Phase Two of KVR Repairs Begin

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), will be commencing Phase Two of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata) on Monday September 13, 2021. The improvements will include capping the repaired subbase with a 3/4” minus aggregate to create a rideable trail tread and repair any drainage issues. This process is expected to be completed within a month. The public is asked to respect all crews, barriers, equipment and all posted signage for your personal and workers safety.

Trail after Phase One Completion

The first phase of the trail repair was completed in early summer of 2021. The improvements included brushing, grading, and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding along the approximately 16km section of the trail. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery.

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.

B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirements Now in Effect & Industry Resources

The new BC COVID-19 vaccine requirement rules take effect today, Monday, September 13, meaning some events, services and businesses are required to check a person's proof of vaccination for service and access to their venue or space. This applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+).

As of September 13, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to noted settings. From September 13-26th people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination.

The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” Businesses can scan the QR code using the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App, available on the Google and Apple app stores or do a visual verification. After verifying proof of vaccination, you must also review government photo ID by matching the name listed on the proof of vaccination with the person.

Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID. Visitors from outside of Canada are required to show the record of vaccination they used to enter Canada and their passport. 

Proof of Vaccination Resources for Businesses

Get Your BC Vaccine Card and save a copy. It's recommended to save a digital copy to your phone or tablet by taking a screenshot, saving it to a photo album or downloads folder, and arranging the app on the home screen so it can easily be accessed.

B.C. has provided information for businesses at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses. The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print-ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card Guide for Businesses. 

Destination BC has put together a comprehensive communication toolkit with key messaging, information, resources and FAQ's for BC's tourism industry as it relates to proof of vaccination requirements, found on the on the Messaging & Toolkit page.

go2HR has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources and Vaccinations in the Workplace Toolkit to help employers understand vaccination policies and options available, including examples of BC employer policies and templates.

Tourism Votes: Canadian Election Resources for Tourism Businesses

TIAC has developed a number of tools to assist you in getting involved on behalf of the visitor economy at TourismVotes.ca. While TIAC continues to meet with key decision makers and candidates in Ottawa and across the country, which is an extremely important part of advocacy, it is equally important for industry to make an effort to meet with their local candidates from all parties. Local constituents are able to provide their candidates with a more specific community perspective on issues related to tourism industry local impact.

Ensure you are registered by visiting Elections.ca. Remember you can register to vote by mail, you can vote at advanced polls, or you can choose to vote on election day, September 20, 2021.

Canada Welcomes Back International Travellers

As of September 7, 2021, the federal government says foreign travellers who are fully vaccinated will be free to come to Canada as long as they are asymptomatic, have received either two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines at least 14 days before entering the country and meet other pre-entry requirements.

Before boarding, anyone at least five years of age and up — even if they are fully vaccinated — will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours before boarding a plane. Antigen tests don’t count.

They will also have to upload their proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app either in English or in French before takeoff or they will not be allowed to board.

The new rules exempt travellers from the mandatory 14-day quarantine once they have touched down in Canada, but selected foreign nationals may be subject to testing upon arrival.

Nobody partially vaccinated will be exempt from the new travel restrictions, and neither will travellers who have received one dose and recovered from COVID-19.

New Measures for Fully Vaccinated International Travellers to Canada

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals are now eligible to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons such as tourism; however, these individuals must:

• Be fully vaccinated: a traveller must have received, and show proof of, the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

• Have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or their arrival at the land border crossing, or a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada. Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests” are not accepted;

• Be asymptomatic; submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan; be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and, take a test on arrival, if selected.

Click View Government of Canada Website to review the new rules.

Survey on Francophone Tourism + Free Toolkit for Francophone Tourism | Survey closes September 19

The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) and its members have initiated a study that will focus on the evolution of the Francophone and bilingual tourism offer in Canada almost 15 months after the beginning of the pandemic. The study will focus on tourism businesses located outside of Quebec that offer services to a Francophone clientele.

The results of the survey will allow RDÉE Canada to establish a general data report on the situation of tourism businesses after the COVID crisis in order to target their needs to better help them prepare to welcome visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe.

All questionnaire respondents will receive a free kit for Francophone tourism in Canada. This kit will be produced in the coming year and will provide the knowledge and information required to guide your initiatives in the main Francophone markets.

Share Your Feedback

Tourism businesses that offer or wish to offer services to French-speaking customers are invited to share the current situation and industry needs to welcome French-speaking visitors by answering this short survey, available in both languages.

Survey closes September 19, 2021

BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information - Employment Tracker | go2HR

The Employment Tracker reports on monthly changes in employment in the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry. The Tracker draws primarily from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), a monthly household survey conducted by Statistics Canada. The LFS is the most timely source of data on the labour market across Canada.

go2HR receives LFS tables generated by Qatalyst Research Group via Statistics Canada's Real Time Remote Access (RTRA) Program that follows the Tourism Satellite Account’s definition of tourism. This data enables go2HR to track changes in employment and major trends in the Tourism and Hospitality industry in BC and monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

Reminder: Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Canadian employers who continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to apply for one of the two subsidies to cover part of employee wages.

The Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support wages you pay through different phases of your economic recovery. Each claim period, eligible employers can claim either CRHP or CEWS, whichever is higher.

BC Vaccine Card: Preparing for the Proof of Vaccination Requirement, Beginning September 13

Starting Monday, September 13, 2021, British Columbians - and visitors to B.C. - will need proof of vaccination to access some events, services, and businesses.

The Province of B.C. announced details on how businesses can check for proof of vaccination with the new BC Vaccine Card, a digital or printed document that shows the stage of the cardholder's COVID-19 vaccine progress. This will help increase vaccinations, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open and allowing events to take place.

Once verified, a person will be able to save a digital copy to their mobile device or print a hard copy to present along with their government-issued photo identification when entering designated businesses and events.

People can get their BC Vaccine Card online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html. People without access to a computer and printer can get their card by calling 1 833 838-2323 at the Get Vaccinated call centre and get their printed copy mailed to them or visit a Service BC Centre.

The BC Vaccine Card will include a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” Businesses can either scan the QR code using a QR reader like a smartphone or tablet or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. A BC Vaccine Card Verifier App will be released in the Google and Apple app stores closer to September 13 for businesses that choose to scan the QR code.

This new requirement is being implemented through orders from the provincial health officer. Individuals will show proof of vaccination alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People 12 to 18 years do not need to show identification.

Business Resources & Guidance

Information for businesses, including step-by-step instructions can be found at  gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses. The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card guide for businesses. Businesses and event operators will be provided with a suite of communications tools, including posters, a question-and-answer document, and a list of approved proofs of vaccination from other jurisdictions to guide them on how to check a vaccine card.

Destination BC has provided a Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry: Proof of Vaccination Card on the Messaging & Toolkit page.

Quick Links:

• BC Gov News Release - BC Vaccine Card Details

• BC Press Conference Recording - September 7

• BC Vaccine Card Slidedeck

• To learn more about the vaccine card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

Additional Details 

Timeline

The use of the BC Vaccine Card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards. As of Sept. 13, 2021, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. From Sept. 13-26, 2021, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. Starting Sept. 27, 2021, only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in B.C.

By Oct. 24, 2021, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The requirement will be time limited through to Jan. 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.

In areas where community transmission is increased significantly or where there are outbreaks, the requirements to be fully vaccinated to access these events and activities may be required earlier at the direction of a local medical health officer.

Settings where proof of vaccination will be required:

• indoor ticketed sporting events

• indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events

• licensed restaurants, and those offering table service (indoor and outdoor dining)

• pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and outdoor dining)

• night clubs, casinos, movie theatres

• fitness centres/gyms/adult sports (indoor)

• indoor group exercise activities

• organized indoor events with 50 or more people (e.g., wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences, workshops)

• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities

Accommodation: Accommodations have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. The BC Hotel Association has provided guidance for accommodators on setting a Proof of Vaccination policy.

Winery tastings/samplings: Wine Growers of BC confirmed with Provincial Health that if guests are seated and separate from the retail shop, proof of vaccination is required. However, if not seated and within the retail shop, proof of vaccination is not required.

Employees: Businesses should not request to see an employee’s proof of vaccination as part of the BC Vaccine Card program unless the employee is attending as a customer. Businesses or institutions may choose to adopt their own vaccination policies for their employees but are responsible for doing their own due diligence.

Proof of Vaccination for Visitors to B.C.

Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID.

For individuals visiting from outside of Canada, they will be required to show the record of vaccination they use to enter Canada and their passport.

Enforcement

Tickets can be issued to individuals, owners/operators of locations and event organizers for violations of the PHO orders.

Depending on the violation, individuals could be subject to a $230 or $575 violation ticket. Owners, operators, and event organizers could be subject to a $2300 violation ticket.

Enforcement is at the discretion of enforcement officers, including police, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators, and conservation officers.

Business Support & Advocacy

Need help making sense of how the new BC Vaccine Card impacts your business? The Tourism Resiliency Program is here to support you, at no cost. Thompson Okanagan tourism companies can connect with TOTA in the following ways:

- Schedule a 1:1 Business Support Meeting with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor to receive personalized support.

- Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.

- Email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.

Apply for DER3 Digital Resiliency Free Program Before September 14

Innovate BC's DER3, or Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency program, provides free advisory services and mentorship to B.C. businesses outside of the Lower Mainland. The DER3 program helps businesses expand or create their digital presence.

Register for this great opportunity before program intake ends on September 14.

Get matched with a local business coach ready to help you build an action plan to get online, at no cost and no obligation. 

COVID-19 has created a new normal. New norms, new restrictions, and your business needs to keep running. Businesses like yours are fundamental to BC’s economy. 

Participants are matched with a business coach help you:  

• Identify key steps to get online

• Share resources and tools you can use to solve your business needs

• Access content to build your team's digital skills

Big White Offers Free Scenic Chairlift Rides for Front Line & Essential Service Workers

In celebration of Labour Day and British Columbia’s front line workers and first responders, Big White Ski Resort is offering a complimentary scenic chairlift ride ticket and 50% off MOO-Lix ice cream at The Globe Café & Tapas Bar in the village all weekend (from Thursday, September 2 to Monday, September 6).

Frontline workers and first responders include:

1. Any staff member that works for Interior Health or a private health care provider

2. Any staff member that is a first responder – such as firefighter, police, ambulance, bylaw, forest protection, or conservation officer

3. Front line workers including pharmacy, grocery, delivery, hotel/motel, restaurant, community support, teachers, and/or childcare providers

4. Essential workers listed here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/family-and-social-supports/covid-19/list_of_essential_services.pdf

Workers can take the day off and simply present an ID or paystub at the ticket window in the Big White Village Centre Mall.

Everyone is welcomed to take part and enjoy Big White’s summer activities, which conclude for the season this weekend while they prepare for the winter season, beginning in November.

New Biosphere Committed Member - August

We are pleased to welcome Manteo at Eldorado Resort to the Biosphere Commitment Program!

Manteo at Eldorado Resort features 102 guest rooms, suites & villas on the shores of Okanagan Lake. At Manteo, they believe it is their duty to set the precedent for sustainability practices through their leadership in the tourism industry.

The team is constantly seeking new ways to enrich the local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with an emphasis on diversity and equality. Manteo is proud to take part in environmental initiatives such as Adopt-A-Stream, Neighbourhood Clean-Ups, Bike to Work Week, and the eradication of invasive species, replacing them with native plants.

Giving back and fostering a strong sense of community is extremely important to Manteo. They focus on farm-to-table dining, partnering with local vendors and organizations, as well as raising funds for local charities.

Learn more about Manteo at Eldorado Resort.

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The Ripple Effect

A recent episode of the podcast How to Save a Planet explored whether individual actions matter at all or whether big, systemic changes and policies are the only thing keeping Earth from burning up. While we recommend listening to the entire episode, there are a few points worth highlighting, especially if you’re still trying to wrap your head around the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

The climate crisis really hinges on a few key sectors, including energy, food and agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing and industry. One eliminated plastic bag or one less car ride might not make a dent but cumulatively, the ripple effect of these actions have the capacity to build a wave.

The Ripple Effect

In 2018, Greta Thunberg started sitting outside the Swedish Parliament during her school days, trying to get government officials to recognize and take meaningful action on the climate crisis. One by one, other students started to join her and before too long, she was a leading voice in the climate movement.

Greta Thunberg addressed the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference and spoke at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit. Many have heard about her and her commitment to push for real, systemic change. While Thunberg has her fair share of critics, dozens of world leaders have praised her efforts and support her work. What matters most is the fact that she is an individual who inspired a few other individuals who each inspired other individuals in turn. Thunberg represents a single drop in an ocean, who created ripples which have gone on to create waves.

It’s not individual actions that matter, necessarily, but collective action does. When enough people are able to encourage others to change their behaviour in some way and take action, then a groundswell of individuals can make a real and measurable difference.

Take Action

The ripple effect is real and it matters. What is most important to realize about the ripple effect is that action is required. The IPCC report is not only a reminder of the dire situation we find ourselves in but also an invitation to remember that small actions taken by individuals and within companies matter — but only if real action exists and is visible and shared with others.

Key Actions Tourism Stakeholders Can Take To Create A Ripple:

• Model responsible travel behaviour: People look toward you for insight on how to act and behave when they travel. Model the behaviour you want others to adopt.

• Share your climate action with others: Let others know what you’re doing to mitigate your carbon footprint.

• Normalize talking about the climate crisis: We should not normalize the climate crisis but we must normalize talking about it. On tours, in destinations, and during travel experiences, we can not just brush off extreme weather as an “unseasonably hot summer”.

• Move beyond your climate pledge: If you’ve declared a climate emergency, it’s time to put real science-backed measurements in place and take action to cut carbon emissions from your operations and supply chains.

• Embrace radical transparency: Get real about any greenwashing you’ve been holding on to, do the hard work, and be radically transparent about your climate action with the general public. What are you committed to doing? By when and by how much? Put your goals out into the world and publicly track your commitments.

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Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund: Apply by October 1, 2021

The Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund provides one-time grants to event organizers to support the safe restart of events across B.C. Funds are available to cover a range of operational expenses, up to 20% of your total event budget to a maximum of $250,000 per event.

Eligible events include sport, arts, and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs, rodeos, and exhibitions. Applications submitted by organizations will be required to demonstrate local or regional support and show the economic and social benefits for the community.

Organizations may submit more than one application but not for recurring instances of the same event.

Eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.

Application Timeline

The Province will begin accepting applications on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, to support B.C.-based events through the new Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.

Applications are being accepted until Oct. 1, 2021, for eligible events that take place between July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022. Funding decisions will be communicated by November 2021.

Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

BCHA Industry Update on B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement

The following excerpt was originally published by the BC Hotel Association on August 26, 2021 in the response to the B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement announcement:

“Industry partners at Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and Destination BC (DBC) have engaged government and are working closely to detail the specifics of the order and ensure that the questions you submitted are answered in full. Furthermore, in the coming weeks we will be releasing a Toolkit for Step 4 of the reopening, and also detail Proof of Vaccination processes to clarify as much as possible for you. Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools and resources needed to operate safely and with confidence. The toolkit will be similar to ones produced for each stage of BC's reopening and will include key messages, operational steps, and added resources, among other critical information.

Our position for the Vaccination passport, is that similar to the circuit breakers, our front line employees cannot be the ones to police the public. We can however play a lead role in ensuring the communications, the understanding, and the policies are clearly communicated, and that our teams are trained as we continue to do everything we can to support a safe business environment between now and the end of the pandemic. We hear you loud and clear – the impact of the announcements without the specifics for operations/communications has once again had a devastating impact on you as business owners and operators. There's been an increase in stress due to uncertainty -- from cancelled meetings and events, which increase the fiscal hardship and liquidity concerns; to employees who are questioning the safety of the work environment without specifics around vaccinations; and once again, the need to update best practices for operating procedures.

Regarding Operations as of September 13

With the introduction of the BC Vaccination Card program, accommodators have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. Please note, the government has no plans to mandate immunization as a condition of employment and that this decision is up to each individual business.

The following steps will help prepare accommodators for how to address new proof of vaccination measures.

• STEP 1 | CHOOSING A PoV POLICY

  • Prior to September 13th, accommodators will need to determine what their proof of vaccination policy is. While it is not essential for them to do so, accommodators can introduce their own policy.

  • The main options are outlined below.

    • OPTION 1

      • Make no vaccination requirement for either staff or guests to work or stay at the property

      • NOTE: Public spaces are mandated for masks, and therefore policies to control masks remain in place.

    • OPTION 2

      • Require that ALL employees AND guests be fully vaccinated in order to work and stay at the property

    • OPTION 3

      • Require that all guests be fully vaccinated in order to stay at the property – Employees can remain unvaccinated

    • OPTION 4

      • Require that all employees be vaccinated in order to work at the property – guests can be unvaccinated to stay at the property

  • For options 2, 3, and 4, operators will need to take action to develop and implement their chosen policies. The BCHA will be creating templates to better assist operators in this process. In the meantime, the Business Council of British Columbia and the team at Roper Greyell prepared an informative overview on the shifting public opinion and evolving legal landscape. Read the brief here.

• STEP 2 | DEVELOPING PROTOCOLS SURROUNDING PoV POLICY

  • Many of you reached out with questions on how the vaccination checks would work as you may have areas on property -- like breakfast rooms, fitness centres, meetings spaces, etc. -- that would require proof of vaccination in order to use. The BCHA is acutely aware of workforce crisis we are dealing with. It would be unreasonable to expect that workers be stationed at each point of entry, which would also create multiple points of potential confrontation for workers. The contentiousness of this program is a burden we certainly do not want our workers to bear. We will be including best practices for developing protocols and sharing it with you as soon as we have the necessary information from PHO.

  • Because of this, the BCHA is advocating that any accommodator offering services where proof of vaccination would be required, check for BC Vaccine Cards at the point of check-in, and only then. Should you wish to move forward with a vaccination mandate for guests, we also encourage PoV check at check-in; employee mandated vaccinations will need to be done internally.

• STEP 3 | COMMUNICATING ON YOUR CHANNELS

  • Clear communication to both guests and staff will be fundamental to ensuring that this transition goes smoothly. All of this information, key messages, and further details will be included in the PoV Toolkit that I mentioned is being built out and will be available to you as soon as we have the specific information from the Ministry of Health.

  • Operators will need to clearly communicate their proof of vaccination policy:

    • on their website

    • at time of online booking

    • vocalized at time of over-the-phone or in-person booking

    • in a pre-arrival email

    • with signage posted at entryways and in-front of any PoV-required setting ie. fitness centre, breakfast room, meeting space etc.

    • with OTA's and third party booking platforms

FINAL COMMENTS:

Please note, that we are committed to ensuring that our position to only check proof of vaccination at check-in is accepted by the PHO, in order to best protect businesses, our employees, as well as our guests. This approach will make the most sense operationally, and will refrain businesses from having to shut down their amenities and services. From the feedback we are receiving from you it also will grow confidence for travellers, as well as meeting and events organizers as we look to rebuild business this fall. We will keep you updated on where this advocacy work lands and will continue to keep you updated on the toolkit.”

Extended WorkShare Program

The government has extended the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19. The Work-Sharing program can help employers avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the employer’s control. The program provides Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers.

The Program allows employers to retain qualified and experienced workers, and avoid recruiting and training new employees. It also allows employees to keep their jobs, and maintain their work skills.

Work-Sharing temporary special measures to support employers and workers affected by COVID-19

Effective March 15, 2020 and extended to September 24, 2022, and not limited to one specific sector or industry, the Government of Canada is introducing temporary special measures:

• extension of the maximum possible duration of an agreement from 38 weeks to 76 weeks

• mandatory cooling off period has been waived for employers who have already used the Work-Sharing program so that eligible employers may immediately enter into a new agreement

• reduce the previous requirements for a Recovery Plan to a single line of text in the application form

• reduce the requirement and expand eligibility to employers affected by accepting business who have been in business for only 1 year rather than 2, and eliminate the burden of having to provide sales/production figures at the same time, and

• expand eligibility for staff who are essential to recovery, Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and non-for-profit organization employers

Air Canada Introduces Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Employees

Air Canada has introduced a new health and safety policy to further protect employees and customers that makes it mandatory for all employees of the airline to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to report their vaccination status as of October 30, 2021. In addition, the airline is making full vaccination a condition of employment for any individual hired by the company.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Air Canada has adopted science-based measures in response to COVID-19. This has included the airline being among the first to require pre-boarding temperature screening of customers, obligatory onboard mask-wearing policies and the use of testing. The decision to require all employees of Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Vacations to be fully vaccinated and report their vaccination status is another initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and customers.

Under the mandatory vaccination policy, testing will not be offered as an alternative. While Air Canada will fulfill its duties to accommodate employees who for valid reasons, such as medical conditions, cannot be vaccinated, failure to be fully vaccinated by October 30, 2021 will have consequences up to and including unpaid leave or termination, except for those who qualify for accommodation.

Air Canada's policy is also in accord with a recent announcement by the Government of Canada requiring employees in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to be vaccinated by the end of October 2021. 

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B.C. Announces Proof of Vaccination Requirement Program

On Monday, August 23, the Province of B.C. announced a new order to require proof of vaccination to access a broad range of social, recreational, and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province, starting September 13. This will provide confidence to fully vaccinated people that those around them are also fully vaccinated.

Individuals aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry to the following:

• indoor ticketed sporting events;

• indoor concerts;

• indoor theatre, dance and symphony events;

• restaurants (indoor and patio dining - hotel restaurants included);

• night clubs;

• casinos;

• movie theatres;

• fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport);

• businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities;

• organized indoor events (such as weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops); and

• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities.

Requirements will not apply to places that include grocery stores, pharmacies and stores, places of worship, or offices.

As of September 13, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. By October 24, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated (at least seven days after receiving both doses).

Local health authorities experiencing a surge in cases may choose to implement some of these restrictions earlier.

Quick Links:

• Proof of Vaccination & Updates

• BC Gov News Release

• Press Conference Excerpts

• BC Press Conference Recording

Other News: As of August 25, masks are mandatory in indoor spaces in all of B.C. This temporary order will be reassessed as the B.C. vaccine card requirement is fully implemented 

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Showing Proof of Vaccination

Over the coming weeks, and prior to the Labour Day long weekend, the province will release further details on a confidential proof of vaccination system.

Individuals will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination through a secure website, which will be shared widely before September 13.

Individuals can save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show when entering or using designated businesses and events. A second, secure option will be provided for people who cannot access their proof of vaccination online through a call-in centre (call centre details to be made public in coming days).

Individuals will show proof of vaccination in the settings listed in the PHO order, alongside valid government ID.

Businesses will be required to look for a vaccine card, similar to checking ID at a bar or liquor store. Businesses will not be collecting or storing information. 

Individual businesses and event organizers may implement restrictions earlier and may choose to adopt their own proof of vaccination policies. Immunization as a condition of employment will be left to operators and be done in the context of your own business.

Children under 12 will not be required to show proof of vaccination as they are currently eligible to be immunized.

Individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons will not be exempt. Dr. Bonnie Henry stressed that these cases are very rare and that individuals impacted should not be attending these types of social events and interactions.

Out of Province Travellers will also be required to show proof of vaccination. The government will be releasing further details on what this system will look like. For international visitors, the provincial government is working with the federal government to show proof of vaccination via the ArriveCAN app, currently required for entry into Canada.

Enforcement

During the conference, the province acknowledged that this will be a difficult period for businesses as the role of enforcement once again falls on the shoulders of operators. As it is a Public Health Order, the government does have the ability to support businesses with bylaw officers and environmental health officers.

How to Get Vaccinated

82.3% of eligible British Columbians have received at least one vaccine and the surge in cases has been driven by unvaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated individuals are ten times more likely to get infected and have a serious illness.

Individuals can support tourism & hospitality industry recovery by getting vaccinated.

Please see below for information on where to get vaccinated in the Thompson Okanagan:

• Interior Health

• People who live in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and on Westbank First Nations lands (Central Okanagan Local Health Area) can get their second dose 28 days after dose 1, opposed to 48 days.

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Business Support & Advocacy

TOTA continues to work towards recovery with industry partners and government officials. We will share updates and information resources through email updates and the TOTA News Centre as they become available.

We want to hear from you so we can share challenges with government and advocate on your behalf. As part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, tourism companies can connect with TOTA in the following ways:

- Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.

- Schedule a 1:1 Business Support Meeting with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor to receive personalized support.

- Email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any quick questions or concerns.

BSAFE™ – BC Safety Assured for Everyone - Stage 3 Course Update

BSAFE Has Been Updated! go2HR has refreshed the course content to reflect Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan and are excited to continue to deliver current and valuable health & safety content to businesses all over the province in an accessible way.

BSAFE™ is a new and FREE online health and safety training program for individuals and businesses in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. Instill confidence amongst the general public to stay, dine, or shop at your local business.

It’s a FREE program supported by the Province of BC.

REGISTER NOW:

REGISTRATION FOR EMPLOYERS  

REGISTRATION FOR WORKERS

What You’ll Learn:

BSAFE is comprised of 5 modules that cover a variety of topics to give you a foundational understanding of COVID-19 health and safety protocols as well as tips on handling non-compliance.

• Module 1 Understanding the Legal Context for COVID-19

• Module 2 Keep Yourself and Others Safe

• Module 3 Keeping Records

• Module 4 Communicating Effectively with Your Team and Guests

• Module 5 Responding to Challenging Interactions (scenarios)

Sign Up Info:

BSAFE is accessible to both individual Workers and Employers to incorporate into their corporate training activities.

Employer Registration Info:

Employers can register their company to a delivery as a workplace training initiative.

Once registered, the business would receive an enrollment code that they can share with their designed staff.  Staff who use this enrolment code are tagged to the business and completions can be tracked

REGISTRATION FOR EMPLOYERS

Worker Registration Info:

WORKERS can register, take the course and receive a certificate upon completion. This certificate can be used to demonstrate their knowledge with future employers.

REGISTRATION FOR WORKERS

BSAFE stands for BC Safety Assured For Everyone. Our tagline, “Your Trust, Our Priority”, is our pledge and our promise.

TIABC Guide to the Federal Election

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) will provide up-to-date information on party commitments made to the tourism industry.

In an effort to engage candidates in the issues that matter to BC's visitor economy, TIABC has produced a Guide to the 2021 Federal Election as a tool for tourism businesses to use over the coming weeks. It offers a number of suggested questions to ask local candidates in your riding. The guide will be updated as new issues arise. Feel free to submit your questions to info@tiabc.ca to be considered for inclusion in future versions.

The party platforms are available for review:

• Conservative Party platform

• Green Party platform (to be released)

• Liberal Party platform

• New Democrat Party platform

New Border Measures Resources & Tools

On August 9, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced new border measures. Some of the key changes include: 

1. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the U.S. may travel to Canada for non-essential reasons; 

2. The removal of the requirement to stay at a government-authorized hotel for all travellers; and 

3. The removal of the requirement for all fully vaccinated travellers to take a post-arrival test, unless they are randomly selected to take one. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed several products/tools to help you and your clients/customers better understand the full scope of these changes and what travellers will need to know before, during, and after their entry to Canada.  

1. Travel Toolkit: A quick guide to help other government departments understand the latest changes to travel rules, and to help them quickly find online resources with more in-depth details. This toolkit is available here.  

2. Marketing Toolkit: A resource for travel/tourism industry partners with pre-written social media, blogs, fact sheets, and newsletter content that can be used to inform their audiences. This toolkit is available on Google Drive. 

All travellers arriving or returning to Canada must continue to use ArriveCAN to submit their travel information. See travel.gc.ca/travel-covid for more details. 

We encourage you to use these products to answer questions your clients and customers may have, and to use them to develop content for your websites and social media to help travellers understand the new travel requirements.  

These resources will be updated as new rules and processes are implemented, and Destination Canada will be sure to share updated copies with industry as they are available.