Message from President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett Regarding New Restrictions |
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Dear accommodation community,
Here we are once again.
In a press conference today Adrian Dix, Minister of Health; Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer, announced further restrictions to the Province of British Columbia, citing the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
The new measures will go into effect December 22nd, 2021 and will last until January 18, 2022. They include:
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Indoor organized gatherings of any size are not allowed. This includes gatherings like New Year's Eve parties, weddings or other celebrations
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NOTE on meetings: we have already received a number of questions surrounding meetings. Sit down meetings are OK at 50% capacity as long as everyone is double vaccinated and proof of vaccination is mandatory.
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Indoor events at venues can only have 50% capacity. This includes events like concerts, sports or movies
- Everyone must be fully vaccinated to attend
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Venues must scan proof of vaccination QR codes for entry
- Everyone must wear a mask indoors
- Dancing is not permitted
- All spectators must be seated at:
- Sports events, concerts, theatre, dance and symphony performances
- Lectures, presentations and workshops
- Sponsored and ticketed events
- Bars, nightclubs and lounges are closed
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Restaurants, cafes and pubs can have a maximum of 6 people at each table
- Physical distancing or barriers between tables
- Customers must remain seated and cannot move between or visit other tables
- No dancing
- Normal liquor service hours
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Masks are required when not seated at a table
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Restaurants, cafes and pubs must scan proof of vaccination QR codes for entry.
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Adult gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are closed
In her address, Dr. Bonnie Henry advised that while we know the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly, there is still much information that we don't know about the Omicron variant, such as the severity of illness. As a result, these measures are in place to mitigate impact on the healthcare system.
Dr. Henry also delivered an overview of the province's rapid test program, which will be rolled out to supplement time-consuming PCR testing. In addition, Adrian Dix also added further details on the province's booster shot program, stating that the focus is on immunizing individuals who are more likely to experience severe illness.
In the question and answer period of today's press conference Minister Farnworth was asked about the support measures in place for businesses impacted by these new restrictions. He advised that a group of government officials met today to address business losses and the support that will be offered. Minister Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation, will be leading this effort and we can expect more information in the coming days and weeks ahead, which we will be sure to communicate.
Public Health Orders:
The revised Public Health Orders containing this information have not yet been published but will be updated at the following links when available:
The BCHA will publish updated orders once they are made available.
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The new restrictions announced today are of course, not the news any of us wanted to hear mere days before the holidays. We have been through this pandemic for almost two full years. We understand the detrimental toll these announcements take on our industry and each of you individually, time and time again.
You're tired, you're frustrated, and your businesses and employees have been unimaginably impacted.
We also know that many of you have questions on what what these measures mean and that clarity is needed. We ask that you please send any questions or concerns you may have at this time to Kelsey@bcha.com and we will be in touch with further guidance.
Historically, the promise of a New Year leads to optimism for the next chapter ahead. It's a time when we can flip a page in our calendar and start anew.
Although it may feel as though we are entering 2022 with history repeating itself, please be encouraged that we are in a better position than we have been in the past with more information and tools available to us. Federally, we also have new support measures in place due to the recent passing of Bill C-2, and Provincially, we are committed to bringing our industry's story to the forefront.
We will get through this fifth wave and we will fight for you, your businesses, and your employees, each step of the way.
Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
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2021 has been an incredibly challenging year for our provincial accommodation industry, as we endured the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a variety of natural disasters, among other issues.
With a sincere commitment to support the accommodation community, the BCHA has spent the past 12 months advocating on behalf of our sector on a wide range of topics and issues. From make changes to Public Health Orders, to securing targeted relief measures, we have been laser focused on moving the needle on our priorities.
We share with you the below round-up of our Government Relations activities for 2021.
Please know, your support of our organization means everything to us, and we could not do this important work without your membership. We are grateful to our BCHA members and as always promise to serve the best interests of our accommodation community.
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Restaurants and bars facing ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to receive support from the Province through extension of the food delivery cap.
The cap limits fees charged to restaurants by food delivery companies at 15%. As well, an additional cap of 5% will also be extended for other related fees, such as online ordering and processing fees. Delivery companies are also prohibited from reducing compensation for their drivers or retaining staff gratuity.
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A friendly reminder that effective January 1, 2022, employees covered by the Employment Standards Act (Act) are entitled to up to 5 days of employer paid leave for personal illness and injury per year. Paid sick leave is an important way to reduce workplace transmission of illness and it ensures that BC’s employees will not have to choose between going to work sick or losing pay.
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While the sector is facing continued challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was positive news last week as our industry saw the passing of Bill C-2 which is the legislation behind the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP). With added concerns and restrictions due to the Omicron variant, this is a significant win for the hotel industry and will offer critical support needed.
In short, this $3B support package will deliver targeted subsidies to hard-hit businesses through:
- The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, wage and rent subsidies to hotels, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%. See below of technical overview.
- The Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, which would provide support through wage and rent subsidies to other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50%.
- A Local Lockdown Program, which would provide businesses that face temporary new local lockdowns up to the maximum amount available through the wage and rent subsidy programs.
- An extension of the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10% and increase the subsidy rate to 50%.
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Today, Restaurants Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) issued a joint open letter to all Premiers urging them to provide financial support to small businesses facing renewed lockdowns, restrictions and loss of business in the face of the Omicron variant.
Share across social media
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Please be advised that applications for the B.C. Increased Employment Incentive must be received by December 31, 2021.
The B.C. Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers which encouraged the creation of new jobs for B.C. workers or increases in payroll for existing low- or middle-income employees in the last quarter ending December 31, 2020.
The tax credit is calculated at 15% of the amount that the employer’s eligible remuneration for the last quarter ending December 31, 2020 exceeds the employer’s eligible remuneration for the quarter ending September 30, 2020.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and access to the application, see below:
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The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) has reopened between Hope and Merritt to essential commercial vehicles only following a month of extensive repairs, well ahead of the previously announced timeline.
- Effective December 20, Highway 5 (The Coquihalla Highway) is available to commercial vehicles with a minimum licensed gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kilograms.
- Travel restrictions have been lifted from Highway 3 as 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, allowing the route between Hope and Princeton to be used for non-essential travel.
- Travel restrictions have also been lifted from Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet. However, vehicles over 14,500 kilograms GVW are still not permitted on this section of Highway 99.
When travel restrictions are lifted from Highway 3 and Highway 99, these routes become available for general use. For drivers travelling these highways, the ministry urges preparation and patience. Drivers can expect delays and congestion and are encouraged to consider alternate options or avoid highway travel unless necessary.
Travellers are reminded to visit the DriveBC website for updates on BC road conditions and advisories.
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WebRezPro is an all-in-one property management system (PMS) built for properties of all types and sizes. Designed to streamline lodging operations and maximize direct bookings, it has never been easier to move to the cloud with the world’s best hospitality software.
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Interested in Learning More? Contact:
Sarah Duguay
1-800-221-3429
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Destination BC summarizes weekly travel in BC in an one-page snapshot. Key insights are available on a weekly basis and include current week performance and, where applicable, comparison to the previous week and the same week in 2020 and 2019. Performance is captured in the following areas:
- Visitation to BC and the six tourism regions;
- Hotel occupancy, ADR, and RevPar;
- Air capacity and air bookings; and
- BC residents’ intent to travel and welcome visitors to their community.
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Round-Up | Provincial & Federal Relief Programs |
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Are you taking advantage of any of the following programs and relief measures? Please reach out to us should you have any questions.
Provincial Programs
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BC Recovery Benefit: Individuals can apply for this recovery benefit worth up to $1,000. The benefit is based on 2019 income, so higher earners who lost jobs during the pandemic won't qualify. Hotline: 1-833-822-0220
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BC Increased Employment Incentive - Deadline: Dec 31, 2021 The BC Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers which encouraged the creation of new jobs for BC workers or increases in payroll for existing low or middle-income employees in the last quarter ending December 31. The tax credit is calculated at 15% of the amount that the employer’s eligible remuneration for the last quarter exceeds the employer’s eligible remuneration for the quarter ending September 30th, 2020.
Federal Programs
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Tourism Relief Fund: Program funding to empower tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences to attract more local and domestic visitors and helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experience we have to offer the world.
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Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy: Subsidy of up to 75% of eligible expenses until October 23, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Applications to this program can happen retroactively back 6 months. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is currently proposed and still pending decision.
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Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: 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. Available until March 31, 2022!
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until October 23, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is proposed and still pending decision.
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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. This program has a proposed extension to May 7, 2022.
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Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs
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Canada Recovery Benefit: The Canada Response Benefit ended October 23, 2021. Claims can be made up to December 22, 2021. The government has proposed a new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit that would provide $300 for eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between Oct 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022. Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the near future. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099
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Nominations for the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) annual Awards of Excellence are now open. This program proudly recognizes HAC Members that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to Canada’s lodging industry. Each year HAC Awards of Excellence winners represent some of the finest examples of professionalism, quality and perfection. The Awards of Excellence recipients are chosen by HAC’s esteemed Awards Committee. |
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We encourage your participation and invite you to join us in celebrating the contributions made by your associates and fellow professionals at a special evening event on March 2nd, 2022 in conjunction with HAC’s Annual Conference.
Application deadline: January 30, 2022
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This is a friendly reminder that the BCHA is encouraging all members to update their billing and profile information in order to receive the most up-to-date information and stay current on opportunities within the sector.
The BCHA has also switched to automated billing. If you have not already done so, please complete the attached credit card form and submit to Member Services Coordinator, Samantha Glennie at samantha@bcha.com or directly at 604-443-4757.
We look forward to supporting you with your questions and greatly appreciate your efforts to update your profile.
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The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains team, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum, to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.
The two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts in January 2022.
The Forum is a BC-based national charity whose mission is to provide self-identified women entrepreneurs with the resources and community they need to succeed in business.
The free, application-based virtual program will take place over two days on January 13 and 20, 2022.
Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2022 at 4:00pm PST or until all available spots have been filled. You are advised to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Do you have something you’d like to share with your industry colleagues at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference?
SUBMIT A PROPOSAL
The deadline to is 5:00pm PST JANUARY 6.
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Please support our British Columbia hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to a Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefitting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).
Tickets are available at www.bchospitality5050.ca from Dec. 8th 2021 to Jan. 3rd, 2022 and make great gifts for coworkers and employees!
They’re available in the following packages:
- 150 tickets for $40
- 20 tickets for $20
- 5 tickets for $10
We are grateful that the BCHF receives funds from a variety of corporate initiatives initiated by our friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry, including partial proceeds from product sales. Please support our supporters by choosing to purchase their products, and help boost the BC economy at the same time! |
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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BCHA President and CEO, Ingrid Jarrett, spoke with CityNews1130 regarding new restrictions. “Beginning of last week, we were getting messages that further restrictions may be coming out. And I think what happened is many companies and people that currently have booked meetings, events and conferences into 2022 — due to the uncertainty and the lack of clarity on messaging — have actually cancelled,” she explained. Click here to read full article.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS
In today’s business climate, paid media is an important component of any comprehensive marketing strategy. With much of our lives taking place online - and in social media spaces - it is more important than ever for businesses to have a strong online presence. Read More
Acquisition Will Strengthen Agilysys’ Presence In The Resorts and Hotel Property Management Systems (PMS) Space Read more
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have news to share? Email kelsey@bcha.com
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Seaside Hotel North Vancouver Welcomes Jeremy Flewelling as New Hotel Manager
Congratulations to Jeremy Flewelling, Seaside Hotel North Vancouver's newest Hotel Manager. The recently open lifestyle boutique hotel is situated in the city's landmark Shipyards District, overlooking Vancouver's iconic waterfront.
In his new position, Flewelling will be overseeing operations of the 71 room hotel, home to a waterfront spa and Provisions Restaurant, specializing in seafood-driven coastal cuisine.
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Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 9-11, 2022
Join us for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference as we 'Kickstart the Comeback' and gather in-person to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history.
Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
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Digital Marketing Tips for 2022 - Top 10 DIY Lead Generation Tools for Your Business
Wednesday, January 12, 2022 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Hosted by: Small Business BC
As agile small businesses, we are constantly learning new ways to adapt to an ever-changing world. Some of these include emerging digital marketing and lead generation trends to help us reach more customers.
Join Digital Marketing Expert, Ted Lau as he shares valuable DIY tips for digital marketing in the new year. Ted is the owner of an award-winning digital marketing agency, Ballistic Arts Media Studios. Ted will cover SEO, e-commerce, social media platforms, and more.
What Will You Learn?
- How to effectively target top funnel keywords into leads
- How to improve online purchase experiences from prospective customers
- How to engage with your leads authentically on social platforms
- What it means to be "meta" and what you need to watch out for in 2022
To access the webinar free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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How to Bring Clarity and Coherence to Your Team - Aligning Strategy, Leadership, and Focus
Friday, January 21, 2022 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Hosted by: Small Business BC
Somewhere along the path of launching and running your business is a stage where you take a step back to set a coherent, clear, and consistent path to bring into alignment what you think, how you lead, and how your team works.
Learn how to develop an effective team perfectly aligned with your company’s vision and goals so they can clearly and proactively solve the right business problems with maximum impact.
What Will You Learn?
- Develop a clear vision that guides you and your team’s decision-making
- Lead with respect and concern for all team members that demonstrates appropriate compassion
- Deliver results and enhance the strengths of your team members to achieve key objectives
- Focus your team’s energy and time on the right tasks
To access the webinar free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Free Info Session on Canada Summer Jobs Funding
January 12th at 1:00pm
Have you started thinking about your summer hiring needs? Canada Summer Jobs supports non-profits, small businesses, and public sector employers to provide quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years old.
Service Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs program is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy which aims to provide quality work experiences for youth to develop skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.
Talent MATCH has partnered with Service Canada to bring you this free info session featuring Line Noel and Melanie Greene, who will explain how the program works and how to apply.
While employee candidates for the Canada Summer Jobs program don’t have to be students, students are a great option. For more information on hiring students, visit the Talent MATCH webpage [https://acewilbc.ca/talent-match/] or contact Project Manager Debby Reis at TalentMatch@acewilbc.ca.
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