News & Resources

The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.

 
Resource Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Resource Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

go2HR and CMHA Launch Free Mental Health Skills Online Course

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. As they continue prioritizing mental health and workplace wellness in 2022, go2HR encourages you to register for a new course in partnership with CMHA BC.

'Primary Concerns by Not 9 to 5' is a free online course that can help you maintain your mental health. It can also serve as a guide if you're holding space to care for another person experiencing an emotional or mental crisis.

Some of the things you'll learn:

  • Recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide help to prevent or avoid crises Improve one's mental health

  • Support the creation of a psychologically safe workplace

Learn More →

 

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. As they continue prioritizing mental health and workplace wellness in 2022, go2HR encourages you to register for a new course in partnership with CMHA BC.

'Primary Concerns by Not 9 to 5' is a free online course that can help you maintain your mental health. It can also serve as a guide if you're holding space to care for another person experiencing an emotional or mental crisis.

Some of the things you'll learn:

  • Recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide help to prevent or avoid crises Improve one's mental health

  • Support the creation of a psychologically safe workplace

Learn More →


 
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B.C. Tourism Business Events, Workforce Support Receive Grants

The new Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel. Funding will be provided to city destination management organizations that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations will be invited to submit proposals to access this funding.

To help address serious challenges to recruit and retain workers in tourism and hospitality, the Province is investing in human resources support for this sector. More than $1.3 million will fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions for two years. In partnership with the tourism industry’s human resources association, go2HR, these individuals will provide expert advice to tourism operators in each region, including workforce strategy, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, training, health and safety, and interpreting employment legislation.

Learn More →

 

Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.

The new Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel. Funding will be provided to city destination management organizations that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations will be invited to submit proposals to access this funding.

This investment will generate economic activity by drawing international visitors, who tend to spend more and stay longer, and often travel to other smaller destinations once their business travel is complete. Restarting business events also provides greater economic benefits for the services that support the sector, such as food services, audio-visual companies, event rental companies, event planners, and transportation companies that will subsequently benefit from the return of large conferences to the province.

To help address serious challenges to recruit and retain workers in tourism and hospitality, the Province is investing in human resources support for this sector. More than $1.3 million will fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions for two years. In partnership with the tourism industry’s human resources association, go2HR, these individuals will provide expert advice to tourism operators in each region, including workforce strategy, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, training, health and safety, and interpreting employment legislation.

In the coming weeks, go2HR will start recruiting in the Thompson Okanagan.

Government’s collaborative work to support the tourism sector continues and more support for marquee events, and tourism education and skills training will be announced soon.

Learn More →

 
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Portal for Federal Subsidies for Period 24 (December 19, 2021, to January 15, 2022)

The federal government announced that the application portals for business subsidy programs will open on the following dates:

  1. Period 24: February 7, 2022

  2. Period 25: March 1, 2022

Go to Portal →

Regulatory changes announced in December temporarily expand eligibility for wage and commercial rent support for businesses and other organizations under the Local Lockdown Program. These changes would:

  1. Apply to claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022)

  2. Allow those entities to qualify if they are subject to a capacity-limiting public health restriction of 50 per cent or more

  3. Reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25 per cent for those entities

Learn More →

As a reminder, the federal subsidies available are:

  1. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program

  2. Canada Recovery Hiring Program

  3. Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program

  4. Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

  5. Local Lockdown Program

 

The federal government announced that the application portals for business subsidy programs will open on the following dates:

  1. Period 24: February 7, 2022

  2. Period 25: March 1, 2022

Go to Portal →

Regulatory changes announced in December temporarily expand eligibility for wage and commercial rent support for businesses and other organizations under the Local Lockdown Program. These changes would:

  1. Apply to claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022)

  2. Allow those entities to qualify if they are subject to a capacity-limiting public health restriction of 50 per cent or more

  3. Reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25 per cent for those entities

Learn More →

As a reminder, the federal subsidies available are:

  1. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program

  2. Canada Recovery Hiring Program

  3. Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program

  4. Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

  5. Local Lockdown Program

 
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Indigenous Tourism BC Launches Corporate Retreats, Experiences Campaign

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is launching a campaign to encourage corporations, organizations, and special interest groups to book retreats, meetings, workshops, and educational experiences with Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia.

B.C.'s Indigenous tourism operators provide both space and leadership for learning, reflection, and dialogue. This is a valuable means for organizations that are looking to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action or for educators that are seeking to apply First Nations learning principles.

ITBC encourages everyone to participate and support Indigenous tourism businesses in B.C., representing the diverse and living Indigenous peoples and cultures in present-day B.C..

Groups can experience and learn from Indigenous-owned businesses such as accommodations, outdoor experiences, event facilities, food & beverage establishment, cultural centres, gift shops, and galleries.

Thompson Okanagan Indigenous services providers listed include:

  1. Quaaout Lodge and Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort - Chase

  2. Jack Sam's Restaurant at Quaaout Lodge - Chase

  3. Moccasin Trails - Kamloops and Kelowna

  4. Nk'Mip Cultural Centre - Osoyoos

  5. Kekuli Cafe - West Kelowna, Merritt

Learn More & View Indigenous Service Providers→

 

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is launching a campaign to encourage corporations, organizations, and special interest groups to book retreats, meetings, workshops, and educational experiences with Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia.

B.C.'s Indigenous tourism operators provide both space and leadership for learning, reflection, and dialogue. This is a valuable means for organizations that are looking to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action or for educators that are seeking to apply First Nations learning principles.

ITBC encourages everyone to participate and support Indigenous tourism businesses in B.C., representing the diverse and living Indigenous peoples and cultures in present-day B.C..

When finding new ways to conduct business and improve relationships with Indigenous Peoples and partners, organizations and their teams can both experience and learn from Indigenous-owned businesses that include accommodations, outdoor experiences, event facilities, food & beverage establishment, cultural centres, gift shops, and galleries.

Thompson Okanagan Indigenous services providers listed include:

  1. Quaaout Lodge and Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort - Chase

  2. Jack Sam's Restaurant at Quaaout Lodge - Chase

  3. Moccasin Trails - Kamloops and Kelowna

  4. Nk'Mip Cultural Centre - Osoyoos

  5. Kekuli Cafe - West Kelowna, Merritt

Learn More & View Indigenous Service Providers→

 
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BC Hotel Association Encourages Accommodation Sector to Source Locally

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has launched a new video encouraging the province's accommodation sector to invest in local businesses and help build back B.C.'s economy stronger than ever.

While the campaign is directed to accommodators, it's beneficial for all sectors to support local when possible. When sourcing new products or services, be sure to seek and consider B.C. and Canadian businesses.

Learn More & Explore Local Businesses →

 

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has launched a new video encouraging the province's accommodation sector to invest in local businesses and help build back B.C.'s economy stronger than ever.

Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the BCHA was among 88 applicants to receive a grant from the Shop Local initiative that encourages Canadians to spend their dollars locally to help businesses navigate through the pandemic beyond.

Learn More & Explore Local Businesses →

While the campaign is directed to accommodators, it's beneficial for all sectors to support local when possible. When sourcing new products or services, be sure to seek and consider B.C. and Canadian businesses.

Reasons for Companies to Shop Local

  1. Contribute to Community Growth and Cohesiveness

  2. You Can Buy It Where You Try It

  3. Give Back to Your Community

  4. Independent Businesses Help Give a Destination Its Distinct Personality

 
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Free Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors

Okanagan College instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions on a variety of leadership soft skills, business administration, and hospitality topics.

This service is offered free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, for a limited time.

Register for an Okanagan College Mentorship Meeting →

 

Okanagan College instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based on expressed areas of need.

This service is offered free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, for a limited time. Mentors can provide support on a variety of leadership soft skills, business administration, and hospitality topics.

Register for an Okanagan College Mentorship Meeting →

 
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DBC Launches "Snapshot of BC Travel" Dashboard

Destination BC now summarizes weekly travel indicators in B.C. in a new interactive dashboard, revamping the “Snapshot of BC Travel” one page report. Key insights are available on a weekly basis and performance is captured in the following areas:

  • Domestic overnight visitation to BC and the six tourism regions using mobility data;

  • Hotel occupancy, ADR, and RevPar for BC and select BC communities from STR;

  • Air capacity and air bookings to BC using ForwardKeys data;

The dashboard enables the user to access detailed views of each data source by clicking on the report headers from the summary view. The dashboard is updated every Monday.

View Dashboard →

 

Destination BC now summarizes weekly travel indicators in B.C. in a new interactive dashboard, revamping the “Snapshot of BC Travel” one page report. Key insights are available on a weekly basis and performance is captured in the following areas:

  • Domestic overnight visitation to BC and the six tourism regions using mobility data;

  • Hotel occupancy, ADR, and RevPar for BC and select BC communities from STR;

  • Air capacity and air bookings to BC using ForwardKeys data;

The dashboard enables the user to access detailed views of each data source by clicking on the report headers from the summary view. The dashboard is updated every Monday.

View Dashboard →

 
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The Backcountry Lodges of BC Association "Mountain Escapes" Podcast

Mountain Escapes is a podcast that aims to connect backcountry enthusiasts with the owners and operators of the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association (BLBCA) member lodges throughout B.C. In each episode they highlight a unique lodge through conversation with an owner. They also feature guest appearances by other influential backcountry enthusiasts and industry experts.

Host Brad Harrison has worked and adventured in remote settings most of his life. He’s owned and operated lodges, operated mountaineering camps and provided avalanche courses. He is the Executive Director of the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association.

In the latest episode, Brad talks to the owners/operators/guides of Mt. Assiniboine Lodge, Andre Renner and Claude Duchesne.

Listen to Podcast →

 

Mountain Escapes is a podcast that aims to connect backcountry enthusiasts with the owners and operators of the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association (BLBCA) member lodges throughout B.C. In each episode they highlight a unique lodge through conversation with an owner. They also feature guest appearances by other influential backcountry enthusiasts and industry experts.

Host Brad Harrison has worked and adventured in remote settings most of his life. He’s owned and operated lodges, operated mountaineering camps and provided avalanche courses. He is the Executive Director of the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association.

In the latest episode, Brad talks to the owners/operators/guides of Mt. Assiniboine Lodge, Andre Renner and Claude Duchesne.

Listen to Podcast →

 
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TikTok Vs Reels: Everything Hotel Marketers Need to Know

Social media app TikTok recently topped Google as the world’s most visited website. That impressive feat also cements TikTok as a top channel for hotel marketers. It’s simply no longer possible to ignore the reach and impact of this platform.

The growing popularity of TikTok’s short format videos has also led to copycats from competitors. The biggest is Reels, Instagram’s answer to TikTok. Both platforms feature short videos that offer a light-hearted way to inject fun into a hotels’ social strategy.

With both TikTok and Reels capturing outsized attention among social media users, check out this comparison article to learn to fully leverage both of these popular platforms in your hotel marketing strategy.

Learn More →

 

Social media app TikTok recently topped Google as the world’s most visited website. That impressive feat also cements TikTok as a top channel for hotel marketers. It’s simply no longer possible to ignore the reach and impact of this platform.

The growing popularity of TikTok’s short format videos has also led to copycats from competitors. The biggest is Reels, Instagram’s answer to TikTok. Both platforms feature short videos that offer a light-hearted way to inject fun into a hotels’ social strategy.

With both TikTok and Reels capturing outsized attention among social media users, check out this comparison article to learn to fully leverage both of these popular platforms in your hotel marketing strategy.

Learn More →

 
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Download the Canada Business App to Find Government Programs & Services

The Canada Business App offers new features to make it even easier to find government programs and services.

Download and explore the app for:

  • Easy navigation to government programs and services

  • Recommendations tailored to your business

  • Personalized notifications straight to your phone

  • Easy access to COVID-19 support and other programs and services

  • Answers to help you start up, scale up and access new markets

Get the App →

 

The Canada Business App offers new features to make it even easier to find government programs and services.

Download and explore:

  • Easy navigation to government programs and services

  • Recommendations tailored to your business

  • Personalized notifications straight to your phone

  • Easy access to COVID-19 support and other programs and services

  • Answers to help you start up, scale up and access new markets

Get the App →

 
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February is Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to honour, celebrate and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians here in British Columbia and across the country.

The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.”

Actions you can take:

  1. Tune in to Canada's Black History Month virtual celebration on February 17, 2022 at 4 PM PT on Facebook Live for feature performances, tributes, interviews, and more

  2. Download and use the Government of Canada's Black History Month toolkit

  3. Read the joint statement in recognition of Black History Month by BC Premier John Horgan and Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives

  4. Learn more from the BC Black History Awareness Society and participate in their events, many of which will be held virtually online

  5. Are you a Black-owned or operated tourism business in the Thompson Okanagan region? Email us at News@TOTABC.com to share your story and let us know how we can help amplify your business

 

Black History Month is a time to honour, celebrate and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians here in British Columbia and across the country.

The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.”  

Actions you can take:

  1. Tune in to Canada's Black History Month virtual celebration on February 17, 2022 at 4 PM PT on Facebook Live for feature performances, tributes, interviews, and more

  2. Download and use the Government of Canada's Black History Month toolkit

  3. Read the joint statement in recognition of Black History Month by BC Premier John Horgan and Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives

  4. Learn more from the BC Black History Awareness Society and participate in their events, many of which will be held virtually online

  5. Are you a Black-owned or operated tourism business in the Thompson Okanagan region? Email us at News@TOTABC.com to share your story and let us know how we can help amplify your business

 
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Restaurants Canada Positive & Inclusive Workplace Guide

If you are in the foodservice industry and looking to foster a healthy workplace environment for your employees, download this in-depth guide from Restaurants Canada.

This guide provides information on:

  • Building a Culture of Inclusion

  • Hiring Practices to Build a Vibrant Labour Force

  • Racial, Cultural and Gender Diversity

  • Mental Health

  • Sexual Harassment

  • Sick Leave/Parental Leave

Download Guide →

 

If you are in the foodservice industry and looking to foster a healthy workplace environment for your employees, download this in-depth guide from Restaurants Canada.

This guide provides information on:

  • Building a Culture of Inclusion

  • Hiring Practices to Build a Vibrant Labour Force

  • Racial, Cultural and Gender Diversity

  • Mental Health

  • Sexual Harassment

  • Sick Leave/Parental Leave

Download Guide →


 
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Free Resources for Sexual Harassment Advice, Response, and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces)

The Sexual Harassment Advice, Response, and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces) project aims to increase public knowledge, skills, confidence, and competence in managing complex issues related to workplace sexual harassment, and to improve access to legal supports and resources for people who experience workplace sexual harassment.

SHARP is offering FREE online SHARP Workplaces’ training sessions designed for small businesses and non-profits across B.C.

  1. Foundational Course (for employers and workers)

  2. Rights and Responsibilities (for employers and workers)

  3. Workplace Investigations (employers only)

  4. Best Practices for Developing a Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy (employers only)

  5. Legal Options and Remedies (for employers and workers)

They also offer free legal advice.

View Resources →

 

The Sexual Harassment Advice, Response, and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces) project aims to increase public knowledge, skills, confidence, and competence in managing complex issues related to workplace sexual harassment, and to improve access to legal supports and resources for people who experience workplace sexual harassment.

SHARP is offering FREE online SHARP Workplaces’ training sessions designed for small businesses and non-profits across B.C.

  1. Foundational Course (for employers and workers)

  2. Rights and Responsibilities (for employers and workers)

  3. Workplace Investigations (employers only)

  4. Best Practices for Developing a Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy (employers only)

  5. Legal Options and Remedies (for employers and workers)

They also offer free legal advice.

View Resources →


 
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Reminder: Employer Reimbursement Program for Paid Sick Leave

This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.

The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.

Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.

Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.

For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.

Learn More →

 

This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.

The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.

Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.

Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.

For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.

Learn More →


 
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Skift Megatrends 2022 Report

Skift has published a forecast of the top trends that will define the travel industry in 2022. It provides an optimistic outlook for recovery of international travel by 2024. Other key trends revolve around community, ruralization, mobility and climate.

View Report →

 

Skift has published a forecast of the top trends that will define the travel industry in 2022. It provides an optimistic outlook for recovery of international travel by 2024. Other key trends revolve around community, ruralization, mobility and climate.

View Report →


 
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Global Survey on Perspectives of Service Delivery & Traveller Priorities Report | Tourism HR Canada

Tourism HR Canada released a report that provides insight to the current perspectives of the service delivery in Canada and how the travel and tourism industry should prepare itself for the future. The report concluded that, as the visitor economy gradually recovers from the COVID crisis, addressing service disruptions will need to be balanced against safety and price sensitivity.

View Full Report →

 

Tourism HR Canada released a report that provides insight to the current perspectives of the service delivery in Canada and how the travel and tourism industry should prepare itself for the future.

The report concluded that, as the visitor economy gradually recovers from the COVID crisis, addressing service disruptions will need to be balanced against safety and price sensitivity.

The following is a summary of the findings:

  1. While many developed destinations consider themselves to be at the tail end of the COVID 19 pandemic, with vaccine rollouts now well underway, the disruption to the value chain as a whole is far from over.

  2. According to current projections, the tourism industry in Canada is not expected to recover to 2019 levels until 2025.

  3. With this challenge in mind, tourism businesses will need to prioritize and allocate their resources effectively to ensure they are able to develop their products and services to adapt to the new normal while still delivering quality in line with what travellers value.

  4. Broadly speaking, the overall visitor experience remains the most important concern for international travellers in selecting a destination to travel to (unsurprisingly as this encompasses a range of factors).

  5. Quality service is second only to the overall visitor experience in this regard and thus will be of paramount importance in destination recovery efforts.

  6. Quality of service is particularly valuable to the lucrative Chinese market to which international destinations will have to appeal to thrive in the new global travel market in the years to come.

  7. However, health and safety concerns (particularly in Britain and Australia) and price and affordability are also major concerns. Price and affordability is somewhat prioritized across destinations and this is likely driven by post COVID price sensitivity among travellers.

  8. In terms of the impact of service disruption on destination selection, Canada performs well relative to other destinations, with travellers reporting relatively low impact particularly in the USA, South Korea, France and Germany.

  9. China, however, is an exception to this, placing Canada as being most impacted by potential service disruption in terms of destination selection. China is also one of the few countries to consider service disruption in Canada more serious than at home.

View Full Report →


 
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Service Provider: Everything Podcasts

Everything Podcasts, part of Pattison Media, is a full-service podcast production company. They help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series.

Everything Podcasts works with brands, organizations, and companies to create powerful content creative, promotional support, production services, marketing, sales representation, research, and access to the fastest-growing media platform in the world, podcasting.

The most fundamental challenge brands face in the “attention economy” is: how do you capture people’s attention? By telling stories. 93% of Podcast listeners listen to all or most of each episode!

Learn more →

 

Everything Podcasts, part of Pattison Media, is a full-service podcast production company. They help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series.

Everything Podcasts works with brands, organizations, and companies to create powerful content creative, promotional support, production services, marketing, sales representation, research, and access to the fastest-growing media platform in the world, podcasting.

The most fundamental challenge brands face in the “attention economy” is: how do you capture people’s attention? By telling stories. 93% of Podcast listeners listen to all or most of each episode!

Learn more →


 
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B.C. COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant | Apply by February 28, 2022

The Province of B.C. has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting B.C. businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases under the December 22, 2021 and/or January 18, 2022 Provincial Health Officer orders.

The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant is extended and supports doubled for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16, 2022.

Apply by February 28, 2022.

Learn More & Apply →

 

The Province of B.C. has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting B.C. businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases under the December 22, 2021 and/or January 18, 2022 Provincial Health Officer orders.

The Province extended the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant and doubled supports for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16, 2022.

Businesses ordered fully closed include:

  1. gyms, fitness and adult dance centres

  2. bars, lounges and nightclubs

  3. event venues that can no longer hold events

The fund will provide relief grants of between $1,000 and $10,000 to help affected businesses alleviate some financial pressures and help with expenses including rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.

The funding amount for each business is based how many B.C. employees or contracted staff they had at the time of closure.

This $10-million provincial program complements existing federal government programs, including the recently expanded Local Lockdown Program and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit.

Apply by February 28, 2022.

Businesses can email questions to: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca

Learn More & Apply →


 
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New Order Requires Employers to Re-Activate COVID-19 Safety Plans | Order Now Available

On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.

View Official Order →

go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.

Register for Safety Plan Review →

For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:

 

On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.

View Official Order →

The order requires COVID-19 Safety Plans to incorporate some expanded and new controls, including:

  • Indoor common area protocols to prevent workers from congregating

    • face coverings used in indoor common areas

    • lunch area/break room protocols

  • Policies to support workers who have symptoms of a communicable disease

    • to avoid the workplace

    • when symptoms present in the workplace

    • work from home options

    • self-isolation and monitoring

  • Measures to promote hand hygiene

    • handwashing and sanitizing

  • Measures to keep the workplace environment safe

    • cleaning and sanitizing

    • ventilation and air circulation

  • Measures to support workers receiving vaccinations for COVID-19

Your new and improved COVID-19 Safety Plan must be communicated and maintained by:

  • Posting a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan on your website for staff, visitors, and the public to view.

  • Providing a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan to a health officer or WorkSafeBC officer upon request.

  • Reviewing and updating the plan periodically to ensure adequate prevention measures are being followed, according to WorkSafeBC requirements and the current COVID-19 public health situation.

 

go2HR’s COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service and Resources

go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.

Register for Safety Plan Review →

If you have questions about these COVID-19 control measures or how to update your COVID-19 safety plan, health and safety experts are available to assist. Contact go2HR at 604-633-9787 or  safety@go2hr.ca.

Additional Resources

For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:


 
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Vancouver Wine Consumers Planning Return to the Okanagan in 2022

Quini captures consumer opinion about important product concerns or industry issues. In a wine tasting in Vancouver this past December, Quini gauged consumer interest in visiting the Okanagan Valley in 2022, drinker general opinion of Okanagan wines, and B.C. wine brand awareness and recall.

It seems like the majority of consumers who go wine tasting in the Okanagan leave with a positive impression and most will also plan to return at some point.

View Report →

 

Quini captures consumer opinion about important product concerns or industry issues. In a wine tasting in Vancouver this past December, Quini gauged consumer interest in visiting the Okanagan Valley in 2022, drinker general opinion of Okanagan wines, and B.C. wine brand awareness and recall.

It seems like the majority of consumers who go wine tasting in the Okanagan leave with a positive impression and most will also plan to return at some point.

View Report →


 
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