News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
REMINDER: Revised Public Health Orders Now in Effect
Public orders for Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events were updated on Monday, October 25th to reflect the restrictions that had been lifted. The order is directed towards restaurants with table service, cafes, food primary or liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms with seating, and private clubs.
Public orders for Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events were updated on Monday, October 25th to reflect the restrictions that had been lifted.
Food and Liquor Serving Premises Public Order
The order is directed towards restaurants with table service, cafes, food primary or liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms with seating, and private clubs.
Highlights of the public order:
The requirement for patrons to remain seated has been removed. Patrons are also allowed to mingle and move between tables.
However, if patrons consume food or drink on the premises, there must be sufficient seating for them, whether at a table, booth or counter. Patrons must be assigned a table, booth or counter, and shown to their seat.
Dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.
A patron must not dance on the premises.
A food service establishment with a liquor license which does not have table service, and which only sells liquor for takeaway, does not have to check for proof of vaccination.
Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.
Gatherings and Events Public Order:
Outside Events:
There are no changes to the rules for outside events
No more than 5,000 persons, or 50% of the seated capacity of a place, excluding event staff, whichever number is greater, are present.
Participants are seated throughout the place in such a way to use all available space
Inside Events:
Updated capacity restrictions: up to 100% of the of the seated operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a seated inside event, and up to 100% of the standing operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a standing inside event.
Dance floors are closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.
Participants do not dance unless they are registered participants in and attending a dance class at a dance studio or a recreation facility, or a child or youth participating in a program for children or youth.
Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.
Travel and COVID-19: Province of British Columbia
The Government of Canada has created a federal COVID-19 proof of vaccination document for travel. It's the most reliable way to show proof of vaccination for travel within Canada. If you're leaving the country, check with your destination to confirm what forms of proof they accept. This proof of vaccination will now be required when travelling in Canada by air, rail or cruise ship.
The Government of Canada has created a federal COVID-19 proof of vaccination document for travel. It's the most reliable way to show proof of vaccination for travel within Canada. This proof of vaccination will now be required when travelling in Canada by air, rail or cruise ship.
The federal proof of vaccination can also be used for international travel. Before leaving, all travellers are encouraged to check the Government of Canada’s travel requirements and the requirements of the country to which they are travelling.
As with the BC Vaccine Card, the new federal proof of vaccination can be accessed through Health Gateway, the Ministry of Health’s web service, by phone or in person at most Service BC offices.
Two doses of any federally approved COVID-19 vaccines, with the second dose administered at least 14 days before travel, are required to be considered fully vaccinated. Canadians who are not fully vaccinated must complete testing requirements and mandatory quarantine when returning to Canada.
BC's Vaccine Card will continue to be used for non-essential activities in BC, including going to a restaurant or sporting event
The Government of Canada has also indicated it will allow people in BC to use the BC Vaccine Card to travel within Canada until Nov. 30, 2021, while the new federal proof of vaccination is rolled out.
New App Provides Remote Access to COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces - Canada.ca
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched a new mobile app to help make workplace health and safety resources on COVID-19 accessible to workers in Canada.
The CCOHS Safe Work app hosts the Centre’s collection of over 120 COVID-19 resources, including industry and sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos, and other guidance materials created to help workplaces keep their workers and customers safe.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched a new mobile app to help make workplace health and safety resources on COVID-19 accessible to workers in Canada.
The CCOHS Safe Work app hosts the Centre’s collection of over 120 COVID-19 resources, including industry and sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos, and other guidance materials created to help workplaces keep their workers and customers safe.
Users can search the app by topic or type of resource, save items to their favourites list, and share videos and other resources with colleagues. Once downloaded, there is no need for an internet connection to run the app. It can be used in remote areas and manufacturing shop floors where connectivity is absent or unreliable.
Shop Local BC - BC Chamber of Commerce
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.
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 following seven economic development regions:
• Central-Cariboo
• Kootenay
• Mainland/Southwest
• North Coast/Nechako
• Northeast
• Thompson-Okanagan
• Vancouver Island/Coast
Key program dates:
The Shop Local BC program will launch November 1, 2021.
Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
Funds will be disbursed on an ongoing basis through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021.
Successful applicants will receive:
80% of the funds requested through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021
20% of the funds requested following submission of a satisfactory post-campaign report
Chamber of Commerce will report the outcomes of the Shop Local BC initiative to the federal government by March 31, 2022.
There will be two information webinars during which the presenters will walk through the application process, including the steps to submit an application via the Shop Local BC portal.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:30am PDT. Register here.
Friday, October 29, 2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm PDT. Register here.
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.
The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.
The new benefit would be:
$300 a week.
Strictly available to workers whose work interruption is a direct result of a government-imposed public health lockdown.
Available until May 7, 2022, with retroactive application to October 24, 2021 should the situation warrant it.
Accessible for the entire duration of a government-imposed public health lockdown (up until May 7, 2022).
Available to workers who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and those who are eligible for EI, as long as they are not paid benefits through EI for the same period.
Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit.
Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the coming weeks.
CCOHS: Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is hosting an e-Course on Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business. This course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is being offered for free.
Upon completion of the course, attendees will:
Understand how coronavirus spreads and the symptoms of COVID-19
Know employer and worker duties in a COVID-19 return to business plan
Be able to describe the role of hazard identification and risk control
Know what measures are used to control the virus, including how to safely clean and disinfect surfaces
Understand how to safely manage the workplace and prepare workers for a return
Understand the impacts on mental health
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is hosting an e-Course on Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business. This course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is being offered for free.
As businesses and workplaces across Canada reopen their doors for workers and customers, it’s important to understand that the coronavirus will still be circulating so new infections are possible. Returning to the workplace will not be the same as before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This awareness course outlines common steps that can be taken to safely reopen during COVID-19. This course will help you prepare and put controls in place to help protect workers and customers and minimize the impact of the pandemic.
Upon completion of the course, attendees will:
Understand how coronavirus spreads and the symptoms of COVID-19
Know employer and worker duties in a COVID-19 return to business plan
Be able to describe the role of hazard identification and risk control
Know what measures are used to control the virus, including how to safely clean and disinfect surfaces
Understand how to safely manage the workplace and prepare workers for a return
Understand the impacts on mental health
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes information on:
Support for individuals
Support for businesses
Support for sectors
Support for communities
Other measures
Completed measures
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes information on:
Support for individuals
Support for businesses
Support for sectors
Support for communities
Other measures
Completed measures
Organizations Buying and Selling Personal Protective Equipment During COVID-19: Overview
The Government of Canada is mobilizing industry to provide medical supplies, and providing information on personal protective equipment in relation to COVID-19, including expedited access and how to get authorization to sell PPE.
The Government of Canada website has been updated with resources to outline the steps of this endeavor.
The Government of Canada is mobilizing industry to provide medical supplies, and providing information on personal protective equipment in relation to COVID-19, including expedited access and how to get authorization to sell PPE.
The Government of Canada website has been updated with resources to outline the steps of this endeavor.
Information for Sellers:
Explore provincial and territorial opportunities to list your supplies. Access additional resources to connect with potential buyers.
Explore how your business can get on provincial or territorial supply lists
Matching supply and demand
and more
Information for Buyers:
Finding personal protective equipment
Consumer guidance
Considerations when buying PPE
Community Resources
and more
Check out the Government of Canada website to learn more.
Canadian Business Resilience - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) campaign has wrapped up, the information on the support programs, the toolkits and the important resources to help businesses manage their operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery are now available on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.
As the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) campaign is wrapped up, the information on the support programs, the toolkits and the important resources to help businesses manage their operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery are now available on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.
Resources:
Free Flu Shots Available As a Precaution
The Province of BC is making flu shots free for anyone older than six months. This year, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it makes good public health sense to get vaccinated for the flu. Last year, the province provided free flu vaccinations to high-risk groups, but this is the first time the shot is free for all aged six months old and older.
The Province of BC is making flu shots free for anyone older than six months. This year, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it makes good public health sense to get vaccinated for the flu.
Last year, the province provided free flu vaccinations to high-risk groups, but this is the first time the shot is free for all aged six months old and older.
Buy BC: Eat Drink Local to Support B.C. Restaurants
This year’s Buy BC: EAT DRINK LOCAL is in full swing, with some of the province’s best-tasting ingredients spotlighted now until November 15. The campaign – a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association – features 30 days of inspirational stories about local restaurants and restaurateurs, and encourages BC residents to support local businesses while enjoy the decadent flavours of fall.
Chefs wanting to be featured can visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/join-buy-bc/restaurants-chefs
This year’s Buy BC: EAT DRINK LOCAL is in full swing, with some of the province’s best-tasting ingredients spotlighted now until November 15. The campaign – a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association – features 30 days of inspirational stories about local restaurants and restaurateurs, and encourages BC residents to support local businesses while enjoy the decadent flavours of fall.
Chefs wanting to be featured can visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/join-buy-bc/restaurants-chefs
Additional Information:
Find participating restaurants online, visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/eat-drink-local
More information about the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association: http://www.bcrfa.com/
Sharing on social? Tag and follow @EatDrinkBuyBC and #BuyBC
Tourism HR Canada: Report on Where to Find Workers
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, read Tourism HR Canada’s recent report on where we can find workers. If you are looking for BC information, be sure to check out the BC Tourism and Hospitality Employment Tracker for monthly updates and post your open positions on the go2HR job board.
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:
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.
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
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.
As the program will fill up quickly, be sure to submit your application as soon as possible.
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.
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.
In this webinar recording by go2HR and the Canadian Mental Health Association, hosted the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, learn how tourism business managers can support employees in difficult times.
This webinar includes 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
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.
Application deadline: October 22, 2021
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
In times of frequent change and crisis, clear communication is an essential soft skill for 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, communication skills can be developed by business leaders and team members, to minimize conflict and instead build relationships.
Watch the 45 minute webinar recording and follow up video on The Art of Communication Through Challenging Times, hosted by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and John Singleton, Okanagan College instructor and business consultant.
Okanagan College Expert Business Mentors, including John, are available for free 1-1 coaching sessions for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency clients.
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 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:
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.
The information within this document is accurate as of October 6 and publishing and will be revised as additional programs and/or information becomes available.
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.