News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
World Tourism Day | September 27-28, 2021
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.” This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.
CREST is partnering with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency to host the fifth annual World Tourism Day Forum. This pay-what-you-can virtual event focused on helping key sectors bridge the disconnect between the goals they are warned must be met when it comes to mitigating the climate crisis and the action steps they need to take.
World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on 27 September, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.
World Tourism Day | United Nations World Tourism Organization
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.” This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.
UNWTO invites its Member States, as well as non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses and individuals to celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.
The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly.
The human desire to travel and explore is universal, which is why tourism must be open for everyone to enjoy.
CREST is partnering with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency to host the fifth annual World Tourism Day Forum. This pay-what-you-can virtual event will focus on helping key sectors bridge the disconnect between the goals they are warned must be met when it comes to mitigating the climate crisis and the action steps they need to take.
This event aims to help you take positive directional action, no matter where you are in your climate journey. Hear from Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, which is pioneering climate action plans for accommodations, tour operators, and destinations, and from industry leaders who are taking inspiring climate action in the tourism sector.
Did you know?
Tourism employs one in every ten people on Earth. Because of the pandemic, 100-120 million direct tourism jobs are at risk.
The asymmetric roll-out of vaccines magnifies the economic blow tourism has suffered in developing countries, as they could account for up to 60% of the global GDP losses.
Quick Links to COVID Information Resources
A compilation of links to key COVID-19 information resources for B.C. tourism companies.
Here are links to key COVID-19 information resources for B.C. tourism companies:
Recent Public Orders:
Accepted Proof of Vaccination Examples:
Additional Resources:
Destination BC Messaging Guidance for Proof of Vaccination Requirement and Welcoming International Visitors
go2HR Employer Toolkit – COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace
go2HR: Responding to difficult guest situations during a pandemic
BC Restaurant & Food Association: Guide to implementing BC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Card
COVID-19 Research & Insights | Destination BC
Destination BC provides reports on COVID-19's impact on British Columbia’s tourism industry, including:
COVID-19 BC Residents’ Public Perceptions
COVID-19 Research Roundup Reports
COVID-19 Global Tourism Watch
Destination BC provides the following reports on COVID-19's impact on British Columbia’s tourism industry:
COVID-19 BC Residents’ Public Perceptions
Destination BC has commissioned biweekly waves of research, starting May 13, 2020 to track opinions and intentions in the context of COVID-19. Reports monitor British Columbians' current views on travel and tourism as well as track travel and tourism behaviour intentions.
COVID-19 Research Roundup Reports
Destination BC rounds up relevant research and articles each week related to the travel and tourism industry and COVID-19. These documents summarize the various research findings from Destination BC, suppliers, other tourism agencies, associations, etc.
COVID-19 Global Tourism Watch
Destination Canada’s Global Tourism Watch Special Survey is conducted in Canada on a general population basis. The key objective is to assess travel intentions, perceptions and behaviors in the context of managing travel and visitors during COVID-19.
Shop Local BC | BC Chamber of Commerce
The Shop Local initiative will provide grants to chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and other organization for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic. The Shop Local BC application period will launch in late October. Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.
The federal government is investing $33 million in the initiative across Canada, of which project funds of $5 million are earmarked for British Columbia.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver the Shop Local initiative in BC, ensuring that the program is inclusive, and funds are distributed equitably across the province's seven economic development regions.
The Shop Local BC program will launch in late October. Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
B.C. Communities to Receive New Cycling and Walking Pathways
People in communities throughout B.C., including the Thompson Okanagan, will soon benefit from better cycling, pedestrian and other active-transportation infrastructure that will safely connect neighbourhoods to parks, schools and town centres.
People in communities throughout B.C., including the Thompson Okanagan, will soon benefit from better cycling, pedestrian and other active-transportation infrastructure that will safely connect neighbourhoods to parks, schools and town centres.
Thirty-three Indigenous and local governments will receive funding for projects that align with provincial priorities to increase the number of people walking and cycling, as well as improving the safety and health of vulnerable road users, community connectivity, accessibility, tourism and climate change mitigation.
The funding will also help 29 additional Indigenous and local governments develop active-transportation network plans that align with the B.C. Active Transportation Design Guide. Network plans are an eligibility requirement for infrastructure funding through the grant program.
Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program recipients in the Thompson Okanagan:
Chase - $119,100
The Pedestrian Safety Improvements-Chase Street/Thompson Avenue project will include 70 metres of new sidewalk, wheelchair let downs, signage and road markings.
Columbia Shuswap Regional District in partnership with Splatsin te Secwépemc - $500,000
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail - Sicamous to Mara: Early Access Safety and Asset Protection project will develop the preliminary 19.8-kilometre rail trail corridor to create safe public access for active transportation.
District of Clearwater - $331,353
The Multi-Use Pathway-Safe Connector project will be a 780-metre paved multi-use pathway.
Kamloops - $451,458
The Westsyde Road Multi-Use Path project will construct 430 metres of paved multi-use path along Westsyde Road and extend an existing multi-use path.
Kelowna - $500,000
The Casorso Active Transportation Corridor project delivers a 700-metre protected bike route that includes sections that separate pedestrians and cyclists from high-speed, high-traffic areas and separates bike lanes from sidewalks.
Merritt - $203,976
The Rotary Park Multi-Use Pathway Upgrade and Voght Street Connections is a multi-use pathway for all users at Rotary Park and at Central Park.
Salmon Arm - $500,000
The Ross Street Underpass (Phase 1) will be a new multi-modal underpass of the Canadian Pacific Railway that includes 260 metres of new sidewalk providing a direct connection between the downtown core and the waterfront.
Tk'emlups te Secwépemc Kamloops Indian Reserve #1 - $500,000
The East Shuswap Road Multi-Use Path will be a 300-metres multi-use path along East Shuswap Road providing connectivity to the Chief Louis Centre lands.
Vernon - $500,000
The Silver Star Road Multi-Use Path Phase 1 project will construct 1,250 metres of paved multi-use pathway along Silver Star Road.
Provincewide Active Transportation Network Planning Grant recipients in the Thompson Okanagan are:
Adams Lake Indian Band
Armstrong
District of Peachland
District of Sicamous
Lumby
McBride
Osoyoos
Salmon Arm
Whispering Pines-Clinton First Nation
Options for B.C.’s Permanent Paid Sick Leave Available for Comment Until October 5
British Columbians are invited to have their say on three proposed options for permanent paid sick leave shaped by their responses to the first phase of consultation.
The options paper has been posted on government’s engagement site and is available for comment until Oct. 25. Three options have been developed that cover the minimum number of days: three, five and 10 days of paid sick leave. To leave a comment on the engagement site, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/paidsickleave
British Columbians are invited to have their say on three proposed options for permanent paid sick leave shaped by their responses to the first phase of consultation.
The options paper has been posted on government’s engagement site and is available for comment until Oct. 25. Three options have been developed that cover the minimum number of days: three, five and 10 days of paid sick leave. To leave a comment on the engagement site, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/paidsickleave
In May 2021, amendments to the Employment Standards Act laid the groundwork for establishing minimum standards for permanent paid sick leave. Following the public engagement process, paid sick leave will be established through regulation and come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Get Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests for Screening in Workplaces
The Government of Canada, some provincial/territorial governments and distribution partners are providing free rapid COVID-19 tests to organizations. These tests are to be used for regular workplace screening of employees.
The Government of Canada, some provincial/territorial governments and distribution partners are providing free rapid COVID-19 tests to organizations. These tests are to be used for regular workplace screening of employees.
Businesses and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply.
Eligible organizations must agree to the following conditions:
keep rapid tests and not resell them
limit use to within Canada
screen employees according to the guidelines provided by relevant provincial and territorial governments
demonstrate they are using these tests before further supplies are provided
collect and report on usage
New Special Event Permit Online Application System
Effective September 21, all current and previous SEP applicants must use the new application portal hosted by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). People and organizations needing a special event permit (SEP) to serve liquor at events like community festivals, family gatherings and private functions can now apply through a new online portal developed to speed up application processing.
New Special Event Permit Online Application System
Effective September 21, all current and previous SEP applicants must use the new application portal hosted by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
People and organizations needing a special event permit (SEP) to serve liquor at events like community festivals, family gatherings and private functions can now apply through a new online portal developed to speed up application processing.
Applications are no longer accepted through the previous portal hosted by the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).
What you need to know:
Applicants will be able to apply for a SEP, pay fees, and get their permit online through the LCRB's liquor and cannabis licensing portal.
The new LCRB SEP application system has several login options to ensure system access and authentication. Applicants will need to login with either a Business BCeID, BC Mobile Card (BC Services Card on their mobile device), or a Basic BCeID. Businesses should allow one to two weeks for processing time if they are setting up a new Business BCeID.
Additional information about SEPs and how to login to the system will be available on the LCRB website.
Applicants who have an approved, unpaid SEP as of September 21st must pay for and download their permits within the old LDB online system before it is decommissioned on October 4th.
Applicants with applications still under review as of today will be notified of the outcome of their application from the lDB system soon thereafter and must pay for and download their permits using the old LDB online system before October 4th.
If you have questions about SEP, please contact the LCRB’s SEP support team toll free at 1-855-999-7656 or by email at LCRB.SEP@gov.bc.ca.
Destination BC Learning Centre
Destination BC hosts a Learning Centre that provides access to free resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry. New content is added regularly for tourism businesses to grow their skills in eight subject areas: digital marketing, experience development, social media marketing, travel trade & travel media, applying insights, safety & emergency preparedness, accessible tourism, and the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Destination BC hosts a Learning Centre that provides access to free resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry.
New content is added regularly for tourism businesses to grow their skills in eight subject areas: digital marketing, experience development, social media marketing, travel trade & travel media, applying insights, safety & emergency preparedness, accessible tourism, and the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Here is some recent content that may be of interest:
Q Biz Magazine | New LGBTQ+ Canadian Business Magazine
Q Biz Canada is a recently launched magazine dedicated to promoting LGBT+ businesses, as well as offering advice and stories from LGBT+ business owners about their experiences.
Q Biz Canada is a magazine dedicated to promoting LGBT+ businesses as well as offering advice and stories from LGBT+ business owners about their experiences.
As a national publication, the magazine shares stories from across Canada. Whether you’re a business owner, looking to start your own business or about to start your career you’ll find something to relate to.
There are so many great success stories that have not been told that inspire and connect us all. Linking LGBT+ groups from around the country.
It is estimated that there are 140,000 LGBT+ owned businesses in Canada with an annual buying power of $90 billion – numbers that will surely keep growing.
The first issue featured First-Class Travel.
Accessibility Projects Grant 2021 - Deadline: October 2, 2021
Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership. Proposals are due by October 2, 2021.
Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals (CFP) for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership.
Proposals are due by October 2nd, 2021 and funding for successful projects will be disbursed in early 2022.
Please review the Call for Proposals (CFP), Application Form, and accompanying documents for complete details about eligible projects.
New Service Helps Companies Quickly Resolve Urgent Export Issues
Exporter Solutions is a new service from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service that provides Canadian companies with personalized support to help resolve urgent export issues within one business day. Companies can access expert insights, guidance, and contacts in Canada and abroad to help them export.
Article author: Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) / Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Published: August 13, 2021
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by Global Affairs Canada, 2021.
Exporter Solutions is a new service from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service that provides Canadian companies with personalized support to help resolve urgent export issues within one business day. This free service also offers access to self‑serve and find the relevant information, services and programs Canadian businesses may require to avoid potential problems by referring them to the right place to get the right help.
Export performance is critical to restarting Canada’s economy amidst the COVID‑19 pandemic. Now, companies can access urgent support to troubleshoot export‑related situations and avoid costly issues. Through access to expert insights, guidance, and contacts at home and abroad, they will be able to continue selling their goods and services to the world.
“Exporter Solutions is here to help businesses navigate urgent international business situations,” says Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “As the world economy emerges from the pandemic, the TCS is in a privileged position to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed in international markets through its funding and support programs and an on‑the‑ground network in more than 160 cities worldwide.”
Canadian businesses have seen major disruptions to well‑established patterns of trade as a result of the COVID‑19 crisis, Ng comments. Firms looking to establish or re‑establish trade often fear going abroad because of the risks. Many don’t know where to start or where to turn for advice on issues such as economic volatility, political uncertainty and intellectual property rights. She says Exporter Solutions can help companies discover and mitigate potential mistakes, save time and money, find the right partner and de‑risk their efforts.
Through Exporter Solutions, Canada’s trade commissioners will work closely with companies to help them troubleshoot, providing free country-specific expert advice and connections with local contacts to work through export-related situations. Companies can also self‑serve by visiting the website to find information on avoiding common problems faced by exporters.
Trade commissioners can help assess the situation a business is facing and provide guidance. Depending on the issue, the TCS can connect the company with a local partner or expert to help resolve the problem. Some concerns may require more in‑depth involvement by the Government of Canada, such as engagement with foreign agencies to identify broader or longer‑term solutions.
According to a recent survey, businesses that used the TCS services in 2019‑2020 agreed that the advice they received helped them make more informed decisions:
to explore or expand operations abroad (83%)
find contacts who they would not have found otherwise (81%)
gain access to intelligence that would be difficult to obtain without the TCS (80%)
Also, 72% of the businesses surveyed agreed that the TCS helped them avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Okanagan Reconnect 5-Week Podcast Series | Tasting Room Radio
With the assistance and support of TOTA, on Aug 3, 2021, Terry David Mulligan of Tasting Room Radio headed back to the Okanagan to reconnect with winery owners, winemakers,nd chefs in the Okanagan Valley and create a 5-week podcast series.
With the assistance and support of TOTA, on Aug 3, 2021, Terry David Mulligan of Tasting Room Radio headed back to the Okanagan to reconnect with winery owners, winemakers, and chefs in the Okanagan Valley and create a 5-week podcast series.
Featured companies include:
Rickard and Jill Richardson Branby – Sperling Vineyards
Jay Drysdale – Co-Founder and Winemaker Bella Wines
Master of Wine Marcus Ansems – Co-Founder and Winemaker Daydreamer Wines
Exec Chef Ned Bell and Sommelier Emily Walker
Penelope and Dylan Roche – co-founders / winemakers of Roche Wines
Kathy Malone – Chief Winemaker Hillside Winery
Mark Filatow - Executive chef and Sommelier Waterfront Wines Restaurant
David Patterson – GM and Winemaker at Tantalus Vineyards
Jason Parkes - Founder of The Hatch Wines
Grayson Riordan, Mikayla Jones, Graham Dell – Manager Black Swift/Manager The Hatch/CFO
Ellen Walker-Mathews – new CEO of TOTA
Jeff Hundertmark – Chef Winemaker of Mt Boucherie and Rust Wine Co
Christine Coletta, Matt Dumayne and Duncan Billing – Founder of Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Wines/OCP Winemaker and Director of Viticulture
Message from TOTA Board Chair
TOTA Board Chair Michael J. Ballingall reflects on the year and the new season, as well as TOTA’s new agreement and relationship with Destination BC. This past week many tourism leaders met in person in Vancouver while many others took part in integrated planning sessions on multiple days of virtual meetings. Everyone is committed to working together to rebuild and rethink how we move forward and bring the Super. Natural. British Columbia experience to our guests in even better ways, for years to come.
Michael J. Ballingall TOTA Board Chair and Richard Porges, Destination BC CEO
September... In many ways this month always feels more like the new year than January. As school at every level begins again and the busy days of summer come to an end, life begins to have a renewed energy and momentum. We turn a new page, reevaluate priorities, set goals, and make plans for the months ahead. In business, regardless of what quarter you're in, September takes on the spirit of "Q1".
This September, TOTA, together with our regional partners, have embarked on a new agreement and relationship with Destination BC. This key relationship is coming together at a critical time for the tourism industry. Never before has it been more important that we work together in collaboration at every level to get through the challenges that lay before us, while building a long term vision and strategy to move tourism successfully through the next decade.
This past week many tourism leaders met in person in Vancouver while many others took part in integrated planning sessions on multiple days of virtual meetings. Everyone is committed to working together to rebuild and rethink how we move forward and bring the Super. Natural. British Columbia experience to our guests in even better ways, for years to come.
On behalf of myself, the TOTA board, and the team, I would like to recognize Richard Porges, recently appointed CEO of Destination BC, and the entire Destination BC team for their efforts in facilitating these recent meetings. These discussions fostered a spirit of cooperation, collaboration, and transparency. They set the stage toward creating a resilient tourism industry for the future for all of British Columbia's tourism companies, residents, and visitors.
- Michael J. Ballingall, TOTA Board Chair
Online Learning Day | BC Tourism Resiliency Network
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) is hosting an Online Learning Day to deliver high-profile, high-value thought leadership that will inspire and guide tourism operators to improve product and business acumen, while addressing key challenges and solving real problems.
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) is hosting an Online Learning Day to deliver high-profile, high-value thought leadership that will inspire and guide tourism operators to improve product and business acumen, while addressing key challenges and solving real problems.
Session #1: Employee Recruitment & Retention During a Pandemic – Practical Tips for Tourism & Hospitality Employers
Speaker: Ginger Bruner, go2HR
Time: 8:45-9:30 am PST
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only impacting how businesses operate, it is also influencing the expectations and needs of job seekers and employees. Understanding these changes is important for tourism employers to be able to adjust their recruitment and retention practices to attract and retain top talent.
Session #2: Reputation Management
Speaker: Deirdre Campbell, Beattie Tartan
Time: 10:00-10:45 am PST
Understand the steps tourism and hospitality businesses should take to build and maintain a trusted brand image during a global crisis. While an initial instinct will be to remain quiet until things blow over or a better understanding of what the future looks like becomes clear – the opposite is true. Now is the time to communicate more than ever, keep your brand top of mind and deal with the tough issues head on. Authenticity and transparency are key factors to retain guests and visitors and attract new ones.
Session #3: Creating a Path Forward
Speaker: Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm PST
Using the experience and lessons learned over the last year and a half, this enlightening workshop will help you rethink the opportunities within your business. With a group of like-minded professionals, we will look at strategies for taking you and your businesses successfully through this difficult time
Special Presentation: Return to Travel
Speaker: Heather Greenwood Davis, Storyteller
Time: 1:00-1:20 pm PST
Join storyteller and award-winning writer, Heather Greenwood Davis, for this informative and inspiring talk about the return to travel. Heather will share what she’s seen as both a domestic and international traveller and what it – along with the time spent in the pandemic – has taught her to expect from the future of travel.
These offerings are free to BC tourism businesses registered in a tourism resiliency program. Any tourism business can still register in the BC Tourism Resiliency Network in order to participate in this online learning.
Tourism Kelowna Participates in 10 Million Acts of Kindness Movement
After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide by participating in the 10 Million Acts of Kindness initiative. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.
After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide.
That's where 10 Million Acts of Kindness came into play. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021 by local entrepreneur, Crystal Flaman, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Small acts of kindness can go a long way and the movement's aim is to create a ripple effect in the world that can change people's lives.
Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders, including coffee shops, art galleries, hotels, wineries, restaurants, and many more. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.
Tourism Kelowna hopes this will create a ripple effect in the tourism and hospitality community - feel free to join the movement by doing something to bring smiles and warm hearts in your community.
Small acts such as helping someone in need, leaving a positive review for a local business, sending a note of gratitude, or paying it forward can go a long way. #10millionactsofkindness.
Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency | BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan.
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan..
The Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency will help businesses address workforce and workplace planning and related operational challenges caused by COVID-19.
Resources outlined in the guide tackle all aspects of pandemic recovery including:
Health & Safety
Government programming
Sector-specific initiatives
Legal and regulatory requirements
How to reopen, maintain, pivot, or expand your business; and
Additional small business tools
Download the guide today to help your business navigate the broad mix of available resources in a clear and efficient way. Follow these steps on the road to recovery.
Tourism Insurance Survey - Close September 24
The issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry continues to be a concern, including commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
TIABC and TIAC are collecting feedback from the tourism industry to support advocacy efforts. Please complete the survey by September 24.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.
We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
To help with TIABC's advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24.
We also request that you share the survey link with others who have concerns to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Launches Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program to help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. Business can complete the program in one week, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program. The accreditation will help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. It will also help businesses of all industries and sizes, demonstrate their commitment and consistent efforts to provide a welcome and accepting experience through progressive policies and practices.
The Rainbow Registered program is a way for companies to affirm their position on LGBT+ rights and make it clear what their stance is.” said Darrell Schuurman, Chief Executive Officer of the LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. “It’s no longer enough to talk about inclusivity. Canadian consumers and employees are now demanding clear actionable steps that show a business’s values align with their own.”
Rainbow Registered Sets The Bar for Corporate LGBT+ Inclusivity
The program sets a rigorous set of standards that companies must meet before earning the Rainbow Registered mark and the benefits that go along with it. The standards focus on four key areas including policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership and a culture of inclusivity. The program starts by encouraging businesses to look inwards, examining how they are operating and doing business, finding areas that may be perpetuating unconscious bias, then working closely with CGLCC to forge a path forward to becoming more inclusive.
For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants. Pricing starts at $299 + tax for small businesses and scales to match company size.
It takes less than a week to complete the program, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
Companies interested in applying to the rainbow registered program can get started today by completing the first step, a self-assessment found at www.rainbowregistered.ca.
Consumers interested in learning which organizations are accredited can find the business directory at www.rainbowregistered.ca.
Connecting Employers to Immigrant Talent | Immigrant Employment Council of BC
As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace.
As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace, including:
MentorConnect
Learn about our program that brings together skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships.
FAST
Find out how this free, comprehensive set of online tools and resources helps skilled immigrants become better prepared for work in Canada, and connects employers with internationally trained workers.
BC JobConnect
BC JobConnect is a customized online tool connecting BC employers to job-ready newcomers. This easy-to-use website provides a platform for job-seekers to showcase their skills, education and work experience, and present their profiles and resumes to BC employers looking for workers. Services offered to both the employers and the job-seekers are free.
ASCEND
ASCEND’s self-paced online modules develop newcomers’ employment skills. This minimizes the burden of onboarding while ensuring new hires stay engaged and supported. An innovative and interactive blended learning program focusing on cultivating skilled newcomers’ essential workplace competencies (interpersonal, communication and soft skills). ASCEND uses a strengths-based approach that integrates online and face to face learning to support the employment readiness of newcomers and help BC employers recruit, hire, and integrate immigrant talent.