Industry Update | August 26th

A Message from President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett

Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,

What a week it has been and it is not even Friday. We have heard directly from many of you in recent days surrounding the proof of vaccination program announcement and the mask mandate for indoor public settings. We appreciate every single one of your comments as we have shared many of the same questions.

Like you, we were taken off guard by announcements this week, leaving our industry struggling to make sense of what the next few weeks will hold and how to move forward operationally. Further to that, there is still clarity needed regarding the mask mandate that went into effect yesterday.

Despite this, we along with our industry partners at Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and Destination BC (DBC) have engaged government and are working closely to detail the specifics of the order and ensure that the questions you submitted are answered in full. Furthermore, in the coming weeks we will be releasing a Toolkit for Step 4 of the reopening, and also detail Proof of Vaccination processes to clarify as much as possible for you. Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools and resources needed to operate safely and with confidence. The toolkit will be similar to ones produced for each stage of BC's reopening and will include key messages, operational steps, and added resources, among other critical information

Our position for the Vaccination passport, is that similar to the circuit breakers, our front line employees cannot be the ones to police the public. We can however play a lead role in ensuring the communications, the understanding, and the policies are clearly communicated, and that our teams are trained as we continue to do everything we can to support a safe business environment between now and the end of the pandemic. We hear you loud and clear – the impact of the announcements without the specifics for operations/communications has once again had a devastating impact on you as business owners and operators. There's been an increase in stress due to uncertainty -- from cancelled meetings and events, which increase the fiscal hardship and liquidity concerns; to employees who are questioning the safety of the work environment without specifics around vaccinations; and once again, the need to update best practices for operating procedures.

REGARDING OPERATIONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 13

With the introduction of the BC Vaccination Card program, accommodators have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. Please note, the government has no plans to mandate immunization as a condition of employment and that this decision is up to each individual business.

The following steps will help prepare operators for how to address new proof of vaccination measures.

STEP 1 | CHOOSING A PoV POLICY
Prior to September 13^th, accommodators will need to determine what their proof of vaccination policy is. While it is not essential for them to do so, accommodators can introduce their own policy.
The main options are outlined below.
OPTION 1
Make no vaccination requirement for either staff or guests to work or stay at the property
NOTE: Public spaces are mandated for masks, and therefore policies to control masks remain in place.
OPTION 2
Require that ALL employees AND guests be fully vaccinated in order to work and stay at the property
OPTION 3
Require that all guests be fully vaccinated in order to stay at the property – Employees can remain unvaccinated
OPTION 4
Require that all employees be vaccinated in order to work at the property – guests can be unvaccinated to stay at the property
For options 2, 3, and 4, operators will need to take action to develop and implement their chosen policies. The BCHA will be creating templates to better assist operators in this process. In the meantime, the Business Council of British Columbia and the team at Roper Greyell prepared an informative overview on the shifting public opinion and evolving legal landscape. Read the brief here.

STEP 2 | DEVELOPING PROTOCOLS SURROUNDING PoV POLICY
Many of you reached out with questions on how the vaccination checks would work as you may have areas on property -- like breakfast rooms, fitness centres, meetings spaces, etc. -- that would require proof of vaccination in order to use. The BCHA is acutely aware of workforce crisis we are dealing with. It would be unreasonable to expect that workers be stationed at each point of entry, which would also create multiple points of potential confrontation for workers. The contentiousness of this program is a burden we certainly do not want our workers to bear. We will be including best practices for developing protocols and sharing it with you as soon as we have the necessary information from PHO.
Because of this, the BCHA is advocating that any accommodator offering services where proof of vaccination would be required, check for BC Vaccine Cards at the point of check-in, and only then. Should you wish to move forward with a vaccination mandate for guests, we also encourage PoV check at check-in; employee mandated vaccinations will need to be done internally.

STEP 3 | COMMUNICATING ON YOUR CHANNELS
Clear communication to both guests and staff will be fundamental to ensuring that this transition goes smoothly. All of this information, key messages, and further details will be included in the PoV Toolkit that I mentioned is being built out and will be available to you as soon as we have the specific information from the Ministry of Health.
Operators will need to clearly communicate their proof of vaccination policy:
on their website
at time of online booking
vocalized at time of over-the-phone or in-person booking
in a pre-arrival email
with signage posted at entryways and in-front of any PoV-required setting ie. fitness centre, breakfast room, meeting space etc.
with OTA's and third party booking platforms

FINAL COMMENTS:

Please note, that we are committed to ensuring that our position to only check proof of vaccination at check-in is accepted by the PHO, in order to best protect businesses, our employees, as well as our guests. This approach will make the most sense operationally, and will refrain businesses from having to shut down their amenities and services. From the feedback we are receiving from you it also will grow confidence for travellers, as well as meeting and events organizers as we look to rebuild business this fall. We will keep you updated on where this advocacy work lands and will continue to keep you updated on the toolkit.

Best wishes,

Ingrid Jarrett

President & CEO

British Columbia Hotel Association

Today's update includes:

General Updates
Reminder | Province Reintroduces Indoor Mask Mandate Across BC
Update | BC Announces Proof of Vaccination Program
BCHA is Coming to Vancouver Island! Register for our Live Industry Update Series
NEW Election Update | HAC Resources for Federal Election
CBSA Announces Resumption of Services at Small Marine Reporting Sites
Sign Up for a FREE GoGreen Analysis Today!
Crises BC | Support and Resources for Tourism Operators
Reminder | Register for the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair!
Request for Proposal | Conference Planner 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
Workforce Solutions
Central Okanagan Restrictions | Information & Resources
Apply Today | Tourism & Hospitality Relief
Help the Tourism & Hospitality Industry Return to a New Normal & Win $1500
Paid Sick Leave | Share Your Voice Today
Mark Your Calendars
Destination Vancouver, Good Night Vancouver and go2HR Safer Spaces Campaign
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
go2HR | Social Media Marketing
ABLEBC Invites You to Lead Generation & Marketing Tips Webinar
You’re invited | 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1
Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
Happy International Dog Day! Here's to all of our canine colleagues that make the guest experience so memorable!
Inn the News
Volunteers step up as hospitality workers vanish | Castanet, August 24
Opinion: A simple plea to visitors—be nicer | The Pique, August 26th
B.C government reports increase in COVID-19 vaccine registrations, bookings after vaccine cards announced | Radio NL, August 25
Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile

Reminder | Province Reintroduces Indoor Mask Mandate Across BC

Effective, Wednesday, August 25, masks are once again be mandatory in all indoor public spaces as per the announcement from the provincial government.

The order from the provincial health officer comes will require people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status, in an effort to curb rising case numbers ahead of our respiratory season. These settings include:

malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores
liquor and drug stores
airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)
on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students in grades 4-12

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOTELS:

The BCHA has engaged government for clarity on what this new mask mandate will mean for accommodators, particularly as hotels are considered private entities and some high-populated areas have yet to be confirmed as setting where masks are required.

As of the time that this communication was distributed, the PHO surrounding mask use has yet to be released (when available it will be published at this link). As present, we are advising operators to err on the side of caution and mandate mask use for guests and employees at the following settings until the official order is released that will clarify these details. Settings where masks-use should be required include:

hotel lobbies, hallways, and other highly populated 'public' spaces (as it relates to areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided)
on the deck of indoor pools and at fitness centres (as it relates to common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity)
on-site and all indoor dining areas - unless seated (as it relates to restaurants, pubs and bars)

We will continue to share information as it comes available. Should you have any questions please reach out to [email protected]

MORE DETAILS:

This temporary order will be reassessed as the BC vaccine card requirement is fully implemented in certain social and recreational settings, as announced on August 23
For the purposes of this order, a mask or face covering is defined as a medical or non-medical mask that covers the nose and mouth. Face shields are not a substitute for a mask, as there is an opening below the mouth.
People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition, or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places to identify the individual wearing the mask, to consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose, while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed.

For more information, please read the provincial government news release. The new public order will be posted here.

Read Government Press Release

PHO to be Posted Here When Available

Election Update | HAC Resources

for Federal Election

Last week the Liberal Party pledged to support Canada’s hardest hit businesses – a direct response to our advocacy work and it aligns with what we asked for.

Our collective work is to ensure that all political parties support (or do not oppose) the key elements of the Liberal plan. It is likely that there will be another minority government. Therefore, it will be critical that our ask for a tailored survival program is supported by all parties.

At a high level, here is where the parties currently stand:

Liberal Party of Canada:
The Liberals have pledged wage and rent support for our hard-hit industry to help get us through the fall and winter.
Please continue to Tweet! It’s important to acknowledge and thank the Liberals for their support, but also important to avoid appearing partisan. We suggest thanking the party and remember to tag your local Liberal candidate and the Liberal Leader. You can acknowledge that you are happy with this announcement and that it sets the bar for other parties to follow.
Click here to send a pre-written message from your Twitter account. Don't forget to tag your local Liberal MP or candidate.
Conservative Party of Canada:
The Tories have released their platform, pledging rehiring and travel incentives. While these measures will be helpful, it is not what we’ve asked for and we are still waiting for a plan for the hardest hit. It will be critical for a Conservative government to support our sector not just with stimulus, but an enhanced survival fund so that we can get to recovery.
NDP:
Though less detailed, the NDP platform makes reference to providing dedicated support to get the hard-hit tourism sector back on its feet. This is an encouraging sign that alignment, even if only at a high level, can be found between our ask and the NDP’s policy position.
Bloc Québécois:
We are hearing early signs of support from the Bloc Québécois and are working closely with them to secure more details on a plan for the hardest hit.

Read HAC Platform Analysis

BCHA is Coming to Vancouver Island! Register for our Live Industry Update Series

As part of our commitment to engage and hear from members and colleagues across British Columbia, we will hosting four in-person information & networking sessions geared to accommodators across Vancouver Island.

During these FREE sessions our hospitality colleagues and associates will have opportunity to hear directly from our team while voicing their own perspectives and priorities as we shift to recovery.

These sessions will be tailored to each region and will include:
Updates on advocacy efforts both provincially and federally
Information on emerging issues and ways to mitigate risk
Tools, resources, and benefits available to our members
Recovery strategies for the tourism and hospitality sector
A Q&A session
Along with a networking portion with food and drinks provided

Please see below for further information on each event and register for the session of your choice!

TOFINO

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm
Wickanninnish Conference Hall at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis | 1119 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

COURTENAY:

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm
Ballroom at Crown Isle Resort | 399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 9G3

PARKSVILLE:

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 2pm – 5.30pm
Grand Moriarty Conference Room at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre | 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3

NANAIMO:

Thursday, October 7th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm
Opera & Harbour Rooms at Best Western Dorchester | 70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4

Please register no later than Wednesday, September 29th.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet with our entire hotel community in-person and hope to see you there. Interested in learning more? Reach out to [email protected] and stay tuned for more information on when we will be in your area.

Critical Advocacy Work

Needed Ahead of Election

Please keep scheduling meetings with your local candidates. It is critical that we keep the pressure on and ensure that your local candidates know that without targeted support, you will not survive, and your employees’ jobs will be at stake.

We need to tell the Liberals that this was an important pledge and that we support it; we need to continue to push the Conservatives for a plan for the hardest hit; and the NDP needs to understand that without a bridge support program, the livelihoods of your employees will be at risk. All parties need to know this is an important issue for their constituents so they can move swiftly with legislation in the fall.

To support you in these meetings:

HAC has prepared revised talking points for each party. In addition, we have updated the grassroots toolkit - please make sure you consult these links often as they will continue to be adapted throughout the campaign.
Access our federal proposal (also available in french) detailing our ask. This document can easily be shared with candidates.

Finally, as you prepare to head to the polls, HAC has analyzed the party platforms/announcements thus far in order to help you make an informed decision. Included in HAC's Federal Election Platform Analysis are the highlights from each party on the issues that matter the most to hotels.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alana Baker, HAC’s Vice President of Policy & Public Affairs.

CBSA Announces Resumption of Services at Small Marine Reporting Sites

After an aggressive lobbying campaign on behalf of our industry partners and friends, the federal government announced today that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will proceed with the resumption of service at various small marine reporting sites, airports of entry and ferry terminals over the coming days and weeks. This follows the coming into force of new public health measures affecting travel to Canada for fully vaccinated United States (U.S.) citizens and permanent residents on August 9.

The CBSA services will resume in BC as of 23:59 EDT on September 6, 2021 at:

Alaska State Ferry Terminal
Belleville Terminal
Blackball terminal
Washington State Ferry Terminal

Read Press Release Here

The BCHA is beyond excited to announce that we have added two new members to our team as we expand our commitment to greening the hotel industry!

ABOUT OUR GO GREEEN PROGRAM:

In Spring of 2020, the BCHA added Energy Analyst, Dylan Tomlin, to our roster to help hotels conduct in-depth energy analysis of their operations AT ZERO COST TO THEM. In doing this, Dylan is able to identify ways for properties to operate more sustainably while saving up to tens of thousands through cost-cutting initiatives and rebates.

Due to the overwhelming success of the program, and in recognizing the positive impact it has had on membership, the BCHA has hired two new team members to assist Dylan in this important project. Learn more about Kiera and Vanda below!

INTERESTED IN YOUR OWN FREE ENERGY ASSESSMENT? SIGN UP TODAY!

If you already expressed interest in an energy assessment in the past, Vanda and/or Kiera will be in touch with you!

Crises BC | Support and Resources for Tourism Operators

WILDFIRE MESSAGING FOR OPERATORS FROM DBC & EMBC

The Government of BC has issued a request for visitors to avoid all non-essential travel to or through impacted areas. Impacted areas are defined by Emergency Management BC as areas currently under an evacuation order or evacuation alert. Areas not under an evacuation order or alert can continue to receive visitors, provided the destination does not require travel through an impacted area to get there.

While this creates implications for communities who are not otherwise under an order/alert, it is crucial that we keep those nearby roads clear. Circumstances can change quickly, requiring immediate access for fire crews and for potential evacuees. The current wildfire situation in British Columbia is dynamic, with conditions and alerts changing rapidly. Destination BC is issuing the following guidance to help BC’s tourism industry navigate the ever-changing circumstances.

On top of 19+ months of losses, businesses and people in wildfire-impacted areas need our support more than ever. Once the wildfires subside, we encourage British Columbians to travel to these regions and support local once it is safe to do so.

Get the latest on alerts, orders, and conditions on the Wildfire BC app:

https://apps.apple.com/.../bc-wildfire.../id1477675008... (App store for Apple iOS)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details... (Google Play for Android)

MESSAGING GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS

FIND OUT WHICH AREAS ARE IMPACTED

WILDFIRE UPDATES & ALTERTS

FOR OPERATORS | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

With the priority of ensuring that travelers have all the official resources they need to make informed decisions based on the latest, on-the-ground information, DBC has created and updated their Emergency Preparedness page. Consider this a fulsome resource to keep both yourself and your visitors informed over the course of the ongoing fire season and COVID-19 pandemic.

Wildfire and COVID-19 messaging guidance can be found on the webpage, along with safe and responsible travel graphics for you to use on your channels, a visitor-facing safe travel brochure (web and print version), and the links to DBC's Know Before You Go information.

FOR VISITORS | KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Current travel restrictions, wildfire info, and other key visitor information on is available on Destination BC's consumer website, HelloBC.com. Click here to visit the Know Before You Go page and share the resource with anyone travelling within BC.

Request for Proposal | Conference Planner 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference

Are you an experienced event and/or conference planner?
Are you passionate about the tourism and hospitality industries?
Do you possess a strong skillset to develop, produce, and manage large-scale events?

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) have issued a RFP to solicit proposals from qualified meeting and events planners interested in successfully organizing, coordinating, and managing the 2nd Annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person March 8-11, 2022 in Prince George.

About the Conference:

In face of the challenges presented over the course of the COVID-19, in March 2021, TIABC and the BCHA joined forces to present the first ever BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, held virtually. With the aim of providing industry with tools, knowledge, and resources for success, the conference will once again bring industry operators, partners, and stakeholders together in March 2022 for a four-day period filled with connection, growth, and inspiration.

How to Submit A Proposal:

Please refer to complete RFP package here for full submission guidance. Proposals must be received by August 30th at 5pm PST and can be submitted to the following:

By mail:

BC Hotel Association/Tourism Industry Association of BC

200-948 Howe Street

Vancouver, BC

V6Z 1N9

Electronically:

Walt Judas Ingrid Jarrett

CEO, TIABC CEO, BCHA

[email protected] [email protected]

Reminder | Register for the Hospitality

Management Hiring Fair!

In face of the greatest workforce shortage in recent history, operators are searching for ways to find highly-skilled, highly-trained individuals to join their teams.

To develop a solution to this issue, the BC Hotel Association has partnered with Bliss Hospitality and Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICC) to bring you the first iteration of the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair.

The Process:
Prior to meeting with potential employers, all candidates will be subject to a pre-screening process to ensure they are:
Opera PMS certified
Food Safe certified
Able to perform tasks and duties related to the position
Able to communicate in English fluently
Location:
The Fair will take place at Cornerstone College Tech Campus at 816 Granville Street
Date:
October 9th, 2021 | Time TBA

Are you interested in participating or learning more information? Click below to register.

LEARN MORE

Workforce Solutions | Government Funded Placement Program & Contract Labour

PROPEL | Student Work Placement Program

Tourism HR Canada announced the launch of a federally funded Student Work Placement Program offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Called Propel, this initiative provides post-secondary students with paid work-integrated learning opportunities with tourism and hospitality employers. Employers who hire students through this initiative receive a wage subsidy of 75% of the student’s wages, up to a maximum of $7,500.

This program will be a lifeline to our hardest-hit sector, providing talent and financial assistance at a time when so many employers are struggling.

This new program benefits the full spectrum of the visitor economy as it emerges from the crushing impact of the pandemic:

Employers acquire much-needed early talent to help with the recovery of the industry, as well as assistance with wages after an 18-month stretch of little or no income.
Students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study.
Post-secondary institutions complement their programming by connecting students and the workplace.

All qualifying parties—from small, independent operations to large, multi-property companies—are invited to apply for this timely support for our sector at PropelCareers.ca.

Apply Today

Integral Hospitality | Secure Outsourced Workers

Integral Hospitality, a division of the Integral Services Group, have assisted a number of hotels throughout BC with their outsourced housekeeping needs, placing over 100 full time housekeepers across BC.

A BCHA premier partner, Integral recognizes the urgency that many accommodators are facing. Should you be facing a staffing shortage, please contact Brett Mollard directly at [email protected]. To learn more, visit their website

LEARN MORE

Call for Nominations | BCHA

Board of Directors

The BCHA is offering a unique opportunity for you to voice your interest to become part of the Board of Directors.

Now is a particularly critical time for industry and appointment to the BCHA Board offers opportunity to lend your voice and leadership skills, while developing critical strategies aimed to help industry as we embark on our next chapter of recovery.

The BCHA | Advocating for the Sector with Unwavering Resolve
Much more than a voice for the British Columbia Hotel Sector, the BC Hotel Association is a champion, advocate, and resource for our province's entire accommodation community and supporting industries. Representing membership on a national, provincial, and community level, the BCHA actively serves the accommodation industry and its partners—acting as a bridge between the accommodation and business community—while working to ensure the betterment of our unique and interconnected network of operators.

The BCHA Board of Directors | Agents of Change
The BCHA Board of Directors is comprised of 19 elected members, each possessing a sincere commitment to the accommodation community. With elected members from regions across British Columbia, board members are champions of the industry who assume a critical leadership role, develop strategies, and make impactful decisions that will support the future of industry and its ongoing success.

With a sincere devotion to ensuring we meet our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage all members to explore materials below—particularly those interested in pioneering the future of hospitality in BC and being an integral part of the next chapter of this more-than-a-century old organization.

Nomination Form

More Information

Central Okanagan COVID-19 Restrictions | Information & Resources

Interior Health Restrictions

On August 20, 2021, government announced additional restrictions for the Central Okanagan region, which were expanded to the entire Interior Health region:

Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces for people 12 years and older
Low-intensity indoor group exercise is permitted to a maximum of 10 people per high. High-intensity indoor group exercise is not permitted.
Outdoor group exercise is permitted up to 50 people per class.
Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one additional household
Indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household
Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people
Organized indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people and outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, both requiring a COVID-19 safety plan

The previous orders for central Okanagan food and liquor establishments remain in place:

Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed at food and liquor establishments for groups up to six people and liquor service must stop at 10:00 pm
Casinos may remain open with a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place
Nightclubs and bars are ordered to close unless they have full meal service

To clarify: the mask and gatherings and events orders were extended to the entire Interior Health region.

The restrictions for food and liquor establishments are only in place in the Central Okanagan (Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country).

For more information, please read the public orders:

Gatherings and Events COVID-19 Order for Interior Health Authority
Mandatory Masks and Face Coverings Interior Health COVID-19 Order
Interior Health news release on August 20, 2021
Interior Health news release on August 6, 2021

Apply Today | Tourism & Hospitality Relief

Federal Programs

Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.
Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until September 25, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until September 25, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay.
Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

Indigenous Programs

First Peoples' Cultural Council Arts Program. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 for Indigenous B.C. residents open for the Spring 2021 intake.

Provincial Program

The Workplace Accessibility Grant program. The grant program direct supports to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

Your Voice is STILL Needed! Help Industry Return to a New Normal & Win $1500

Participate in the survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.

go2HR has been hard at work undertaking a Labour Market Information research project to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic.

We need your help!

We need to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province. We ask for assistance in sharing the survey with a wide variety of businesses in the province, and ask you to please share this survey with your members. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete this survey. We want to hear about the impact of COVID-19 on your member’s operations, the human resource issues they face, and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward. Any information provided will be held confidential, used only for the purpose of this study, and reported only in summary form with the responses of other respondents. Please help us spread the word!

Take Survey Today

Have Your Say on B.C.’s

Permanent Paid Sick Leave

The BC Government is developing paid sick leave for employees in B.C., so they are able to stay home when sick or injured, without losing wages, for a set number of days each year. The new model will come into effect on January 1, 2022. Public consultation on the development of paid sick leave is now underway.

There will be two phases of consultation:

Phase 1 (Aug. 5 to Sept. 14) – surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers’ needs; and
Phase 2 (Sept. 20 to Oct. 25) – informed by the surveys, options will be prepared for various paid sick leave models, including the numbers of paid days and other supports, and will be posted for public feedback and input.

This is a good opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industry to share what might support the rebuilding of the industry and how it might also help address the labour shortage impacting many businesses as well as measures that might support employee retention.

Take Survey

Read Press Release

Mark Your Calendars

Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022

Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!

Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR Partner of Safer Spaces campaign.

Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR are partnering up to help Vancouver’s hospitality industry get a jump start on safety.

Participating establishments will receive cross-promotion throughout the summer and an invitation to a safety skill sharing and social event in the Fall.

The 6 week 'Safer Spaces' campaign encourages local establishments to sign-up for industry-specific training to help build staff and patron confidence. Learn tools and tips to help prioritize safety and navigate a variety of challenging situations.

July 15 - August 31

All training is free of charge. Learn more and sign-up here.

ABLEBC Invites You to Lead Generation & Marketing Tips Webinar

ABLE BC and Ballistic Arts invite you to join us for a free webinar.

At last! British Columbia and the rest of Canada are opening back up. That's great news, but how are you going to best take advantage of this for your business? Will you marketing tactics that you used during the lockdown work now that the economy is reemerging? What new initiatives should you think about and what should you avoid?

Join ABLEBC on this one-hour webinar 'Lead Generation and Marketing Tips for BC's Reopening' with expert Ted Lau, CEO of award-winning Ballistic Arts, and podcast host of Marketing News Canada.

Date: Wednesday, September 1, 10:00 am PT

What you'll learn:

· The big changes in Apple, Facebook, and Google that will affect how you market

· What type of cost effective marketing content makes sense for your lead generation efforts

· Even more about the Marketing Funnel/Loop and where you need to focus in the reopening

The economy is reopening, are you ready? Register here for the free webinar.

If you are unable to attend live, a webinar recording will be sent to everyone registered.

You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –

in-person & online

The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.

Learn More & Register Today

Tipping Our Hat to Industry!

Have News or A Congrats You'd Like to Share? Contact [email protected]

Happy International Dog Day! Here's to all of our canine colleagues that make the guest experience so memorable!

Pictured on the left is Qanik. The V.I.P-ooch of Pan Pacific Whistler's Director of Revenue, Zoe Martin!

Thank you for your service Qanik!

In The News

Volunteers step up as hospitality workers vanish | Castanet, August 24

On a sunny Monday, there’s a busy lunchtime rush at PKLS Burgers on Cowrie Street in Sechelt. It’s keeping co-owner Tanya Lapsansky in the kitchen, her staff hard at work, and a new face at the window taking orders.

It’s Joe Sawer’s first day, although he’s actually a volunteer. Sawer is just one of the Coasters Helping Coasters volunteers, a new initiative started in the first week of August in Sechelt.

As COVID-19 restrictions began being lifted, a group of golfing friends hosted a barbecue where the main topic of conversation was the struggles of local restaurants, particularly being unable to find staff to work. The retirees decided to take matters into their own hands, and offer up their time in whatever way the restaurants needed them, whether hosting, cleaning tables, food preparation or acting as delivery drivers.

Instead of an hourly pay rate (minimum wage in B.C. is $15.20), business owners can make a suggested donation of $10-12 per hour to the food bank or Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s partly because of tourism,” volunteer Lezlie Smith said, citing the negative impacts of long waits for service. “And partly, we want to help with businesses who are really trying hard.”