Dear Hospitality Community,
Over the past week, powerful events and conversations surrounding racial inequality have caused our team at BCHA to reflect deeply on the ways that racism affects our industry and its members. While we recognize the voices that have driven the Black Lives Matter movement have not been our own and that we will never fully realize challenges the black community faces daily, we are taking this time to listen and better understand.
As Canadians, we recognize the substantial work that is needed to support all people of colour across our country, within our communities, and as part of our businesses.
Our industry has significantly grown in the support and inclusion of new Canadians from around the world. This mosaic of various races, cultures and identities, is part of the richness, the honour and the impact of being in our industry and we are very thankful for it.
As a result of recent events, we have each been called upon to actively play a role in achieving a community that is both equitable and just. At BCHA, advocacy is so greatly a part of what we do and we acknowledge the commitment needed in order to be inclusive of all cultural identities in this important work. We have taken
this pledge
to join the Business Council of British Columbia in taking a stand against racism, along with The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia's
#DifferentTogetherpledge
. We invite you to join us as we take steps to listen, learn, and ultimately do more.
Stay safe,
Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
BC Hotel Association
