Today's update includes:
 
Advocacy Action Required | Write Letter to Minister Freeland re. CEWS/CERS Extension
The entire hospitality community has been the hardest hit and will be the last to recover. The BC Hotel Association supports our foodservice colleagues as we push to extend the integral federal support programs that include the CERS/ CEWS. These programs have been lifelines to hotels and restaurants across BC over this past year.

To help raise the voice of foodservice and ensure our hardest-hit sector receives the continued support we need, Restaurants Canada has launched a grassroots campaign calling on our industry and the public.
 
Action Required:
Send a postcard, at no cost to you, to your Member of Parliament and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, sharing why your foodservice business is important to you and your community, and why our industry needs an exemption from the phase-out of rent and wage subsidies.
 
Send your postcard in 3 easy steps:

  • Visit SupportRestaurants.ca 
  • Personalize your postcard with such details as:
  • How long you've been in business
  • How many people you employ
  • The many tradespeople and suppliers who depend on your business
  • Hit submit
Half of restaurants might not survive the summer without current levels of support. Lend your voice today.
New Data Released on Campaign
Acceptance Within Canada
Abacus has release new data yesterday on vaccine hesitancy and acceptance across Canada. The data found that the number of vaccine hesitant Canadians has continued to decline, and now numbers 13%, with another 6% indicating they will never take a Covid19 vaccine.

Vaccine acceptance is among the fastest ways for our industry to collectively recover and get back to what we love doing. Faster and together. The BCHA is a proud supporter of the Faster, Together campaign and we encourage all who are able to, to register for your first and second doses.
‘Weeks not months’: Trudeau doubles down on gradual border reopening strategy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said the next phases of reopening the Canadian-U.S. border could come within weeks and not months.

This comes a day after Ottawa announced that fully vaccinated Canadians can return to the country without having to go through quarantine as of July 5, though they will still need to take COVID-19 tests.

At the time, the government described it as the “first phase” of a gradual lifting of restrictions but did not lay out a timeline for the next phases of the border reopening.

“We are doing things gradually, but we are talking about weeks and not months anymore. We certainly hope we will have more good news about reopenings in the coming weeks,” Trudeau said at a press conference in Ottawa.


The BCHA is hopeful that further eased restrictions will be announced before July 21st and continues to aggressively advocate on this file, in partnership with our industry associations.
Industry Pressuring Government for Cruise Industry Reopening Plan
Our industry associations continue to pressure government to announce a reopening plan for the cruise ship sector.
 
  • In a letter to Minister Fleming last week, TIABC CEO, Walt Judas stressed how the cruise sector is a vital part of British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry. Absence of a second straight cruise season has led to additional business closures and/or further hardships for many tourism operators.
  • Minister Fleming has been meeting with multiple BC cruise industry stakeholders in recent days and will be meeting with TIABC next week to further discuss recommendations and next steps.
  • Click here to read the complete letter.

  • Yesterday, the BC Hotel Association was among 13 Canadian industry associations to public sign their support, advocating for the Federal Government to "send a clear signal that Canada is open for safe cruise service and tourism by announcing a scalable restart of the cruise industry and rescinding the order on the suspension of cruise in Canada” by the end of 2021.
  • Click here for more information.
Is Your Property A Leader in Sustainability? Now Is Your Opportunity to Be Featured in InnFocus Magazine
British Columbia is full of accommodations that are raising the bar on sustainable and environmentally-driven operating practices.

InnFocus Magazine is looking for a diverse collection of properties to profile for our upcoming Fall issue which will be:
  • published and distributed across our provincial hotel community, shared with national industry stakeholders, published on our BCHA website.

Are you a leader in sustainability? Email kelsey@bcha.com with a short description of how your property is leading the way for green practices in British Columbia.
A Champion for Members | BCHA Team Spotlight, Member Services Coordinator Samantha Glennie!
Meet BCHA team member Samantha Glennie!

If you have joined the BC Hotel Association within the past year you have no doubt been in touch with Samantha Glennie, the BCHA's irrefutable advocate of membership. Samantha's warmth and welcoming spirit are key attributes that she has carried throughout her career in hospitality and tourism and over to the BCHA. With a solutions-based approach and an immeasurable commitment to all of our members, Samantha is known to go the extra mile to ensure our accommodation community and associate members have all the support needed.

Get to know Samantha:

  • What is your role at BCHA? 
  • Member Services Coordinator
  • How do you support and serve the BCHA membership? 
  • I am responsible for the overall positive engagement and satisfaction of our membership. I handle all inquires, billing, questions and/or ideas from our members and always enjoy the opportunity to speak to them directly.
  • What do you love about our BC tourism / hospitality community?
  • I love how interconnected both the tourism and hospitality sector is. No matter what position, region, or type of operation you may be a part of, there is a shared passion for welcoming travellers from across the world and showcasing the beauty and splendor of our province.
  • Name a stand-out moment or proud accomplishment you have had working at the BCHA
  • While I enjoy engaging with our members regularly, my favourite moments are those where it is beyond obvious how important the role of the BCHA truly is. During the peak of COVID, when operators were still trying to figure out ways to stay open and keep their guests and staff safe, I spoke to many people on the phone who were incredibly overwhelmed by our 'new normal'. I was able to offer guidance, point them in the directions of tools, and share additional resources such as our webinars. Those moments really showcase the impact that an organization like the BCHA have.
  • Which BC destination are you keen to visit this year?
  • I will be traveling to the Okanagan more than once this summer for a couple of weddings. I look forward to being in beautiful wine country with a glass (or two) of wine in hand while celebrating and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Have any questions for Samantha? Reach out to her at samantha@bcha.com
#ICYMI | COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program Now Open
The application for employers to apply for the B.C. government’s COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program is now available on WorkSafeBC’s online services portal.

Through the program, employers who do not have an existing sick-leave program can apply to be reimbursed for up to three days of wages paid to workers for COVID-19 related sick leave. The reimbursement program is available for sick leave taken from May 20 until the program ends on Dec. 31, 2021.
How to apply

To access the COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement application and apply for reimbursement, employers must be:
  1. Registered for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage, and
  2. Signed up for WorkSafeBC’s employer online services.

If you’re registered for WorkSafeBC insurance and have an employer online services account
Take Your Hotel Skills to the Next Level
With Bliss Hospitality
Bliss Hospitality Talent & Education believes that the right combination of education and practical skill training allow one to accelerate in their hospitality career.
 
Bliss launched Opera PMS workshops in 2020. Students learn and practice in the Bliss Hotel Vancouver environment on Opera V5. The Opera PMS workshops not only provided hospitality management students exposure to the most robust PMS system, but they also help build confidence for those who are eager to grow in the hotel sector.

BCHA MEMBER BENEFITS:
Bliss is here to offer support to hotels looking to maximize the potential of their hotel property management systems. They offer consulting service for PMS selection and upgrade projects and customize training based on your property operating procedures. Their goal is to cut your training cost to half during pre-opening and PMS upgrades. 
Bliss Hospitality Talent & Education was created by two millennial hoteliers Bonnie Li and Yahya Shakhshir. Bonnie, a Cornell MBA, has spent all her hospitality career in hotel operations with brands such as Four Seasons, Fairmont and Trump Hotels. Yahya comes from the classic hotelier training of Glion Institute of Higher Education - Switzerland. A hotel manager turned educator, Yahya has excelled in his career in hospitality education.
Celebrating National Indigenous People's Day
Yesterday, was National Indigenous Peoples Day - a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.
In British Columbia, there are a wide array of indigenous experiences to both celebrate and explore as you embark on your summer planning and travel - this includes an incredible collection of Indigenous-owned accommodations that celebrate Indigenous culture and community.
Invitation | Fore the Love of Tourism
15th Annual TIP Invitational
Golf Tournament 2021
Join Partners in Tourism (TIP) at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club Friday, August 27, 2021 for the 15th Annual Fore the Love of Tourism TIP Invitational Golf Tournament.
 
 
BACKGROUND:
Partners in Tourism – TIP Society was established in 2006 with the goal of fostering future generations of tourism professionals. Never has that been more important.

We are now seeing signs of recovery and in our collective spirit of optimism, we are again gathering for the Tourism Industry Partners (TIP) Invitational Golf Tournament to raise funds to support scholarships and awards to get the next generation back in the hospitality game.
Since its inception, Partners in Tourism – TIP has provided funding in excess of $700,000 to support training, the purchase of equipment and financial assistance to hospitality students. The need has never been greater. 
Let’s TIP the scales in favour of up-and-coming tourism and hotel professionals.
CMHA and go2HR Partnership: Promoting Mental Health Resources in Your Workplace
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. This month, we’re exploring ways you can help promote and raise awareness of mental health in your workplace. Here are three simple things you can do to get started.
 
Raising awareness of mental health in your workplace isn’t hard to do. Here are a few suggestions from the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) that can be a positive first step towards encouraging mental health and wellness awareness in the workplace.

  1. Start the Conversation: Include mental health policies and resources in employee orientation materials, signage in common areas and in other company materials.
  2. Keep Talking: Use one-on-one meetings to continue to check in with staff to see how they are doing on a routine basis.

Amplify the Message: Use company portals, newsletters and other internal communications to remind staff of your commitment to mental health wellness. You can even use this wording and copy and paste this text: “Looking for help, training, or community? BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health is available for you: workmentalhealthbc.ca”
Mark Your Calendars
Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'S Support Network

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM  2:30 PM

As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism industry organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.

Our very own BCHA President and CEO Ingrid Jarrett will be joined by four other tourism support organizations, sharing insights, opportunities, and other supports available for B.C. tourism businesses:
This webinar will help tourism business managers to understand B.C. visitor trends and prepare for the coming season.
June is Free Education Month at Small Business BC

Start your summer off on the right foot with a month of free education at Small Business BC.

Delivered in partnership with WorkSafeBC, June’s FREE Education Month delivers over 25 webinars and Talk to an Expert sessions, offering plenty of opportunities to upskill. Whether you’re looking to start or grow your business, our educational calendar for the month is stacked with informative and practical sessions that will put your business on the road to success.
The Path to Truth and Reconciliation Presented by Vancouver Board of Trade
Join for a conversation with Chief Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, as he addresses the business community to discuss the path to truth and reconciliation.

During the event we will also make space to remember and acknowledge the 215 children whose remains were recently found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School as well as all those that suffered as a result of the residential school system. Every Child Matters.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Webinar: Rebuilding Tourism in the region presented by Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Join to hear from leading industry experts to discuss:
  • how the tourism sector will emerge post-pandemic,
  • what needs to be done to recover, and
  • what steps we can all take to support the tourism sector.

PANELLISTS:
    
  • Royce Chwin, President and CEO, Tourism Vancouver
  • Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
  • Timothy Liu, Managing Director, Sales Planning and Effectiveness, Air Canada
  • Tracy Redies, President and CEO, Science World
  • Moderator: Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Monday, June 28, 2021 at 12:00 PM
WorkSafeBC | Learn about WorkSafeBC’s preliminary 2022 rates

Attend WorkSafeBC’s virtual rate consultation sessions. During these sessions, WorkSafeBC will provide an overview of the preliminary rates for 2022, inform employers about rate and classification changes, and outline what they can do to influence their rates.
 
The sessions include a 60-minute presentation, followed by a live Question and Answer period - links will be forwarded to everyone who has registered for the session.

Dates and times (PST)
  • Monday, July 19, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Monday, July 19, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, July 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

The presentation topics include:
  • The financial state of the workers’ compensation system  
  • Rate and classification changes
  • How you, as an employer, can influence your rates through improved health and safety
 
To register for the session of your choice, visit www.worksafebc.com/rates and fill in the registration form. You’re welcome to participate in any one of the virtual sessions. Participation is free For more information, please email rates@worksafebc.com
Congratulations! Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have News You Want to Share? Contact Kelsey@bcha.com
David MacKenzie, CHGM, CHA
Pemberton Valley Lodge
David MacKenzie Appointed to go2HR Board of Directors

The BC Hotel Association's very own Executive Committee Director, David MacKenzie, has been elected to the go2HR Board of Directors. In addition to his board tenure with both the BC Hotel Association and Tourism Industry Association of BC, David will play an integral role in supporting the tourism and hospitality sector through his work with go2HR.
David is an Owner and the General Manager of the Pemberton Valley Lodge. Prior to opening the Pemberton Valley Lodge, David formerly held the positions of General Manager of the Adara Hotel, Area Director for Bellstar Hotels & Resorts, Area Director - Sea to Sky for Atlific Hotels and was a Village of Pemberton Municipal Councilor from 2005 to 2008.

Congratulations David!
IN THE NEWS
Pressure builds to open U.S.-Canada border, Washington Post, June 22

TORONTO — A Florida man takes out ads to call out the U.S. and Canadian governments for failing to lift border restrictions. Lawmakers use salty-ish language. Business owners worry about losing a second lucrative summer season.

As restrictions on nonessential travel across the U.S.-Canada land border enter their 16th month this week, pressure is rising on both sides for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Biden to crack it open — even a little — or to provide something, anything, about what a reopening plan might look like.

Ottawa on Monday did announce some changes at the border, to start July 5. They’d allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are fully inoculated with a Health Canada-authorized vaccine, and who test negative for covid-19 before and after arrival, to bypass some quarantine and testing requirements.
Canadian Organizations Call for Resumption of Cruising, Cruise Industry News, June 22 | BCHA Voices Support

Tourism, business, labor and cruise industry leaders in Canada have called on the Canadian government to take “immediate action to signal the safe restart of the country’s multi-billion-dollar cruise ship industry.”

The call was presented in a request signed by 13 Canadian organizations, addressed at Transport Canada and sent out to media by Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, one of the signatories.

The organizations have asked the government to “send a clear signal that Canada is open for safe cruise service and tourism by announcing a scalable restart of the cruise industry and rescinding the order on the suspension of cruise in Canada” by the end of 2021.

“This is about clarity, certainty, and confidence for the cruise industry, tourism operators, and the thousands of British Columbians who depend on this vital industry,” said Walt Judas, CEO of Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia and another signatory.

This weekend is one many in the tourism sector have been looking forward to for months.

It’s the first weekend people have been able to travel recreationally within British Columbia in a while and some in the tourism sector are already seeing a big change.

On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, BC Ferries saw numerous full sailings as mainlanders came to Vancouver Island to get away.

“Super busy yeah. We were really happy we had a reservation but it looked like there might have been a couple [of] sailing wait for sure,” said Jason Somerville.

VANCOUVER -- Ever since the provincial ban on non-essential travel was lifted, BC Ferries has seen an increase in passengers.

“We’ve added more sailings on the major routes because we’re seeing the increase in demand now that the travel restrictions have been lifted,” said Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs for BC Ferries. "We do expect a busy weekend.”

The increase in passengers did catch a few travellers by surprise Friday morning.

BC Hotels Association President Ingrid Jarrett stated there is hope on the horizon for the hospitality sector after 16 months of losses.

Much like restaurants, hotels are facing a severe labour shortage that has reached well over the 20-thousand range.

“So, all of the hotels are looking at rehiring either laid off workforces or hiring new employees in order to meet that demand and ramp up their operations.”

“All of them are faced with 16 months of losses and some pretty significant shortages (labour) when we are looking at our rehiring and what we need to do to prepare for British Columbians who are ready to continue to travelling,” said Jarrett.

However, Jarrett mentioned hotels in Prince George and the north have seen much higher occupancy rates during the pandemic than the rest of the province.

BC Hotels Association President Ingrid Jarrett stated there is hope on the horizon for the hospitality sector after 16 months of losses.

Much like restaurants, hotels are facing a severe labour shortage that has reached well over the 20-thousand range.

“So, all of the hotels are looking at rehiring either laid off workforces or hiring new employees in order to meet that demand and ramp up their operations.”

“All of them are faced with 16 months of losses and some pretty significant shortages (labour) when we are looking at our rehiring and what we need to do to prepare for British Columbians who are ready to continue to travelling,” said Jarrett.

However, Jarrett mentioned hotels in Prince George and the north have seen much higher occupancy rates during the pandemic than the rest of the province.