Tourism HR Canada: Report on Where to Find Workers

The pandemic has been exceptionally hard on the tourism industry and its workers. Over 880,000 individuals lost their jobs in the first two months. Although employment never fell that low again, every time employment began to increase, another wave of COVID-19 necessitated another round of restrictions and further losses of employment.

The labour shortage that plagues the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry is part of a larger national trend dramatically impacting the industry.

To gain a more national perspective on this trend Tourism HR has published a number of resources to keep you updated, and provide information on where you can find workers.

Resources:

• Tourism HR Canada’s recent report on where we can find workers

• BC Tourism and Hospitality Employment Tracker

Big Thinking for Small Business Plan Updated | BC Chamber of Commerce

The BC Chamber of Commerce recently released its updated Big Thinking for Small Business, a bold plan to grow British Columbia’s economy by focusing on three pillars: inclusivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

Updated from the previous year’s Economic Recovery Submission, the Big Thinking for Small Business plan underpins the pan-provincial priorities as set out by the BC Chamber of Commerce to guide the province through continued recovery efforts.

To support the removal of economic barriers and to help pave the way for small- and medium-sized businesses to thrive once again, emphasis is placed on the critical need for action to address the skilled labour shortage and housing affordability.

The Big Thinking for Small Business plan outlines concise policies which will help inform the advocacy efforts of the BC Chamber of Commerce for the year ahead.

Last Chance to Register for Power Up! Program with Destination BC

Destination BC’s Power Up! program is now accepting applications.

The digital mentoring program will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits with tailored specialist digital support through seasoned consultants.

You can choose from a list of service areas that you deem a priority for your business. From Digital Strategy to SEO to Email Marketing and all things Social Media, the program aims to support a wide range of digital service needs.

The service costs will be directly covered through the Power Up! program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.

Applications are now open, and we encourage to apply as soon as possible on Destination BC’s Learning Centre [http://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/power-up/].

For more information, visit http://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/power-up/ or contact Beth Sangara, Senior Project Manager for Destination BC: Email Beth.Sangara@DestinationBC.ca or Phone 778-572-1830.

Pledge to Measure - AccessibleEmployers.ca

Tourism businesses can download the President Group’s "Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace", a practical guide for employers seeking to measure the rate of disability in their businesses.

The guide draws on real-world experiences of BC employers to explore common barriers, lessons learned, and innovative solutions.

Businesses can download the guide for free, or request a mailed copy.

Webinar: Supporting Employee Mental Health During Difficult Times

When employees struggle to manage difficult guests or personal situations outside of work, it can negatively impact their mental health in the workplace. As a manager, responding to employee concerns in a crisis can be very challenging. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to support them.

Join the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, go2HR, and the Canadian Mental Health Association for a free 45 minute webinar about how tourism business managers can support employees in difficult times.

This webinar will include practical information and resources on:

• How to support employees when faced with difficult guest situations

• How to respond when an employee approaches you in crisis

• When to bring in additional help

• The importance of offering choices to employees as they cope

The webinar will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A.

First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative Accepting Applications

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers are accepting new applications for the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI).

The program helps neighbouring First Nations and municipalities develop and implement long-term planning for community economic development initiatives and land use, while building respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships.

This intake will welcome eight First Nation-municipal partnerships across Canada, with a new regional approach starting in BC and Quebec.

Note that the program is now offering two streams: a three-year standard participation and a two-year accelerated option. Both will start in December 2021.

Neighbouring First Nations and municipal governments are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: October 22, 2021.

Webinar Recording & Follow Up Video: The Art of Communication in Challenging Times

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 9:00 AM 10:00 AM

In times of frequent change and crisis, clear communication is an essential soft skill tourism professionals and leaders. With limited staff and resources, every interaction is an opportunity to establish, build, and maintain relationships with guests and team members.

Fortunately, communications is a soft skill that can be a developed as a foundation of success. By understanding expectations and responding decisively, we can avoid disappointment and instead connect in a meaningful way.

Join the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and John Singleton, Okanagan College Expert Business Mentor, for a free 45 minute webinar on The Art of Communication Through Challenging Times. Learn how to develop communications skills for yourself and your team members, in order to minimize conflict and instead capitalize on interactions to build relationships.

John will share insights for tourism professionals, including:

• How people communicate in different ways

• How to develop soft skills

• How to enhance communication with guests and colleagues

The webinar will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A.

Innovator Skills Initiative Offers Tech Businesses Funding to Hire Employees from Underrepresented Groups

The Innovator Skills Initiative, supported by the Province of BC and Innovate BC, is offering BC businesses up to $10,000 to hire new employees from underrepresented groups. The program was designed to help minority groups enter the tech sector in BC, while supporting businesses facing skills shortages.

The Initiative goal is to increase diversity in the tech sector and help B.C.-based businesses fill talent shortages and grow. The program provides grants to employers that are hiring for tech or tech-related roles.

Employers will offer valuable paid work experience to prepare individuals for ongoing employment.  

 Employers can receive:

• A maximum of one grant of up to $10,000 per candidate per company to supplement a new employee’s salary

• Up to 10 grants for 10 different employees per year

Innovate BC will provide employers with links to resources to support them in recruiting, retaining, and developing employees who self-identify as under-represented.

Innovator Skills Initiative funding is available to employers through Innovate BC’s program as well as through partner programs including:

• Mitacs’ Accelerate and Business Strategy Internships

• Information and Communications Technology Council’s (ICTC) Work-Integrated Learning Digital program

Key Dates of Note

Application deadline: March 11, 2022

• Earliest hire date: June 1, 2021

• Latest hire start date: March 15, 2022

• Latest work placement end date: July 15, 2022

go2HR - COVID-19 Rapid Testing in the Workplace | Resource Guide Updated

go2HR has released an updated COVID-19 Rapid Testing in the Workplace guide. Though access to COVID-19 rapid test kits is becoming increasingly available across Canada, individuals authorized to administer rapid tests differs from one jurisdiction to the next and program eligibility will vary.

Employers are encouraged to ensure that they are aware and follow the required regulations of their province or territory. Tourism and hospitality employers who are considering rapid testing as an option for employees in their workplaces should be aware that doing so requires time, resources and careful consideration in order to ensure that they understand and follow provincial regulations.

Depending on each organization’s situation it may not be an appropriate or cost-effective solution for every employer. This resource guide contains practical information and links to help employers identify and access COVID19 Rapid Response screening tests and program support options.

The information within this document is accurate as of October 6 and publishing will be revised as additional programs and/or information becomes available.

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.

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

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 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. 

• Community Art Guidelines

• Community Art Application

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.

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 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

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 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 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:

1. Decade of Action Seminar (Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST) 

2. Business Action Planning and One-on-One Coaching Calls (October - December)

3. 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

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.

Learn more about Destination BC’s three-year strategic framework towards accessible tourism and meaningful tourism employment opportunities for people with disabilities →

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.

 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

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