Indigenous Tourism BC Annual General Meeting - Tuesday, November 16 2021

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The Indigenous tourism industry in BC met this year’s many challenges by Paddling Forward, Together. 

The Annual General Meeting, to be held online via Zoom on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, will focus on resiliency and growth, as Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is continuously inspired by the resiliency and adaptability of Indigenous tourism businesses as they respond and innovate to the current environment. 

ITBC is confident that shared changes and challenges will contribute to an even greater outcome for Indigenous Peoples. Paddling Forward, Together will not only sustain Indigenous tourism in BC, but contribute to an environment that supports Indigenous success and wellness.

Workplace Learning Coach: Psychological Health & Safety (Tourism & Hospitality) - go2HR

go2HR Is Hiring: Workplace Learning Coach - Psychological Health and Safety -go2HR (Vancouver/Kelowna)

go2HR is seeking a Workplace Learning Coach: Psychological Health & Safety for the tourism and hospitality industry to join the go2HR team. This new position has been created in partnership between go2HR and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC to help provide mental health support, resources and training specifically for tourism and hospitality employees across BC.

Reporting to the VP Industry Health, Safety & Human Resources, this position will work directly with industry employers and workers across their assigned region/area and play a key role in helping promote mentally healthy workplaces by facilitating practical workplace training and guiding individuals to relevant mental health services and resources.

Air Canada Offers Industry's Most Comprehensive Travel Testing Options in Partnership with Switch Health, Including Self-Administered Tests

Air Canada has announced the introduction of new testing products, including portable self-administered COVID-19 molecular and antigen test kits, through a partnership with Switch Health, a Canadian-based healthcare company.

Using the Switch Health COVID-19 RT-LAMP Kit, customers can test themselves while travelling abroad prior to their flight to Canada to meet Government of Canada testing entry requirements without the need to visit a foreign COVID-19 clinic. These tests are conducted under the remote supervision of a Telehealth professional from Switch Health and include an electronic report suitable for travel.

Customers flying to Canada are currently required by the Government of Canada to present a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of their flight. Switch Health's new portable self-administered test kit, officially called the Switch Health RT-LAMP Test Kit, can be taken by customers on their trips and used to satisfy this requirement without the need to visit a foreign testing facility.

Air Canada is Switch Health's launch partner for these new tests, with limited quantities initially available for Aeroplan Members.

Federal Cabinet Ministers Announced, Including Dedicated Ministry of Tourism

On October 26 the Prime Minister announced a new cabinet, including the re-introduction of a dedicated Ministry for Tourism which affirms and acknowledges the value and importance of our industry to our overall economy.

The appointment of the Edmonton Centre MP, Hon. Randy Boissonnault as Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance is an important step in recovery of the tourism industry across Canada.

The new Cabinet was sworn in at Rideau Hall with appointments as follows (in alpha order):

• Chrystia Freeland remains Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

• Omar Alghabra remains Minister of Transport

• Anita Anand becomes Minister of National Defence

• Carolyn Bennett becomes Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

• Marie-Claude Bibeau remains Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

• Bill Blair becomes President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness

• Randy Boissonnault becomes Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

• François-Philippe Champagne remains Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

• Jean-Yves Duclos becomes Minister of Health

• Mona Fortier becomes President of the Treasury Board

• Sean Fraser becomes Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

• Karina Gould becomes Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

• Steven Guilbeault becomes Minister of Environment and Climate Change

• Patty Hajdu becomes Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

• Mark Holland becomes Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

• Ahmed Hussen becomes Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

• Gudie Hutchings becomes Minister of Rural Economic Development

• Marci Ien becomes Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

• Helena Jaczek becomes Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

• Mélanie Joly becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Kamal Khera becomes Minister of Seniors

• David Lametti remains Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

• Dominic LeBlanc becomes Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

• Diane Lebouthillier remains Minister of National Revenue

• Lawrence MacAulay remains Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

• Marco E. L. Mendicino becomes Minister of Public Safety

• Marc Miller becomes Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

• Joyce Murray becomes Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

• Mary Ng becomes Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

• Seamus O’Regan Jr. becomes Minister of Labour

• Ginette Petitpas Taylor becomes Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

• Carla Qualtrough remains Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

• Pablo Rodriguez becomes Minister of Canadian Heritage and remains Quebec Lieutenant

• Harjit S. Sajjan becomes Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

• Pascale St-Onge becomes Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

• Filomena Tassi becomes Minister of Public Services and Procurement

• Dan Vandal becomes Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

• Jonathan Wilkinson becomes Minister of Natural Resources

Glohaven Community Hub Announces Indigenous Globox™ Campaign with Shop First Nations & Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Glohaven Community Hub (Glohaven.com), a socially impactful eCommerce platform that makes it easier for people to explore, shop, and support local economies in a more sustainable way, has announced a collaboration with Shop First Nations (SFN) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA). In recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the organizations are co-creating an Indigenous gift box platform that will feature authentically local First Nations products and experiences from the Nlaka’pamux, Syilx Okanagan, and Secwepemc.

Through the Indigenous Globox™ Campaign, Glohaven and Shop First Nations will work with tourism partners like TOTA to develop, promote, and distribute a specially curated gift box that will showcase the creations of local Indigenous artisans, crafters, and experience providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Indigenous Globox™ contains several Indigenous products from the Thompson Okanagan region, including:

• Cover art by Syilx artist Janine Lott;

• Angie’s N8ive Beading Orange Shirt Day pin and hoop earrings;

• Moose Hide Campaign pins;

• LIVN GIVN art card;

• Stickers from Shop First Nations and North Okanagan Apparel;

• Calling My Spirit Back book by Elaine Alec;

• Okanagan Select Smoked Salmon made with organic Maple Roch syrup;

• Glohaven Community Hub recycled plastic tote bag;

• Up The Hill At Loakin’s Chocolate and Roses Lotion Bar, Birch Bath Salts, and a 2-pack of Rose Petal Blend Tea.

The Beginnings of the Globox™

In 2021, TOTA and Glohaven Community Hub connected and discovered a shared goal to support the many small and medium size tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. TOTA and Glohaven worked together to create the Globox™, a tourism gift box showcasing a variety of locally curated products and experiences from Thompson Okanagan businesses. Each Globox™ proudly features at least one Indigenous product or experience as well as a product or experience from a Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Company.

“TOTA appreciates our ongoing relationship with Glohaven and working together with their team to help bring awareness to Indigenous Tourism experiences and products within the region,” said TOTA CEO, Ellen Walker-Matthews. “It has also provided a tremendous opportunity to elevate the many Biosphere Committed Companies we work with throughout the Thompson Okanagan.”

Growing Indigenous Tourism & Economic Reconciliation through the Indigenous Globox™

“Indigenous tourism was the fastest growing sector in the Canadian tourism industry prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Glohaven CEO, Michael Benedek. “With leisure and business travel grinding to a halt during the pandemic, many tourism businesses - especially those owned by Indigenous entrepreneurs - have been severely impacted by significant losses of revenue and livelihoods.” 

 “The goal of the Indigenous Globox Campaign is to amplify the voices of Indigenous owned businesses and provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators,” said Shop First Nations President, Rob Schulz.

 TOTA, Glohaven, and Shop First Nations recognize the power of working together to leverage each other's unique skills and resources to support Indigenous businesses with innovative, creative, and tangible sales and marketing solutions. Furthermore, this campaign contributes to the recognition of the Thompson Okanagan region as a sustainable Indigenous tourism destination.

Show Your Support for Indigenous Owned Businesses in the Thompson Okanagan

You can show your support for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses based in the Thompson Okanagan by:

• Purchasing an Indigenous Globox™ at www.Globox.Market/products/Indigenous-Globox™

• Learning about and supporting Indigenous businesses and artists, like Syilx artist Janine Lott, creator of the Indigenous Globox™ cover art - watch the Glohaven video about Janine's work to learn more.

• Visiting TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism webpage.

• Taking a photo of your favourite Indigenous product or business in the Thompson Okanagan, then posting your photo to social media with these tags: #GlohavenCommunityHub #ShopFirstNations #IndigenousBC #IndigenousBusiness #ThompsonOkanagan #ExploreBC

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About Glohaven Community Hub

Glohaven is a socially impactful eCommerce platform that offers a greater sense of community and connection to 'local' in the online world.

On one side of the platform, Glohaven provides tourism organizations and their stakeholders with direct-to-consumer sales, marketing, and distribution channels that generate and retain more revenue, representation, and control on a local level.

On the other side of the platform, Glohaven.com is an eCommerce marketplace that makes it easier for people to explore, shop, and support local economies in a more sustainable way.

Follow Glohaven on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

About Shop First Nations

Shop First Nations (SFN) is an Indigenous-owned digital platform seeking to enable Reconciliation through impactful consumer purchasing, e-commerce and digital marketing, and education initiatives. SFN’s mission is to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses by encouraging consumers to invest in Indigenous goods and services, and supporting such businesses in the digital economy while honoring the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action.

Follow SFN on Instagram, Facebook, or by joining the Facebook group for supporting Indigenous businesses in BC.

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination BC and the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.

The Thompson Okanagan region lies on the traditional territory of the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples.

Learn more on the industry website, TOTABC.org and the traveller website, ThompsonOkanagan.com.

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For more information, contact:

Angela Case

Chief Creative Officer, Glohaven Community Hub

Email: Angela@Glohaven.com

Phone: 1.250.307.9227

Shop Local BC - BC Chamber of Commerce

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 following seven economic development regions:

• Central-Cariboo

• Kootenay

• Mainland/Southwest

• North Coast/Nechako

• Northeast

• Thompson-Okanagan

• Vancouver Island/Coast

Key program dates:

• The Shop Local BC program will launch November 1, 2021.

• Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.

• Funds will be disbursed on an ongoing basis through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021.

Successful applicants will receive:

• 80% of the funds requested through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021

• 20% of the funds requested following submission of a satisfactory post-campaign report

• Chamber of Commerce will report the outcomes of the Shop Local BC initiative to the federal government by March 31, 2022.

There will be two information webinars during which the presenters will walk through the application process, including the steps to submit an application via the Shop Local BC portal.

• Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:30am PDT. Register here.

• Friday, October 29, 2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm PDT. Register here.

The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.

The new benefit would be: 

• $300 a week.

• Strictly available to workers whose work interruption is a direct result of a government-imposed public health lockdown.

• Available until May 7, 2022, with retroactive application to October 24, 2021 should the situation warrant it.

• Accessible for the entire duration of a government-imposed public health lockdown (up until May 7, 2022).

• Available to workers who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and those who are eligible for EI, as long as they are not paid benefits through EI for the same period.

Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit.

Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the coming weeks.

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.