News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Add the Accessibility Attributes to Your HelloBC.com Listing
Tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to your HelloBC.com listing at any time with a few simple steps. These accessibility attribute listings will help to build consumer confidence when visitors plan their trip to BC. Accessibility is organized into five categories: Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive & Sensory, and General.
Destination BC (DBC) actively supports the development and improvement of accessible tourism products, services, and activities to ensure every person can participate in BC’s transformative experiences
In 2019, DBC improved and enhanced the accessibility planning and travel information on HelloBC.com, including the addition of an Accessibility feature within business listings. To date, over 400 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their HelloBC listing, helping to build consumer confidence when visitors plan their trip to BC.
Accessibility is organized into five categories: Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive & Sensory, and General.
View an example of how the Accessibility feature appears on HelloBC →
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their listing at any time by following the steps below or they can have a Destination BC team member assist by contacting HelloBCListings@DestinationBC.ca to set up an appointment time. Business listings on HelloBC are complimentary and there is NO cost to add this feature.
Businesses can follow these steps to add accessibility attributes to their HelloBC.com listing:
Log-in to the Tourism Business Portal
Select your business name found under “Manage My Listings”
Click the Accessibility tab
Click the Update button
Check off the criteria on the list, which your business meets in full. Only the criteria that you have selected will display on your listing
Click Next to save
After you have finished editing your accessibility attributes, you will be able to add your accessibility photos by following these steps:
While in the Accessibility section of your account, click Manage Photos
Choose the accessibility category of your photo from the drop-down menu
Click Upload Files
Locate your photo on your hard drive and double click the photo to select it
Click Done to complete the upload
Business that do not have access to a HelloBC listing account, can register for a user account here and should allow up to three business days for access to be granted.
Reminder: BC Vaccine Card is the Only Valid Proof of Vaccination
As of September 27, the BC Vaccine Card is the only acceptable proof of vaccination for British Columbians to enter certain businesses and recreational events. The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing the holder is either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, and both doses by October 24, to enter these settings.
As of September 27, the BC Vaccine Card is the only acceptable proof of vaccination for British Columbians to enter certain businesses and recreational events.
The transition period, which allowed people to present their paper record of immunization received at the time of their vaccination appointment has ended.
People can get their BC Vaccine Card online and keep a digital copy on their mobile device by taking a screen shot or saving the digital copy to the device's photo album or downloads folder. Alternatively, people can print a hard copy to present when entering designated businesses and events.
Businesses can download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App from the Google Play and Apple App stores and use the app to verify customers’ BC Vaccine Card, or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. Government-issued photo is required for those 19 and older.
The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing the holder is either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are now required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, and both doses by October 24, to enter these settings.
Discerning Diner Report | Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada has released the 2021 Discerning Diner report. This report taps into the minds of consumers to see what new dining habits Canadians have developed during the pandemic, and what you can expect from consumers as the pandemic subsides.
Restaurants Canada has released the 2021 Discerning Diner report. This report taps into the minds of consumers to see what new dining habits Canadians have developed during the pandemic, and what you can expect from consumers as the pandemic subsides.
Report Highlights:
89% of Canadians look forward to eating out with family and friends
Consumers are twice as likely to order delivery directly from restaurants vs third party apps
78% of Canadians yearning for comfort food after pandemic stress
Download the full report to better plan and strategize so that you can meet your guest expectations and improve your product offerings.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement of the Thompson Okanagan Region
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples. The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2021.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) acknowledges that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples. As well, the Thompson Okanagan includes land and water routes that were created and used, both historically and presently, by Indigenous peoples as seasonal travel and trade routes.
TOTA is committed to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC). As an organization and team, we continuously reflect on our relationship with the land and our commitment to reconciliation as it relates to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Land Acknowledgement Page
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples.
The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour Orange Shirt Day and Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021.
The Land Acknowledgement page includes:
Recognition of the traditional territory of the the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples.
Information on TOTA’s commitment to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC).
Resources to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous Land, History, and Culture
The Land Acknowledgement page can be accessed from:
Direct through the link TOTABC.org/Land-Acknowledgement
TOTABC.org, News.TOTABC.org, and ThompsonOkanagan.com footers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, Canadians can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
Work Towards Reconciliation
As individuals, organizations, and governments, we all have a part in working towards reconciliation. We can begin by learning more about the lands where we live, work, and play.
TOTA encourages tourism organizations and professionals to develop partnerships with local Indigenous communities, and to recognize and honour Indigenous peoples by acknowledging the traditional territories.
For more information on traditional territories and Indigenous communities, check out the following resources and contact communities directly for specific information.
Traditional Indigenous Territory, Language, and Treaties Map
Government of Canada – First Nation Profiles Interactive Map
BC Assembly of First Nations - Map of Thompson Okanagan Communities
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region:
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about the content of the Land Acknowledgement page or TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism initiatives, please email Indigenous@TOTABC.com.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day | September 30
September 30, 2021 marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. Learn about virtual events to recognize , resources about Canada’s Indigenous peoples, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
September 30, 2021 Marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The creation of Canada’s federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act, and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day also takes place on September 30
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, Canadians can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events:
When – September 27 – October 1
Where – Online
Land Acknowledgements Workshop
When – September 27 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where – Zoom
Elaine Alec Self Determination: A Pathway to Healing
When – September 30 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where – Online
Drum For The Children
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc wishes to involve the world in recognizing the very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. After a global outpouring of interest and support for the missing children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is offering a way for people to connect, support and ground into the importance of September 30, 2021.
On this very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon people around the world to gather safely to drum and sing for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.
It’s time to honour the children, and the unrelenting spirit of these Ancestors.
It’s time to:
to drum for the healing of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors who carried the burden of knowing of where the children were buried.
to drum for the healing of the families and communities whose children did not come home.
Help us shine a light on truth – the pursuit of justice and peace – and healing for all affected by these beloved missing children.
Indigenous peoples and cultures
Learn about Canada’s three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples - the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs that are woven into the fabric of the country. More than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Indigenous person.
Indigenous History in Canada
The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada is rich and diverse. This history stretches long into the past before the arrival of the European newcomers with diverse interactions among different peoples, flourishing trade and fierce conflict, and competition for lands and resources. The history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis is essentially the very history of Canada as they have played, and continue to play important roles in its development and its future.
To learn more, please visit the virtual exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History and the First Nations in Canada historical e-book.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - UNDRIP
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007. Today the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.
World Tourism Day Forum - September 28 | Center for Responsible Travel
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.
Humanity’s contributions – including those of the travel industry – to our warming planet have put everything at stake. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global temperatures will exceed 2°C beyond pre-industrial temperatures during the 21st century, exceeding the 1.5°C limit put forth by The Paris Agreement, unless we collectively and drastically start reducing our greenhouse gas emissions now and in the coming decades.
But what does this mean and how do we get there?
To answer these all-important questions, CREST is partnering with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency to host their fifth annual World Tourism Day Forum. The 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.
The year’s virtual Forum will take place over the span of two days, with an inspiring 2-hour introductory session for all participants on Tuesday, September 28, and 3-hour technical workshops for accommodations, tour operators, and destinations on Wednesday, September 29. EDT. Participants will leave the Forum with a solid understanding of climate change action terminology and how they can move forward towards meaningful action.
Safe Screen BC - Helping Businesses Access Rapid Antigen Tests and Onsite Screening for Employees
Safe Screen BC helps B.C. businesses access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees. Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
How Safe Screen BC Helps Businesses
Supports businesses with the required application process for free rapid antigen tests through B.C.’s Rapid COVID-19 Point of Care Screening Program
Supports the development of onsite workplace screening programs for employees
Enables access and usage of rapid antigen tests for B.C. businesses
Benefits of Rapid Antigen Tests
Rapid antigen screening provides another layer of protection for employers and employees to help keep workplaces safe, reduce the chances of outbreaks and control the spread of COVID-19.
Rapid antigen tests can quickly screen asymptomatic employees for COVID-19 in close contact settings.
These tests are accessible, fast, affordable, and available.
Tests are mobile and can be deployed close to employees who need testing.
Quick results to enable a public health response (typical turn around is 15-20 minutes).
Provincially available tests are free for program participants
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