Minister's Statement on September Labour Force Survey Results

The Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, issued a statement on October 8th regarding the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for September 2021. Highlights of the statement include:

• B.C. is leading Canada’s economic recovery, with 12,300 jobs added last month.

• B.C. continues to lead all provinces since the onset of the pandemic with a job recovery rate of 101.5%.

• B.C.’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country at 5.9%.

• The job recovery rate has been strong across the province, with the Thompson-Okanagan at 106.8%, the Cariboo at 104.6%, Vancouver Island at 104.1%, the Kootenays at 102.3%, Lower Mainland at 102%, Vancouver at 101.3% and North Coast-Nechako at 100.7%.

Pledge to Measure - AccessibleEmployers.ca

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

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

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

Webinar: Supporting Employee Mental Health During Difficult Times

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

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

This webinar will include practical information and resources on:

• How to support employees when faced with difficult guest situations

• How to respond when an employee approaches you in crisis

• When to bring in additional help

• The importance of offering choices to employees as they cope

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

Tourism Kelowna Earns Platinum Certification through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Program

After four years of dedicated commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism practices, Tourism Kelowna has earned a Platinum Certification through the Sustainable Tourism Program offered by GreenStep.

The achievement recognizes Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key practices include solar panels added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, and work with the Biosphere program alongside over 30 tourism businesses in the community.

Key practices that align with several SDGs and have supported Tourism Kelowna in achieving the Platinum category of the certification include:

Solar Panels

Recently, 30 solar panels were added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, for a total of 50. The original 20 panels generated approximately 10% of the energy required for the building, and now about 26% of the building’s energy needs will be generated through this clean and renewable source. 

One Tree Planted

As of April 1, 2021, every online or in-person purchase of retail products from the Kelowna Visitor Centre results in one tree being planted in British Columbia. To date, nearly 5000 trees have been planted, contributing to environmental sustainability in our province. 

Water Bottle Filling Station

Since it was built, the Kelowna Visitor Centre has offered water-bottle filling stations, and since measurements began in September of 2020, the stations have saved over 2200 plastic water bottles.

Biosphere Commitment Program

Tourism Kelowna has been committed to the TOTA Biosphere Commitment Program program for four years and has worked with over 30 tourism businesses in our community to join, too. This sustainable tourism system aligns with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to balance social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Achieving this rating demonstrates the actionable commitment that Tourism Kelowna has made by benchmarking against the highest set of standards and best practices.

More than $1 Million Dollars has been Given to Hospitality and Tourism Workers – BC Hospitality Foundation

BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) has donated over $1 million to hospitality and tourism workers since it was founded in 2006. The organization provides support to workers facing financial crisis resulting from health conditions experienced by themselves or their family members, with beneficiaries including restaurant chefs and servers, hotel workers, delivery drivers, brewmasters and winemakers, and other industry members.

BCHF is the hospitality industry’s charity, supporting and inspiring those who serve you every day. Help is given to those who most need it, often in their most difficult hour. As people cope with stressful medical situations and the extraordinary costs arising from them, the foundation is alongside to support them and their families.

The foundation provides financial support beyond conventional medical plans, EI, or other insurance or benefit plans and are often the first glimmer of hope for members of the hospitality community.

Australia to Ease International Border Restrictions from November

Australia has announced it will reopen its international borders in November for states with at least 80 percent of the population vaccinated.

Commercial flights out of the country will resume for vaccinated travellers, with service to destinations including Canada and the US. In addition, fully vaccinated Australians arriving home will be able to quarantine at their house for a week, instead of paying thousands of dollars to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks.

First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative Accepting Applications

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

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

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

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

Neighbouring First Nations and municipal governments are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: October 22, 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

John will share insights for tourism professionals, including:

• How people communicate in different ways

• How to develop soft skills

• How to enhance communication with guests and colleagues

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

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

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

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

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

 Employers can receive:

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

• Up to 10 grants for 10 different employees per year

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

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

• Mitacs’ Accelerate and Business Strategy Internships

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

Key Dates of Note

Application deadline: March 11, 2022

• Earliest hire date: June 1, 2021

• Latest hire start date: March 15, 2022

• Latest work placement end date: July 15, 2022

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federally Regulated Transportation Employees and Travellers

On October 6, the federal government announced that anyone departing from Canadian airports, or taking VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will need to be fully vaccinated to travel, as of October 30.

Travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated can temporarily show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel, but that transition period will end November 30.

Employees in the federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors will also need to be fully vaccinated.

Transport Canada will use its specific regulatory and oversight authorities related to operations of federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation service providers to ensure that the transportation system and these workplaces are safe through vaccination mandates. Each organization will be required to implement a rigorous policy, which must:

• Include a provision for employee attestation/declaration of their vaccination status;

• Include a description of consequences for employees who do not comply or who falsify information; and

• Meet standards consistent with the approach taken by the Government of Canada for the Core Public Administration.

After a short phase-in period, each organization is required to guarantee employees are fully vaccinated or they will be unable to work.

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

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

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

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

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

PST Refund Extension Saves Businesses More Money

A StrongerBC program that offers PST rebates on select machinery and equipment will be extended for an additional six months, allowing businesses to further reduce costs and make new investments to adapt to operational changes necessitated by the global pandemic.

The rebate period has been extended by six months. You have until March 31, 2022 to pay PST on qualifying items. All rebate applications must be received by September 30, 2022. Businesses will have until March 31, 2022 to purchase qualifying items, including tools, furniture, computers, software, and zero-emission vehicles and charging equipment.

The rebate acts similar to a refund but is separate from the existing PST Refund process. Under this temporary program, corporations can apply to receive an amount equal to the PST they paid between September 17, 2020 and March 31, 2022 on qualifying machinery and equipment. PST invoiced before the deadline but paid after March 31, 2022 does not qualify for the rebate.

Proof of Vaccination for B.C. Public Service to Increase Workplace Confidence, Stop Spread

The B.C. government is supporting the effort to increase vaccination rates throughout the province by making COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for B.C. public service employees.

The BC Public Service Agency, in consultation with the provincial health officer, will require its 30,000 employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, 2021.

As more employees return to their regular workplaces later in the fall, this provides an additional and reassuring layer of protection for workers who are continuing the vital work of serving British Columbians.

Public service employees working in core government or ministries will be required to provide proof of full vaccination using the BC Vaccine Card.

The effective date gives employees who are not yet fully vaccinated the time they need to comply. Details of accommodations that will be made for the few people who are unable to be vaccinated will be released by early November.

To date, more than 80% of British Columbians have been fully vaccinated.

go2HR - Shift Into Winter | Driving Tips & Safety for BC Drivers

The Shift into Winter campaign is designed to raise awareness of the changing weather and driving conditions across B.C. and to remind drivers and employers to be prepared and plan ahead. In the tourism and hospitality industry, some occupations that involve winter driving include:

• Delivery drivers (including dropping off rental equipment or providing a restaurant delivery service, for example)

• Shuttle bus and taxi drivers

• Snow plow and removal

• Traffic and grounds management vehicles (parking attendants)

• Emergency Transport Vehicles (ETVs) in some remote locations

When planning a work journey, consider the following tips to help keep drivers safe on the job:

• Does the worker have to drive? Could the business be conducted online or in a different way?

• Ensure drivers are aware of the risks they may be exposed to while driving, are trained, and have the equipment and supervision needed (including regular check ins) to keep themselves safe

• Ensure driver checks the route and knows where they are going (avoid driving after dark)

• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained and winterized, and have four winter tires that carry the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol

• Make sure drivers know when and how to safely and properly install chains or other approved traction devices

• Equip vehicles with a winter driving emergency kit and emergency supplies

• Train workers on your motor vehicle accident reporting procedure, should something happen

Don’t forget the commute to and from work:

Many workers regularly drive their own vehicles to and from work in varying weather conditions. This includes those who work at ski resorts or in parts of the province that are prone to harsh winter weather. To raise awareness about winter driving, consider the following:

• Post signage in the workplace about winter driving tips, what an emergency kit should contain and other useful information

• Have a working late policy (if they're one of the last to leave the mountain they should make sure someone knows when they leave and when they get to the bottom of the mountain, in case they get stranded on the way down.) 

• Promote winter driving resources, including training and other information

Winter driving resources

Visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca for free information and tools associated with this campaign:

• Download the Employer and Supervisor Tool Kit.

• Register for the Keeping Your Employees Safe During Winter Driving webinar on November 25.

• Register for the Winter Driving Safety for Employers and Supervisors course, which takes 90-120 minutes to complete. Everyone who completes the course and an exit survey by December 15 will be entered in a draw for a gift certificate for a set of winter tires (value up to $1,000), donated by Kal Tire. For details, visit: Shift Into Winter.

• View go2HR's Winter Driving Resources for further tips, posters and checklists.

Register for Okanagan College Business Expo & Employment Fair: February 2, 2022

Okanagan College/Okanagan School of Business and the Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre are excited to be hosting their 14th Annual Business Expo and Employment Fair on February 2, 2022 at the Okanagan College KLO Kelowna Campus. Specifically, this event will be taking place in the atrium of the “Centre for Learning” building.

The event will provide the opportunity to promote your organization and to connect with the skilled students from ALL Okanagan College programs (Business, Engineering Technologies, Health, Trades, Office Administration, Computer Information Systems and Arts and Science) – both graduating this year and those continuing with their studies with the business community in hopes of fulfilling job vacancies within your organization.

This event will also provide the opportunity to display information on employment and careers within your organization. Generally there are approximately 1000 students who attend the fair. The fair is also open to job seekers from the public.

Early Bird Registration Discount before November 30

Cultural Grants for Kelowna Non-Profit Organizations | City of Kelowna

The City of Kelowna is offering five categories of arts and culture grants to non-profit organizations on an annual basis. The purpose of these grants is to enrich the art, culture and heritage experience for Kelowna residents.

An organization must be incorporated as a non-profit society and operate primarily in Kelowna to be eligible for a grant. Organizations may apply for grants under more than one category in the same calendar year.

General operating grants are available to arts, culture and heritage organizations that carry out most of their work in Kelowna. These grants support the operations of the organization, but are not to be used for start-up, events or capital projects. This grant acknowledges the work these organizations do and how they positively contribute to Kelowna's quality of life, identity and economy. Grants are extended to recipients who demonstrate vision, accountability and a spirit of community service in their operations.

The 2022 General Operating program opened on October 1, 2021. 

Please apply through the online application system.

The application deadline is November 30, 2021 at 3pm PST.

For more information, view the program guidelines.

Project grants are available to community organizations that provide a festival, event or project that feature arts, culture and/or heritage for the benefit of Kelowna residents. Eligible organizations are not required to be from the arts, culture or heritage sector.

All festivals, events and projects must be accessible to the public, offer a unique experience and prominently feature arts, culture or heritage content. Funding is provided for up to a maximum of three years on a matching 50/50 basis.

The 2022 Project program opened on October 1, 2021. Please apply through the online application system.

The application deadline is November 30, 2021 at 3pm PST.

For more information, view the program guidelines.

Organization development grants aim to assist non-profit organizations in undertaking activities or initiatives that will develop the organization’s capacity and sustainability. Funding can be used to cover 100% of the consulting or tuition/registration costs, to a maximum of $5,000. Two or more organizations may partner on an organization development project and undertake joint planning or training.

Deadline: Open in-take for 2021

More information, including contact information, program guidelines and the screening tool is available on the main grants page.

Please apply through the online application system.

Community art is a collaborative, collective creative process between a professional artist and the community. It encourages the creation of publicly accessible artworks, fosters community pride and identity, and reflects the diversity of the community. One or more projects will be considered each year based on the applications received and reviewed by the Public Art Committee. Funding is provided on a matching 50/50 basis. We welcome proposals for projects using either traditional or new art practices. 

It’s advised that applicants should connect with Cultural Services Staff at culture@kelowna.ca prior to completing an application to determine eligibility. 

• Community Art Guidelines

• Community Art Application

Professional operating grants are here to provide consistent and reliable annual support to professional, established non-profit arts and cultural organizations which provide impactful, quality programs and services, demonstrate sustainable operations and contribute to the realization of the cultural vision, principals and goals as outlined in the Cultural Plan. Funding assists these organizations with operational sustainability and enables them to develop and deliver their wonderful programs and services to the community.

For more information about the program, view the program guidelines.

BC Liquor Conference | ABLE BC

Hosted by ABLE BC, the #1 advocate for BC’s pubs and liquor stores, this year’s conference will take place online and in-person on Monday, October 25, 2021. No matter where you are in the province – tune in and get the liquor industry data, trends, and policy updates you can’t get anywhere else.

BC’s hospitality industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The liquor industry has been forced to adapt and drastically change in this new normal, while complying with stringent new regulations that have limited your ability to operate profitably.

Join ABLE BC at the 2021 Hybrid BC Liquor Conference and get the actionable steps and knowledge you need to rebuild after COVID-19.

TIAC Tourism Congress

The TIAC Tourism Congress brings tourism operators together. As Canada’s visitor economy continued to struggle under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism operators have been incredibly resilient.

The tourism industry’s must-attend annual event, the 2021 Tourism Congress, is an opportunity to network, connect and learn alongside delegates from coast to coast to coast. You’ll gain access to national and global industry insights, get relevant updates from your region and sector, and experience practical sessions that give you the tools you need to move forward.

This year, the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress will have thought-provoking content to inform and inspire, and practical tools and solutions for the way forward. Join us in person at the Westin Ottawa or connect through our user-friendly virtual platform

Tuesday Nov 30 - Wednesday Dec 1

Westbank First Nation Launches Online Language Program

On September 30, 2021, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Westbank First Nation (WFN) launched an online language tutorial series in effort to revitalize nsyilxcən language learning within the community. WFN received $100,000 from the First People’s Cultural Council through their Pathways to Language Vitality Program that helped to support developing materials, immersion programming, planning and community collaboration.

Initially, the program was intended to have in person teachings, but as a pandemic precaution the curriculum was reworked into online modules.

Over 45 video tutorials were created featuring WFN Councillor Jordan Coble and ONA Member Levi Bent, utilizing Book 1 of the Paul Creek nsyilxcən curriculum and making it the first language series of its kind. The program would not have been possible without the support and hard work of language speakers, past and present who champion the nsyilxcən language in the community.

The program is entirely online and can be completed at any pace. Students can work through there lessons on their own schedule and will always have access to the lessons and resources. The tutorial series is open to everyone with a goal to revitalize nsyilxcən language for the syilx nation and guests who visit the website.

Winter Tire Regulations Now in Effect

With cold-weather season approaching, drivers and vehicle owners are reminded that B.C.’s annual winter tire requirements are in effect.

As of Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, winter tires are mandatory for all vehicles on most British Columbia highways to increase travel safety until spring.

Winter tires are required for travel on:

• all highways in the North;

• all highways in the Interior;

• sections of some highways on the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway; and

• sections of some highways on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat and highways 4, 14 and 28.

In B.C., appropriate winter tires are defined as those with either the M+S (mud and snow) or mountain/snowflake symbol, in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.

Tires marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall offer the best traction on snow and ice and in cold weather. Tires marked with M+S offer better traction than summer tires, but are less effective than mountain/snowflake tires in severe winter conditions. Drivers are encouraged to choose their tires based on the region and conditions in which they regularly drive.