Dine Around Interior BC | Registration Open for January 19 - February 10, 2022 Event

Impact Events and the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA), are once again teaming up to organize Dine Around & Sip, Savour & Save Interior BC, a popular food festival with over 50 of the best restaurants offering set three-course menus at deliciously low prices.

Participating restaurants offer three course menus at set prices, $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 per person (excludes beverages, tax, service) giving locals and visitors the chance to channel their inner foodie, try new menu items or a new restaurant. It’s the perfect time to find new customers, generate repeat business, and grow your bottom line.

Registration is now open for Restaurants & Hotels. Register by November 30 to receive early bird pricing of $220 and save $125.

All restaurants must be a member in good standing of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA) to participate in the program. Current members can register at no charge.

Participating Areas:

• Okanagan-Similkameen (all communities)

• Thompson-Nicola (Kamloops, Merritt & surrounding towns)

• Kootenays (Nelson, Trail, Cranbrook, Kimberly, Fernie)

• Prince George

Restaurants in a hotel can offer a promo winter rate alongside a Dine Around menu for two.

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Our event would not have been possible without all of our amazing sponsors.  As such we would like to extend a big thank you to:

TELUS

Air Canada

YLW International Airport

GreenStep

Web Advisors

FortisBC

Navigator Multimedia

Stratis

Toni Lepore CPA CGA CFP

Community Futures BC

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 Day 1

The BCRTS Tourism Summit starts tomorrow on Wednesday, November 3, followed by more virtual sessions on Thursday, November 4. We're looking forward to seeing you as we come together as a tourism community to Reimagine the Future of Tourism with the five regions of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Day 1 Agenda - Wednesday, November 3

All times listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

• 8:00 AM: Exhibition Hall Opens

• 9:00 AM: Indigenous Welcome & BCRTS Tourism Summit Opening Ceremony

• 10:00 - 10:50 AM: GSTC Destination Management Workshop 1: Measuring Carbon Emissions

• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: GSTC Destination Management Workshop 2 - Engagement with the Private Sector

• 1:15 - 2:30 PM: Panel: Shaping the Future of Tourism - Rebuilding the BC and Canadian Visitor Economy

• 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Panel: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Tourism

• 3:40 - 4:40 PM: Panel: Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact

• 4:40 - 5:00 PM: Day 1 Closing Remarks

• 5:30 PM: Virtual Concert: The Gary Cable Project

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Summit Overview

BCRTS Tourism Summit Virtual Concert Featuring The Gary Cable Project

Wednesday, November 3 at 5:30 PM PDT

The Gary Cable Project is a 9-piece Pop/Rock band, comprised of all-star musicians who have performed and recorded with the likes of legends from Michael Bublé to Bryan Adams. Join us for a trip back to the ‘Golden Age’ of Pop and Rock!

The virtual concert is hosted on GiGn, an easy to use, high-quality, live streaming platform designed specifically to transfer most of the revenue earned to the artists themselves. You can watch the show on any device (smart phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, etc.) as long as you are connected to the internet.

Creating a GiGn account enables you to engage with the artist and attendees during the concert. There's also an option to tip the artists to support their work.

To create an account, go to the GiGn event page and click Sign In, then Create New Account Here.

The virtual concert can be accessed through the Auditorium Day 1 Agenda OR directly through the GiGn event page. 

International Flights Resume at YLW

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) announced that it will regain its international status for flights to and from Kelowna effective November 30. 

“Although our international status will be reinstated Nov. 30, it will take some time to have international flights operating again out of YLW. Some airlines have had to push back previously scheduled routes until 2022, due to the uncertainty of timing of YLW’s international status,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “We are thrilled to be able to once again connect passengers internationally and welcome visitors to our region, and are working closely with airlines to have these routes in place as soon as possible.”

Currently YLW is anticipating the return of the following routes in the near future:

• Alaska – Seattle – Dec. 16, 2021

• Sunwing – Varadero – January 2022

• WestJet – Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun – January 2022

These routes are subject to change.

What passengers need to know about international flights:

• COVID testing requirements

  • When departing YLW:

    • As of Oct. 30, all passengers, 12 years of age and older, are required to be fully vaccinated in order to board domestic or international flights. For more information on this mandate, please visit travel.gc.caopen_in_new or ylw.kelowna.ca/covid-19

    • Passengers are encouraged to talk to their airline to understand what the COVID-19 testing requirements are to enter their destination country.

    • The Whitecap RSC testing facility is available for any passenger who requires a COVID-19 antigen or molecular test (PCR test) prior to travel. Passengers wishing to access this testing can do so, for a fee and by appointment only, by visiting whitecapcovidtesting.com/kelownaopen_in_new or by open_in_newcalling 604-966-3777

  • When arriving in Canada:

    • Passengers can use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry into Canada.

  • More information about Government of Canada requirements can be found at travel.gc.ca/Travel-Covidopen_in_new

  • For more information about what to expect when travelling through YLW, visit: ylw.kelowna.ca/HealthyTravel

Expressions of Interest & Nominations for 2022 Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Advisory Council

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is requesting expressions of interest for new additions to the 2022 Advisory Council.  A position on the Advisory Council offers individuals an opportunity to contribute to the strategic vision of the COEDC.

Applicants will possess demonstrated executive level experience and in-depth knowledge of one or more primary business sectors in the Central Okanagan, detailing any specialized areas of expertise (commerce, finance, law, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, agriculture, tourism, etc.). All expressions of interest will be considered, however, priority for 2022 will be considered to individuals in the Agriculture/Viticulture, Cleantech/Environmental, Small Business/Tourism, Health, and Construction & Development sectors.

Applications close Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

Please submit your resume or a summary of your business background in addition to your contact information (mailing address, phone number and email) to sandra.ballan-brown@rdco.com.

The Commission is funded by and accountable to the elected board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan representing Central Okanagan Electoral Areas West and East, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, and  Westbank First Nation.

The COEDC’s Advisory Council is a conduit of information and ideas between business, community leaders and government. Made up of 40+ influential industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials, the council meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Commission Advisory Council Chair, Terry Edwards, to clarify any questions you may have. 

The Advisory Council’s role includes:

• Attend Advisory Council meetings and communicate economic development opportunities of the region,

• Review and make recommendation(s) on the RDCO EDC programming,

• Communicate the RDCO EDC activity reporting to member’s organizations.

Commitment of Time

• Ten board meetings annually (1.5 hours per meeting starting at 7:30am, usually the 4th Thursday of each month except July and August). Meetings are held at the Regional District of Central Okanagan offices, although are currently being held virtually until further notice,

• Occasional presentations in relationship to market intelligence in the sector you represent

Term

Board members appointed for a term of two years commencing January 1st, 2022, with the option of serving up to two terms

TIAC 2030 International Business Model Industry Questionnaire Survey

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is working to research and collaboratively design a strategy to attract more international visitors and business to Canada. This strategy needs to be responsive to its changing environment, instill confidence in the industry, look to a future where Canadian tourism is flourishing, and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

Everyone’s unique perspective is valued, and opinions on the future of collective international business development efforts are important to the tourism sector as a whole.

Please take the time to complete this 5-question online survey before the end of day on November 4. You will have the opportunity to have your name entered into a random draw taking place on November 8 for one in-person ticket to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress being held from November 30th – December 1st, valued at $795-$995.

BC Building Code Accessibility

The Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing and the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility are working to update the BC Building Code to make new buildings more accessible.

The first step invites the public, including people with disabilities, accessibility experts and advocates, code users, Treaty Nations, Indigenous partners, local governments, building owners, construction industry representatives, professional associations and education partners to provide feedback about barriers and priorities to enhance accessibility requirements in new buildings. They are asking that you complete a short survey to help with this process.

REMINDER: Revised Public Health Orders Now in Effect

Public orders for Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events were updated on Monday, October 25th to reflect the restrictions that had been lifted.

Food and Liquor Serving Premises Public Order

The order is directed towards restaurants with table service, cafes, food primary or liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms with seating, and private clubs.

Highlights of the public order:

• The requirement for patrons to remain seated has been removed. Patrons are also allowed to mingle and move between tables.

• However, if patrons consume food or drink on the premises, there must be sufficient seating for them, whether at a table, booth or counter. Patrons must be assigned a table, booth or counter, and shown to their seat.

• Dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.

• A patron must not dance on the premises.

• A food service establishment with a liquor license which does not have table service, and which only sells liquor for takeaway, does not have to check for proof of vaccination.

• Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.

Gatherings and Events Public Order:

Outside Events:

• There are no changes to the rules for outside events

• No more than 5,000 persons, or 50% of the seated capacity of a place, excluding event staff, whichever number is greater, are present.

• Participants are seated throughout the place in such a way to use all available space

Inside Events:

• Updated capacity restrictions: up to 100% of the of the seated operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a seated inside event, and up to 100% of the standing operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a standing inside event.

• Dance floors are closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.

• Participants do not dance unless they are registered participants in and attending a dance class at a dance studio or a recreation facility, or a child or youth participating in a program for children or youth.

• Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.

Travel and COVID-19: Province of British Columbia

The Government of Canada has created a federal COVID-19 proof of vaccination document for travel. It's the most reliable way to show proof of vaccination for travel within Canada. This proof of vaccination will now be required when travelling in Canada by air, rail or cruise ship.

The federal proof of vaccination can also be used for international travel. Before leaving, all travellers are encouraged to check the Government of Canada’s travel requirements and the requirements of the country to which they are travelling.

As with the BC Vaccine Card, the new federal proof of vaccination can be accessed through Health Gateway, the Ministry of Health’s web service, by phone or in person at most Service BC offices.

Two doses of any federally approved COVID-19 vaccines, with the second dose administered at least 14 days before travel, are required to be considered fully vaccinated. Canadians who are not fully vaccinated must complete testing requirements and mandatory quarantine when returning to Canada.

BC's Vaccine Card will continue to be used for non-essential activities in BC, including going to a restaurant or sporting event

The Government of Canada has also indicated it will allow people in BC to use the BC Vaccine Card to travel within Canada until Nov. 30, 2021, while the new federal proof of vaccination is rolled out.

Single-Serve Liquor a Go with Takeout, Delivery

BC's liquor and food primary licensees are now able to package and sell unmixed drinks for takeout or delivery with the purchase of a meal, such as a glass of wine, cider or draft beer, or an unmixed ounce of a spirit. The change responds to industry feedback from the Business Technical Advisory Panel and has the support of industry manufacturers following extensive consultation.

This additional choice for consumers builds on other measures government has approved in recent months to benefit approximately 2,000 liquor-primary and 6,000 food-primary licensees in BC. Notably, they can already sell full bottles of wine and spirits, as well as mixed drinks packaged in single servings for takeout and delivery with the purchase of a meal.

This change can also help limit health impacts associated with increased consumption as a patron has the option to buy a single serving instead of a full bottle of wine or spirits.

New App Provides Remote Access to COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces - Canada.ca

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched a new mobile app to help make workplace health and safety resources on COVID-19 accessible to workers in Canada.

The CCOHS Safe Work app hosts the Centre’s collection of over 120 COVID-19 resources, including industry and sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos, and other guidance materials created to help workplaces keep their workers and customers safe.

Users can search the app by topic or type of resource, save items to their favourites list, and share videos and other resources with colleagues. Once downloaded, there is no need for an internet connection to run the app. It can be used in remote areas and manufacturing shop floors where connectivity is absent or unreliable.

Download the CCOHS Safe Work app for free.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas: Message on Announcement of Federal Ministry of Tourism

Originally published in a TIABC Newsletter on October 29, 2021

“One of our sector’s advocacy wins in recent years was the establishment of a dedicated provincial tourism ministry. Although other related sectors make up the entire portfolio known as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the fact that tourism is at the top of the list suggests to me that our industry is important to the province and worthy of attention. But it wasn’t always the case.

In 2001, the government of the day folded the Ministry of Small Business and Tourism into another portfolio and essentially buried it. I recall the outcry from industry leaders who viewed the move as ill-conceived and a huge step backward for our sector.

The furor died down somewhat when then-Premier Gordon Campbell told delegates at the BC Tourism Industry Conference to stop whining (I’m paraphrasing) about not having a dedicated tourism minister or ministry because HE was the defacto head of BC’s visitor economy and was personally looking out for our best interests.

Fast forward to 2010, when in a similar move, government axed Tourism BC as a crown corporation and moved it into a ministry known as Tourism, Culture & the Arts. Industry leaders again cried bloody murder for a few years. After re-emerging as a crown corporation in 2013, the new ‘Destination’ BC would ultimately report to a few different ministries and ministers before settling down under the umbrella of the Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport (TACS) ministry in 2017.

When I look back at various provincial government regimes over the last two decades and consider how the tourism portfolio has mostly bounced around between ministries and occasionally stood on its own, I’m somewhat surprised yet encouraged by the fact that despite (some might say because of) not having a stand-alone ministry within government for much of that time, the sector nonetheless performed remarkably well.

That said, the opportunities to grow and reshape our industry, recover from the pandemic to become a key economic driver once again, address societal challenges around sustainability, poverty, inclusion, and reconciliation, among other priorities can best be achieved when the tourism industry is under the oversight of a designated minister or ministry.

In other words, when given prominence as a primary sector…which in government parlance includes sufficient ministry budget and support staff, constructive policies, a seat at the cabinet table, oversight of crown agencies such as DBC and Pavco, and regular engagement with industry…our sector has a much better shot at meeting government and industry objectives (notwithstanding the current pandemic challenges) because of strong ministerial support and leadership.

The same principle applies at the federal level where multiple industry and government objectives can be accomplished under the guise of a dedicated tourism minister or ministry. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed a new minister to oversee the critical tourism file instead of piling responsibilities onto another minister’s long list of priorities. From my perspective, it’s a very positive move and one that we need to capitalize on.

While I don’t know anything about Hon. Randy Boissonnault other than what I’ve read in his bio, the fact that he’s from the west and now has specific duties related to tourism and finance, bodes well for our industry’s future, especially in view of new tourism and hospitality specific support measures recently introduced that are so desperately needed for businesses to survive and rebuild.

I look forward to meeting with the new minister very soon. In the meantime, I know Hon. Melanie Mark is keen to get together with her new federal counterpart given the long list of issues and opportunities that need to be addressed vis-a-vis BC's visitor economy.

I really hope that having a dedicated federal minister overseeing tourism in Canada to complement TACS in British Columbia becomes the new norm from this point forward no matter who’s in power. We simply can't afford another giant step backward at any point during our sector's long road to recovery here at home and across Canada.”

- Walt Judas, CEO, TIABC

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.