourism Webinar
Thursday, March 25th at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)
 
Exceeding Expectations Webinar 
Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)
 
For more details, click here
Impact Conference 2021
 
Please join us for an incredibly impactful 1.5 hours as we take a deeper look at the tourism recovery opportunities ahead:

  • Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada
  • Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and IMPACT Co-Chair
  • Katie Briscoe, President, MMGY Global
 
Moderated by Paul Nursey, President and CEO, Destination Greater Victoria and IMPACT co-founder.
 
Wednesday March 31st
8:30am - 10:00am PT
 
Registration is free but all participants must register.
BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
Friday May 28 - Saturday May 29

Time to block your calendars — the BC Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to its virtual AGM and Conference, taking place May 28-29, 2021.
During a year where connection means more than it ever has, this event brings together Chamber members from across the province to share what's on BC's mind, connect deeply about business priorities, and debate policies that will drive the BC Chamber's advocacy efforts for the years ahead.
Watch your inbox for more event details to be shared in the coming weeks!
Save the date — don't miss out!

Save the date here
IN THE NEWS
Province of Manitoba | News Releases | Manitoba...

The Manitoba government is investing $8 million for the creation of a new Hospitality Relief Sector Program to provide financial relief to Manitoba's accommodation and tourism sector, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

Read more
news.gov.mb.ca
COVID-19 UPDATES ONLINE AT BCHA.COM