Todays industry update includes:

  • New PHO Public Order Now Available
  • Job-protected Leave for Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
  • go2HR - Updated: Employee Support Options During Circuit-Breaker
  • go2HR Board Nominations
  • New Member Feature - Talent Employment
  • BCLCA - Start Planning your BC Summer!
  • In the News
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
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For any questions please reach out to our team. 
New PHO Public Order Now Available
A copy of the new public order for Food and Liquor Serving Premises is now available. Download it here.
 
The order is addressed to: restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, cafeterias, and food primary and liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges, and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms, and private clubs.
 
Highlights of the Order
 
  • No person may operate a premises as a nightclub
  • No person may provide food or drinks services inside restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, cafeterias and food primary and liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms, and private clubs
  • A person may provide food or drink takeout or delivery services, subject to conditions (see page 3)
  • Premises which are licensed to serve liquor, and which do not have full meal service, must be closed, if they do not have a patio or other outside area in which to serve patrons
  • 'Full meal service' is defined as: 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
  • A person may provide food or drink services outside, including on a patio, subject to conditions (see page 4 onwards)
  • 'Patio' is defined as: a space completely open to outdoor air on at least two sides
  • A patron must remain seated, except to use a self-serve food or drink station, use a self-serve lottery ticket dispenser, pay at a pay station, use washroom facilities or when leaving the premises. A patron may use washroom facilities inside the premises and may walk through a premises in order to reach an outside place or patio.
  • No person may sell liquor between 10:00 pm and 9:00 am on the following day.
  •  A tasting room with a liquor manufacturer license may have patrons inside for the purpose of tasting, subject to conditions (see page 6). Note: sections 1, 7, 8, 9, and 11 do not apply to a tasting room. Please read the order for details.
  • The rules for gatherings and events continue to apply. See pages 6-7.
 
Please read the order for full conditions and ensure your COVID-19 safety plan is up to date.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.
Job-protected Leave for Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
As part of BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan, workers can take the time they need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine without fear of losing their jobs.  
 
The Province has made regulatory improvements under the Employment Standards Act to quickly bring in a job-protected leave. Part-time and full-time workers will be able to take the time needed to travel and receive the vaccine or to take a dependent family member to receive the vaccine.
 
These changes also provide unpaid job-protected leave if employees need to care for other family members because of COVID-19, and not only their child or certain dependant adults. As well, they allow workers with underlying conditions, who are undergoing treatment, or who have contracted another illness that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19 to take the leave. With these changes, BC’s regulation now fully aligns with the federal Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.
 
Employers can provide input on the changes to Deputy Minister of Labour, Trevor Hughes Trevor.Hughes@gov.bc.ca, or ADM Danine Leduc Danine.Leduc@gov.bc.ca by Wednesday, April 7th.
 
go2HR - Updated: Employee Support Options During Circuit-Breaker
With the recent COVID-19 “circuit breaker” restrictions announced by B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO), Doctor Henry, restaurants, bars, pubs and other food and liquor service establishments have been substantially impacted. Employers are looking for options to help support and retain their employees, particularly through the next few weeks.
 
Strong communication plays a critical role in employee retention. Be sure to provide lots of open, transparent and ongoing communication with staff. Keep them informed about changes in the business, what they are and how it will impact them – personally - in their employment. Encourage employees to ask questions.
 
Short-term changes in operations may mean needing to adjust schedules, reduce hours, encourage vacation time, etc. Where possible, encourage discussions with employees and include them in decision-making. Not only does this help generate buy-in, they may suggest options that you hadn’t previously considered.
 
Below are a few programs that employers may also want to consider, if they’ve not already done so:
 
Work-Sharing (WS) is a program that helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer.
  • The program provides Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers.
  • Work-Sharing is an agreement between employers, employees and the Government of Canada.

A temporary layoff is when an employee earns less than 50% of their regular weekly wages (averaged over the previous eight weeks that they worked), with the plan that the employee will return to a regular work schedule.
  • Layoffs are not automatic. Employees must agree to be laid off or layoffs must be part of the employment contract. If an employee doesn't agree to the layoff, it may be considered a termination of employment.
  • If the employee won't be returning to work, the layoff is a termination of employment.
  • If an employee is laid off, they're still considered to be employed. Any benefits and entitlements (including vacation and leaves of absence) are protected.
  • Laid off employees may choose to file for Employment Insurance (EI).

Employees who are laid off, may want to apply for EI. Depending on each individual’s situation, they may or may not qualify for regular EI benefits.
 
  • Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) - Provides income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
  • Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) - Provides income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.

  • If employers have not previously needed or applied for CEWS, they may want to consider doing so.
If you have any questions regarding these programs or require any other human resources-related support for your team, please contact go2HR via phone: 250-469-1032, email: gbrunner@go2hr.ca or visit our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
 
go2HR is the health and safety and HR association for BC’s tourism and hospitality industry 
go2HR Board Nominations
We need your expertise to identify leaders to help us embark on a renewed strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC.
 
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for two director positions from Vancouver Island and Vancouver Coast & Mountains.
 
Download a nomination form at https://www.go2hr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/go2HR-Board-of-Directors-Nomination-Form.pdf which outlines preferred qualifications and responsibilities.
 
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2021.Please email to CFO, Ellen Langton at elangton@go2hr.ca.
 
Nominations must be made by a Voting Member, signed by both the nominator and the nominee. Once all submissions are received, the Governance Committee will review the nominations against the qualifications and our policies for sector and regional representation. A slate of recommended candidates will be determined and circulated to the Membership prior to the AGM. All Director appointments are two-year terms. 
 
Election will be held at go2HR’s AGM on June 22, 2021. Nominations will not accepted from the floor at the AGM.
 
go2HR’s Director Nominations is overseen by our Governance Committee, comprised of:
 
  • J.J. Belanger, Governance Committee Chair, Board Past-Chair, Crystal Cove Beach Resort
  • Ian Powell, Board Chair, Inn at Laurel Point
  • Heidi Romich, Vice Chair, The Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse
  • Eda Koot, Pacific Gateway Hotel - Vancouver Airport
 
 
To learn more about our Nominations process, please contact Krista Bax (CEO, go2R) at 778-836-8745 or kbax@go2hr.ca. 
New Member Feature: Talent Employment
Talent Employment takes pride in operating a leading Hospitality staffing firm with 13 years of experience that provides quality employees who are well-trained and ready for service in both BC and Ontario. We know the amount of time and energy that has gone into our client’s exceptional reputations and we believe that excellent customer service is in the details. We are committed to going the extra mile to ensure our clients have a truly remarkable outcome utilizing the staff we provide. From stewards to housekeeping, servers to bartenders, we cover all levels of staffing in Hospitality. 
 
By utilizing a temporary staffing agency like Talent Employment, it allows you to control labour costs and avoid the additional HR burdens that come with seasonal staffing. We understand that fluctuations in the current market are now impacted by travel restrictions and pandemic measures. Rest assured, Talent is capable of providing staff when you’re in a bind, whether it’s 1 shift to fill an employee sick day or an ongoing arrangement to cover seasonal employment.
 
If you’re interested in more information, please contact Jennifer Thompson, Account Manager – jennifer.t@usetalent.com, 647-218-4480 or visit us online at www.usetalent.com.
BCLCA: Start Planning your BC Summer!
Plan to Travel the Gold Rush Trail in British Columbia...

Many of British Columbia's highways follow the trails used by the early gold seekers. All along these routes are artifacts and remnants of the early pioneers. Drive this tour and relive their journeys through steep canyons, raging rivers, and...

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www.travel-british-columbia...
Exploring Quesnel & Area in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: ...

By Sheliza Mitha The Covid pandemic may be keeping us at home right now but we all need to start making plans for summer travel in British Columbia. Consider a trip to the Cariboo, especially the area around Quesnel.

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www.travel-british-columbia...
Road Tripping in British Columbia's South Okanagan |...

The Okanagan is home to sun and sand at the many beaches, spectacular orchards and vineyards, and ample opportunities for adventures. It is also the perfect location for a summer-time road trip. This itinerary is planned as a 3-day trip. Start...

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www.travel-british-columbia...
Take a Circle Tour & Discover BC's Sunshine Coast &...

Drive and ferry your way up the 180 kilometre (110 miles) Sunshine Coast, over to Vancouver Island, and down to the provincial capital of Victoria. This 359 kilometre (222 mile) circle tour stays close to the water and explores the island's cozy...

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www.travel-british-columbia...
IN THE NEWS
Travel Pass could boost summer tourism: Alberta NDP -...

NDP leader Rachel Notley is calling for the introduction of an Alberta Travel pass- a rebate for Albertans who travel within the province. (Facebook screenshot) Travel pass would provide rebates to Alberta families who travel within the province...

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www.reddeeradvocate.com
How to get vaccinated for COVID-19

Last updated: April 5, 2021 First, you register and get a confirmation number. You need that number to later book your vaccination appointment. Registering also helps health authorities request the right amount of vaccine doses for each...

Read more
www2.gov.bc.ca
Mark Your Calendars
BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
Friday May 28 - Saturday May 29

Time to block your calendars — the BC Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to its virtual AGM and Conference, taking place May 28-29, 2021.
During a year where connection means more than it ever has, this event brings together Chamber members from across the province to share what's on BC's mind, connect deeply about business priorities, and debate policies that will drive the BC Chamber's advocacy efforts for the years ahead.
Watch your inbox for more event details to be shared in the coming weeks!
Save the date — don't miss out!

Save the date here
COVID-19 UPDATES ONLINE AT BCHA.COM