CCOHS: Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is hosting an e-Course on Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business. This course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is being offered for free.

As businesses and workplaces across Canada reopen their doors for workers and customers, it’s important to understand that the coronavirus will still be circulating so new infections are possible. Returning to the workplace will not be the same as before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This awareness course outlines common steps that can be taken to safely reopen during COVID-19. This course will help you prepare and put controls in place to help protect workers and customers and minimize the impact of the pandemic.

Upon completion of the course, attendees will:

• Understand how coronavirus spreads and the symptoms of COVID-19

• Know employer and worker duties in a COVID-19 return to business plan

• Be able to describe the role of hazard identification and risk control

• Know what measures are used to control the virus, including how to safely clean and disinfect surfaces

• Understand how to safely manage the workplace and prepare workers for a return

• Understand the impacts on mental health

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes information on:

• Support for individuals

• Support for businesses

• Support for sectors

• Support for communities

• Other measures

• Completed measures

POST Promise: Business Self-Declaration

The POST Promise is a self-declaration from a business to its customers and employees that it is working hard to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Once completed, a business is provided with the communication and implementation tools needed to educate employees on the five key steps to workplace safety, which were created to be consistent with what has been recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Businesses who make the promise are then able to use and display the POST Promise logo which will act as a clear indication to employees and customers that they are doing their part to protect Canadians’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The POST Promise brings together all businesses across industries to implement a common approach which is then communicated by a consistent visual cue.

However, the POST Promise is not a “certification” or “approval” from any regulatory body. All businesses are still required to follow the laws and recommended guidelines from their local public health office and government bodies.

Organizations Buying and Selling Personal Protective Equipment During COVID-19: Overview

The Government of Canada is mobilizing industry to provide medical supplies, and providing information on personal protective equipment in relation to COVID-19, including expedited access and how to get authorization to sell PPE.

The Government of Canada website has been updated with resources to outline the steps of this endeavor.

Information for Sellers:

• Explore provincial and territorial opportunities to list your supplies. Access additional resources to connect with potential buyers.

• Explore how your business can get on provincial or territorial supply lists

• Matching supply and demand

• and more

Information for Buyers:

• Finding personal protective equipment

• Consumer guidance

• Considerations when buying PPE

• Community Resources

• and more

Check out the Government of Canada website to learn more.

Canadian Business Resilience - Canadian Chamber of Commerce

As the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) campaign is wrapped up, the information on the support programs, the toolkits and the important resources to help businesses manage their operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery are now available on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.

Resources:

• Financial Support

• Tips and Toolkits

• Health and Safety

• COVID-19 Data and Research

• Webinars

• Blog - CBRN thought and leadership posts

B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Employee Survey

Participate in the B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Labour Market Information Employee survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.

This survey is targeted at people who currently work in the B.C. tourism and hospitality industry or have worked in the industry within the last three years. That could include jobs in:

• Accommodation (e.g., hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, campgrounds, etc.)

• Amusement, gambling and recreation (e.g., parks, ski hills, casinos)

• Performing arts (e.g., theatres and spectator sports)

• Heritage institutions (e.g., heritage attractions, public art galleries, museums)

• Passenger transportation (e.g., air, water, and rail or sightseeing)

• Tour and travel arrangement and reservation services

The questions are designed to learn more about your experiences working in the tourism and hospitality industry, the challenges you face, and your future plans with respect to continuing to work in the industry.

Free Flu Shots Available As a Precaution

The Province of BC is making flu shots free for anyone older than six months. This year, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it makes good public health sense to get vaccinated for the flu.

Last year, the province provided free flu vaccinations to high-risk groups, but this is the first time the shot is free for all aged six months old and older.

BC Hospitality Foundation 50/50

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle will start with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on November 15, 2021.

The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, which is the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.

Tickets for the raffle will be:

• 5 for $10

• 20 for $20

• 150 for $40

Please support the hospitality and tourism sector by purchasing tickets. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The registered charity also administers a scholarship program that fosters the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.

Camper's Code - Take the Pledge and Please Camp Responsibly

In 2020, the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition recognized the need to build awareness around appropriate camping behavior. A Campers Code Marketing Committee was formed, which outlined ways to educate the public on behaving responsibly while camping in BC’s front and back country. In May 2021, the coalition implemented a digital marketing campaign for the launch of the new Camper’s Responsibility Code, with the goal of driving awareness and compliance to people camping in BC this year.

The Camper’s Code Has 9 Rules that Are Really Easy to Follow. When All Campers Follow Them, These Good Things Happen:

• Camping continues to be enjoyable for all

• Nature remains pristine and beautiful

• People camping in the same area become friends

• Animals stay wild and free

Wilderness Tourism Association Launches #BELLYUP Campaign

On October 18, the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC (WTA) launched the #bellyup campaign, which campaign makes the link between the fate of the wild Pacific salmon and BC's tourism industry. The campaign also calls for the removal of the open-net fish factories that are contributing to the serious decline of wild salmon stocks.

If you believe that the future of BC's tourism economy depends on the health of wild salmon and the ecosystem they support, you can get involved and support the WTA in this campaign. They are making the point that the economic impact of the loss of our destination brand Super, Natural British Columbia through the degradation of our environment will have a far greater negative impact on the provincial economy than the removal of the 60+ active fish farms and the 1,200 jobs that they support.

Ways to go #BELLYUP

• Flip your profile pictures upside down

• Post an upside-down picture

• Film and publish your own #BELLYUP video

• Like, share, and repost #BELLYUP content.

• Tag @johnhorgan4bc @ravikahlonnorthdelta and @melaniejmark in your own #BELLYUP posts.

On September 29th, WTA CEO Scott Benton, former Premier Gordon Campbell, and consultant Lisa Stevens were guests on TIABC's Wednesday Webinar series with the topic "If BC's Wild Salmon Go - We All Go". The presentation focused on how the extinction of BC's wild salmon would impact BC's Super, Natural brand and tourism businesses. They also introduced the new campaign aimed at connecting the fate of the wild salmon to BC's tourism economy. You can view the webinar in it's entirety in the link below.

If BC's Salmon Go - We All Go Webinar

BC Ski Promotion Debuts in Germany with SKI KANADA

Destination BC has partnered with online magazine SKI KANADA to promote BC ski product to German consumers. The online campaign, which is hosted on SKI-KANADA.net and will be promoted to the publication’s extensive audience via e-newsletter, includes a prizing component to increase traffic to the landing page while boosting signups for partner e-newsletters.

The prize draw will run until April 15, 2022, with the winner scooping up a BC heli-skiing trip courtesy of Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing Resort. The activity will be cross promoted on SKI-USA.net.

Buy BC: Eat Drink Local to Support B.C. Restaurants

This year’s Buy BC: EAT DRINK LOCAL is in full swing, with some of the province’s best-tasting ingredients spotlighted now until November 15. The campaign – a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association – features 30 days of inspirational stories about local restaurants and restaurateurs, and encourages BC residents to support local businesses while enjoy the decadent flavours of fall.

Chefs wanting to be featured can visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/join-buy-bc/restaurants-chefs

Additional Information:

• Find participating restaurants online, visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/eat-drink-local

• More information about the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association: http://www.bcrfa.com/

• Sharing on social? Tag and follow @EatDrinkBuyBC and #BuyBC

New Standardized Canadian COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination for Travel

On October 21, Canada announced that a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, with other provinces including B.C. to follow suit.

B.C.'s Ministry of Health said in a statement the province will issue the new government of Canada proof of vaccination card and it will be accessible as of Oct. 30.

Canada is working with partners internationally to ensure the proof of vaccination is recognized and accepted abroad to facilitate international travel.

The standardized proof of vaccination is issued by provinces and territories to individuals who are vaccinated and registered with their provincial or territorial health authority, and can also be used with ArriveCAN, the mobile app and website for travellers to submit mandatory information when arriving in Canada from other countries.

Residents from provinces not yet issuing the standardized proof of vaccination can use their existing provincial documentation but the government notes it is up to foreign governments to determine whether to accept it.

Updated: Proof of Vaccination Messaging Guidance & Tool Kit | Destination BC

Destination BC’s Proof of Vaccination Messaging Guide has been updated to reflect new information and industry FAQs, including details on full vaccination requirements coming into effect for BC on October 24 and where to find information on the new pan-Canadian vaccine passport for plane, train and cruise ship passengers in Canada. The Guide will continue to be updated as new information is available. Industry should refer to this latest messaging until further notice.

This messaging is helpful for:

• Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations

• Sector Associations

• Tourism Businesses

Destination BC will provide new information as it becomes available. If you have a question that is not answered, please email COVID19response@DestinationBC.ca and they will work with the Province to gather the information.

Targeted COVID-19 Support Measures to Create Jobs and Growth

With one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the world, many businesses safely reopening, and employment now back to pre-pandemic levels, Canadians have reached a turning point in the fight against COVID-19. The government has now surpassed its target of creating a million new jobs. Canada is on the road to economic recovery—but some areas of the country and economy continue to need targeted support.

The Government of Canada is taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth. This includes moving from the very broad-based support that was appropriate at the height of lockdowns to more targeted measures that will provide help where it is needed, while prudently managing government spending.

The following changes to business support programs are being proposed:

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

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

• Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, which would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.

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

• Applicants for these programs will use a new “two-key” eligibility system whereby they will need to demonstrate significant revenue losses over the course of 12 months of the pandemic, as well as revenue losses in the current month.

• Businesses that face temporary new local lockdowns will be eligible for up to the maximum amount of the wage and rent subsidy programs, during the local lockdown, regardless of losses over the course of the pandemic.

• These programs will be available until May 7, 2022, with the proposed subsidy rates available through to March 13, 2022. From March 13, 2022, to May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates will decrease by half.

Keep Momentum of Support Strong with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses

A critical pillar of advocacy work over the past 20 months has been TIAC’s position as co-chair of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. This is a coalition of over 120 tourism, hotel and events businesses including TIABC who are fighting for industry-specific support. Not just businesses - but also the organizations that represent hundreds of businesses behind them.

Check out the website for current campaigns and how you can get involved.

Canada - U.S. Border Update

Building on the previous announcement regarding the Canada-U.S. land and ferry border progress, the U.S will allow travellers with mixed doses of vaccinations to cross for non-essential travel. U.S land borders with Canada and Mexico will be open to fully vaccinated tourists by November 8.

While the U.S. will not require Canadians to show negative test results to cross at land borders, returning to Canada requires a negative PCR test within 72 hours of crossing the border.

Invasive Species Alert - Know Your Responsibility

When COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in many parts of the province this past summer, many people started traveling again. Of course, traveling anywhere these days means taking extra precautions to not transmit any unwanted things we may carry. While COVID-19 fits into this category, it also relates to, invasive species.

Most people do not realize that tourism is a major cause of invasive species spread and introduction, especially to remote natural areas. Invasive species can hitch a ride on clothing, footwear, luggage, vehicles, boats and even pets. Costing Canada billions of dollars every year, invasive species are also listed as the second biggest threat to biodiversity, next to habitat loss.

BC is home to more species of living things than any other Canadian province, with over 70 per cent of Canada’s nesting bird and land mammal species and over 60 per cent of its plant species. This diversity makes this province “Super Natural” — but it also means it has the most to lose.

Whether travelling by air, land or boat, unwanted “hitchhikers” may be tagging along. Species like carpet burweed, burdock or thistles can easily cling to clothing, boot soles and tent pads and become established in a new, pristine area.

Enjoy the great outdoors and adopt these simple actions to protect the many native plants, animals and ecosystems that we all depend on:

• Brush off all dirt and seeds from your shoes when leaving a trail or natural area.

• Shake out your tent before you pack up your camp site.

• Brush off any mud or seeds from your bike or ATV tires at the end of a trail.

• Clean Drain and Dry your watercraft when moving between water bodies to make sure no unwanted hitchhikers get a free ride to a new lake or stream.

Provincial COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted - Interior Health Restrictions Continue

Vaccination Requirement Update

As of October 24, full vaccination for everyone born in 2009 or earlier (12+) and presentation of your BC Vaccine Card is required to access certain events, services, and businesses.

Provincial Restrictions Lifted

Note: Interior Health restrictions will continue until further notice.

As of October 25, people in parts of the province will be able to come together at organized gatherings and events. The provincial health officer order restricting capacity limits to 50% for inside organized events and gatherings will be revised to allow 100% capacity in those settings where the BC Vaccine Card is in place and proof of vaccination status is checked.

In addition, the requirement to remain seated at a table in restaurants and pubs will be lifted. Indoor mask requirements remain in effect for all indoor gatherings and events.

Capacity limits remain in effect where regional orders are in place, including the Interior Health region, which includes the Thompson Okanagan region.

BC Chamber of Commerce Collective Perspective Survey 2021

The BC Chamber of Commerce’s purpose is to know what’s on BC’s mind. They are asking you to use your voice by completing a perspective survey and assist the BC Chamber of Commerce with their advocacy efforts.

The goal of the 2021 Collective Perspective Survey is to capture insight from every sector, business size, and region in the province.

Results from the survey will:

• Identify evolving trends – and roadblocks

• Brief government on the business climate in preparation for the 2022 budget

• Inform our advocacy efforts

The survey will close November 4, 2021, at 4:00pm PDT.