A Message from BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
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Dear Accommodation Community,
Yesterday we were happy to report on a big advocacy win for our industry with the announcement that the government intends to extend the current rate structures for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) until June 5, 2021. Specifically, the maximum wage subsidy rate for active employees would remain at 75%, the maximum rent subsidy rate would remain at 65%, and Lockdown Support would remain at 25% and continue to be provided in addition to the rent subsidy, providing eligible hard hit businesses with rent support of up to 90%.
Our partners at HAC have been leading the way on federal files such as these since the start of the pandemic and the BCHA continues to support with the help of accommodators across the province. More details on the announcement can be found below.
In addition, it was announced today that the BC government is extending the deadline and lowering the revenue loss threshold for small and medium-sized businesses to apply for a recovery grant.
It was cited that only 2% of businesses in our industry had applied for the grant on the basis that many did not meet the original eligibility requirements. A grave statistic for our industry in dire need of support. Today's announcement includes the following updates:
- Extension of the deadline to apply adjusted to August 31
- Lowering of the eligibility requirements.
- Loss in revenue to apply for the grant has been lowered from 70% to 30%
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A business is now required to demonstrate only a 30% revenue loss in any one month between March 2020 to the point of application
- The cutoff point for eligibility is 150 employees. The grant is available to B.C. businesses that employ up to 149 workers.
- Businesses applying for the grant must submit a business recovery plan the cost of the professionals to develop the plan ( accountants/bookkeepers) will be covered by the grant regardless of success of application.
- The size of the grants ranges from $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000. Tourism-related businesses are eligible for an additional $5,000 to $15,000.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone next week at our virtual Tourism & Hospitality Conference. If you have not registered, you can still do so here.
Stay Safe,
Ingrid Jarrett
BCHA President & CEO
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Todays industry update includes:
- Next Week! 2021 Virtual Tourism & Hospitality Conference
- CERS & CEWS Extended
- Stream Financial CEWS & CERS Application Assistance
- STR: Forward STAR reports
- ABLE BC Member Offer: Discounted Due Diligence Checks
- Mark Your Calendars
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TIABC FREE Culinary Tourism Webinars!
- Impact Conference 2021
- BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
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For any questions please reach out to our team.
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Join Us! At The 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. March 8-11.
The conference theme is Mission Possible, a reference to the resilience and overall tenacity of our industry as we look to the future of tourism and hospitality.
Enjoy presentations and workshops on a wide-range of topics from industry experts and leaders like:
· Doug Stephens, of Retail Prophet.
· Randy Durband, CEO for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
· Susie Grynol, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada
· Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination Canada
· And many many more.
Great value at only $99.00 per person (or $250.00 per company for up to four (4) people) for the week and $20.00 per person to join our Tuesday Craft Beer Tasting. (all prices exclusive of GST and applicable taxes) Over 24 hours of content and complimentary workshops on Friday!
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As part of the BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference, we are excited to host a BC Craft Beer Tasting on Tuesday March 9th from 4:30 to 5:30pm PST (we will keep the Zoom call going after the session for anyone who wishes to socialize over their new-found favourite BC Craft beer!)
In this interactive and educational session, join Dave Pearson of Vancouver Island Brewing, a Certified Cicerone (Beer Sommelier), who will discuss three types of beer: Hazy IPA, Pilsner, and Porter/Stout/Dark Lager. Dave will also provide some insights into the history of beer, food & beer pairing, and proper beer serving etiquette.
Purchase a sample of each of the beer styles (Hazy IPA, Pilsner, and Porter/Stout/Dark Lager) from your favourite local craft brewery or local liquor store and join us for a great session.
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The BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference could not be made possible without the support of our generous conference sponsors. Thank you to each of our sponsors for your contribution.
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CERS & CEWS extended at current levels until June 5, 2021 |
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Yesterday the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance announced that the government intends to extend the current rate structures for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) until June 5, 2021. Further, given that we are approaching a full year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has announced that applicants would be able to continue to use a pre-pandemic 2019 reference month, effective for the upcoming periods from March 14 to June 5, 2021.
This is a big win for our sector and has been HAC’s top advocacy priority in recent months. We are pleased that Government has listened to our concerns and has extended these critical federal support programs during a time in which it is needed most.
The specific details of yesterday’s announcement are as follows:
- The maximum base wage subsidy rate for active employees would remain at 40 per cent, and the maximum top-up wage subsidy rate for employers most adversely impacted by the pandemic would remain at 35 per cent. As such, the maximum combined wage subsidy rate would remain at 75 per cent.
- The maximum rent subsidy rate would remain at 65 per cent.
- Lockdown Support would remain at 25 per cent and continue to be provided in addition to the rent subsidy, providing eligible hard hit businesses with rent support of up to 90 per cent.
- To ensure that the wage subsidy for furloughed employees remains aligned with benefits available under Employment Insurance (EI), and that workers are provided with equitable treatment between the two programs, the weekly wage subsidy for a furloughed employee, from March 14 to June 5, 2021, would remain the same and continue to be the lesser of:
- the amount of eligible remuneration paid in respect of the week; and
- the greater of:
- $500; and
- 55 per cent of pre-crisis remuneration for the employee, up to a maximum subsidy amount of $595.
- Hoteliers would also continue to be entitled to claim under the wage subsidy their portion of contributions in respect of the Canada Pension Plan, EI, the Quebec Pension Plan and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan for furloughed employees.
Effective for the upcoming periods from March 14 to June 5, 2021, hoteliers would be able to use a pre-pandemic 2019 reference month to compare current revenue losses
For more information on yesterday’s announcements please review the following backgrounder.
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Stream Financial CEWS & CERS Application Assistance |
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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:
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STR: Forward STAR reports |
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Our partner, STR, has launched Forward STAR in North America. And participation is FREE!
This forward-looking benchmarking tool allows hoteliers to get ahead of recovery, strategize more effectively, and complete the overall performance picture.
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ABLE BC Member Offer: Discounted Due Diligence Checks |
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ABLE BC Associate Member Sting Investigations is pleased to offer members a discount on staff due diligence checks: purchase a check for $75 (regular $100) until March 31, 2021.
By performing a due diligence check at your establishment, Sting Investigations can help you improve your business from an investigative point of view, ensure your employees are following the Liquor Control and Licensing Rules, and enhance your customer service.
Do your due diligence. Make sure your staff is in compliance with the law.
Your customized compliance check reviews:
- Checking IDs
- Serving of intoxicated patrons
- Problem resolution
- Customer service
- Facility and operations management
- Cash handling
- Promotions
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NEW: COVID-19 compliance (i.e. signage, hand sanitizer, appropriate physical distancing, capacity, masks are being worn)
This discount is only available to ABLE BC Members. Not yet a member? Join today!
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees is the voice of British Columbia’s bars, pubs, and private liquor stores. A non-profit organization funded by membership dues, our mission is to help your liquor business succeed.
Without your support, we can't continue our advocacy work. Join today.
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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.
Attracting Culinary Tourists Webinar
Friday, March 12th at 9:00am PT (10am MT)
This webinar will be delivered Friday March 12th as part of the upcoming BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference – registration opening soon!
Multisensory Experience Development Webinar
Tuesday, March 16th at 10:00am PT (11:00am MT)
Partnering For Success Webinar
Thursday, March 18th at 9:00am PT (10:00am MT)
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)
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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.
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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!
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