News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
B.C. Eased COVID Restrictions on February 16, 2022
B.C. eased some COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 16, 2022, while maintaining key protective measures to support the health and safety of all British Columbians.
While keeping the BC Vaccine Card, indoor masking requirements, and COVID-19 safety plans in place, B.C. lifted restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments. Capacity limits will return to normal.
With more than 90% of eligible B.C. residents vaccinated with their second dose, British Columbia will transition to a sustainable COVID-19 management plan focusing on vaccination, self-monitoring and specific actions to protect those most at risk.
Based on hospitalization and critical care rates over the coming days and weeks, the provincial health officer will review the remaining protective measures by March 15, and again by April 12.
B.C. eased some COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 16, 2022, while maintaining key protective measures to support the health and safety of all British Columbians.
While keeping the BC Vaccine Card, indoor masking requirements, and COVID-19 safety plans in place, B.C. lifted restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments. Capacity limits will return to normal.
With more than 90% of eligible B.C. residents vaccinated with their second dose, British Columbia will transition to a sustainable COVID-19 management plan focusing on vaccination, self-monitoring and specific actions to protect those most at risk.
Based on hospitalization and critical care rates over the coming days and weeks, the provincial health officer will review the remaining protective measures by March 15, and again by April 12.
Update to Provincial Health Orders for Liquor Serving Establishments
On February 9, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer released additional guidance on how liquor-serving-only businesses can remain open by providing meals from external sources.
Liquor primary licensees that do not offer full meal service have been ordered closed since December 22, 2022. Since then, there has been considerable confusion from inspectors across B.C. on issues such as whether licensees could: 1) partner with a local pub, restaurant, or food truck to offer meals, or 2) remain open to serve liquor after closing kitchens for the evening, as is normal industry practice.
The order clarifies this process. ABLE BC and our industry partners worked directly with the PHO to bring about these necessary changes to support members who have been ordered closed simply because they did not have kitchens.
To summarize the changes:
A liquor primary licensee that does not offer meal service (ie bars and nightclubs) may enter into a Catering Partnership Agreement with one or more catering partners to offer full meal service.
A catering partner might include a food truck, catering company, or other food-serving premises such as a restaurant, pub, or quick-service restaurant.
Full meal service means offering a wide variety of food, which may include appetizers, main courses, and desserts, but not just appetizers, tapas, dessert, or snacks such as popcorn, nuts, or chips.
The licensee must maintain a record of sale of meals. This can be a copy of sales provided by the catering partner and does not need to include original receipts. This record must be available for inspectors at all times.
Catering Partner Agreements must be available for inspectors at all times.
Full meal service can be stopped up to three hours before ending liquor service.
The order, for catering agreements, now has the same expiry date as the Gatherings and Events order, February 16, 2022, except for Part D (Proof of Vaccination) which is still set to expire on June 30, 2022.
A guidance document will also be available soon to assist licensees in interpreting the order.
On February 9, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer released additional guidance on how liquor-serving-only businesses can remain open by providing meals from external sources.
Liquor primary licensees that do not offer full meal service have been ordered closed since December 22, 2022. Since then, there has been considerable confusion from inspectors across B.C. on issues such as whether licensees could: 1) partner with a local pub, restaurant, or food truck to offer meals, or 2) remain open to serve liquor after closing kitchens for the evening, as is normal industry practice.
The order clarifies this process. ABLE BC and our industry partners worked directly with the PHO to bring about these necessary changes to support members who have been ordered closed simply because they did not have kitchens.
To summarize the changes:
A liquor primary licensee that does not offer meal service (ie bars and nightclubs) may enter into a Catering Partnership Agreement with one or more catering partners to offer full meal service.
A catering partner might include a food truck, catering company, or other food-serving premises such as a restaurant, pub, or quick-service restaurant.
Full meal service means offering a wide variety of food, which may include appetizers, main courses, and desserts, but not just appetizers, tapas, dessert, or snacks such as popcorn, nuts, or chips.
The licensee must maintain a record of sale of meals. This can be a copy of sales provided by the catering partner and does not need to include original receipts. This record must be available for inspectors at all times.
Catering Partner Agreements must be available for inspectors at all times.
Full meal service can be stopped up to three hours before ending liquor service.
The order, for catering agreements, now has the same expiry date as the Gatherings and Events order, February 16, 2022, except for Part D (Proof of Vaccination) which is still set to expire on June 30, 2022.
A guidance document will also be available soon to assist licensees in interpreting the order.
Alberta & Saskatchewan End Proof of Vaccination Requirement
On February 8, Alberta removed the Restrictions Exemption Program (proof of vaccination) and capacity limits on venues under 500 capacity, and allows for food and beverage consumption in seated audience settings for large events and entertainment venues.
Saskatchewan is ending the Proof of Vaccination Requirement on Monday, February 14. The public health orders requiring masking in indoor public spaces will remain in effect until the end of February.
Alberta
On February 8, Alberta removed the Restrictions Exemption Program (proof of vaccination) and capacity limits on venues under 500 capacity, and will allow for food and beverage consumption in seated audience settings for large events and entertainment venues.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is ending the Proof of Vaccination Requirement on Monday, February 14. The public health orders requiring masking in indoor public spaces will remain in effect until the end of February.
B.C. Government Lays Out Vision for Post-pandemic Recovery in Throne Speech
The B.C. government is focusing on getting through the COVID-19 pandemic while committing to invest in safe workplaces and new schools; and lobbying Ottawa for more money for healthcare. Government stated that in the year ahead, they will fight climate change, help communities adapt to extreme weather, make everyday life more affordable, and ensure sustainable, economic growth.
Next week the province will unveil an economic recovery plan and provincial officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is likely to announce an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. In two weeks, the province will present a budget charting the financial road map to fulfill the commitments made by the government.
On February 8, 2022, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin read the Speech from the Throne, outlining the province's vision for the next year.
The B.C. government is focusing on getting through the rest of the COVID-19 pandemic while committing to invest in safe workplaces, new schools, and lobbying Ottawa for more money for health-care.
Government has stated that in the year ahead, they will also fight climate change, help communities adapt to extreme weather, make everyday life more affordable, and ensure sustainable, economic growth.
Specific actions the government will take in the coming months include:
Tying minimum wage increases to the rate of inflation;
Protecting people buying homes in a volatile market by introducing a cooling-off period on home purchases;
Helping prepare people for the jobs of the future with a generational commitment to develop the talent B.C. needs over the next 10 years to close the skills gap;
Moving forward on Reconciliation by working to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act through an action plan drafted in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples;
Recognizing British Columbians’ shared history by taking a major step towards establishing the first Chinese Canadian Museum in Canada and modernizing the Royal BC Museum; and
Improving management of B.C.'s land and resources by creating a new ministry to better support goals of reconciliation, economic development, and environmental protection.
The speech also sets up three significant announcements expected over the next two weeks.
Next week the province will be unveiling an economic recovery plan and provincial officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is likely going to announce an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
In two weeks’ time, the province will present a budget charting the financial road map to fulfill the commitments made by the government. TIABC will be at budget lock-up in Victoria and will provide a synopsis on the implications of Budget 2022 on the tourism sector.
Revised PHO on Gatherings & Events (January 27, 2022)
On January 27th, the Provincial Health Officer, published revisions to the Public Health Order on gatherings and events.
Revisions include:
Youth sports tournaments may resume as of February 1
Further clarity was included around which events need to be seated. (Please note, wedding receptions, funerals, social parties are still not allowed.). Details are include on page 14, #6.
As it relates performances, lectures, and presentations must be seated. Therefore, for all other business events, people may stand including receptions related to business events.
Gyms and fitness centres have their own section and are able to operate once again with additional measures.
Please note, there are no changes as it relates to hotels so please continue to operate as you have been.
On January 27th, the Provincial Health Officer, published revisions to the Public Health Order on gatherings and events.
Revisions include:
Youth sports tournaments may resume as of February 1
Further clarity was included around which events need to be seated. (Please note, wedding receptions, funerals, social parties are still not allowed.). Details are include on page 14, #6.
As it relates performances, lectures, and presentations must be seated. Therefore, for all other business events, people may stand including receptions related to business events.
Gyms and fitness centres have their own section and are able to operate once again with additional measures.
Please note, there are no changes as it relates to hotels so please continue to operate as you have been.
Reminder: Employer Reimbursement Program for Paid Sick Leave
This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.
The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.
Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.
Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.
This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.
The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.
Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.
Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.
Global Survey on Perspectives of Service Delivery & Traveller Priorities Report | Tourism HR Canada
Tourism HR Canada released a report that provides insight to the current perspectives of the service delivery in Canada and how the travel and tourism industry should prepare itself for the future. The report concluded that, as the visitor economy gradually recovers from the COVID crisis, addressing service disruptions will need to be balanced against safety and price sensitivity.
Tourism HR Canada released a report that provides insight to the current perspectives of the service delivery in Canada and how the travel and tourism industry should prepare itself for the future.
The report concluded that, as the visitor economy gradually recovers from the COVID crisis, addressing service disruptions will need to be balanced against safety and price sensitivity.
The following is a summary of the findings:
While many developed destinations consider themselves to be at the tail end of the COVID 19 pandemic, with vaccine rollouts now well underway, the disruption to the value chain as a whole is far from over.
According to current projections, the tourism industry in Canada is not expected to recover to 2019 levels until 2025.
With this challenge in mind, tourism businesses will need to prioritize and allocate their resources effectively to ensure they are able to develop their products and services to adapt to the new normal while still delivering quality in line with what travellers value.
Broadly speaking, the overall visitor experience remains the most important concern for international travellers in selecting a destination to travel to (unsurprisingly as this encompasses a range of factors).
Quality service is second only to the overall visitor experience in this regard and thus will be of paramount importance in destination recovery efforts.
Quality of service is particularly valuable to the lucrative Chinese market to which international destinations will have to appeal to thrive in the new global travel market in the years to come.
However, health and safety concerns (particularly in Britain and Australia) and price and affordability are also major concerns. Price and affordability is somewhat prioritized across destinations and this is likely driven by post COVID price sensitivity among travellers.
In terms of the impact of service disruption on destination selection, Canada performs well relative to other destinations, with travellers reporting relatively low impact particularly in the USA, South Korea, France and Germany.
China, however, is an exception to this, placing Canada as being most impacted by potential service disruption in terms of destination selection. China is also one of the few countries to consider service disruption in Canada more serious than at home.
B.C. Vaccine Card Extended, Youth Tournaments to Resume
In a press conference January 25, 2022, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) announced that proof of full vaccination will continue to be required to access some events, services, and businesses in B.C. The requirement is in place until June 30, 2022. It applies to all people born in 2010 or earlier (12+).
The vaccine card will be reviewed regularly and stopped sooner if the situation changes.
Sport tournaments for children and youth will resume effective Feb. 1, 2022. The prohibition on adult tournaments will continue to be in effect.
Both amendments will be reflected in the Public Health Order covering Gatherings and Events.
In a press conference January 25, 2022, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) announced that proof of full vaccination will continue to be required to access some events, services, and businesses in B.C. The requirement is in place until June 30, 2022. It applies to all people born in 2010 or earlier (12+).
The vaccine card will be reviewed regularly and stopped sooner if the situation changes.
Sport tournaments for children and youth will resume effective Feb. 1, 2022. The prohibition on adult tournaments will continue to be in effect.
Both amendments will be reflected in the Public Health Order covering Gatherings and Events.
B.C. COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant | Apply by February 28, 2022
The Province of B.C. has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting B.C. businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases under the December 22, 2021 and/or January 18, 2022 Provincial Health Officer orders.
The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant is extended and supports doubled for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16, 2022.
Apply by February 28, 2022.
The Province of B.C. has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting B.C. businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases under the December 22, 2021 and/or January 18, 2022 Provincial Health Officer orders.
The Province extended the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant and doubled supports for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16, 2022.
Businesses ordered fully closed include:
gyms, fitness and adult dance centres
bars, lounges and nightclubs
event venues that can no longer hold events
The fund will provide relief grants of between $1,000 and $10,000 to help affected businesses alleviate some financial pressures and help with expenses including rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.
The funding amount for each business is based how many B.C. employees or contracted staff they had at the time of closure.
This $10-million provincial program complements existing federal government programs, including the recently expanded Local Lockdown Program and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit.
Apply by February 28, 2022.
Businesses can email questions to: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca
New Order Requires Employers to Re-Activate COVID-19 Safety Plans | Order Now Available
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
The order requires COVID-19 Safety Plans to incorporate some expanded and new controls, including:
Indoor common area protocols to prevent workers from congregating
face coverings used in indoor common areas
lunch area/break room protocols
Policies to support workers who have symptoms of a communicable disease
to avoid the workplace
when symptoms present in the workplace
work from home options
self-isolation and monitoring
Measures to promote hand hygiene
handwashing and sanitizing
Measures to keep the workplace environment safe
cleaning and sanitizing
ventilation and air circulation
Measures to support workers receiving vaccinations for COVID-19
Your new and improved COVID-19 Safety Plan must be communicated and maintained by:
Posting a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan on your website for staff, visitors, and the public to view.
Providing a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan to a health officer or WorkSafeBC officer upon request.
Reviewing and updating the plan periodically to ensure adequate prevention measures are being followed, according to WorkSafeBC requirements and the current COVID-19 public health situation.
go2HR’s COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service and Resources
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
If you have questions about these COVID-19 control measures or how to update your COVID-19 safety plan, health and safety experts are available to assist. Contact go2HR at 604-633-9787 or safety@go2hr.ca.
Additional Resources
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
UNWTO records modest tourism increase in 2021
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made.
However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72 per cent below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.
Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (up by 19 and 17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made.
However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72 per cent below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO.
This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.
Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (up by 19 and 17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
COVID-19 What to Do | BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID. As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID.
As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
Province Extends Restrictions, Gyms Able to Reopen
The Province announced gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will be allowed to start gradually reopening as of Thursday. Other previous restrictions, including the ban on gatherings like weddings and funerals, is being extended until February 16. Bars, nightclubs, and lounges must also stay closed.
Here are the revised PHO orders:
The Province announced gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will be allowed to start gradually reopening as of Thursday.
Other previous restrictions, including the ban on gatherings like weddings and funerals, is being extended until February 16. Bars, nightclubs, and lounges must also stay closed.
Food & Liquor Serving Premises Summary (as prepared by ABLE BC):
Premises which are licensed to serve liquor, and which do not have full meal service, must be closed.
“full meal service” includes food provided by a caterer to the premises or available from a food truck located beside or on the premises, but does not include snacks, appetizers or tapas on their own.
Patrons must stay in the seat to which they are assigned, or at which they seat themselves, and must not move from table to table or mingle with patrons from other parties when not seated.
No more than 6 patrons may be seated at a table, unless the party consists of one set of parents and their minor children.
Patrons must remain seated, other than in private clubs or tasting rooms with a liquor manufacturer’s licence, except:
to to use a self- serve food or drink station, a self-serve lottery ticket dispenser, pay at a pay station, use washroom facilities, to provide assistance to another person who requires care or first aid, when leaving the premises, or
to play pool, billiards, snooker, or darts, or bowl (if there is a bowling alley on premises), with a maximum of five other persons who are in the same party as the patron and who are seated with the patron:
There must be a distance of two metres between the backs of the seats of patrons seated at adjacent tables or booths, even if members of the same party are seated at adjacent tables or booths, unless the adjacent tables or booths are separated by physical barriers.
There must be two metres between patrons seated at a counter, unless the patrons are in the same party or they are separated by physical barriers.
If there are physical barriers between tables or booths or seats at a counter, the tops and bottoms of the physical barriers must be positioned so that the physical barriers block the transmission of droplets produced by breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing between patrons who are seated at adjacent tables, booths or seats at a counter.
Patrons must not dance on the premises and dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables
Here are the revised PHO orders:
Government Resources for Managing a Business During COVID-19
The Government of Canada has compiled resources for companies, employees, and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans, and access to credit.
The Government of Canada has compiled resources for companies, employees, and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans, and access to credit.
U.S.A. Advises Against Travel to Canada
Residents in the United States are being advised not to travel to Canada due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 4 notice to avoid travel to Canada due to the emerging COVID-19 situation.
The CDC currently lists about 80 destinations worldwide at Level 4. It says that if people must travel, they should make sure they are fully vaccinated.
TIABC has contacted the Prime Minister's Office to enquire about what the Government of Canada is doing to see that the advisory is lifted given the ramifications the advisory has had on the tourism industry already.
Residents in the United States are being advised not to travel to Canada due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 4 notice to avoid travel to Canada due to the emerging COVID-19 situation.
The CDC currently lists about 80 destinations worldwide at Level 4. It says that if people must travel, they should make sure they are fully vaccinated.
TIABC has contacted the Prime Minister's Office to enquire about what the Government of Canada is doing to see that the advisory is lifted given the ramifications the advisory has had on the tourism industry already.
Government of Canada Support Programs Available for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses
The following federal business recovery programs are available to support your business:
Note: If you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible.
The following federal business recovery programs are available to support your business.
To understand what your company is eligible for, complete the Determine Your Eligibility form.
Note: These programs were formally known as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
Apply for wage/hiring subsidy, rent/property subsidy, or both. Business, charity, or non-profit part of the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors, or affected by a qualifying public health restriction.
Note: If you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible.
Local Lockdown Program
The Local Lockdown Program is a way businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
You do not have to be in the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors to be eligible for this support.
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
Eligible organizations, regardless of their sector, may qualify for the HHBRP if they don’t qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Eligible employers can claim either the higher of the CRHP, or the wage portion of:
the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP), or
the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)
Temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown. Employees can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period. You may apply for any weeks your region has a COVID-19 lockdown order between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
COVID Impact Report on Francophone and Bilingual Tourism Services in Canada (outside of Quebec)
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) commissioned Léger to conduct a study on the evolution of Francophone and bilingual tourism in Canada almost 15 months after the start of the pandemic. The report is based on a web survey of Canadian tourism companies outside Quebec, which offer services in French and in both languages to a Francophone clientele. The results of this report will allow RDÉE Canada and its members to establish a strategy and an action plan to support tourism businesses in welcoming visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) commissioned Léger to conduct a study on the evolution of Francophone and bilingual tourism in Canada almost 15 months after the start of the pandemic. The report is based on a web survey of Canadian tourism companies outside Quebec, which offer services in French and in both languages to a Francophone clientele.
The results of this report will allow RDÉE Canada and its members to establish a strategy and an action plan to support tourism businesses in welcoming visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
Read the Report:
Sell Products or Services through the London Drugs Local Central Initiative
London Drugs is offering up centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. 100% of all sales will go back to the business or individual helping customers. Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies.
London Drugs is offering up centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. 100% of all sales will go back to the business or individual helping customers.
Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies.
Business Access to Employee Rapid Testing
With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Province of B.C. has launched Safe Screen BC to provide businesses with the toolkits, resources, and guidance to access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 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.
Program Eligibility
Safe Screen BC supports businesses interested in offering voluntary screening for employees without symptoms in close contact settings.
Participating businesses will be asked to contribute a fee to cover the cost of the services provided by the Safe Screen BC program which include: tailored support services to apply for test kits, access to a custom-designed reporting solution, and access to training resources and additional support services to assist businesses with the implementation of onsite rapid screening.
Test kits are provided free of charge by the province via Health Canada Rapid Screening Program for employers COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces.
For more information, contact info@safescreenbc.ca.
With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Province of B.C. has launched Safe Screen BC to provide businesses with the toolkits, resources, and guidance to access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 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.
Program Eligibility
Safe Screen BC supports businesses interested in offering voluntary screening for employees without symptoms in close contact settings.
Participating businesses will be asked to contribute a fee to cover the cost of the services provided by the Safe Screen BC program which include: tailored support services to apply for test kits, access to a custom-designed reporting solution, and access to training resources and additional support services to assist businesses with the implementation of onsite rapid screening.
Test kits are provided free of charge by the province via Health Canada Rapid Screening Program for employers COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces.
For more information, contact info@safescreenbc.ca.
Business Continuity Planning Resources from Invest Kelowna
With the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, businesses need to develop and update contingency plans to continue operations with expectations of up to one-third of staff potentially being off sick.
Invest Kelowna has provided resources to support businesses, including templates for business continuity planning, how to address critical elements of your business to protect your cash flows and your workforce, and best practices for business operations during COVID-19.
With the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, businesses need to develop and update contingency plans to continue operations with expectations of up to one-third of staff potentially being off sick.
Invest Kelowna has provided resources to support businesses, including templates for business continuity planning, how to address critical elements of your business to protect your cash flows and your workforce, and best practices for business operations during COVID-19.