Federal Advocacy Update | Workforce
It has been an exciting few weeks for Federal advocacy, with multiple announcements made about our workforce and immigration programs. Yesterday, the Canadian Government announced two significant updates. Firstly, the Economic Mobility Pathways Program (EMPP) pilot is expanding to include a new pathway for tourism and hospitality workers. This will allow refugees and displaced people to connect with in-demand job openings starting this summer!
Secondly, the temporary measures introduced during the pandemic have been extended to October 30, 2023. This includes allowing employers in sectors with labour shortages, such as accommodation and food services, to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) for low-wage positions. The LMIA validity period remains up to 18 months, and the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions remains up to two years.
Additionally, Minister Fraser announced last week that expired post-graduation work permits for international graduates will be extended. This will allow graduates to continue working for their employer while they restore their status, addressing the labour shortage.
These changes are crucial to the overall wellness of our industry's workforce, and we are grateful for the advocacy push supported by our accommodation community. We look forward to supporting the rollout of these changes.
In other news, the 2023 Budget was released today, and our partners at HAC are working hard on an analysis. We will share these finding with you soon. Click here to view key highlights from the office of our Federal Minister of Tourism, Randy Boissonnault.
Lastly, a friendly reminder that the BCHA Summit is almost a month away! We urge you to take advantage of the room block which will end in the coming days. This is THE industry event of the year. You won't want to miss it! Register here!
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Spring 2023 Issue of InnFocus Magazine
Introducing the Spring 2023 edition of Innfocus magazine – your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in the hospitality industry.
✔ The New Generation of Talent
✔ Economic Outlook
✔ 5 Ways to Manage Customer Expectations
✔ Managing Workplace Conflict
✔ Recruiting from Barbados
✔ Hotelier | Madone Pelan
✔ Go Green | Regenerative Travel
✔ Trends | 2023 Canadian Travel Trends
✔ Regional Feature | Gulf Islands
✔ Names in the News
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BCHA SUMMIT: ONE Month Away! Book Your Room & REGISTER! You Don't Want to Miss This. |
Don't miss out on the return of the BCHA Summit! Just over 1 month away, we urge you to register and book your rooms before it's too late. With an exciting lineup of speakers and informative sessions, this is an event you won't want to miss. Plus, take advantage of our room block while you still can and stay at the event hotel for a convenient and hassle-free experience. Register now and secure your spot at the must-attend event of the year!
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Register for On-Demand Customer Service Portal | Watch Video Now! |
Improve your customer service skills with Blue Mountain Solutions' online training course. Learn at your own pace, on any device and discover how to exceed customer expectations. BCHA members can use coupon code BCHASPECIAL to receive a $141 discount on the full package of four courses. Watch the video outlining what is included in the course below and start enhancing your skills today!
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Budget 2023 | Message from the Office of Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Randy Boissonnault
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Today, the Federal Government announced Budget 2023. The full Budget can be found here. Please CLICK HERE for a a message from the Office of the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Randy Boissonnault, which outlines key commitments as it pertains to the accommodation sector. Our partners at HAC are analyzing the budget and it measures up to our advocacy asks. We will share this message soon.
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ADVOCACY WIN! Enhancements to Government Immigration Programs to Help with Labour Shortages
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The Canadian government announced two immigration program enhancements: 1) an expansion of the Economic Mobility Pathways Program for tourism and hospitality workers, and 2) an extension of temporary measures for hardest-hit sectors of the economy until October 30, 2023, including the ability for employers to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program.
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ADVOCACY WIN! International Post-Graduation Work Permit Extensions! |
Last week, Minister Fraser announced extensions on expired post-graduation work permits for international graduates. These graduates can continue to work for their employer while they restore their status, helping to address the labour shortage.
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HAC Launches National Hotel Recruitment Campaign |
To support your summer recruitment efforts, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever, national recruitment campaign for hotels. Visit the HAC campaign landing page and follow and amplify our campaign on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. The campaign will also drive traffic to Indeed.com. Make sure that your job posts are visible to take full advantage of this campaign.
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BC-Wide Tourism and Hospitality Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Survey |
BC’s Tourism and Hospitality industry partners want to hear from you! Take the anonymous DEIA survey (available from March 27, 2023 – April 28, 2023) to help inform DEIA needs, areas of focus, and our collective path forward. This survey provides an opportunity for meaningful DEIA engagement and open feedback, to gain a better understanding of DEIA efforts.
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Register for the Virtual West Coast Hiring Fair! |
Don't miss the biggest virtual West Coast Fair on May 17-18! Hosted by top universities, SFU, UBC, and UVic, this event connects employers with students and alumni seeking full-time, co-op, part-time, and volunteer opportunities. Personalize your virtual booth, host 1-on-1 video calls, and workshops. Early bird registration ends on Mar 31.
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Member Benefit | Eminent Valet Offering Free Consultation |
Take advantage of Eminent Valet's free consultation service as a member benefit! Their team specializes in outsourced valet operations, temporary support staff, and consulting services to help elevate your guest experience and drive revenue. Contact Mubashar Allaudin, Director of Business Development, to learn more about how Eminent Valet can become a true partner and extension of your brand. Don't miss out on this exclusive BCHA member benefit - reach out today!
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Update on Canadian Hotel Markets Webinar |
In a recent webinar, HAC and CBRE Hotels presented a 2022 full-year hotel market wrap-up and an updated forecast for 2023. This webinar covered major markets from coast to coast, including a look at the economic and industry trends impacting the sector and provided an updated long-term forecast. Access this exclusive recording by logging into HAC’s members area.
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Federal budget 2023: Billions in New Spending, $40.1B Deficit
In the 2023 federal budget, the government is unveiling continued deficit spending targeted at Canadians' pocketbooks, public health care, and the clean economy.
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Do NOT miss the Hotel event of the Year!
Join the rest of BC's accommodation community with world-class speakers, practical workshops, a bustling marketplace, fun-filled welcome reception, and the Summit Spring Fling Awards Night!
May 1-2, 2023 | Kelowna
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Empower Her Whistler
May 4 2023 | Whistler
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BCHF Okanagan Golf Tournament
May 18, 2023 | Kelowna
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BCHF Vancouver Golf Tournament
July 17, 2023 | Vancouver
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BCHF Victoria Golf Tournament
August 23, 2023 | Victoria
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Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Welcomes New Team Member |
Congratulations to Reid Najarro who has been named the new Director of Human Resources at Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour! A decorated HR professional with decades of experience under her belt, Reid has led a number of HR and Operational roles in Victoria. The property is elated to have her wisdom at the table. Congrats!
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New Member: Cactus Tree Inn, Roadside Hospitality |
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St. Regis Hotel Marks 110 Year Anniversary! |
The St. Regis Hotel is marking an incredible milestone and as a result, was profiled by Global News in a segment outlining the iconic hotel's long history and legacy.
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THE BCHA INDUSTRY UPDATE IS PRESENTED BY |
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