When I was in elementary school, I asked my father to buy me a wrist watch (pre-mobile phones) to help me keep track of time during exams. Instead of the coveted digital watch that was all the rage, my dad got me a fairly inexpensive wind-up watch that I hated and never wore as a sign of protest.

So for my next exam, I brought my old alarm clock to school, which initially amused my teacher, but was ultimately banned from the classroom because the constant ticking and loud alarm would disturb other students…even though the teacher assured me that I was technically allowed to protest.

The reason I reference this story is because we all have a multitude of choices to make each day that have consequences, both good and bad. For example, last month when government introduced the need to show proof of vaccination (PoV) to access certain non-essential services such as restaurants, bars, and pubs to name a few, businesses had to make a choice. Aside from mandating that customers should proof of vaccination, were they going to ask all of their staff to get vaccinated as well? What were the implications of doing so, especially for those businesses that decided to follow provincial directives even if they weren’t ordered to.

At my resort, we asked everyone on staff to get vaccinated, as well as mandated that all of our guests show proof of vaccination across all of our entities (golf, ski, lodging, RV parks, pools, restaurants) regardless of whether the service was under the provincial order. It was a tough decision that had consequences. In fact, I was met with resistance of varying kinds, even being compared to the people who were responsible for the holocaust.

I can understand some employees being upset but to be associated with such an abhorrent event is both offensive and deeply disappointing. No hardship in our lives today can come even close to what happened during that period…especially the proof of vaccination regime introduced by the Province.

Even though PoV is not required to go to a grocery store, bank, liquor store, barber, worship service, library, fast food restaurant and a whole host of other places such as hotels, people will be required to show proof that they’ve been double-dosed as of October 24th to attend a sporting event or sit down for dinner at a licensed restaurant.

I know that upping the conditions for customers to access services in the tourism and hospitality industry will have consequences on many of our members and stakeholders. It’s a situation that TIABC and our industry partners will monitor closely and provide intel to government on what businesses are experiencing, and any adjustments needed to the program to ensure the efficacy of the vaccination card mandate.

There is no question there will be more protests by the anti-vaxx, anti-mask or anti-everything crowd. I’m okay with that as long as it doesn’t inconvenience the millions of law-abiding citizens and businesses that have chosen to follow provincial orders and are trying to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and get to the other side of the pandemic.

By the way, I carried on my childish protest for years and never ended up wearing the wrist watch that my father had given me and only wore a watch when I finally had enough money to buy something that I liked. No harm, no foul.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Vivek Sharma,

Chair

Also effective October 30, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel.

As of October 30, employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors will be required to establish vaccination policies for their organizations. Specifically, the vaccination requirement will apply to:

Effective October 30, air passengers departing from Canadian airports, travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and travellers on non-essential passenger vessels on voyages of 24 hours or more, such as cruise ships, will need to be vaccinated.

Effective October 30, travellers will need to be fully vaccinated in order to board. Specifically, the vaccination requirement will apply to all travellers 12 years of age and older who are:

In addition, this vaccination mandate will include specific accommodation to recognize the unique needs of travellers from small, remote communities (some of which are not accessible by road) to ensure they will be able to travel to obtain essential services in support of their medical, health, or social well-being, and return safely to their homes. This accommodation will be informed by engagement with Indigenous organizations and provinces and territories in the coming days.

Transport Canada will oversee compliance by means of inspections and enforcement tools—including Administrative Monetary Penalties—using oversight systems in place for each mode.

Read the complete Backgrounder here.

The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable ("the Roundtable") welcomed the increased clarity around the federal government's decision to require domestic travellers by air, train, and marine to be fully vaccinated.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant and long-lasting damage to the Canadian travel and tourism industry. Notwithstanding the gradual re-opening, from coast to coast, small businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19, and many are at risk of permanent closure. To that end, we must urgently adopt travel policies and guidelines that are consistent with the changing environment to support the re-opening of Canada's travel economy.

The Roundtable is calling on the federal government to review the outdated measures currently in place that were implemented before Canada became the most fully vaccinated country in the G20. These measures – such as the pre-departure PCR test and the blanket travel advisories warning Canadian against international travel – continue to hamper many businesses in the Canadian travel and tourism sector.

The pandemic, our vaccination status, and available science have changed; so too should our response and measures to keep Canadians safe while allowing business to re-open. This is in line with the recommendations made by the COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel Report.

Read the full news release here.

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

Most recently, the Coalition developed a campaign advocating for a survival program for the industry. As part of this advocacy push, we were pleased to see the extension of the wage and rent subsidy programs this summer, but knew that this would not be enough to ensure the survival of our businesses – with the expected wind-down of these programs this month -- we continue to push for a tailored solution.

We need to ensure that this stays top of mind for officials.

In an article posted in The Toronto Star on October 6th, TIABC Chair Vivek Sharma said our industry has been calling for fully vaccinated people to travel freely throughout Canada.

Wednesday’s announcement is a vital part of establishing a “route that we know will allow our industry to start getting back on its feet.

“It’s a big day,” Sharma said. “It’s not just a big day for the travel industry but for all of us, to be able to move freely, and prevent further lockdowns and the shutdown of the economy.”

Click here to read the full story.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, issued a statement on October 8th regarding the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for September 2021. Highlights of the statement include:

Read the full news release here.

British Columbians are invited to have their say on three proposed options for permanent paid sick leave shaped by their responses to the first phase of consultation.

The options paper has been posted on government’s engagement site and is available for comment until October 25th. Three options have been developed that cover the minimum number of days; three, five and 10 days of paid sick leave.

In May 2021, amendments to the Employment Standards Act laid the groundwork for establishing minimum standards for permanent paid sick leave. Following the public engagement process, paid sick leave will be established through regulation and come into effect on January 1, 2022.

Congratulations are in order for many of BC's destinations, hotels and resorts as Condé Nast Traveler recently released the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. British Columbia destinations, hotels and resorts swept the board in Canada by earning top honours across several categories. On behalf of TIABC, we wish to extend congratulations to all the winners on this well-deserved achievement and recognition. The winners include:

Oak Bay Beach Hotel (Victoria) – #19

Best Resorts in the World:

Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Whistler) – #23

Vancouver Island – #5

Oak Bay Beach Hotel (Victoria) – #1

Fairmont Waterfront (Vancouver) – #2

Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Vancouver) – #7

Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) – #11

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa (Victoria) – #12

Loden Hotel (Vancouver) – #13

Pan Pacific Vancouver (Vancouver) – #15

Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Whistler) – #1

Wickaninnish Inn (Tofino) – #2

Nita Lake Lodge (Whistler) – #4

Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside (Whistler) – #5

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa (Brentwood Bay) – #7

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler (Whistler) – #8

Whistler Blackcomb (Whistler) – #3

Read the full list of results from the Reader's Choice Awards here.

Legislation that will update and improve the legislative framework for the creation and governance of British Columbia societies has been introduced.

The societies amendment act, 2021 amends the Societies Act, which came into force in 2016. The new act provides societies with a responsive legislative framework, giving them greater adaptability in their internal governance, while ensuring transparency and accountability.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to address various issues that have come to light since the act came into force. These proposed amendments will refine the Societies Act by making it more accessible, addressing uncertainties and omissions, and creating consistency within the act and with other legislation.

Many of these issues were identified by members of the public, societies and the legal community. Feedback from public consultation was carefully analyzed and incorporated in these amendments. The proposed amendments were also developed in close consultation with the Corporate Registry which administers the act.

To help maintain consistency, related amendments to the Business Corporations Act and the Cooperative Association Act are also being proposed.

A summary of the changes can be found here.

Due to the difficulties our industry has faced since early 2020, we have extended various payment options to members if required. Please contact Deborah to learn more about how we can assist you with your membership renewal, or if you are interested in becoming a member

We strongly encourage you to consider membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

There is no better example of what TIABC has done for you than in the last 18-months. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC has identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

We thank you for your investment in our advocacy efforts.

TIABC is a not-for-profit membership organization. Our advocacy initiatives and efforts are only possible through the investment and support of our members. In this feature, we are showcasing those businesses and wish to thank them for either joining or renewing their membership and their continued support.

Our success depends on you.

Deep in British Columbia's Kootenay region exists a one of a kind experience. For those with a passion for epic winters, in a most unique and authentic setting, there is a place...Whitewater Ski Resort.

Pure simple and real...DEEP. Whitewater Ski Resort is renowned for receiving a stoke-inducing 12+ metres (40 feet) of light, dry powder every season. Located 20 minutes outside of Nelson in the Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater's average temperature of -8 makes for ideal conditions whether you're hitting pillow lines or carving groomers. 

For more information on Whitewater Ski Resort click here.

As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, every once in awhile it's important to share a laugh, a good story, a beautiful image or an interesting anecdote to provide moments of levity during this most difficult time.

The global pandemic has disproportionately affected Indigenous communities and Indigenous tourism. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has been working diligently with a network of 50 Indigenous leaders and leading organizations as well as public and private industry champions for the past year to create a hemispheric collaborative that will address some of the most pressing issues needed to assist Indigenous communities to build back stronger.

As a founding partner in the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas, they are committed to working on meaningful initiatives that will make a difference.

Join ITAC for the official virtual launch of the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas.

Date: October 11th, at 11:00 AM ET / 2:00 PM PT.

Click here to learn more and to register.

On Day 1 of the election campaign, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau made specific commitments to the hardest hit businesses.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) advocated throughout the election period for all parties to work with industry on;

Work on your behalf is far from over. We have a wide range of priorities we must tackle to bring the industry back to where it was pre-pandemic.

Please join TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter for a special Member TALK to discuss TIAC's post-election priorities and action plan, how you can engage and where additional support is needed.

Date: October 12th, 11:00am - noon (PDT)

Click here for more information and to register.

The BC Hotel Association has partnered with the teams at go2HR and WorkBC Richmond to deliver a webinar aimed at providing employers and Hiring Managers with tools and tips to support recruitment and retention, and how to save money in the process.

Explore important steps for attracting and keeping employees, from the team at go2HR, and learn about the WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program. Whether you want to re-hire laid-off employees or hire new employees, operators are eligible for this incentive at no cost.

Date. Thursday, October 14th, 2021 11:00 AM (PT)

Click here for more information and to register.

This webinar will provide tools for tourism businesses to develop and implement a sustainability management plan into their operations. Businesses will learn how to:

Date: Wednesday November 24th, 2021, 10:00am - 11:00am PST

Click here to register for this free event.

Need help bringing on new staff? Hiring students is a great way to build your team for short-term needs and to build a talent pipeline for the long term! And now you can access a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 through Propel, a brand new Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)!

Propel is offered through Tourism HR Canada, a Canadian organization with a mandate aimed at building a world-leading tourism workforce. Propel is specifically designed to support the tourism and hospitality sector.

Learn more about how your organization can take advantage of this federally funded wage subsidy program and how to bring on students from hospitality and tourism management, culinary arts, and other programs from across the province.

Date: Monday, November 15th at 2:00pm (Pacific).

Brought to you by the Talent MATCH Program, a collaboration between go2HR, the BC Museums Association, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, and the Association for Co-operative Education &

Register here for this free session.

Join Northern BC Tourism Association for the Annual General Meeting.

The meeting will include an update from CEO, Clint Fraser, on NBCTA's work and the state of the tourism industry in Northern BC. The AGM will take place virtually on zoom.

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 - 1-2:30 pm (PT)

Click here to register.

Hosted by ABLE BC, this year's conference will take place online and in-person. A portion of the tickets are available to attend in person at Soundhouse Studios in Vancouver. The remaining are available for virtual attendance.

Note: ABLE BC will be asking for proof of vaccination from all in-person guests.

No matter where you are in the province, tune in and get the liquor industry data, trends, and policy updates you can't get anywhere else. This year’s conference schedule includes:

Date: Monday, October 25th

Click here for more information and to register.

The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) invite you to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC. The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is a joint virtual event. Attend thought provoking workshops and panels, learn from tourism leaders from around the globe and network with industry colleagues. This event is open to all tourism stakeholders and GSTC members at no cost.

Attend thought provoking workshops and panels, learn from tourism leaders from around the globe and network with industry colleagues.

Hosted by: BC Regional Tourism Secretariat & Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Where: Virtual

Dates: Nov 3 - 4, 2021

Click here to learn more and to register.

Under the theme, Forging Canada’s Tourism Future, this year's Congress will have an amazing line-up of valued experts, innovative panels, enriching content and robust networking opportunities you can only get in person.

Thinking of registering in person? You’ll enjoy additional sessions that are only available live.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED: TIAC Members who register by September 10th - SAVE $100 on in-person registration.

Dates: November 30th and December 1st.

In-person registration includes:

Click here to register and to view the programming being offered at this year’s Congress.

Prince George

TIABC and the BC Hotel Association are excited to be hosting the 2nd annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George next March.

Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and speaker highlights will be updated in Fall, 2021 on the conference website here.