News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
PST Refund Extension Saves Businesses More Money
A StrongerBC program that offers PST rebates on select machinery and equipment will be extended for an additional six months, allowing businesses to further reduce costs and make new investments to adapt to operational changes necessitated by the global pandemic. Businesses will have until March 31, 2022 to purchase qualifying items, including tools, furniture, computers, software, and zero-emission vehicles and charging equipment.
A StrongerBC program that offers PST rebates on select machinery and equipment will be extended for an additional six months, allowing businesses to further reduce costs and make new investments to adapt to operational changes necessitated by the global pandemic.
The rebate period has been extended by six months. You have until March 31, 2022 to pay PST on qualifying items. All rebate applications must be received by September 30, 2022. Businesses will have until March 31, 2022 to purchase qualifying items, including tools, furniture, computers, software, and zero-emission vehicles and charging equipment.
The rebate acts similar to a refund but is separate from the existing PST Refund process. Under this temporary program, corporations can apply to receive an amount equal to the PST they paid between September 17, 2020 and March 31, 2022 on qualifying machinery and equipment. PST invoiced before the deadline but paid after March 31, 2022 does not qualify for the rebate.
go2HR - Shift Into Winter | Driving Tips & Safety for BC Drivers
go2HR has compiled winter driving resources to support tourism businesses through the changing weather and driving conditions across B.C. and to remind drivers and employers to be prepared and plan ahead.
The Shift into Winter campaign is designed to raise awareness of the changing weather and driving conditions across B.C. and to remind drivers and employers to be prepared and plan ahead. In the tourism and hospitality industry, some occupations that involve winter driving include:
Delivery drivers (including dropping off rental equipment or providing a restaurant delivery service, for example)
Shuttle bus and taxi drivers
Snow plow and removal
Traffic and grounds management vehicles (parking attendants)
Emergency Transport Vehicles (ETVs) in some remote locations
When planning a work journey, consider the following tips to help keep drivers safe on the job:
Does the worker have to drive? Could the business be conducted online or in a different way?
Ensure drivers are aware of the risks they may be exposed to while driving, are trained, and have the equipment and supervision needed (including regular check ins) to keep themselves safe
Ensure driver checks the route and knows where they are going (avoid driving after dark)
Ensure vehicles are properly maintained and winterized, and have four winter tires that carry the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol
Make sure drivers know when and how to safely and properly install chains or other approved traction devices
Equip vehicles with a winter driving emergency kit and emergency supplies
Train workers on your motor vehicle accident reporting procedure, should something happen
Don’t forget the commute to and from work:
Many workers regularly drive their own vehicles to and from work in varying weather conditions. This includes those who work at ski resorts or in parts of the province that are prone to harsh winter weather. To raise awareness about winter driving, consider the following:
Post signage in the workplace about winter driving tips, what an emergency kit should contain and other useful information
Have a working late policy (if they're one of the last to leave the mountain they should make sure someone knows when they leave and when they get to the bottom of the mountain, in case they get stranded on the way down.)
Promote winter driving resources, including training and other information
Winter driving resources
Visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca for free information and tools associated with this campaign:
Download the Employer and Supervisor Tool Kit.
Register for the Keeping Your Employees Safe During Winter Driving webinar on November 25.
Register for the Winter Driving Safety for Employers and Supervisors course, which takes 90-120 minutes to complete. Everyone who completes the course and an exit survey by December 15 will be entered in a draw for a gift certificate for a set of winter tires (value up to $1,000), donated by Kal Tire. For details, visit: Shift Into Winter.
View go2HR's Winter Driving Resources for further tips, posters and checklists.
Cultural Grants for Kelowna Non-Profit Organizations | City of Kelowna
The City of Kelowna is offering five categories of arts and culture grants to non-profit organizations on an annual basis. The purpose of these grants is to enrich the art, culture and heritage experience for Kelowna. An organization must be incorporated as a non-profit society and operate primarily in Kelowna to be eligible for a grant.
The City of Kelowna is offering five categories of arts and culture grants to non-profit organizations on an annual basis. The purpose of these grants is to enrich the art, culture and heritage experience for Kelowna residents.
An organization must be incorporated as a non-profit society and operate primarily in Kelowna to be eligible for a grant. Organizations may apply for grants under more than one category in the same calendar year.
General operating grants are available to arts, culture and heritage organizations that carry out most of their work in Kelowna. These grants support the operations of the organization, but are not to be used for start-up, events or capital projects. This grant acknowledges the work these organizations do and how they positively contribute to Kelowna's quality of life, identity and economy. Grants are extended to recipients who demonstrate vision, accountability and a spirit of community service in their operations.
The 2022 General Operating program opened on October 1, 2021.
Please apply through the online application system.
The application deadline is November 30, 2021 at 3pm PST.
For more information, view the program guidelines.
Project grants are available to community organizations that provide a festival, event or project that feature arts, culture and/or heritage for the benefit of Kelowna residents. Eligible organizations are not required to be from the arts, culture or heritage sector.
All festivals, events and projects must be accessible to the public, offer a unique experience and prominently feature arts, culture or heritage content. Funding is provided for up to a maximum of three years on a matching 50/50 basis.
The 2022 Project program opened on October 1, 2021. Please apply through the online application system.
The application deadline is November 30, 2021 at 3pm PST.
For more information, view the program guidelines.
Organization development grants aim to assist non-profit organizations in undertaking activities or initiatives that will develop the organization’s capacity and sustainability. Funding can be used to cover 100% of the consulting or tuition/registration costs, to a maximum of $5,000. Two or more organizations may partner on an organization development project and undertake joint planning or training.
Deadline: Open in-take for 2021
More information, including contact information, program guidelines and the screening tool is available on the main grants page.
Please apply through the online application system.
Community art is a collaborative, collective creative process between a professional artist and the community. It encourages the creation of publicly accessible artworks, fosters community pride and identity, and reflects the diversity of the community. One or more projects will be considered each year based on the applications received and reviewed by the Public Art Committee. Funding is provided on a matching 50/50 basis. We welcome proposals for projects using either traditional or new art practices.
It’s advised that applicants should connect with Cultural Services Staff at culture@kelowna.ca prior to completing an application to determine eligibility.
Professional operating grants are here to provide consistent and reliable annual support to professional, established non-profit arts and cultural organizations which provide impactful, quality programs and services, demonstrate sustainable operations and contribute to the realization of the cultural vision, principals and goals as outlined in the Cultural Plan. Funding assists these organizations with operational sustainability and enables them to develop and deliver their wonderful programs and services to the community.
For more information about the program, view the program guidelines.
Digital Jumpstart - Digital Skills for People With Disabilities | Neil Squire Society
Do you have an employee with a disability who would like to upgrade their digital skills? Neil Squire’s Digital Jumpstart is an online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy. The goal of the program is to tutor individuals one-on-one so that they can feel more confident in their computer readiness.
Do you have an employee with a disability who would like to upgrade their digital skills?
Neil Squire’s Digital Jumpstart is an online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy. The goal of the program is to tutor individuals one-on-one so that they can feel more confident in their computer readiness.
How Does It Work?
Participants will work one-on-one with an instructor in a virtual, private classroom from the comfort of their own homes. The program covers topics based on the needs of each individual and may include the basics of:
Email
Word processing (Microsoft Office)
The internet
Virtual platforms (Zoom and Microsoft Teams)
Social media
Online safety
The program taps into Neil Squire’s nearly 20 years of experience providing support to people with disabilities using remote technology. The participant and instructor will be able to talk and see each other’s screens, allowing active learning to occur regardless of where they are located in Canada.
“I felt stranded and alone and scared. People throw around the word isolated when talking about COVID. I was truly isolated and Neil Squire was a lifeline to me.”
— Hayley
“I want people to realize if I can do it, anybody can do it. [Neil Squire] helped me beyond what I thought. They actually have me thinking my goals might be possible. And that’s a big plus for me.”
— Jaycee
Digital Jumpstart is available in all regions across Canada. Please contact the office location nearest you to get started.
British Columbia
Patty Lavakittichaiyant
T 604 473 9363
Toll Free 1 877 673 4636
info@neilsquire.ca
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable | BC Tourism Resiliency Network
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is hosting a virtual Wildfire Resilience Roundtable for the Thompson Okanagan region on Tuesday, October 5 from 2 PM to 3 PM. Each Wildfire Resilience Roundtable will begin with a wildfire scenario developed from the guest perspective, tailored to reflect the realistic and relevant needs of the region.
In this roundtable session, learn more about:
Developing a shared understanding of the impacts a wildfire may have on guests
How messaging can influence guest confidence and safety
Generating a repository of solutions or resources that either currently exist or could be developed to support guests and tourism operators
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is hosting a series of Wildfire Resilience Roundtables throughout October, one for each of the five B.C. regions, led by emergency management experts from Calian Group.
The Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable is being held virtually on Tuesday, October 5 from 2 PM to 3 PM.
Each Wildfire Resilience Roundtable will begin with a wildfire scenario developed from the guest perspective, tailored to reflect the realistic and relevant needs of each region.
Breakout groups will then be guided by a facilitator and designed to explore a specific question with real solutions. All discussions will be conducted with a Trauma Informed Approach (TIA) to ensure the cultural and emotional safety of all participants.
In this roundtable session, you will learn more about:
Developing a shared understanding of the impacts a wildfire may have on guests
How messaging can influence guest confidence and safety
Generating a repository of solutions or resources that either currently exist or could be developed to support guests and tourism operators
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
TOTA is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to Thompson Okanagan tourism companies that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal is to help the businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process till the application gets approved.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with the TOTA Energy Analyst.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to tourism businesses in the region that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal of these free services is to help businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
Your company might be eligible for FortisBC rebates if you are a FortisBC electricity or natural gas customer, meet their requirements for energy-efficient equipment, and you:
Are trying to find ways to reduce energy costs or capital expenses for your business
Are planning to purchase or upgrade lighting, HVAC equipment (boilers, furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps, rooftop units, ovens, dishwashers, etc), or other appliances for your business
Have purchased or installed any of these within the last 365 days
Energy Analyst Services
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist you in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process until the application gets approved.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with TOTA’s Energy Analyst.
Examples of FortisBC rebates available:
Commercial lighting rebates up to $30 per unit per LED lamp, up to $200 per LED interior luminaire, and up to $220 per LED exterior luminaire (only eligible models of lamps, luminaries, occupancy and photocell sensors)
Natural gas boiler rebates up to $20,000 when installing an eligible mid-efficiency natural gas boiler. For a limited time, until December 31, 2021, FortisBC has even bigger rebates on eligible high-efficiency condensing models, up to $60,000 per boiler.
Heat pump and electric water heater rebates up to $1,000 per water heater for ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater and up to $600 per ton for eligible variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
Kitchen and laundry equipment rebates (eligible models of convection ovens, fryers, griddles, hot food holding cabinets, steam cookers, dishwashers, demand controlled ventilation exhaust hoods, clothes washers, etc).
Service Feature: Moccasin Trails Consulting
Moccasin Trails Consulting works to support urban and rural economic development - specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in B.C. Services include speaking engagements, tourism & economic development, training programs, corporate training, and workshops.
Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
Moccasin Trails Consulting supports urban and rural economic development, specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, inspiring keynote presentations, skills development, training, and more in B.C.
Services
Public Speaking: Presentations and keynotes can be tailored to small or large groups participating in conferences, lectures or workshops.
Tourism & Economic Development: Strategic planning, community engagement, and cultural programming/
Training Programs & Workshops: Facilitate training programs and workshops to deliver Indigenous specific curriculum developed by your university, school, or organization.
Team Building & Workshops: Youth empowerment, ceremonies and ceremonial education, Indigenous Cultural Awareness training, and other corporate workshops.
Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities. Learn more at MoccasinTrails.com.
About the Founders
Moccasin Trails Consulting is Indigenous-owned and deeply rooted in Indigenous values, cultures, teachings, and beliefs. The founders, Greg Hopf and Frank Antoine, have been immersed in Indigenous cultures and traditional practices and are now looking forward to sharing their traditional knowledge and professional expertise with you and your organization.
Applications Open for Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism | Apply by 12:00 October 13, 2021
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a virtual capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
Facilitated by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, in partnership with Synergy Enterprises, this pilot program will support up to 40 tourism businesses across B.C. through two workshops and one-on-one coaching for each participating business.
In the program, participants will:
Connect with passionate business leaders and discover how tourism can create a better world
Receive coaching to identify the SDGs that most align with your organization, and actions that promote resiliency, cost reduction, and access to talent
Identify key metrics to track your progress towards the SDGs
Integrate the SDGs into your messaging and communications
Develop an SDG Strategy and 10-year Action Plan for your organization
Help position BC’s tourism industry as a leader in sustainability
This Program consists of three parts:
Decade of Action Seminar (Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Business Action Planning and One-on-One Coaching Calls (October - December)
Decade of Action Showcase (Thursday, November 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Spaces are limited. Apply by October 13, at 12:00pm
Add the Accessibility Attributes to Your HelloBC.com Listing
Tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to your HelloBC.com listing at any time with a few simple steps. These accessibility attribute listings will help to build consumer confidence when visitors plan their trip to BC. Accessibility is organized into five categories: Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive & Sensory, and General.
Destination BC (DBC) actively supports the development and improvement of accessible tourism products, services, and activities to ensure every person can participate in BC’s transformative experiences
In 2019, DBC improved and enhanced the accessibility planning and travel information on HelloBC.com, including the addition of an Accessibility feature within business listings. To date, over 400 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their HelloBC listing, helping to build consumer confidence when visitors plan their trip to BC.
Accessibility is organized into five categories: Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive & Sensory, and General.
View an example of how the Accessibility feature appears on HelloBC →
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their listing at any time by following the steps below or they can have a Destination BC team member assist by contacting HelloBCListings@DestinationBC.ca to set up an appointment time. Business listings on HelloBC are complimentary and there is NO cost to add this feature.
Businesses can follow these steps to add accessibility attributes to their HelloBC.com listing:
Log-in to the Tourism Business Portal
Select your business name found under “Manage My Listings”
Click the Accessibility tab
Click the Update button
Check off the criteria on the list, which your business meets in full. Only the criteria that you have selected will display on your listing
Click Next to save
After you have finished editing your accessibility attributes, you will be able to add your accessibility photos by following these steps:
While in the Accessibility section of your account, click Manage Photos
Choose the accessibility category of your photo from the drop-down menu
Click Upload Files
Locate your photo on your hard drive and double click the photo to select it
Click Done to complete the upload
Business that do not have access to a HelloBC listing account, can register for a user account here and should allow up to three business days for access to be granted.
Discerning Diner Report | Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada has released the 2021 Discerning Diner report. This report taps into the minds of consumers to see what new dining habits Canadians have developed during the pandemic, and what you can expect from consumers as the pandemic subsides.
Restaurants Canada has released the 2021 Discerning Diner report. This report taps into the minds of consumers to see what new dining habits Canadians have developed during the pandemic, and what you can expect from consumers as the pandemic subsides.
Report Highlights:
89% of Canadians look forward to eating out with family and friends
Consumers are twice as likely to order delivery directly from restaurants vs third party apps
78% of Canadians yearning for comfort food after pandemic stress
Download the full report to better plan and strategize so that you can meet your guest expectations and improve your product offerings.
Safe Screen BC - Helping Businesses Access Rapid Antigen Tests and Onsite Screening for Employees
Safe Screen BC helps B.C. businesses access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees. Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
How Safe Screen BC Helps Businesses
Supports businesses with the required application process for free rapid antigen tests through B.C.’s Rapid COVID-19 Point of Care Screening Program
Supports the development of onsite workplace screening programs for employees
Enables access and usage of rapid antigen tests for B.C. businesses
Benefits of Rapid Antigen Tests
Rapid antigen screening provides another layer of protection for employers and employees to help keep workplaces safe, reduce the chances of outbreaks and control the spread of COVID-19.
Rapid antigen tests can quickly screen asymptomatic employees for COVID-19 in close contact settings.
These tests are accessible, fast, affordable, and available.
Tests are mobile and can be deployed close to employees who need testing.
Quick results to enable a public health response (typical turn around is 15-20 minutes).
Provincially available tests are free for program participants
Quick Links to COVID Information Resources
A compilation of links to key COVID-19 information resources for B.C. tourism companies.
Here are links to key COVID-19 information resources for B.C. tourism companies:
Recent Public Orders:
Accepted Proof of Vaccination Examples:
Additional Resources:
Destination BC Messaging Guidance for Proof of Vaccination Requirement and Welcoming International Visitors
go2HR Employer Toolkit – COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace
go2HR: Responding to difficult guest situations during a pandemic
BC Restaurant & Food Association: Guide to implementing BC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Card
COVID-19 Research & Insights | Destination BC
Destination BC provides reports on COVID-19's impact on British Columbia’s tourism industry, including:
COVID-19 BC Residents’ Public Perceptions
COVID-19 Research Roundup Reports
COVID-19 Global Tourism Watch
Destination BC provides the following reports on COVID-19's impact on British Columbia’s tourism industry:
COVID-19 BC Residents’ Public Perceptions
Destination BC has commissioned biweekly waves of research, starting May 13, 2020 to track opinions and intentions in the context of COVID-19. Reports monitor British Columbians' current views on travel and tourism as well as track travel and tourism behaviour intentions.
COVID-19 Research Roundup Reports
Destination BC rounds up relevant research and articles each week related to the travel and tourism industry and COVID-19. These documents summarize the various research findings from Destination BC, suppliers, other tourism agencies, associations, etc.
COVID-19 Global Tourism Watch
Destination Canada’s Global Tourism Watch Special Survey is conducted in Canada on a general population basis. The key objective is to assess travel intentions, perceptions and behaviors in the context of managing travel and visitors during COVID-19.
Shop Local BC | BC Chamber of Commerce
The Shop Local initiative will provide grants to chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and other organization for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic. The Shop Local BC application period will launch in late October. Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.
The federal government is investing $33 million in the initiative across Canada, of which project funds of $5 million are earmarked for British Columbia.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver the Shop Local initiative in BC, ensuring that the program is inclusive, and funds are distributed equitably across the province's seven economic development regions.
The Shop Local BC program will launch in late October. Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
Get Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests for Screening in Workplaces
The Government of Canada, some provincial/territorial governments and distribution partners are providing free rapid COVID-19 tests to organizations. These tests are to be used for regular workplace screening of employees.
The Government of Canada, some provincial/territorial governments and distribution partners are providing free rapid COVID-19 tests to organizations. These tests are to be used for regular workplace screening of employees.
Businesses and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply.
Eligible organizations must agree to the following conditions:
keep rapid tests and not resell them
limit use to within Canada
screen employees according to the guidelines provided by relevant provincial and territorial governments
demonstrate they are using these tests before further supplies are provided
collect and report on usage
Destination BC Learning Centre
Destination BC hosts a Learning Centre that provides access to free resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry. New content is added regularly for tourism businesses to grow their skills in eight subject areas: digital marketing, experience development, social media marketing, travel trade & travel media, applying insights, safety & emergency preparedness, accessible tourism, and the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Destination BC hosts a Learning Centre that provides access to free resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry.
New content is added regularly for tourism businesses to grow their skills in eight subject areas: digital marketing, experience development, social media marketing, travel trade & travel media, applying insights, safety & emergency preparedness, accessible tourism, and the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Here is some recent content that may be of interest:
Accessibility Projects Grant 2021 - Deadline: October 2, 2021
Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership. Proposals are due by October 2, 2021.
Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals (CFP) for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership.
Proposals are due by October 2nd, 2021 and funding for successful projects will be disbursed in early 2022.
Please review the Call for Proposals (CFP), Application Form, and accompanying documents for complete details about eligible projects.
New Service Helps Companies Quickly Resolve Urgent Export Issues
Exporter Solutions is a new service from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service that provides Canadian companies with personalized support to help resolve urgent export issues within one business day. Companies can access expert insights, guidance, and contacts in Canada and abroad to help them export.
Article author: Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) / Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Published: August 13, 2021
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by Global Affairs Canada, 2021.
Exporter Solutions is a new service from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service that provides Canadian companies with personalized support to help resolve urgent export issues within one business day. This free service also offers access to self‑serve and find the relevant information, services and programs Canadian businesses may require to avoid potential problems by referring them to the right place to get the right help.
Export performance is critical to restarting Canada’s economy amidst the COVID‑19 pandemic. Now, companies can access urgent support to troubleshoot export‑related situations and avoid costly issues. Through access to expert insights, guidance, and contacts at home and abroad, they will be able to continue selling their goods and services to the world.
“Exporter Solutions is here to help businesses navigate urgent international business situations,” says Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “As the world economy emerges from the pandemic, the TCS is in a privileged position to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed in international markets through its funding and support programs and an on‑the‑ground network in more than 160 cities worldwide.”
Canadian businesses have seen major disruptions to well‑established patterns of trade as a result of the COVID‑19 crisis, Ng comments. Firms looking to establish or re‑establish trade often fear going abroad because of the risks. Many don’t know where to start or where to turn for advice on issues such as economic volatility, political uncertainty and intellectual property rights. She says Exporter Solutions can help companies discover and mitigate potential mistakes, save time and money, find the right partner and de‑risk their efforts.
Through Exporter Solutions, Canada’s trade commissioners will work closely with companies to help them troubleshoot, providing free country-specific expert advice and connections with local contacts to work through export-related situations. Companies can also self‑serve by visiting the website to find information on avoiding common problems faced by exporters.
Trade commissioners can help assess the situation a business is facing and provide guidance. Depending on the issue, the TCS can connect the company with a local partner or expert to help resolve the problem. Some concerns may require more in‑depth involvement by the Government of Canada, such as engagement with foreign agencies to identify broader or longer‑term solutions.
According to a recent survey, businesses that used the TCS services in 2019‑2020 agreed that the advice they received helped them make more informed decisions:
to explore or expand operations abroad (83%)
find contacts who they would not have found otherwise (81%)
gain access to intelligence that would be difficult to obtain without the TCS (80%)
Also, 72% of the businesses surveyed agreed that the TCS helped them avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency | BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan.
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan..
The Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency will help businesses address workforce and workplace planning and related operational challenges caused by COVID-19.
Resources outlined in the guide tackle all aspects of pandemic recovery including:
Health & Safety
Government programming
Sector-specific initiatives
Legal and regulatory requirements
How to reopen, maintain, pivot, or expand your business; and
Additional small business tools
Download the guide today to help your business navigate the broad mix of available resources in a clear and efficient way. Follow these steps on the road to recovery.
Tourism Insurance Survey - Close September 24
The issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry continues to be a concern, including commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
TIABC and TIAC are collecting feedback from the tourism industry to support advocacy efforts. Please complete the survey by September 24.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.
We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
To help with TIABC's advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24.
We also request that you share the survey link with others who have concerns to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input.