Today's update includes:
- General Updates
- Canadian Transport Minister say Masking Guidelines for Travel Still in Effect Following Move from the US
- Bill 10 Amendments and Union Certification
- Watch Now | Building A Positive Workplace Culture
- GoGreen Tip of the Week
- Flood-affected Communities Benefit from Recovery Funding
- The Stories of Canada | Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
- TravelBritishColumbia.com Improves Listing Search Choices
- Canadian Documentary Sheds Light on Mass Tourism
- Reminder | Tools to Transition Businesses to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans
- Don't Forget! British Columbians Urged to Prepare for Flooding & Wildfires
- New Associate Member | Count on IT Partners for All Your IT Needs!
- Now Hiring: Tourism HR Canada's Post-Pandemic Guide to Hiring
- BCHF Scholarship Program Deadline Extended
- Take Safer Spaces Training Today
- REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON! | Okanagan Golf Tournament May 10
- News - See more below!
- Hot Off the Press
- BC | Canada News
- World News
- Industry Trends
- Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
- Industry Celebrates Tourism Vancouver Island's Groundbreaking Transition to 4VI – a social enterprise in support of a sustainable future for Vancouver Island
- Mark Your Calendars - see below!
- Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
- Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
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Canadian Transport Minister say Masking Guidelines for Travel Still in Effect
Following Move from the US
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Speaking in Calgary on Tuesday, Alghabra said while he won’t comment directly on the U.S. court ruling that impacts plane, train, taxi, and other forms of travel, Canada continues to follow the science on masking.
“The mask regulation is in place and it's based on the advice that we received from our experts and doctors and based on data. It is proven that masks prevent or reduce the transmission of COVID,” he said.
The minister noted that pandemic-related health measures are constantly being reassessed.
“There is no change in our regulation… Whenever the advice that we receive changes because circumstances change, we will change our regulation. But for now it is what it is,” he said.
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Bill 10 Amendments and Union Certification |
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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, is working alongside a number of B.C. business associations in highlighting concerns over proposed amendments to Bill 10.
These amendments would significantly alter the union certification process and remove the 'secret ballot' component that protects workers' right to a fair and democratic process. The organizations are calling on the government to pause the legislative process and engage in a fulsome and proper consultation with employers.
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Watch Now | Building A Positive
Workplace Culture
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Thank you to all who joined us last week for our Virtual Event, Building Positive Workplace Cultures.
We were so fortunate to be joined by Ginger Brunner, Senior HR Specialist with go2HR along with Rachel Udy, Workplace Learning Coach-Psychological Health & Safety.
Both Rachel and Ginger shared a wealth of practical insights and guidance on how employers can to build a healthy and positive workplace that will support their recruitment and retention efforts.
In today's highly competitive recruitment environment, building a positive workforce is no longer optional - it is essential.
Thank you again to Ginger, Rachel, the go2HR team, and all who joined us! Who look forward to continuing to bring engaging content through our Virtual Event Series.
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Flood-affected Communities Benefit from Recovery Funding |
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Ten B.C. communities severely affected by the November 2021 floods are receiving $53.6 million in provincial funding to support recovery work and get people back into their communities.
Due to the extreme effects of the flooding on their communities, the local governments of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Fraser Valley Regional District, Hope, Kent, Merritt, Mission, Princeton and Thompson-Nicola Regional District are receiving direct grants to assist them in meeting the additional costs pressures of ongoing recovery and infrastructure planning.
This funding is in addition to more than $2.1 billion that Budget 2022 provides to help people recover from last year’s floods and wildfires, and to better protect communities against future climate disasters.
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The Stories of Canada | Indigenous
Tourism Association of Canada
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The Stories of Canada video by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Entrée Destinations showcases the important role that tourism can have in reconciliation. This video encourages non-Indigenous Canadians and world travellers to listen to the stories of Indigenous Peoples, explore the ancestral lands and learn their history by experiencing it all first-hand through tourism. |
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TravelBritishColumbia.com Improves
Listing Search Choices
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You can now search by amenities and toggle to a map view as well as see updated lodging, camping and RVing listing pages. There is also a Reserve Now box that features the property’s Visit Website button, Email and, if they have online reservations, a Book Now button.
They have improved the search speed and page loading for ease of information and reservations.
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Canadian Documentary Sheds
Light on Mass Tourism
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A Canadian-made documentary, the Last Tourist, premiered in Vancouver last week with the aim to shine a light on the negative effects travel can have on world cultures and landscapes.
The documentary explains that if done right, travelling can help with wealth distribution, while giving travellers enriching experiences. It also recommends researching tour companies before booking and keeping money in the local economy, whether that means staying in locally-owned hotels, eating at locally-owned restaurants or shopping locally. The Last Tourist is available on Apple TV and Amazon.
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Reminder | Tools to Transition Businesses to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans
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As many COVID-19 restrictions were lifted earlier this month, employers are now able to transition from Safety Plans to a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan (CDPP) that includes general measures to reduce the risk of communicable diseases in the workplace.
go2HR’s health and safety professionals are here to support tourism and hospitality businesses and have developed a number of resources to assist operators in developing their Communicable Disease Prevention Plan:
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Don't Forget! British Columbians Urged to Prepare for Flooding & Wildfires |
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Wondering how your business can best prepare for this year’s spring freshet and wildfire season?
Key steps to prepare for flooding:
✔Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, and have a household/business plan ready;
✔Elevate and anchor utilities, such as heating systems, electrical panels and sockets.
✔Stay constantly alert for changing conditions, particularly if you live, work or operate in low-lying areas or near waterways.
Key steps to prepare for wildfires:
✔Remove combustible material down (i.e. dry grasses) to mineral soil and use non-combustible materials, such as gravel, brick or concrete, in areas adjacent to building structures.
✔Clear leaves and evergreen needles from gutters.
✔Avoid planting flammable trees and plants (i.e. cedar, tall grasses etc.) near building structures.
✔Keep lawns well watered and mowed.
✔Move firewood piles, construction materials, storage sheds and other potentially combustible structures away from your building structure.
✔Clean up fallen branches, dry grasses and needles to eliminate potential surface fuels.
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New Associate Member | Count on IT Partners for All Your IT Needs! |
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About IT Partners
IT Partners is the largest and most experienced Tourism and Hotel specific IT Managed Services Provider in Western Canada and beyond.
Tourism and Hotel operations cost millions to run. You can’t be slowed down, or brought down, by IT problems or when your “IT Guy” becomes unreliable or leaves your organization.
Tourism and Hotel IT is no longer below-surface “plumbing”. Nowadays, there is a looming cyber security threat on your operations and reliable IT is how the guest experience is delivered and consumed – “Using IT” is how guests give you great feedback!
That is why leading Hotel operators choose IT PARTNERS to take care of ALL their IT services and needs.
- STRONG GRIP ON HOTEL SYSTEMS VENDORS – NO FINGER POINTING, JUST RESULTS
- Vendors such as Opera (and many others) appreciate working with them and they specifically know their team.
- SMOOTH IT OPERATIONS AND HOTEL NETWORKS
- Never have another unreliable “IT Guy” possess all your systems knowhow. Work without IT interruptions, improve guest experience and save wasted salary time.
- STAFF FEEL VALUED
- Attract and retain the best staff, promote employee engagement and satisfaction with professional and Hotel industry specific IT support.
- SIMPLE BILLING
- Everything needed for professional Hotel IT support and maintenance included in one monthly payment.
Ultimately, IT Partners aims to change the way Tourism and Hotel operators think about their IT services, systems and needs. They are committed to changing your relationship with IT for the better. When you enter into a partnership with IT Partners, their entire staff becomes an integral part of your team.
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BENEFITS TO BCHA MEMBERS:
- Each BCHA Hotel operation that IT Partners supports receive a $5M liability certificate of insured.
- If your Hotel operations experience an unreliable “IT Guy” incident, IT Partners will provide your Hotel with stress free IT transitional services and support (30 days at no cost).
References:
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“I’ve been more Wow’ed than satisfied.” Colin P. GM, Delta Hotels
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“Excellent follow through and attention to detail” Jason M. Group Director of Ops, Noble House Hotels
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“In four years, I don’t think [ITPARTNERS] have missed an SLA” Wayne T. Senior Systems Engineer, Micros Opera.
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Now Hiring: Tourism HR Canada's Post-Pandemic Guide to Hiring |
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To assist employers in moving forward, Tourism HR Canada has created a new, free resource guide Now Hiring: A Guide to Help Employers Attract and Retain Workers in a Post-Pandemic Environment.
The tools in this guide are intended to help tourism businesses get started on the path to recovery, with both short-term and long-term strategies to attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce. Now Hiring covers a range of essential HR practices, tips to implement them, and practical checklists and forms to help tackle key issues.
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BCHF Scholarship Program
Deadline Extended
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) has extended the deadline for applications until April 30, 2022 for select scholarships.
Application deadlines are extended for the following:
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Culinary Scholarships for students starting or currently enrolled in culinary courses. Support by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC. Apply Here
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BC WISE (Wine Industry Scholarship and Education Fund) Scholarships for students enrolled in programs such as winemaking, viticulture, or wine business executive. Apply Here
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Indigenous and LGBT2Q+ Scholarships for Indigenous - Apply Here and LGBT2Q+ - Apply Here (hospitality workers who want to increase their knowledge of the food and beverage, hospitality and/or tourism field through education).
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Wine Legacy Scholarship in Memory of Terry Threlfall - Apply Here
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Take Safer Spaces Training Today |
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Have you signed up for Safer Spaces yet? Join Tourism & Hospitality employers and supervisors as they learn how to create sexual harassment free workplace. The course is online and takes about three hours to complete. Sign up today! |
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REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON! | Okanagan Golf Tournament May 10 |
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Join us for BCHF’s inaugural Okanagan Golf Tournament at the Harvest Golf Club May 10!
The tournament is expected to attract over 130 golfers and will offer a full day of food, drink, prizes, networking, and fun for owners, managers, and suppliers -- all in the name of helping our own! Funds raised help hospitality workers across BC each year that are in a financial crisis due to a medical condition.
At 7,109 yards, The Harvest is a championship-length layout designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Graham Cooke. Following your round, enjoy a networking reception and silent auction with your fellow players to celebrate our industry among new contacts and friends!
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Inaugural Okanagan Golf Tournament
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Vancouver Golf Tournament
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
BC & CANADA
WORLD NEWS
INDUSTRY TRENDS
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry |
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Dr. Nancy Arsenault Receives the Community Contributor Award
Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Arsenault for taking home the Community Contributor Award from the Recreation and Tourism Management Department at Vancouver Island University.
Nancy was recognized for her contributions to student learning at the university along with her contributions to workforce development in BC and across Canada.
In her own words:
"In the few moments I had to thank the faculty and staff, I shared why volunteering matters to me:
- It opens doors to meeting people and supporting organizations that value your contribution;
- You get to work with individuals with a shared commitment and passion that you may otherwise never meet;
- The diversity of skills and talents on boards helps shape your thinking and broadens your appreciation for perspectives ;
- You can aspire to a leadership position as a committee or board chair and gain different experiences than your work environment may offer;
- It can lead to job opportunities and references; and
- You always get back more than you give."
Congratulations Nancy!
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) announced the launch of the new Okanagan Golf Tournament. The inaugural Okanagan tournament at The Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna will kick off the golf season on May 10, 2022.
Register your team now while availability lasts.
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Online Education Support for Businesses and Employees
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery.
- April 20th - Online Lead Generation for Small Business
- April 20th & 27th - Market Research for your Business Package
- April 26th - Get Started with Email Marketing
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May 8, 2022 – May 11, 2022
IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and your voices are needed.
Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.
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ABLE BC To Host Industry Meetings | Please RSVP by Monday, April 18th.
- Come meet ABLE BC’s Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, for a discussion of:
- What is ABLE BC and how do they work?
- Update on current liquor industry issues
- Learn about the issues ABLE BC is advocating for and progress on key policy priorities
- Learn about ABLE BC benefit programs
- Connect with other licensees and ABLE BC members in your area
- Question and answer period with ABLE BC Executive Director, Jeff Guignard
Victoria Details: Date: Tuesday, April 19 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Spinnakers Brewpub, 308 Catherine Street, Victoria | RSVP here
Nanaimo Details: Date: Wednesday, April 20 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Quarterway Pub, 1431 Bowen Road, Nanaimo | RSVP here
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Gender in the Workplace
Over the last year, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been offering a variety of training sessions through the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
Sessions Include:
May 5: Gender in the Workplace
May 12: LGBTQ2+ Inclusion
May 19: Indigenous Inclusion
May 26: Including Persons with Disabilities
June 2: Race and Ethnicity in Canada
Click here to learn more and to register.
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Hiring with EDI in Mind | A Webinar & Resources
Looking for resources to help your organization build more inclusive job postings, interview techniques, accessibility policies, and more?
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RESOURCE HUB | The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, go2HR, and the Association for Co-operative Education & Work Integrated Learning (ACE-WIL) BC/Yukon. The project explores tools and resources to help WIL employers and staff effectively address student barriers around discrimination and inclusion.
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WEBINAR | Join #TalentMATCH for an info session reviewing the resources available on April 26 at 3pm.
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Comment Card | Click on Image for More |
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Toxic Positivity and the Workplace |
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Celebrating Cruise Season |
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Feeling the Workforce Crisis |
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HAC Announces Conference Panel: Talent Tug of War |
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