Minister Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. has issued two new orders using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act. The first includes measures to restrict non-essential travel to and from impacted areas, including:

This order will be in effect starting today as these highways start to reopen. It applies to non-essential travel along specific sections of highways between the Lower Mainland and Interior of British Columbia. There are circumstances where travel is essential and permitted, specifically for the movement of any goods that are necessary for the health, safety and well-being of British Columbians. As the backlog of essential traffic clears, restrictions on essential travel can be eased.

These measures are enacted under the provincial state of emergency, using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act. The act allows the minister to implement all procedures the minister considers necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency, including controlling or prohibiting travel to or from any area of British Columbia.

The second order will ensure fuel remains available for essential vehicles in affected areas of the province.

To help keep people safe and re-establish the movement of critical goods and services following severe flooding and landslides, the Province is taking temporary measures to ensure fuel (gas and diesel) is prioritized for essential vehicles, while keeping it available to British Columbians.

Under this order, essential vehicles will have unrestricted access to fuel as required, using predominately commercial trucking gas stations . A full list of these essential vehicles is available in the backgrounder.

Non-essential vehicles, including the general public, will still have access to fuel available through retail gas stations. People will be limited to 30 litres per trip to the gas station. 

The Province will be working with gas retailers and distributors to implement this order to make sure people are not exceeding their allotted limit per trip. As part of this order, gas retailers will be required to ensure remaining gasoline reserves last until the end of the month. Anyone who is abusive, threatening or belligerent to gas station workers can be subject to a fine under the order.

This order, effective immediately, until December 1st, applies to all fuel suppliers in the Lower Mainland-to-Hope region, the Sea-to-Sky region, Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island.

Click here for more information.

On Wednesday, the BC government declared a provincial State of Emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the province-wide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia. The State of Emergency is initially in effect for 14 days and may be extended or rescinded as necessary.

As Co-chair of the Tourism Emergency Management Committee, TIABC, along with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, as well as our sector and DMO partners are working closely to ensure the latest information and resources are made available to our industry.

Resources from the federal and provincial governments, community organizations and private sector on supports for businesses impacted by disasters are available here.

As a result of the damages sustained from the storm earlier in the week, provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has been authorized for qualifying claimants, such as home owners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local government bodies, who are unable to obtain insurance to cover these disaster-related losses.

Information about Disaster Financial Assistance is available on the DFA web site. There you will find the DFA Application Form, ‘Disaster Financial Assistance Guidelines for Private Sector,’ information bulletins about DFA and insurance, and ‘One Step at a time – A Guide to Disaster Recovery.’

Additional Resources Include:

Although people are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible so the damage assessment can be completed promptly, the deadline for Emergency Management BC to receive this form is February 12, 2022.

Essential purposes for travel are defined in the Travel Restrictions Order through the Emergency Program Act. Checkpoints will be in place and travel restrictions will be enforced. This progress will enable the movement of goods and supplies from the Lower Mainland to get to the rest of BC and other provinces.

Drivers should expect sections of single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 7 and three sections of single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 3 east of Hope. Delays will be significant, given the amount of essential goods to be delivered and the many people eager to complete their trips home.

It is strongly encouraged to wait an extra day or two to travel if possible. This will help the movement of essential goods on Highway 3.

go2HR has shared a list of practical things employers can do to help support employees during and after a natural disaster:

Check in – Remember that employees may be dealing with the impacts of a disaster both at home and at work. Check in regularly with them and encourage them to do the same. Where possible, provide support such as contact information for your employee family assistance program, benefits provider, employment insurance or mental health resources.

Communicate – During and after a disaster, communication will be critical. Provide ongoing communication, updates and information using as many channels as possible (texts, email, social media, phone, communication apps, etc.). Access to power may be limited or interrupted during a disaster so be sure to keep messages brief and concise.

Offer flexibility – Often in times of disaster, individuals, businesses and communities join together to support each other. While some employees may need time off to deal with their personal situations, others may have a desire to be involved in clean up or rebuilding efforts however they may not be able to financially afford to take the time off. Offer flexibility such as additional time off (paid or unpaid), alternate work schedules, or adjust shift start/end times for employees who need, and others who seek, to be involved.

Move forward – As the initial shock and emergency response period passes and recovery efforts start, everyone’s attention will turn to regaining a sense of normalcy. Employees will want and need to know what is happening in their workplace and what is expected of them. Be sure to let your employees know how the business has been impacted and their job/shifts, etc. as a result.

Depending on how your business has been impacted, this may include communicating information such as:

As recovery and clean-up efforts start to get underway, it is important to recognize that it will take time and that individuals will respond and process the events in their own way.

Current Flooding Information - EmergencyInfoBC offers current flood-related information, including: evacuations (orders, alerts and rescinds), road closures, evacuee registration, flood conditions, advisories and more.

Coping with Natural Disaster Stress - If you or your employees are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone and support is available. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC offers tips and resources to help cope with natural disaster stress.

Household Preparedness Guide - This practical guide from PreparedBC offers information related to what to do during and after a flood, including tips to help deal with flood stress, returning home, cleaning, psychological care, claiming insurance, and more.

TIABC extends its heartfelt thanks to the thousands of BC residents, businesses and organizations who are rallying in support to those impacted by the province's devastating conditions resulting from recent weather and flooding.

To those that have reached out with food and essential supplies, accommodation, transportation, rescue efforts, emotional support and donations, you have proven once again that British Columbians are the finest examples of resilient and compassionate people, supporting when and where needed during some of the most difficult days in our province's history.

Swoop has added new flights between Abbotsford (YXX) and Kelowna (YLW) for travellers in immediate need of transportation or those travelling to assist in the recovery efforts and emergency response.

These flights are being offered for $79 to $99 all-in, from November 22nd to December 15th. We have also increased flights between Edmonton (YEG) and Abbotsford with fares starting at $49 all-in.

Swoop will continue to share additional details around extra flight segments and recovery efforts as soon as they become available on THIS link.

Check here for up-to-date information on the Abbotsford International Airport.

This past Monday, I flew from the Kootenays to attend a conference in Vancouver. While it was encouraging to meet in person and see how positive and enthusiastic delegates were about the future of our industry, as the hours progressed and news of the flooding and landslide disaster filtered through the room, we all realized that no matter how bullish we were earlier in the day, the tourism and hospitality sector was far from realizing full recovery in the immediate future.

Following the conference, my intent was to catch a lift to Kamloops with a board member and two of TIABC’s staff to arrive in time to host TIABC’s first in-person AGM in two years. Instead, my colleagues stayed put as we transitioned from a hybrid conference to exclusively virtual for obvious reasons. It was the right call for all the right reasons.

Although I managed to book a flight home on Wednesday morning, I couldn’t help but sympathize with the thousands of people who got stranded or evacuated from various communities in the Fraser Valley, Southern Okanagan, Sea to Sky country, on Vancouver Island and elsewhere because of widespread damage to infrastructure on all of the major highway routes leading into and out of Vancouver and part of the Island. It’s disheartening to realize that we have a long way to go to fully recover from yet another crisis this year.

As I continue to watch relief and recovery efforts unfold, I am comforted by the fact that along with government, first responders, local residents, businesses, and communities, the tourism and hospitality sector has again stepped up to assist with rescue efforts, accommodation, transportation, food and other provisions to help those displaced by this disaster. As part of the Tourism Emergency Response Team, TIABC has been meeting with its ministry counterparts, Destination BC, the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, Emergency Management BC, BCHA and many others this week to assess impacts to communities and our industry, and to find the answers and support needed for our members and stakeholders to both help and to move forward in the weeks ahead.

In the meantime, at our virtual annual general meeting on Wednesday, chairs of the various committees provided a top-line summary of TIABC’s activities over the past year that clearly illustrated the hard work and diligent efforts of our team and board on behalf of BC’s visitor economy (further details in our new Advocacy Report Card below).

While we said goodbye to two valued directors…Past-chair Jim Humphrey and Policy Committee Chair, Beverley DeSantis, we welcomed new Director Chris Lewis of Tourism Kelowna, as well as returning directors Brenda Baptiste (ITBC), Sandra Oldfield (Elysian Projects), Michael J. Ballingall (Big White Ski Resort & Chair of TOTA), and Ian MacPhee (Prince of Whales Whale Watching) who were either elected, re-elected or appointed by acclimation.

Even though we weren’t physically in Kamloops, we still considered the Tournament Capital of Canada to be our official host. Therefore, it behooves me to thank Tk'emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation, Tourism Kamloops CEO Beverley DeSantis, Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian, Delta Hotels GM and BCHA Chair, Bryan Pilbeam, as well as TOTA President & CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews for their hospitality. I’d also like to recognize our valued partners at the BCHA for working behind the scenes and alongside TIABC to bring our respective members an afternoon of good information, education and engagement.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer a great big thank you to Tourism Minister Melanie Mark for joining us and for advocating so effectively on behalf of our sector.

As I embark on my second full year as TIABC chair, allow me to take the opportunity to thank you as members for joining us on Wednesday and for your support and encouragement throughout 2021. We’ll need each as much as ever in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Vivek Sharma,

Chair, TIABC

TIABC is pleased to release the 2021 Advocacy Report Card, which details the updated advocacy efforts and achievements of the organization since fall, 2020.

As noted by CEO Walt Judas in this report, "together with our sector partners, we’ve taken great strides in accomplishing many of our goals vis-a-vis securing support for the industry including tourism specific grants, a restart plan, and other measures to help the visitor economy survive and ultimately move beyond the carnage COVID-19 has left behind".

TIABC’s updated Advocacy Report Card represents the

additional work we’ve done in the past 12 months and offers a level of accountability to our valued members and stakeholders that guide and support our organization’s efforts each year.

We invite you to read our report and connect with us at any time at info@tiabc.ca for questions,

comments or recommendations on TIABC’s direction or priorities, as well as any other issues affecting your business.

By the end of the month, fully vaccinated Canadians returning home from international trips 72 hours or less won’t have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

The new rule goes into effect on November 30th, and only applies to Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act.

The exemption also applies to children under 12, and individuals with medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination, however, fully vaccinated Canadians returning from trips longer than 72 hours will still be required to show proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon return.

Also starting November 30th, vaccination will be required for travel within and out of Canada. A negative COVID-19 molecular test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless travellers have an exemption, such as a legitimate medical reason to not be vaccinated.

Furthermore, come January 15th, certain groups of travellers currently exempt from entry requirements will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into the country.

For more information on Canada's travel advice and advisories, click here.

Last week, TIABC provided readers with excerpts from a news conference with Dr. Henry & Health Minister Dix on health and safety measures required for ski resorts, holiday travel & music events. Canada West Ski Areas Association has provided a response to clarify some of the comments made.

Where the TIABC newsletter repeated the following:

“It is a requirement to wear masks on gondolas, on ski lifts, in lineups when you're close to people, and are more and more important this year, of course, but we also encourage everybody who's going there to be vaccinated.” In fact, masks are required on gondolas, but not lifts and lines.  This created a tremor in the ski sector for 24 hours as the CWSAA clarified for operators…it had huge and immediate staffing implications. Fortunately all was resolved.

Indigenous tourism businesses will receive another financial boost to aid in pandemic recovery and foster growth through the continued partnership of the Province and Indigenous Tourism BC.

The Province initially provided $5 million to Indigenous Tourism B.C. (ITBC) to create the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund. It is now is providing an additional $3 million for a second intake.

Launched in February 2021, the fund provides grants to Indigenous tourism businesses, including lodges and resorts, restaurants, outdoor adventure experiences, galleries and gift shops owned by Indigenous people. Recipients can use the funds to keep the lights on and pay rent or employee wages. The intake opening date for the second round of the recovery grant will be announced by ITBC in the coming weeks.

“ITBC has worked hard with stakeholders and provided a support system for businesses to continue operating during the pandemic,” said Brenda Baptiste, chair, Indigenous Tourism BC and TIABC Director. “We are extremely grateful for the partnerships and work that we do with the tourism industry and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.”

Read the full announcement here.

Don’t miss this fascinating panel discussion with MOSAIC and HR West and the Vancouver Whitecaps, facilitated by go2HR to learn more about the practical steps employers can take to embrace the principles of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity and take the essential first steps to create a more inclusive workplace.

TIAC launched its Elevating Canadian Experience (ECE) program to provide tourism stakeholders with free learning resources in culinary tourism and tools for the winter/shoulder seasons.

The ECE program provides content ranging from strategy development to practical tools and tips - all designed to help grow and adapt your tourism business as an operator and build tourism capacity in your region as a destination partner.

The latest module "Embracing Canada’s Winter and Shoulder Season" has been developed to assist tourism operators and destination partners in broadening the shoulders of your tourism season and provides valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies.

Click here to learn more and to download the Toolkit.

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.

Congratulations are in order for BC based GreenStep Solutions who have been selected out of hundreds of applicants, as one of only ten companies in Canada to be accepted into the United Nations (UN) Global Compact Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Ambition Programme.

GreenStep will participate in a six-month accelerator that aims to challenge and support participating companies of the UN Global Compact, including Suncor Energy and Bell Canada, in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating integration of the 17 SDGs into core business management.

As a company that supports small and medium enterprises to measure and improve their sustainability performance, GreenStep’s participation in this program will provide an exciting opportunity to more holistically integrate the SDGs into existing and future services, software and programs, as well as setting internal targets towards improving their own sustainability performance.

Click here to learn more about GreenStep.

The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more.

The next intakes, which will run for 8 weeks, begin the week of January 10th & January 17th, 2022.

Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Food + Drink online auction is now LIVE. The auction will run from November 4 to 28, 2021; the 2nd section opening on November 19 and closing on November 28th, 2021.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is grateful to be the Charity of Choice this year for Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Food + Drink.

Donations can be taken by using this donation link and items will be added throughout the month.

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. Our success depends on you.

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.

WorkBC Richmond, the BCHA, and the Richmond Public Library are pleased to connect job seekers and employers for an afternoon of engagement and networking at the Tourism and Hospitality Hiring Fair.

During this in-person, exhibition-format hiring fair, employers will have the opportunity to meet with over 200 candidates to cultivate employment interest, establish connections, and secure skilled workers.

Date and Location: Thursday, November 25 from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch (100-7700 Minoru Gate)

There will be ten 25 minute time slots with a maximum of 20 job seekers per appointment time. A maximum of 10 employers will be in attendance.

For more information please contact:

The 44th Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association AGM will be taking place via ZOOM;

Date: November 23rd, 2021 2:00 - 3:00 pm (PM Mountain Time)

Agenda Items will Include:

Click here to register.

This year's VCM Industry Forum will be held virtually, via Zoom. VCM will be sharing the latest updates from Destination BC teams as well as featured guest speaker Carol Anne Hilton, Founder and CEO of the Indigenomics Institute.

The registration deadline for the virtual Forum is 12:00 pm on Monday, Nov. 30th. Register here for the forum and feel free to share the link with colleagues in your organization who would benefit from attending.

The informal industry networking event at Glowbal Restaurant (590 West Georgia, Vancouver) will follow later in the day from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. It is an opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and the VCM team in-person, over light refreshments. Space will be limited for this event and will follow the latest health and safety guidelines.

Register for the networking event here.

Mark your calendar for a virtual conference hosted by the SFI. This year’s theme, the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative and BC’s Public Fishery, will be addressed by a range of speakers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Province of BC, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the SFI.

Date: Thursday, December 2nd at 1:00 pm (virtual)

The annual SFI conference is well recognized as an important public fishery management and policy forum where elected officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry share their perspectives on trends, innovations and issues facing BC’s public fishery. Attendance and registration are free, with thanks to our sponsors as noted below.

Registration and additional information, including a detailed agenda, will be available as the date approaches.

Destination Canada is hosting its Annual Public Meeting. While 2021 has continued to present the tourism industry with obstacles and setbacks, the easing of border restrictions and new vaccine mandates have led to positive progress for Canada’s visitor economy.

Hear about the impacts of the past year, and the vision for a more competitive sector to rebuild the tourism industry, both domestically and internationally.

Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am (PT)

Click here to learn more.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET virtually – please note details for the virtual call will be sent shortly.

To access the proxy vote or nomination form, click on the following:

These documents and the link to register to the AGM require you to log in to your membership account with TIAC.

If you have forgotten your login information to access benefits or renew your membership, click here and input your email address and check your inbox.

RVC+ is going hybrid in 2022! The new format will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating opportunities for more of industry to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies.

The in-person portion of RVC+ will be a buyer-seated marketplace in Toronto, Ontario. This will be Canada’s RVC and hosted by Destination Canada and TIAC, creating an exciting opportunity to welcome international buyers back to Canada and showcase the beauty of this country, as well as the meaningful travel experiences offered across each province and territory.

Dates: May 24th - 27th, 2022

Learn more about Rendezvous Canada 2022 here.