News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Free Digital Marketing Skills Training Program: Applications Open
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
Eligibility:
A BC resident or residents own the business;
The business’s sole or primary operations are located in BC;
The business is currently operating;
The business is registered in BC;
The business employs less than 149 BC residents
New Employer Toolkit: COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace
go2HR has prepared an employer toolkit with practical information, up-to-date resources, and downloadable tools to help answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace. The toolkit includes an overview of BC employment legislation, legal and mental health articles to help support employee mental health, information to help employers consider vaccination policy and sample employee policies.
go2HR has prepared an employer toolkit with practical information, up-to-date resources, and downloadable tools to help answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace. The toolkit includes an overview of BC employment legislation, legal and mental health articles to help support employee mental health, information to help employers consider vaccination policy and sample employee policies.
Additional Resources:
Share Your Feedback on the Need for Government Support With the Federal Government
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is reaching out for your help to build the tourism case for continued and ongoing support and relief through a 5 minute survey. Your input is extremely important to their advocacy work, and to the messaging that is relayed to government officials. As we move into a potential fall election, they want to hear from you, now more than ever, on the state of the industry, what you need to move forward, and what you believe should be TIAC’s priorities.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is reaching out for your help to build the tourism case for continued and ongoing support and relief through a 5 minute survey. Your input is extremely important to their advocacy work, and to the messaging that is relayed to government officials. As we move into a potential fall election, they want to hear from you, now more than ever, on the state of the industry, what you need to move forward, and what you believe should be TIAC’s priorities.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Received $2 Million in Funding From Destination Canada
As part of a long-term partnership, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce a new investment from Destination Canada of $2 million in funding and $950,000 of in-kind support, in an effort to stabilize the Indigenous tourism sector. The funding ensures ITAC can move forward with their new sales and marketing campaign, entitled The Original Original, promoting Indigenous tourism operators from coast to coast to coast and helping to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic.
As part of a long-term partnership, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce a new investment from Destination Canada of $2 million in funding and $950,000 of in-kind support, in an effort to stabilize the Indigenous tourism sector.
The funding ensures ITAC can move forward with their new sales and marketing campaign, entitled The Original Original, promoting Indigenous tourism operators from coast to coast to coast and helping to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic.
CRIS Adaptive Rentals Launches New Adaptive Bike & Pop Up Rentals in BC Parks
CRIS Adaptive debuted the newest addition to the fleet of rental equipment, the Hase Bike, a modular adaptive bike that gives clients significant options for supported and independent riding. CRIS is the first adaptive service provider in the Interior of BC to put a Hase system into service. As well, CRIS is offering a mobile rental program for accessible recreation equipment in various BC Parks. The schedule for rental "pop ups" is available on AdaptiveRentals.ca.
CRIS Adaptive debuted the newest addition to the fleet of rental equipment, the Hase Bike, in Kekuli Bay Provincial Park. This is the first of a series of equipment to be purchased through the StrongerBC Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI). CRIS received the grant in order to facilitate outdoor adventures for all, to promote inclusion and accessibility while supporting the tourism industry.
CRIS is the first adaptive service provider in the Interior of BC to put a Hase system into service. The Hase is a modular adaptive bike that gives clients significant options for supported and independent riding.
The debut of the bike was paired with the debut of the BC Parks/CRIS mobile rental program. CRIS has partnered with BC Parks to offer a mobile rental program for accessible recreation equipment. The schedule for rental "pop ups" is available on AdaptiveRentals.ca
Canada USA Border Reopening Resources
Starting Monday, August 9, Canada plans to allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents to Canada for non-essential travel. View the key resources and messaging for the tourism industry.
Starting Monday, August 9, Canada plans to allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the US and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7.
Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.
Helpful Canada USA Border Resources:
Destination BC Messaging Guide for BC's Tourism Industry and travellers from the United States.
This is an evolving situation which may require frequent updates.
go2HR Baby Boomer Employment Toolkit
The go2HR Baby Boomer Tool Kit aims to help BC tourism and hospitality operators to create strategies to diversify workforce demographics to lessen the impact of current and emerging labour shortages. It contains information and tools that will help your business leverage this currently under-utilized and growing labour pool: the “baby boomer” generation.
The go2HR Baby Boomer Tool Kit aims to help BC tourism and hospitality operators to create strategies to diversify workforce demographics to lessen the impact of current and emerging labour shortages. It contains information and tools that will help your business leverage this currently under-utilized and growing labour pool: the “baby boomer” generation.
The Baby Boomer Tool Kit Includes:
The business case and benefits of hiring baby boomers
BC employer success stories
Checklists & resources
Tips on marketing jobs to baby boomers
How to manage multigenerational workplaces
Buy BC Partnership Program
Buy BC provides cost-shared funding and a recognizable Buy BC logo to help B.C.’s agri-food and seafood sector market their products and increase sales within B.C. Businesses can apply to use the Buy BC logo and promotions for a wide range of agriculture, food, and beverage products.
Buy BC provides cost-shared funding and a recognizable Buy BC logo to help B.C.’s agri-food and seafood sector market their products and increase sales within B.C. Buy BC promotes a wide range of agriculture, food and beverage products. Look for the Buy BC symbol at your local grocery stores and farmers’ markets to enjoy and explore local products and support B.C. farmers, producers and our economy.
Buy BC Logo Licensing: Buy BC logo licensing provides industry with the opportunity to apply for authorization to use the Logo through an Authorized Use Agreement or Consent to Use Form.
Buy BC Cost-Shared Funding: Once an applicant has been approved for a Buy BC logo license, they can apply for funding to help them undertake sector and/or product specific Buy BC marketing and promotional activities across the province.
Additional Measures for Central Okanagan Communities Amid COVID-19 Surge
On August 6, Interior Health announced additional COVID-19 measures for the Central Okanagan communities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland, and Lake Country.
On August 6, British Columbia announced additional measures for the Central Okanagan region, effective immediately. Restrictions on events and gatherings will begin on August 9.
The restrictions apply to the communities of:
Kelowna
West Kelowna
Westbank First Nation
Peachland
Lake Country
The new measures have been introduced because 56% of active cases are in Interior Health Authority, with the vast majority in the Central Okanagan region. A significant majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals and individuals who have only received a single dose.
Due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases, and the introduction of the Delta variant, new measures include:
Travel and Accommodation
Vacation rentals and accommodations (houses/houseboats included) will be limited to 5 people plus occupants
Recommendation against non-essential travel to and from the Central Okanagan
Personal gatherings
Outdoor personal gatherings limited to 50 people
Indoor personal gatherings limited to groups of five people from one other households
Organized gatherings
Indoor/outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people with COVID safety plan in place
Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Casinos
Nightclubs and bars will be closed
Restaurants will be limited to groups of up to 6 people (not restricted to own household)
Liquor service limited until 10pm
Casinos will remain operational under current guidelines but must comply with restaurant guidance
Exercise Facilities
Indoor low intensity exercise will continue with capacity limits
Indoor high intensity exercise will be suspended
Masks
Mask mandate will continue to be in place for all indoor public places and is enforceable by by-law officers in the Central Okanagan
Events Taking Place This Weekend:
As mentioned restrictions on gatherings and events will take place on Monday, August 9. Should you have an event planned for this weekend, organizers should ensure they have safety plans in place and keep a list of individuals who attended these events. Unimmunized people are strongly encouraged not attend these events; other attendees should wear masks and stay seated.
Encouraging Vaccinations:
The single most important action we can all do to protect our industry, community, and ourselves is to receive both vaccine doses and encourage others to do the same. To encourage residents of British Columbia to become fully vaccinated, the government of BC has taken the following measures:
Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling. Search by community to find a drop-in event near you. Events are organized by each health authority. Interior Health is the primary health authority for the Thompson Okanagan region.
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.
Gradual refocus of vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hard to reach people where the need is greatest. A full list of Vax for BC events happening throughout the province is available online: gov.bc.ca/vaxforbc
Additional Recommendations for Operators:
In addition to encouraging others to receive the vaccine, it is important that operators take the following steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:
Ensure that cleaning and sanitization protocols are being held to the highest standards
That you encourage staff to stay home from work and receive a COVID-19 test should they be feeling ill
That you continue to ensure your communicable disease plan is being followed
Consider also ensuring that heightened safety measures (such as masks) are being implemented
Tourism Industry Key Messaging
Health and safety continues to be the top priority. Public health leaders are putting additional recommendations in place to protect us all.
Residents and visitors are asked to follow the public health measures set by the province, communities, and individual businesses to protect people, businesses, and the economy from the continued spread of COVID-19.
Businesses are facing challenges like never before. Visitors are reminded to be kind, patient, and supportive of businesses and employees.
Business Support
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following free supports:
1:1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business
TOTA will continue to advocate to government. Through this time, let's support each other, stay safe, and continue on the #Journey2Immunity.
Kekuli Cafe Opening New Location in Kamloops
Kekuli Cafe is adding a third location in Kamloops, across from the Royal Inland Hospital.. The other two fast-casual Indigenous eateries are in Westbank and Merritt, as well as a food truck.
Kekuli Cafe is adding a third location in Kamloops. The other two fast-casual Indigenous eateries are in Westbank and Merritt, as well as a food truck. The new spot will be located across from the Royal Inland Hospital.
39 Forestry Projects Protect and Enhance B.C.’s Recreational Values
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) released a 2021 Summer Accomplishments Update featuring 39 forest enhancement projects which are protecting and enhancing important recreational values from campsites and hiking trails to ski resorts and heritage sites. 12 projects were completed in the Thompson Okanagan region, including Sicamous, Silver Star Mountain, Kelowna, Westbank, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Baldy Mountain Resort, Big White, Midway, and Greenwood.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) released a 2021 Summer Accomplishments Update featuring 39 forest enhancement projects which are protecting and enhancing important recreational values from campsites and hiking trails to ski resorts and heritage sites.
“Earlier this spring, our team was reviewing the 269 projects FESBC has funded since inception, and we noted a number of the projects throughout the province had a secondary benefit to them – protecting and enhancing recreational values,” said Steve Kozuki, RPF, executive director FESBC. “The primary purposes of FESBC projects range from mitigating wildfire risk and enhancing wildlife habitat to improving the recovery of wood fibre and replanting forests. At the same time, FESBC projects often deliver additional co-benefits such as climate change mitigation, job creation, Indigenous peoples’ participation in the forest economy, as well as protecting and enhancing forest recreation.”
Of FESBC’s 269 projects, 39 were identified to protect or enhance one or more recreational values. 12 projects were completed in the Thompson Okanagan region, including Sicamous, Silver Star Mountain, Kelowna, Westbank, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Baldy Mountain Resort, Big White, Midway, and Greenwood.
“When you live in a community where there’s only one road in and out, you can see the devastation a fire can have on a community, it’s nerve racking,” said Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice president of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “We are proud of the work that was done, the results, and the safety assurances it brings. This action speaks for itself. We feel protected.”
Since inception, FESBC has empowered local people who want to do local projects that contribute to the achievement of our climate change goals and enhance B.C.’s forests through wildfire risk mitigation, accelerated ecological recovery after wildfires, wildlife habitat enhancement, and increased utilization of forest fibre.
FESBC Board Chair Jim Snetsinger is proud of the efforts of the FESBC team and the many First Nations, community forest leaders, local governments, and industry partners who carried out this exceptional work.
“With support from the governments of B.C. and Canada, FESBC has enabled others to do this remarkable work to enhance our forests, generating immense social, economic, and environmental benefits,” said Snetsinger. “When British Columbians enhance our forests, we are bequeathing an inheritance to our children and grandchildren: cleaner air, fewer greenhouse gases, better timber supply, higher quality wildlife habitat, safer communities, and protecting important recreational assets we all value and enjoy.”
Destination BC Welcomes New Board Chair and Two New Board Members
Destination BC has welcomed three new members to their Board of Directors: Scott Fraser, Lori Simcox, and Manoj Jasra.
Destination BC is pleased to welcome three new members to the Board of Directors:
Scott Fraser, Board Chair, recently retired from the BC Provincial government as MLA and Member of Cabinet and Executive Council, representing Mid-Island Pacific Rim. Scott previously served as Mayor of the District of Tofino, President of the Tofino Bed and Breakfast Association, Director on the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Director on the Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board. In 2019, he introduced the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as Minister of Indigenous Relations.
Lori Simcox, Board Member, is CEO of SPAL General Constructors Inc., owned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, which manages partnerships in the construction industry.
Manoj Jasra, Board Member, is Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at Northland Properties Group, whose assets span hotels, restaurants, resorts, sports and construction in Canada and internationally.
Congratulations to Scott, Lori, and Manoj and thank you for supporting BC’s tourism industry.
Fast Facts Thompson Okanagan Tourism Research Summary
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is pleased to once again present the Fast Facts Tourism Research Summary, an ongoing snapshot of the state of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly as it is being impacted by COVID-19. This overview will show how things change as we move through the stages of recovery.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is pleased to once again present the Fast Facts Tourism Research Summary, an ongoing snapshot of the state of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly as it is being impacted by COVID-19. This overview will show how things change as we move through the stages of recovery.
This timely data will assist tourism operators in making informed decisions, understanding industry and consumers responses, and inform business decisions.
- TOTA Research Team
Indigenous Tourism BC Labour Market Research, Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy and a Guide to Wise HR Practices
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21”, the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent” to support a path to build on past success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21”, the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent.”
This project launched in November 2019 in response to a critical labour shortage and growing demand for labour in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism industry. This project is funded by the Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program.
“Indigenous Tourism is one of the fastest growing parts of the tourism sector and we want to ensure businesses have people to do the work so they can continue to grow,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Creating tools to attract, train and retain Indigenous people to obtain critically important jobs in the tourism sector can advance economic and cultural reconciliation and increased understanding for our culture and practices by visitors near and far.”
The research report shows there were 488 Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia in early 2020. These businesses were employing 4,248 people, with a potential of inspiring another 14,500 Indigenous people to build careers in the tourism industry. This research report, strategy and smart practice guide will support a path to build on this success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
ITBC Chair Brenda Baptiste says, “We were preparing for continued growth with this project when the global COVID-19 pandemic was announced. In the footsteps of our ancestors, we shifted our focus to strategies to support Indigenous people and Indigenous tourism businesses to navigate the pandemic and devastating impacts on the tourism industry.”
The research report follows the Literature review which summarizes studies and research on the Indigenous tourism labour force (available online at https://www.indigenousbc.com/corporate/content/uploads/2020/11/REPORT-2020-ITBC-Labour-Market-Research-Literature-Review-2020-04-17-FINAL20200630.pdf). The Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy outlines strategic approaches and partnerships, training and recruitment supports for Indigenous people, while the “Wise Ways” guide offers ideas on how to recruit and hire Indigenous staff, and build a workplace that retains Indigenous talent.
Baptiste adds, “Our industry has experienced incredible success over the past several years, and we anticipate employment returning to 2019 levels by 2024. ITBC will ensure Indigenous tourism experiences and First Nations have the capacity to grow our industry and continue to showcase our culture, history and story that make British Columbia truly unique among global tourism destinations.”
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism BC and the recent labour market research, visit www.indigenousbc.com/corporate
Research Report Highlights:
Of all Indigenous tourism businesses, the 2019 size of the workforce was roughly 4,248.
A Conference Board of Canada study for Tourism HR Canada in 2018 uncovered that 16% of Indigenous people wanted to work in tourism but could not find a job.
The Indigenous population available for work and interested in working in tourism is estimated at 14,497.
33% of Indigenous tourism employers experienced challenges recruiting workers for their business in 2019. Reasons include not being able to provide candidates with competitive salaries (41%), lack of access to appropriate housing (38%), and lack of appropriate training/educational opportunities (38%).
Those positions cited by Indigenous tourism employers as being most challenging to recruit (10+%) were linked to cook, guiding, retail sales, driver, cleaner, desk clerk, chef, and musician positions.
There are several constraints to Indigenous tourism businesses and Indigenous people that limit Indigenous business development and deter people from entering and advancing in the Indigenous tourism industry, such as Indigenous community infrastructure like internet connectivity and affordable internet, transportation, and housing.
There is a growing demographic of Indigenous people suited to careers in the tourism industry. However, there is increasing competition both within and beyond the Indigenous tourism sector.
Quick Links
PacifiCan: New Regional Development Agency for British Columbia
For the first time in more than three decades, the Government of Canada will create two regional development agencies for British Columbia and the Prairie provinces. Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) will be the new federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia, building on Western Economic Diversification Canada’s (WD) 34 year legacy.
For the first time in more than three decades, the Government of Canada will enhance its federal economic development presence and services in Western Canada by creating two regional development agencies for British Columbia and the Prairie provinces. This approach recognizes that economic drivers and conditions are different in each of the two regions, and entrepreneurs, innovators, institutions, and communities have unique needs linked to where they are located.
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) will be the new federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia. It will build on Western Economic Diversification Canada’s (WD) 34 year legacy to work more closely with BC businesses, innovators, and communities; promote connections and investments to foster economic growth; and help organizations navigate federal programs and policies.
From the outset, Canada’s regional development agencies have played a key role in helping businesses and communities weather the effects of the pandemic. They have delivered a suite of direct support programs to help mitigate the financial pressures caused by COVID-19, ensuring that businesses and their employees are not only able to survive the crisis, but positioned to come back stronger in our recovery.
The Government of Canada has laid out a plan, through Budget 2021, to set businesses on a track for long-term growth, and ensure that Canada's future will be healthier, more equitable, greener, and more prosperous. This includes supporting regional economies. As Westerners move towards their economic recovery, the Government of Canada is building a more focused, locally informed approach, putting people first to foster innovation, business growth, and resilience in urban, rural, and Indigenous communities.
In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada provided this new BC-focused agency with $553.1 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $110.6 million ongoing. As a result, in addition to maintaining its current office in Vancouver, PacifiCan will move to establish its new headquarters in Surrey and expand its reach by establishing new service locations in Victoria, Campbell River, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John, Prince George, Kelowna, and Cranbrook.
These locations will be launched over a period of months. When complete, this enhanced on-the-ground presence will bring the federal government closer to businesses and the communities they call home. Supporting economic development in more communities will help develop businesses and create good jobs that people can rely on.
The new agency will build on existing relationships with clients and partners such as the Western Canada Business Service Network, and will continue to deliver new Budget 2021 funding programs, as well as existing programs that help businesses to scale-up, and support regional innovation.
New Marketing Partner: Sustainable Life App™
TOTA’s Biosphere team is working to create Sustainable Life App listings for all Biosphere Committed Companies. The Sustainable Life App™ connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands. With 4000+ listings, 10,000+ downloads, and 6000+ users, the app is growing in popularity across Canada and internationally.
TOTA’s Biosphere team is working to create Sustainable Life App listings for all Biosphere Committed Companies.
The Sustainable Life App™ connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands. With 4000+ listings, 10,000+ downloads, and 6000+ users, the app is growing in popularity across Canada and internationally.
There is a one-time registration fee of $97 and Biosphere Committed Companies receive an exclusive $50 discount. In addition, $40 of the $47 one-time fee will be reinvested through targeted social media ads in the Thompson Okanagan.
Have Your Say on B.C.’s Permanent Paid Sick Leave
British Columbians are invited to provide input into the development of made-in-B.C. permanent paid sick leave to support workers and protect workplaces. From Aug. 5 to Sept. 14, surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers’ needs. Learn more and share feedback at Engage.Gov.BC.ca/paidsickleave.
British Columbians are invited to provide input into the development of made-in-B.C. permanent paid sick leave to support workers and protect workplaces.
In addition to outreach to key stakeholders and Indigenous partners, a public consultation process is now open and can be accessed through government’s engagement site.
There will be two phases of consultation:
Phase 1 (Aug. 5 to Sept. 14) – surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers’ needs; and
Phase 2 (Sept. 20 to Oct. 25) – informed by the surveys, options will be prepared for various paid sick leave models, including the numbers of paid days and other supports, and will be posted for public feedback and input.
In May 2021, amendments to the Employment Standards Act laid the groundwork for establishing minimum standards for a permanent paid sick leave entitlement. Following the public engagement process, paid sick leave will be established through a regulation, and come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Quick Facts:
The May 2021 amendments to the Employment Standards Act created a temporary COVID-19 paid sick leave program for up to three days of leave until Dec. 31, 2021. To support businesses struggling with the impacts of the pandemic, government is reimbursing employers up to $200 per day per worker, to help cover those wages.
An estimated 50% of B.C. employees do not have access to paid sick leave. This means more than one million workers in B.C. will benefit from receiving these new paid sick leaves.
Many vulnerable and low-wage workers – who are often women or migrant workers – lack benefits, so the ability to take paid leave will be especially beneficial to them.
go2HR’s B.C. Labour Market Survey
Even before COVID-19, the tourism and hospitality industry faced significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges are only increasing as we emerge from the pandemic. go2HR is responding to these challenges by undertaking an ambitious labour market research project.
As part of the study, go2HR is asking tourism employers to participate in the following 25-minute survey. They need to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of BC. Take go2HR’s B.C. labour market survey and be entered in a draw for prizes valued at $1,500!
Help the Tourism & Hospitality Industry Return to a New Normal
Participate in the go2HR’s B.C. labour market survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
go2HR has been hard at work undertaking a Labour Market Information research project to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. These challenges may increase as we emerge from the pandemic.
go2HR is seeking feedback from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete the survey to share the impact of COVID-19 on your tourism operators, human resource issues, and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward. Any information provided will be held confidential, used only for the purpose of this study, and reported only in summary form with the responses of other respondents.
Canada Extends COVID-19 Benefits to October 2021 (CEWS, CERS, CRB)
The Government of Canada has announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) will be extended by four weeks to October 23, 2021. This extension also includes an increase of the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during the period between August 29 and September 25, 2021 from a maximum of 20 per cent to 40 per cent.
The Government of Canada has announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) will be extended by four weeks to October 23, 2021. This extension also includes an increase of the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during the period between August 29 and September 25, 2021 from a maximum of 20 per cent to 40 per cent.
These extensions include:
Extending the eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until October 23, 2021, and increasing the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during the period between August 29 and September 25, 2021.
Extending the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) until October 23, 2021.
Increasing the maximum number of weeks available for the CRB, by an additional 4 weeks, to a total of 54 weeks, at a rate of $300 per week, and ensuring it is available to those who have exhausted their employment insurance (EI) benefits.
Municipalities Empowered to Ban Single-Use Plastics
Municipalities throughout BC can now move more quickly to prevent plastics from polluting their communities. Under the new rules, local governments can institute bans on plastic bags and certain single-use plastics (such as polystyrene foam containers and plastic utensils) without provincial approval.
Municipalities throughout the province can now move more quickly to prevent plastics from polluting their communities.
Under new rules, local governments can institute bans on plastic bags and certain single-use plastics without provincial approval.
The Province has amended a regulation under the Community Charter to allow local governments to ban single-use plastics, including plastic checkout bags, polystyrene foam containers and plastic utensils, which includes stir sticks. Previously, municipalities required ministerial approval to implement a plastics ban.
More than 20 municipalities in B.C. are developing bylaws banning single-use plastics. Under the previous regulation, bylaws were approved for the municipalities of Esquimalt, Nanaimo, Richmond, Rossland, Saanich, Surrey, Tofino, Ucluelet and Victoria.
This change is one part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan. The Province is also expanding the number of products to be recycled through residential recycling programs by adding milk and milk-alternative containers to the deposit-refund system effective February 2022, and more single-use items to the packaging part of the Recycling Regulation effective January 2023. It is also piloting new projects to use reclaimed plastic waste in new manufacturing through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund.
Since last year, more than 127 tonnes of plastic have been removed from B.C.’s coastline under the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative. It is estimated that in 2019, more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging were disposed of in British Columbia. This equates to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste landfilled per person in one year.