Finally, many of you expressed serious concerns over the Province's recent announcement surrounding Bill 10 which will eliminate secret ballot votes in most union certification applications. We have heard your concerns over this issue and we are concerned that Bill 10 will foster divisiveness and potential disruption within the workplace at a time when we all need to be focusing on recovery and growth for one another. We have joined a collection of our industry partners in calling on government to withdraw Bill 10 to undertake consultations with stakeholders. You can read this letter here. I encourage you to reach out to our team here should you need further support.

The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings. Interested groups can review the program criteria, eligibility and application process below.

Join the 40-day Hospitality Hustle challenge to raise awareness for BC Hospitality Foundation!

Earlier this month, positive changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program under the Workforce Solutions Road Map were announced. Two important changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) come into effect on April 30th:

DON'T FORGET | For support on your workforce needs, please reach out to our Workforce Strategist, Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com for a complimentary consultation! OR Attend the upcoming Hiring Foreign Workers Webinar with ABLE BC (May 11)

Does your restaurant or hotel have excess food that ends up in the landfill? Vancouver Food Runners helps hundreds of businesses in the lower mainland donate their surplus to where it counts. Since launching in March 2020, VFR has directed over 1 million pounds of food to over 100 non-profits.

They partner with businesses that have not historically had a mechanism for surplus food collection, including hotels, restaurants, caterers, and convention centres; and help companies like JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Tractor Foods, and Fresh Prep reduce their environment footprint and increase their community impact. Read all about Chef Kunal Dighe's experience below!

If you have a food donation between 2 - 15 boxes in size, please connect with Vancouver Food Runners, and they will ensure your surplus food goes directly to a local nonprofit. Contact details: 236-471-4728 and chloe@vancouverfoodrunners.com

INDUSTRY TRENDS

History has been made! Sara Glenn, Chief Operating Officer Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean at Accor North America has become the first woman to chair HAC’s Board of Directors -- an incredible and long overdue moment for the association and industry.

Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!

Congratulations to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) for its recognition by Fast Company as one of the most innovative travel companies in 2022. The organization was lauded for its travel campaign The Original Original, designed to educate travelers and modernize perceptions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 

This week, the BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC announced the winners of the 2022 BC Economic Development Awards! These awards recognize BCEDA members for outstanding work in supporting their local economies, and making a meaningful difference in their communities. For over 30 years, the BCEDA has given these awards to individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to community-based economic development.

Click here to learn more and to register.