I am reaching out to you from the shared and unceded traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Shuswap people, and the home of the Metis Nation of BC. I am grateful to work, play and live on these lands.

Each year at this time, I reflect back on my family’s journey over the last 11 years as immigrants to this vast country we now call home. Our kids were only 7 and 2 when we arrived. Because my wife and I had spent the preceding dozen years in seven different countries, we decided that with a young family, it was time to establish some roots, especially so our kids could grow up in a place that they could call home.

Although my wife and I refer to India as our home, we looked at various options on where to live and eventually settled on Canada because it was a place we heard was welcoming, honest, real, had a robust educational and national health plan, warm people…and importantly…the respect of the world. Even though we had never visited and had no family in any province or territory, we decided on this great country as a place to settle. For a brief moment we had our doubts after arriving to -28 degree weather in Edmonton. Wait. What. We had just left our previous posting in Egypt where it was +28.

Through the years as we have traversed the length and breadth of this country, living from coast-to-coast-to-coast, we’ve never regretted our decision. Canada and its people have stood true to everything we had hoped for and believed as we raised our young family. Today, we proudly call ourselves Canadian citizens while still being allowed to retain our ethnicity and culture.

Over the past few years, I’ve been invited to speak to hospitality school graduates across the country and, among other things, have always pointed out that born and raised Canadians often take for granted how fortunate they are to call this country home.

While acknowledging the many areas where we can improve as a nation, and the fact that we’re far from perfect, we still enjoy a superior quality of life compared to many around the world, and there is no price one can put on that good fortune.

At the same time, it’s important as Canadians that we also acknowledge our shortcomings and mistakes…which leads me to briefly mention the tragic and incomprehensible situation involving residential schools. As a new Canadian, I continue to learn everyday about the history of our country, and most recently have taken the opportunity to dig deeper into our Indigenous culture and its history. What I’ve discovered has really shaken me up. As proud as I am of being a Canadian, I am also saddened and ashamed by what happened here at home, and in some cases continues to occur in our First Nations communities.

Yesterday, some communities chose to host Canada Day celebrations while others did not. I’m not here to debate which town did the right thing. Instead, I’ve chosen to do whatever I can to honour and celebrate our Indigenous culture, but also to find a way forward and contribute to the goal of reconciliation.

None of us can undo the past, but we can influence a brighter future for our children and grandchildren…those that were fortunate enough to be born here, and those that willingly choose Canada as their new home…just like my wife and I did for our kids.

In the context of the present circumstances surrounding residential schools, as well as other crises we’ve faced so far this year, I trust you found a way to acknowledge Canada Day and what this country means to every one of us, including immigrants like me, who call this place home.

Best wishes for a great summer!

Vivek Sharma

Chair, TIABC Board of Directors

TIABC received a letter from Minister Mark on June 29th, acknowledging the letter received, which thanked her for her leadership on the recent BC Restart Plan. In the letter to the Minister, TIABC reinforced "the Restart Plan is exactly what our industry had been seeking for the last couple of months. Importantly, we appreciate having had the opportunity to provide input vis-a-vis the plan components and needs of the visitor economy and look forward to our continued work together".

Minister Mark's letter of appreciation to TIABC included stating;

"The level of cooperation between industry and government throughout this pandemic has been unprecedented, and I am grateful for the steady hand of the Tourism Industry Association of BC in providing guidance to businesses and recommendations to government so that we could reach this point. It is my intention to continue working closely together towards recovery, resilience and beyond, and have that be the legacy that carries forward from this difficult time".

Click here to read the letter from Minister Mark.

Starting July 1, British Columbians can now enjoy Canada-wide travel, larger “normal” gatherings, larger groups at restaurants and no restrictions for alcohol service, just to name a few of the eased restrictions.

But while masks will no longer be required in public indoor settings, Premier John Horgan said he will continue to don a face covering in most settings.

Additionally, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry emphasized that people need to continue to exercise caution and show respect for each other’s boundaries. BC's top doctor added that British Columbians should ensure they are fully vaccinated this summer and follow the guidance in BC's Restart Plan. She also noted that individual facilities and stores may continue to require masks.

The provincial health officer referred to the “golden rules for everybody” during Step 3 of the restart plan as the “basics” to keep everyone safe this summer.

In addition to staying home when you’re sick, Henry said people should continue to respect each other’s personal space and appreciate that not everyone will feel comfortable moving forward with the eased restrictions.

Click here to read the full story.

The U.S.-Canada border has been closed since March 2020. With more and more people getting vaccinated in both countries, and things returning to normal, the "Open The Border Campaign" strongly believe it's time to start reopening the border so that Canadians and Americans can cross the border freely and businesses can get back to work.

The tourism industry has been effectively shut down for over a year. Canadian businesses bring in billions in revenue and show visitors what a beautiful place our country is. Without travelers, there is no tourism industry. Reopen the border immediately to allow travelers to safely cross!

While there are 30 logos in support on the microsite and over 1,100 letters have been sent, the campaign needs your support.

Click here for more information the campaign, and how you can support this important initiative.

Katherine MacRae, Executive Director for the Commercial Bear Viewing Association recently had the experience of a life-time, participating in the 2nd Marine Debris Removal Initiative.

This essential service project to remove marine debris along the central and north coast in the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais of Klemtu, the Gitga’at of Hartley Bay, and the Gitxaala of Kitkatla took place last month.

Here is an excerpt from Katherine's blog:

"I hear the boat engine rumble, and I know the day has started. I don’t need an alarm; the boat is it. I yawn and lay in my bunk on the SV Maple Leaf, I look out of the hatch, and I see the rain again. I sigh, throw back the covers, put my long-johns, merino wool, two layers of wool socks and gumboots on and head up to the wheelhouse to see what the day will bring. The day, like all others, entails putting on layers of clothing, heavy-duty rain gear, and a positive attitude as our tender drops us off in some of the most remote locations of the central coast on rough, jagged rocks or “beaches” that resemble log booms. Our job while there is to collect the marine debris that tides and currents dump on the coast".

"Each day blurs into another. They are all similar – we pick up garbage and more garbage. We have industrial garbage bags in hand as we jump off the bow of the tender and onto massive logs or the rocky shores, and we head up to where the wood meets the salal. It’s there where you find the most “stuff”; water bottles, single-use plastic, hard plastic, dragger balls, gill nets, rope or line and fishing nets. Oh my gosh, the fishing nets! Sometimes nets would take over an hour to cut out of the log jams we were in. The work was hard. It was back-breaking. I was cursing my fitness trainer for missing a muscle group! Most of all, though, as I sat with my Victoria Knox knife, freshly sharpened that morning, cutting a net or one of the massive hawser ropes was just how much humans suck. I mean this in the broadest sense of a collective whole. We all do our parts to look after our planet, but when you are faced with picking up 210 tonnes of marine debris, the reality really sets in".

Click here to read Katherine's blog in its entirety.

Click here to learn more about the Marine Debris Removal Initiative.

The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides direct supports to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):

Find the list of eligible covered services by type of barriers addressed here.

The grant will be administered beginning June 21, 2021 through April 30, 2022 on a first come first served basis. The maximum allowable grant will be $1000/business.

Read the eligibility criteria and, if applicable, register for the grant via this form

Click here for more information on the grant program, and to apply.

The BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program offers two grant options for

Indigenous governments and local governments, including municipalities, regional districts and Islands Trust. Application deadline is July 30th.

Active transportation relates to human-powered forms of commuting to work, school, recreation, socializing or running errands. It can take many forms and is continually evolving as new technologies emerge. It includes walking, cycling, rolling (skateboarding, in-line skating), winter focused (xc skiing, snowshoeing), water focused (kayaking, SUP) and others.

The BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program provides cost-sharing opportunities for network planning grants and infrastructure grants. Funding from these grant programs support the development of active transportation infrastructure for all ages and abilities.

Click here for more information on the grant program, and to apply.

The tragedy of the wildfire that has devastated the town of Lytton has affected many lives, and the communities within the Fraser Valley are coming together to support in this time of need.

The destination management organizations (DMO's) that make up the Fraser Valley region are opening their doors, and the are looking to everyone that is able, to please donate what you can. They have coordinated with Boston Bar First Nations/Tuckkwiowhum Village to gather what is needed and deliver to them to distribute.

Here is what they are looking for:

Click here for more information on where and how to donate.

After 12 years as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (“TOTA”), Glenn Mandziuk has decided to pursue exciting new opportunities and endeavours, resigning his position effective June 25, 2021.

During Glenn’s tenure, together with the dedicated team at TOTA, he established the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region as a champion of excellence and innovation in destination marketing, management, and industry development. We are pleased to announce that current Senior Vice President, Ellen Walker-Matthews, will assume the leadership role and we look forward to Ellen putting her own stamp on our organization.

We all wish Glenn well in his future endeavours.

For more information about the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) click here.

Despite the ongoing challenges our industry continues to face as a result of the impacts of COVID, TIABC is heartened to observe the strength, resiliency and innovative means taking place today. This new Bulletin feature will share stories of how businesses and organizations, large and small are doing things in a new way as they guide their enterprises through the pandemic crisis.

Kamloops City Council has approved a proposal for Tourism Kamloops to conduct a community tourism pilot project in Riverside Park for summer 2021.

The proposal outlined an introduction of commercial activity including recreational sport equipment rentals and coordinating food and beverage services using mobile food trucks. All rentals and services will be conducted at the inactive concession site in Riverside Park.

The Riverside Park Tourism and Community Pilot Project aligns and delivers an Active, Healthy and Vibrant solution to an inactive building. This project serves the community – from residents to businesses - in the following ways:

Click here to find out where you can beat the heat in Chilliwack, BC.

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this new feature, we will be showcasing those businesses, associations, organizations and DMOs that been TIABC members for more than 10 years.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT) is one of British Columbia’s five official Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO).

KRT has operated since 1978 and represents over 700 tourism businesses and operators. This includes resorts, accommodation properties, wellness retreats, golf, ski, adventure, communities, retail, food & beverage, transportation, arts & culture and attractions.

KRT works on behalf of tourism stakeholders located in our geographic area of Southeastern BC known as the Kootenay Rockies region. The region borders Alberta and the U.S. and includes four National Parks (Yoho, Glacier, Mt. Revelstoke, Kootenay) as well as over 75 Provincial Parks. The Rocky Mountains rise in parallel with the ranges of the Purcell, Selkirk & Monashee (Columbia Mountains).

Click here to find out more about Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

The month of July marks membership renewal dates for the majority of TIABC's members. 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.

C-19 BULLETIN

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our readership of the C-19 Bulletin has received strong attention and trust it has become a valuable resource of information for you. Due to the summer months, TIABC will be reducing the distribution of the Bulletin to 2x a week, Tuesdays and Friday's, effective July 6th. We continue to monitor national, provincial, regional and community industry news, activities and events and will ensure to provide additional updates should there be extraordinary news to share with our audience.

With Step 3 of the BC restart plan beginning on July 1, and the prospect of restarting more social connections and business activities, as well as the lifting of existing orders, including the need for written COVID-19 safety plans, many new questions and challenges emerge for employers as they navigate the new normal.

Safety plans might be out but it’s still important to remain vigilant about communicable diseases, including norovirus, seasonal influenza and COVID-19. Keeping informed about the overarching principles of communicable disease control and continuing to uphold and practice some of the familiar COVID-19 controls as part of your occupational health and safety program can help to prevent future illness and outbreaks. This can help to reassure your workers and guests about your ongoing commitment to their health and safety.

Join go2HR for our upcoming webinar, featuring expert panelists, Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health and Lisa Houle, Manager, OHS Consultation and Education Services at WorkSafeBC. Learn how to implement a robust communicable disease program for step 3 of the BC Restart and get your questions answered!

Webinar topics include:

Register here for this informative industry event.

Join MP Patrick Weiler for a conversation with the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on Zoom or Facebook Live. Friday, July 9 at 12:00 pm PST.

They will be discussing issues related to the Minister's portfolio, including responsible and compassionate management of the border with the United States, action to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, First Nations policing, reducing the impact of climate-related disasters, implementing our firearms commitments, the opioid epidemic, and anti-money laundering.

Please feel free to share this event with your friends and networks, and submit any questions you would like to have answered to Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca.

Topic: Town Hall with Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Time: Friday, July 9, 2021 12:00 PM

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/PatrickBWeiler/

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. Feel free to share your photos, etc. with TIABC to share in our C-19 Bulletin.

Self-Guided Webinars 

Developing Winter / Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit

Made up of six learning modules, this webinar will give you actionable advice on how to define your strategy, develop products and experiences, build collaborative partnerships and more to boost seasonal tourism in your business or region.

Winter / Shoulder Season Consumer Demand Research Report

Get access to free tools and strategies to grow your business and tourism in your region at the ECE content hub: https://ecehub.tiac-aitc.ca/en/