Message On Proposed MRDT Increase for 2026 FIFA World Cup |
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Dear Accommodation Community,
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Finance introduced Bill 42 – 2022: Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act, 2022 into legislature which will present a new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up to 2.5% on short-term accommodation sales. The City of Vancouver intends to use this temporary measure to offset the costs of planning, staging, and hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is working with the Hotel Association of Vancouver (HAV), the Province of British Columbia, and the City of Vancouver to determine the collection amount, duration, and overall workability of this regulation as it relates to the 2026 World Cup. We are deeply committed to ensuring the best interests of our local accommodation sector are acknowledged, as we aim to create a positive FIFA 2026 experience and outcome for our industry and all British Columbians in hosting this once-in-a-generation event.
Since the City of Vancouver began their engagement process in August of this year, where they proposed a 2-to-3-point rate increase, the Hotel Association of Vancouver has advocated for a fair and balanced approach, suggesting instead, a modest 1.5 point rate increase over four years. Based on estimated costs provided in August 2022, we believe a 1.5 point rate increase would allow our community to significantly contribute to, and still benefit from, the games while protecting Vancouver’s competitive position as a destination.
During the engagement, the HAV also recommended that other businesses, attractions, and jurisdictions outside of the City of Vancouver—that would also benefit from FIFA—be considered for collection. In addition, HAV also encouraged the City to discuss long-term revenue solutions, outside of MRDT, for hosting future major sporting events. We are disappointed that these recommendations have not been considered at this time but are prepared to continue working with the City to see that they are in future.
As the overall cost of FIFA 2026 is developed, the HAV and the BCHA will continue to advocate for all parties to work together, and for transparency in budget development and reporting.
Although the specifics of the regulation need to be determined, we remain supportive of FIFA 2026. We recognize the positive impact the event will have in bolstering tourism to our province, as it shines a spotlight on Vancouver and Beautiful British Columbia as a destination of choice to the more than 3.5 billion viewers the FIFA World Cup routinely attracts every four years.
Please know we are working hard on your behalf and will continue to keep you updated.
Regards,
Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
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Today's update includes:
- General Updates
- Industry Reacts to Amendments on Workers Compensation Act
- Canada Releases Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025
- Submit Your Proxy Form For BCHA AGM | Have Your Say!
- LAST CHANCE | Buy Your Raffle Tickets in Support of the BC Hospitality Foundation
- BC Lions to Host 2024 Grey Cup in Vancouver
- SPARK Less Than 2 Weeks AWAY! Register
- Industry News & Trends
- Mark Your Calendars
- Tipping Our Hat to Industry
- Accent Inns and Hotel Zed First Hospitality Chain to Have All Locations Rainbow Registered!
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Ian Jones Joins Marriott Hotels Victoria Inner Harbour Team!
- Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
- Last Laugh
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Industry Reacts to Amendments on Workers Compensation Act |
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Earlier this week, the Ministry of Labour introduced the Workers Compensation Amendment Act that would include a number of significant changes to the Workers Compensation Act. In a shared letter to government, the BCHA, and 11 other industry associations, expressed concerns over the cumulative impact of government policy changes and government-imposed cost increases are having on employers across the province.
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Canada Releases Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 |
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The Government of Canada has just released its Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, which aim to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023. The target will rise to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and will further rise to 500,000 new immigrants 2025.
The BCHA continues to work with government to ensure hospitality is prioritized through our immigration streams, to provide easier access to international job seekers looking for work in our industry. We are pleased to see these important changes to Canada's Immigration Plan.
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Submit Your Proxy Form For BCHA AGM | Have Your Say! |
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The BCHA Annual General Meeting will take place at The Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island, on November 15, 2022 at 9:15am. If you are unable to attend in person, we kindly ask that you submit a PROXY FORM to [email protected]. This is an opportunity to have a say in the direction of our association.
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BC Lions to Host 2024 Grey Cup in Vancouver |
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Vancouver continues to win bids for major events and has added a new event to the growing list. The CFL announced today that the BC Lions will host the 2024 Grey Cup in Vancouver. The impact that large-scale events has on our provincial accommodation sector is immense and we look forward to welcoming football fans across the country to our province. |
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LAST CHANCE | Buy Your Raffle Tickets in Support of the BC Hospitality Foundation |
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The Hotel Association of Vancouver is rallying the industry to support the Hotels to Help Campaign, with jaw-dropping prizes to be won! Funds raised supports the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), British Columbia's only hospitality industry charity that offers assistance to hospitality workers who are in imminent financial need due to a health condition. |
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SPARK Less Than 2 Weeks AWAY! Register |
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Created for hoteliers, liquor retailers, and hospitality owners and managers, SPARK will bring together BC’s hospitality industry for an array of informative and industry-driven sessions that will SPARK ideas relating to growth, advocacy, labour, and more. The event will take place in Vancouver on Granville Island at the Waterfront and Nest Theaters
Tuesday, November 15, 2022.
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Industry Session Tickets include access to all conference sessions with separate hotel & liquor tracks, and networking reception at Performance Works
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The Lunch Tickets include a special members-only lunch at Dockside Waterfront Restaurant with special guest speaker.
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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BC & CANADA INDUSTRY NEWS:
WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY TRENDS
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SPARK BC Hotel & Liquor Conference
November 15, 2022 | Granville Island
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Closing Comments with Premier John Horgan
November 17 | Fairmont Pacific Rim
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2022 TIAC Congress
November 22-23 | The Westin, Ottawa
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Registration Open | IMPACT 2023
January 23-25 and Day of IMPACT January 22, 2023 | Victoria BC
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Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit
February 22nd at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops).
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
March 1-3, 2023
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry |
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Accent Inns and Hotel Zed First Hospitality Chain to Have All Locations Rainbow Registered!
BC's accommodation industry is taking the pledge to ensure British Columbia is recognized as a safe destination for LGBTQ+2 travellers by getting Rainbow Registered! Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) Rainbow Registered program is a national accreditation for LGBT+ friendly businesses and organizations that have met a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.
Accent Inns and Hotel Zed has become the first hotel chain to have all properties Rainbow Registered. Well done team! Interested in learning more about this program? CLICK HERE
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Ian Jones Joins Marriott Hotels Victoria Inner Harbour Team!
Following two and a half years as General Manager at The Westley Hotel Calgary Downtown, Ian jones has made his way to the west coast, recently taking on the role of General Manager at Marriott Hotels Victoria Inner Harbour. "I could not be more thrilled to join R Gordon Johnson and the entire Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour team on this next chapter in my hospitality career," said Jones.
Congratulations Ian!
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BCHA Making the Rounds in the Rockies! |
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Hats Off to the Tigh-Na-Mara Team! |
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Happy Birthday to the Hilton |
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Another Successful Empower Her Event! |
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Proudly Presented By FortisBC: |
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