News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Measures to Address Canada’s Labour Shortage
The Government of Canada made several announcements to streamline the process and improve access to international workers for businesses, to assist in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Canada announced that Express Entry draws will soon resume and that invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residence will begin in early July. The vast majority of new applications will be processed within the 6-month service standard.
Canada also announced a policy that will allow over 50,000 international students to stay and work in Canada for an additional 18 months if they are applying for permanent residency in 2022.
Finally, Canada announced new measures for those who applied for permanent residence through the temporary resident to permanent resident pathway last year. The limited-time pathway was launched in 2021 to invite a broad range of individuals already working in Canada to apply to stay permanently. While closed to new applications since November 2021, the processing of applications will continue for some time.
Taking effect this summer, the policy changes announced include:
Applicants will no longer be required to remain in Canada while their application is being processed.
Applicants who apply for an open work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be finalized will be able to get work permits valid until the end of 2024. This will ensure that all permanent residence applications will be finalized before applicants will need to apply to extend their temporary status again.
To support family reunification, immediate family members who are outside Canada and who were included in a principal applicant’s permanent residence application will be eligible for their own open work permit.
Funding for Intern Programs | Mitacs
Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.
Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.
Business Strategy Internship
Mitacs is bringing their Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program back for a second year. The BSI connects students from academic institutions with businesses and nonprofits to support innovation. With the guidance of an academic supervisor, these interns provide technical expertise on everything from operations to finance, to marketing, to intellectual property, and beyond to help businesses develop and implement their innovation roadmap—and Mitacs funding will support you to bring these students onboard!
Accelerate Program
The Accelerate Program supports organizations to enlist students to work on research projects. Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.
Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace
There are several B.C. employment agencies that help to successfully match tourism employers with non-traditional labour pools, including people with disabilities.
Once the recruitment process is done, how can employers look beyond obligatory compliance to accommodate people with disabilities so they can do their jobs as effectively as possible?
Learn more in go2HR’s guide to Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace →
There are several B.C. employment agencies that help to successfully match tourism employers with non-traditional labour pools, including people with disabilities.
Once the recruitment process is done, how can employers look beyond obligatory compliance to accommodate people with disabilities so they can do their jobs as effectively as possible?
Learn more in go2HR’s guide to Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace →
Get Youth Working Program | Funding Available for Re-Hiring and Preventing Layoffs
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
Apply for Student Interns through Various Programs
BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10, 2022. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28, 2022, to May 20, 2022. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca
Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022. Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18, 2022, 12:30 – 1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org
Originally published by go2HR
BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10, 2022. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28, 2022, to May 20, 2022. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca
Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022. Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18, 2022, 12:30 – 1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org
Connecting Employers to Immigrant Talent | Immigrant Employment Council of BC
As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace.
As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace, including:
MentorConnect
Learn about our program that brings together skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships.
FAST
Find out how this free, comprehensive set of online tools and resources helps skilled immigrants become better prepared for work in Canada, and connects employers with internationally trained workers.
BC JobConnect
BC JobConnect is a customized online tool connecting BC employers to job-ready newcomers. This easy-to-use website provides a platform for job-seekers to showcase their skills, education and work experience, and present their profiles and resumes to BC employers looking for workers. Services offered to both the employers and the job-seekers are free.
ASCEND
ASCEND’s self-paced online modules develop newcomers’ employment skills. This minimizes the burden of onboarding while ensuring new hires stay engaged and supported. An innovative and interactive blended learning program focusing on cultivating skilled newcomers’ essential workplace competencies (interpersonal, communication and soft skills). ASCEND uses a strengths-based approach that integrates online and face to face learning to support the employment readiness of newcomers and help BC employers recruit, hire, and integrate immigrant talent.
BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information - Employment Tracker | go2HR
The Employment Tracker reports on monthly changes in employment in the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry. The Tracker draws primarily from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), a monthly household survey conducted by Statistics Canada. The LFS is the most timely source of data on the labour market across Canada.
The Employment Tracker reports on monthly changes in employment in the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry. The Tracker draws primarily from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), a monthly household survey conducted by Statistics Canada. The LFS is the most timely source of data on the labour market across Canada.
go2HR receives LFS tables generated by Qatalyst Research Group via Statistics Canada's Real Time Remote Access (RTRA) Program that follows the Tourism Satellite Account’s definition of tourism. This data enables go2HR to track changes in employment and major trends in the Tourism and Hospitality industry in BC and monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism and Hospitality industry.
Tourism Skills Training Program: Application Now Open for Free Virtual Certification
TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for this free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time.
Online Course Dates:
February 8 - May 5, 2021 (Mon - Thurs, 9 AM - 4 PM)
Application Deadline:
February 3, 2021
Limited seats available
TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Canadian Tourism Professional (CTP) Program, a free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time.
The Canadian Tourism Professional Program will prepare 60 participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in traditional employment and/or self-employment. Participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
Living in Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia (including Shuswap, Boundary Country, Similkameen, and Gold Country/Nicola Valley)
Legally able to work in Canada
Currently unemployed or working casual, seasonal, or part-time
Over 15 years of age
For more information:
Website: TOTABC.org/Training
Email: Training@TOTABC.com
Phone: (778) 752-5877
Delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.
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