International Travel Advisory Update

As of December 15, the federal government has reintroduced the advisory warning travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel internationally due to the rapidly circulating Omicron COVID-19 variant. The advisory will remain in place for at least four weeks and then be re-evaluated.

The government is also going to further expand its on-arrival testing and isolation rule which so far is only being randomly applied to air travellers. The government has said it will be made universal to all air travellers outside of the United States, but hasn’t said when that will happen.

View Press Conference →

Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures

On November 17, 2021, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.

TOTA Crisis Response

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and landslides. Thank you to the first responders and the many people assisting others through this situation.

TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre, resources in the section below, and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page.

TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.

As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support.

We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation. Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.

Resources

B.C. Fairs, Festivals, Events Benefit from Recovery Funding

People throughout B.C. will be able to enjoy more arts, culture, sports and community occasions as the Province supports more than 680 events, including 131 in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Government of B.C. is providing nearly $30 million through one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event are as much as 20% of the total event budget, for a maximum of $250,000.

Recipients demonstrated the economic and social benefits to the community and strong local or regional support. Eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.

Thompson Okanagan events that have received the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant include:

• Interior Provincial Exhibition - agricultural exhibition and fair in Armstrong - Armstrong

• Canada Rock Fest - Music Festival - Grand Forks

• Bass Coast Festival - Merritt

• Merritt Rockin' River Fest - Merritt

• IRONMAN Canada - Penticton - Penticton

• Salmon Arm ROOTS and BLUES Festival - Salmon Arm

• The BC Bike Race - Penticton

• Rock The Lake - Kelowna

• SilverStar Bike Fest - Silver Star Resort

• Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games - Vernon

• Spartan Race Kelowna at Big White Ski Resort - Kelowna

• Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan - Penticton

• 2022 Canada 55+ Games - Kamloops

• AltiTunes at Big White Ski Resort - Kelowna

• Snowbombing - Sun Peaks

• 41st Annual Kamloops Powwow - Kamloops

• Kamloops Legacy Wheelchair Tennis Tournament - Kamloops

• 2022 Welcome to Paradise Para Snowboard World Cup - Kelowna

• Kelowna Pride Festival 2021 - Kelowna

• Peak Pride - Kelowna, Vernon

• Okanagan Trestles Tour - Penticton

• And many more

Applications for the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant were accepted from Aug. 27 to Oct. 1, 2021, for events that were scheduled between July 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022. Recipients were selected based on the eligibility criteria.

View full list of recipients

Call for Presentations: BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | Submission Deadline: Dec 17, 2021

Tourism stakeholders are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference taking place in Richmond, B.C. from March 9 – 11, 2022. The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference is brought to you by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotel Association.

The theme of the 2022 conference is Kickstarting the Comeback. Hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia will gather together to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history. The conference is seeking presentations on success stories, resiliency, new research and best practices, creative projects and initiatives, and bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of B.C.’s tourism industry. A limited number of submissions will be chosen to present during the conference.

The deadline to submit a proposal for presentation is December 17, 2021.

Attend registration will open in early 2022.

Men’s Journal Lists Best Ski Resorts in Canada to Visit This Season, Including Sun Peaks , Big White, and SilverStar

Sun Peaks , Big White, and SilverStar

Men's Journal published a list of the best ski resorts in Canada and listed three Thompson Okanagan destinations: Sun Peaks Resort at #2, Big White Ski Resort at #3, and SilverStar Mountain Resort as #4.

Excerpts from the article:

2. Sun Peaks Resort

"Tucked deep in interior B.C., Sun Peaks Resort will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this winter. It’s Canada’s second-largest ski area, with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, two alpine bowls, 138 runs, and 13 lifts. New activities here this season include Sun Peaks Backcountry Tours and avalanche training courses—plus public skating at a new Sun Peaks Centre featuring an NHL-sized ice rink."

3. Big White Ski Resort

"This family-friendly destination boasts Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out resort village. With an annual average snowfall of 25 feet, this mountain is covered in dry, Okanagan Champagne Powder. There are 119 designated runs, 16 lifts, and 2,765 acres of skiable terrain. All lift tickets of three days or more include a flex day off—and online lift tickets are 25% off."

4. Silverstar Mountain Resort

"Silverstar boasts great powder, a festive mid-mountain ski village with ski-in/ski-out access, and Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket. There are four distinct mountain faces with 3,282 skiable acres. The mountain offers 132 runs, 12 lifts, and, on its backside, more 1,900 acres of black and double black diamond runs. Nordic skiers can head to the 60 miles of trails. The nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre has a 2.5-mile lit track for night skiing, lift access to upper trails, and two certified biathlon ranges."

BC Meetings & Events Industry PHO Distinction for Business Events

Submitted to TIABC by Joanne Burns Millar, BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group

Originally published in TIABC Dec 7 Email Newsletter

"Since March 2021, when the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group submitted its COVID-19 Safe Restart Plan to the BC Government and the Public Health Officer (PHO), the working group has been actively engaged with industry and government working toward a recognized distinction for business events from public and social gatherings.

Alongside advocacy efforts from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the working group has been in regular discussions with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation (JERI), and the PHO, bringing awareness to the importance and rationale for such distinction.

Following a pivotal discussion last week with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Brian Emerson, chaired by Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, the working group was successful in receiving the distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order.

Here are some key relevant points extracted from the order.

1. Business Events are allowed to have standing events. Networking, receptions, mingling are all acceptable. Holiday parties associated with businesses are considered “business events”.

2. Events such as wedding receptions, funerals, theatrical and musical events, concerts must be seated.

3. The health order separates the meaning of inside events into A & B categories:

A. "inside event” means (a) a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes: (i) a form of entertainment involving a performance such as a theatrical production, a concert, a symphony performance, a choral performance, any other type or musical performance or a dance performance; (ii) business, but limited to a lecture or presentation; (iii) a wedding reception; (iv) a funeral reception not held at a funeral home, (v) a sponsored or ticketed party at which there is musical entertainment, other than for the purpose of providing background sound;

B. a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes (i) a business purpose not described in (a), and including a conference, convention, commercial trade fair or workshop or home show; (ii) gambling; (iii) recreational education or classes, including arts, crafts, music, photography, culture, or travel education or classes (c) a gathering of any number of participants in an inside place for the purpose of an adult sports activity, an adult exercise or fitness activity or class, or an adult dance class; (d) a sports event in an inside place; (e) a program for children or youth in an inside place; (f) a worship service in an inside place.

This indicates that only events in category “A” must be seated events. Category “B” events are legally able to be standing events.

1. A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event with a purpose described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of an “inside event” unless the event is held as a seated inside event.

2. A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event as a standing event, if the purpose of the event is described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of “inside event”

A note on dancing: There is still no dancing allowed unless it is a performance. There have been conversations and advocacy around this issue, however, it is not expected that restriction to be lifted in the near future. Things are still in a tenuous place and while they had hoped that all restrictions would be lifted by now, the PHO is not ready to remove this one.

While progress for the sector has moved more slowly than we need to begin a measurable recovery, this distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction."

Tourism Industry Association of Canada announces MOU with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) have agreed to formalize their partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This represents a concrete collaboration between the national Indigenous tourism organization and the national advocacy organization for the tourism industry in Canada.

The primary goal of this MOU is to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts to provide leadership, advocacy and engagement opportunities, supporting the recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada. ITAC and TIAC will work together to share and develop knowledge, complementary expertise, and market intelligence.

TIAC encourages the development of tourism in Canada and serves as the national private-sector advocate for the tourism industry. Responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, TIAC contributes advocacy work supporting policies, programs, and activities that will benefit the tourism sector’s growth and development nationally.

BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards | Nominations Open Until January 14, 2022

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.

Award nominations are now open! Awards will be presented in the following eight categories:

• Indigenous Operator

• Sustainability

• Employees First

• Business Woman of The Year

• Hotelier of The Year

• Innovation

• Community Contribution & Impact

• Professional Excellence

Learn more about each award →

Finalists will be announced in February, and the official recipients will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, held at the Richmond Conference Centre.

If you know a business, organization, or individual deserving of a nomination, submit your nomination before January 14, 2022.

Submit a Nomination →

Silent Auction

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Conference and Awards Gala. If you are interested in donating an item, contact info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.

Canada introduces additional measures to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization classified B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern called Omicron. Since then it has been found in a number of countries and regions, including the confirmation of several travel-related cases in Canada.

Canada announced additional border measures to reduce the risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada related to international travel.

Effective tomorrow, foreign nationals who have been in any of these countries within the previous 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada:

• Botswana

• Egypt;

• Eswatini;

• Lesotho;

• Malawi;

• Mozambique;

• Namibia;

• Nigeria;

• South Africa; and

• Zimbabwe.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people with status under the Indian Act, regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, who have been in any of these 10 countries in the previous 14 days, will be subject to enhanced pre-entry and arrival testing, screening, and quarantine measures.

Moving forward, border testing surveillance will be adjusted based on the latest available evidence to further reduce the risk of importation of this variant. In the coming days, all fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the United States will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the results of their arrival test.

Unvaccinated travellers, with right of entry to Canada, will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. However, those arriving by air will now be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.

The Government of Canada will continue to assess the evolving situation, monitor case data, and adjust border measures as required.

Adjustments to Canada’s Border Measures

A reminder that effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals with right of entry to Canada who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada will not have to present a pre-entry molecular test.

This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act, who depart and re-enter by land or by air and can demonstrate that they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours. This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12, and individuals with medical conflicts to vaccination.

Also effective November 30, Canada will expand the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing.

The Government of Canada also recently announced that as of January 15th, 2022, certain groups of travellers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.

Starting November 30, vaccination will be required for travel within and out of Canada. A valid COVID-19 molecular test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless travellers are eligible for one of the limited exemptions, such as a medical inability to be vaccinated. Travellers should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier's approval process.

Quick Links and Resources:

• Travellers should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.

• All travellers, regardless of how long they were away from Canada, continue to be required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan prior to arriving in Canada.

• For trips out of the country longer than 72 hours, all travellers eligible to enter Canada must complete the mandatory pre-entry molecular COVID-19 test. Antigen tests are not accepted.

Mandatory Vaccination to Board Planes and Trains

Unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 won't be able to board a plane or passenger train in Canada as of November 30, 2021, and a negative COVID-19 test will no longer serve as a substitute for most people.

The policy came into effect on October 30th, but the federal government allowed a short transition period for unvaccinated travellers who could board as long as they provided a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their trip.

The stringent new requirement comes into effect as Canada reacts to the emergence of the new, highly mutated omicron variant of the coronavirus. The discovery of the new variant has prompted border closures and heavier screening in Canada and abroad over fears it could prove more transmissible. The risk related to the omicron variant is very high, according to the World Health Organization, but there is still a lot public health officials and scientists do not know about it.

While anyone coming into Canada or boarding a plane or train inside the country must be vaccinated, there are currently no quarantine measures in place except for people who have recently transited through southern Africa.

While many airlines have so far been doing random spot checks to ensure travellers are vaccinated, Air Canada and WestJet have confirmed they will ask for proof from everyone boarding in Canada as of today.

Canada to Reinstate Testing for Foreign Air Travel

Canada is reviewing its vaccine booster strategy, adding new countries to the list of nations subjected to federal travel restrictions, and is imposing new testing requirements on all air travellers coming from outside of Canada with the exception of the US, due to concerns over the Omicron variant.

Federal ministers and public health officials announced these three new steps today during an update on the latest measures Canada is taking in response to the variant of concern.

The new testing requirements mean that all air travellers coming from outside Canada, with the exception of the United States, will now need to be tested at the airport when they land in Canada.

Those who are vaccinated will have to isolate until they get a negative result, and those who are unvaccinated will continue to have to isolate for the full 14 days and test on day one and day eight of their quarantine.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Canada is preparing for a “possible extension” of this policy to include the United States and the land borders if the situation evolves to the point that re-imposing further restrictions on Canada’s borders is warranted.

While it remains unclear just how transmissible and severe infection by the variant B.1.1.529 might be, Duclos said given that Omicron is highly mutated, the federal government is asking the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to quickly provide an update on its directives on the use of COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

The policy bans the entry into Canada of all foreign nationals who travelled to these countries in the last 14 days. Canadians, permanent residents as well as all those who have the right to return to Canada will still be able to return home but will face new measures upon arrival.

Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and BC all have detected cases of the variant, though health officials across the country are doing targeted testing of people who have travelled from the southern African countries subjected to the ban.

These moves respond to emerging questions over Canada’s Omicron response, though federal officials said today to expect the situation and federal policies to continue to evolve.

Interior Health COVID-19 Regional Restrictions on Gatherings and Events Lifted as of December 1, 2021

Changes to health restrictions in three health regions were announced last week. The regional gathering restrictions in the Interior Health region (which encompasses the Thompson Okanagan) have been repealed. Interior Health is now subject to the same rules as the rest of the province, including: province-wide mask mandate, Food and Liquor Serving Premises public order, and Gatherings and Events public order.

The provincial orders remain in effect, including:

• Proof of vaccination is required for indoor events with more than 50 people

• Indoor events are now allowed at 100% capacity (including sporting events with proof of vaccination)

• Outdoor events continue to have capacity restrictions of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater

• Mask requirements for people 5+ in public indoor settings remain in effect

There are no capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings in private homes and vacation accommodations. It's still recommended to keep groups small and gathering outside is safer than gathering inside.

For details on the provincial restrictions (once the page is updated), visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions

Getting vaccinated remains our best defense against COVID-19. Learn more at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register

Big White Ski Resort Apologizes for Comments Regarding Travel on Highway 3

Originally published by Big White Ski Resort on November 30, 2021.

“Big White Ski Resort Ltd would like to send out sincere apologies to those affected, triggered or concerned by our comments made to the media earlier this week. Our intention was never to diminish the devastation of flooding throughout the province of British Columbia, but to give some certainty to the travelling public, families and the tourism industry during the upcoming holiday season.

“I have watched the flooding, and the crisis which has unfolded, closely, and share in the grief of those affected. The comments I made regarding travel on highway 3 come from my position on various tourism boards throughout British Columbia, with the effects on Big White Ski Resort as an example. I deeply apologize, and recognize fully how my comments could be misconstrued as insensitive. Like you, our number one priority is to ensure everyone is safe during these exceptional and heart-breaking weather patterns. We know many people look forward to the holiday season, whether they are taking a ski holiday or are visiting friends or family in the interior or on the coast. Again, I am deeply sorry and we are thinking of those affected and those on the frontline during these storms.””

- Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Big White Ski Resort Ltd.

Big White Ski Resort Ltd will not be providing further comment at this time to allow space for those affected by the current storms.

Why Sustainability Must Be Tourism's Default Mode

Destination BC - Tom Ryan

As tourism slowly gets back to business, there’s a lot of talk about whether travelers will be more mindful and responsible moving forward. The people who offer the most holistic value to the places they visit, the people they interact with, and the tourism industry as a whole are the people who aren’t traveling right now. Those who are casual travelers have already gone back to checking their bucket lists and booked their next cruise/tour/flight.

The tourism industry has been focused on an upgrade to the search features on Google Flights, which now show consumers information about carbon emissions displayed alongside flight information. This is a huge step in the direction of radical transparency, because now travelers have more information they can use in their decision-making. For those who are conscious consumers, making this data easily accessible may influence what they purchase. Another relevant fact is that Google Maps now automatically defaults to the most eco-friendly route when the time it takes to make a trip is roughly the same as a higher carbon-emitting route.

According to a poll conducted by the UN Development Program (UNDP) of 1.2 million people in 50 countries, in every country surveyed, most people are very concerned about climate change. The statistics range from Moldova, where 50% of people said they were very concerned, to the United Kingdom, where 81% indicated they were. The United States came in at 65%.

The Google Maps development is an excellent example of the sustainability-by-default concept, but it’s not the only major travel-related brand utilized by casual travelers that has taken this route lately. Booking.com recently updated its animal welfare standards and will no longer contract, offer, or promote direct interactions with wild animals, wild animal rides, or aquariums, among other activities. When folks search for activities on Booking.com, they aren’t even given an option to see these harmful animal encounters as possibilities. TripAdvisor did something similar in 2016.

It’s imperative that everyone working in the tourism industry — from the smallest start-up to the most mainstream search engine — make the most responsible options as simple as typing in a destination and letting the map lead the way.

Coping with Natural Disaster Stress

Smoke, evacuations, loss, worry—BC’s floods and wildfires affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. The Canadian Mental Health Association has outlined some helpful steps and resources:

• Prepare – Having a clear emergency plan and kit ready for your family, pets and livestock can ease your mind and allow you to focus on other needs.

• Take care – Stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep lowers stress and helps us cope.

• Ask for help – Talking helps. Whether it’s with family, friends, a doctor or counsellor. Crisis lines are available to listen and help anytime—not just during a crisis. If you have been evacuated, you can also ask an Emergency Support Services volunteer about the mental health or counselling support available to you.

• Help others – Reach out to the vulnerable. Assisting others can help us regain a sense of purpose and community as we confront challenges together.

Helpful Links and Resources

Preparing for wildfires

• Get prepared for a wildfire in BC (Government of BC)

Health and mental health

• Coping through a natural disaster emergency – mental health tips for you and your family

• Recognizing and addressing trauma and anxiety during wildfire season (First Nations Health Authority)

• Recognizing and resolving trauma in children during disasters (First Nations Health Authority)

• Disaster emotional response timeline – what to expect before, during and after a disaster

• Your health during a wildfire (Government of BC)

• Wildfire smoke and health (BC Centre for Disease Control)

• Guidebook for Well-being in Recovery (Red Cross)

Direct Help for Stress

• Free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:
  KUU-US Indigenous line 1-800-588-8717
  Interior BC Crisis Line 1-888-353-2273 – chat and text services available
  Northern BC Crisis Line 1-888-562-1214
  BC Mental Health Support Line 310-6789 (no area code required)

• Find virtual mental health supports available in BC

• BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry

• Find your local Canadian Mental Health Association

Information provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association in partnership with the Province of BC, First Nations Health Authority, Interior Health, Northern Health and Provincial Health Services Authority.

Worker COVID-19 Resources: There's an App for That

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCHOS) has launched a new app to make workplace COVID-19 health and safety resources available to workers across Canada. The free app is a wealth of information with sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos and other guidance materials to help keep workers and customers safe. The downloaded app can be used without an internet connection, a handy feature when connectivity is unreliable or absent.

Government Introduces Legislation to Create Jobs and Implement Targeted COVID-19 Support

With one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the world, restrictions are carefully being eased in our communities and at our border. Businesses across the country are safely reopening, the economy is rebounding, over a million jobs have been created, and employment is back to pre-pandemic levels. That’s why, last month, the government announced it is pivoting from broad-based economic support to targeted measures that provide support where it is needed, in order to create jobs and growth and prudently manage government spending.

On Wednesday, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, introduced Bill C-2 in Parliament.

This bill would deliver:

• Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10% and increase the subsidy rate to 50%. The extension would help businesses continue to hire back workers, increase hours, and create the additional jobs Canada needs for a robust recovery.

• Deliver targeted support to businesses still facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support would be available through three streams:

Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, which would provide support through wage and rent subsidies to, for example, hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.

Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, which would provide support through wage and rent subsidies to other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50%.

Local Lockdown Program, which would provide businesses that face temporary new local lockdowns up to the maximum amount available through the wage and rent subsidy programs.

To ensure workers continue to have support and that no one is left behind, the proposed legislation would:

• Extend the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks. This would extend the caregiving benefit from 42 to 44 weeks and the sickness benefit from 4 to 6 weeks.

• Establish the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit which would provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers who are directly impacted by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown in their region up until May 7, 2022. Eligible workers would be able to apply to receive this support retroactively from October 24, 2021.

The types of business that would be eligible are detailed in the proposed legislation and in the backgrounder associated with the announcement here

Your Voice is Still Needed in Support of Bill C-2

To help ensure a quick passage, Government needs our industry to voice its support as loudly and broadly as possible.

We ask that you help to amplify the key messages, and to directly encourage all Members of Parliament to pass the Bill as quickly as possible. You can do so in a number of ways: issue your own press release in support of the Bill; send an email to your MPs highlighting the importance of the Bill for our sector and explicitly request that they pass it quickly; and use your social media networks to push out these key messages.

B.C. Government's Foundational Principles

The Province of British Columbia government is focused on the following priorities: fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, providing better health care for people and families, delivering affordability and security in our communities, and investing in good jobs and livelihoods in a clean-energy future.

The Provincial Government's Five Foundational Principles inform each ministry’s work and contribute to COVID-19 recovery:

• Putting people first: Keeping people at the centre of everything we do means protecting and enhancing the public services people rely on and working to make life more affordable for everyone.

• Lasting and meaningful reconciliation: Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for us all. The unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous peoples as they move toward self-determination. Government must remain focused on creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples to be full partners in the economy and providing a clear and sustainable path for everyone to work toward lasting reconciliation.

• Equity and anti-racism: The province's history, identity, and strength are rooted in its diverse population. Yet racialized and marginalized people face historic and present-day barriers that limit their full participation in their communities, workplaces, government and their lives. The government has a moral and ethical responsibility to tackle systemic discrimination in all its forms. Efforts to address systemic discrimination must also inform policy and budget decisions by reviewing all decisions through a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens.

• A better future through fighting climate change: In 2018, government launched our CleanBC climate action plan. CleanBC puts British Columbia on the path to a cleaner, better future by building a low-carbon economy with new clean-energy jobs and opportunities, protecting our air, land, and water; and supporting communities to prepare for climate impacts.

• A strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone: Government will continue to support British Columbians through the pandemic and the economic recovery by investing in health care, getting people back to work, helping businesses and communities, and building the clean, innovative economy of the future. The plan is to train the workforce of tomorrow, help businesses hire and grow, and invest in the infrastructure needed to build our province.

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference 2022

The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and your voices are needed. Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.

Date: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria, BC

The deadline for IMPACT 2022 Early Bird Registration is ending on November 30th.