Today's update includes:

New COVID-19 Restrictions Implemented in Northern Health due to Rising Cases
B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new COVID-19 restrictions for the Northern Health region this afternoon, as a result of rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

While the order applies to the entire Northern Health region, the communities of Kitimat, Terrace, Haida Gwaii, Stikine, Nisg̱a’a, Telegraph, and Prince Rupert are exempt from the new orders due to high levels of immunization.
 
The order will take effect at midnight tonight and will remain until at least November 19, 2021.
 
The measures include:
  • Personal gatherings indoor and outdoors will be restricted to fully vaccinated people only
  • Indoor organized events for vaccinated people are capped at 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
  • Personal indoor gatherings are limited to 5 people and outdoor personal gatherings are limited to 25 people
  • All indoor and outdoor organized events will require a safety plan, everyone has to wear masks, and must have full immunization through a vaccine card.
  • Virtual worship services only
  • Sporting events will continue at 50% capacity. A vaccine card must be used and masks will be required.
  • Liquor and food primaries that offer full meal service can remain open and offer indoor dining, but must continue to check for BC Vaccine Cards. Alcohol service must end at 10:00 pm.
  • Nightclubs and bars with no food service will now be closed.
  • The provincial government will also be stepping up coordinated enforcement of checking for proof of vaccination at businesses where this is required
  • The province is strongly encouraging those in the north to stay within their own community except for essential reasons.
  •  Previously announced regional restrictions in Northern Health (effective September 7) will also remain in place. Businesses must also comply with provincial public health orders:
  • Face Coverings
  • Gatherings and Events
  • Food and Liquor Serving Premises
  •  As for any upcoming remembrance day events, Northern Health residents will NOT be required to be vaccinated. The guidance is to keep the events small and to wear masks while keeping the events outdoors.

We remind everyone that this single greatest tool to keep our communities safe, so that we can all get back to doing the things we love, is to get both doses of the vaccination and encourage others to do the same.

We recognize the immense level of frustration that these restrictions will have on operators within Northern BC, along with the impact on your business. Should you have any questions or wish to voice your feedback, please reach out to Mike@bcha.com. We will continue to keep you informed.
Rapid Testing in the Workplace Guide
go2HR has released an updated COVID-19 Rapid Testing in the Workplace guide. Though access to COVID-19 rapid test kits is becoming increasingly available across Canada, individuals authorized to administer rapid tests differs from one jurisdiction to the next and program eligibility will vary.
 
Employers are encouraged to ensure that they are aware and follow the required regulations of their province or territory. Tourism and hospitality employers who are considering rapid testing as an option for employees in their workplaces should be aware that doing so requires time, resources and careful consideration in order to ensure that they understand and follow provincial regulations. 
 
Depending on each organization’s situation it may not be an appropriate or cost-effective solution for every employer. This resource guide contains practical information and links to help employers identify and access COVID19 Rapid Response screening tests and program support options. 
 
The information within this document is accurate as of October 6th and publishing will be revised as additional programs and/or information becomes available. 

Advocacy Support Needed | Every Letter Counts, Submit Within Minutes
Canada’s tourism, hotel and events businesses are facing a difficult fall and winter. We need the committed and ongoing support of the federal government to survive.

The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses has launched a new letter campaign asking the government to follow through on an election promise to provide the tourism industry with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of expenses so that Canada’s hard hit businesses can survive through the winter.

With current wage and rent subsidy programs winding down this month, there is an urgent need for a new tailored survival solution. Without support designed specifically for our industry, the livelihoods of more than two million people working in tourism and travel—mostly women, youth and immigrants—will be at risk.
ABLE BC Annual LRS Benchmark Survey
Since 2018, ABLE BC in partnership with Paul Rickett, VARKeting! has conducted an annual LRS Benchmark Survey.
 
As BC’s private liquor industry association, ABLE BC works to collect data for membership and create an economic snapshot of our industry. We survey our private liquor store members on an annual basis to help develop KPIs or benchmarks for your business.
 
We are conducting our third annual LRS Benchmark Survey and 
 
To ensure we can offer you valuable insights, we kindly ask that if you own and/or operate an LRS, you complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FX9RPYM
 
Deadline to complete survey: October 27, 2021.
 
Results will be shared with members and in the Quarterly Pour. Preliminary results will be presented at the BC Liquor Conference on October 25, 2021.
 
Individual results and any business information shared will be kept confidential. Results will be presented as aggregate data.
 
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.
BC PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment – Program Extended Six Months
The B.C. PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment is a temporary provincial sales tax (PST) program to help corporations recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19.

The dates of the program have been extended, and corporations can now apply to receive an amount equal to the PST they paid between September 17, 2020 and March 31, 2022 on qualifying machinery and equipment. All rebate applications must now be received by September 30, 2022.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and access to the application, visit gov.bc.ca/corporatePSTrebate. Look for the ‘Apply online’ box at the upper right of the page.
If you have an eTaxBC logon for your PST account:
  • Select the ‘Log on to eTaxBC’ option
  • Once logged in, select your PST account
  • Under ‘I Want To’ select ‘Apply for Select Machinery & Equip Rebate’
 
If you don’t have a PST account, or don’t have an eTaxBC logon, select ‘Apply online without a login’.
On behalf of the provincial hotel sector, BCHA President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett delivered a submission to the the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government regarding the 2022 budget.

Outlining critical issues impacting the sector such as the workforce crisis, along with rising fixed costs coupled with significant revenue losses, the presentation further presented the hotel sector's significant impact on the British Columbia economy and in communities in every corner of the province. Identified solutions to explore further include:
  • Release a grant program in 2021 for the accommodation sector, outlining eligibility by revenue loss over 2019 -- briefing note and details have been submitted for a portion of the 50 million allocated for tourism
  • Invest and support in a workforce strategy, developed by industry, for industry, to ensure recovery and resiliency
  • Resume government travel
  • Enable Clean BC energy strategy
  • Implementing energy cost relief through a new hotel rate class
  • Capping Online Travel Agency commissions
  • Implementing a school tax reduction that would reduce the property tax burden of hotels by 25%
  • Changing the property tac calculation from the grater of to the lesser of "best use" or previous years revenue

See below to view video.
Survey Results | BCHA September Survey & Stats Canada Labour Force Survey
We thank everyone who participated in our recent Septembersurvey.
 
Of the participants surveyed, here are some of the results.
 
AVERAGE OCCUPANCY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA:
  • September - 68%
  • October - 54%
  • November - 44%
  • December - 44%
  • January - 42%
 
KEY FINDINGS:
  • Over 8% of individuals polled have implemented their own proof of vaccination policy
  • Over 78% of individuals polled have experienced and/or witnessed verbal or online abuse at their property as a result of the proof of vaccination policy
  • Benefits program for employees:
  • 82.35% of respondents do offer benefits to their employees
  • 38.65% of respondents offer benefits to part-time, permanent part-time, and seasonal employees
  • Over 71% of respondents indicated that they are currently looking for employees
STATS CANADA LABOUR FORCE SURVEY:
Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Ravi Kahlon, issued a statement on October 8th regarding the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for September 2021. Highlights of the statement include:
 
  • B.C. is leading Canada’s economic recovery, with 12,300 jobs added last month.
  • B.C. continues to lead all provinces since the onset of the pandemic with a job recovery rate of 101.5%.
  • Our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country at 5.9%.
  • The job recovery rate has been strong across the province, led by Prince George at 107.1%
  • Other notable job recovery rates are in the Thompson-Okanagan at 106.8%, the Cariboo at 104.6%, Vancouver Island at 104.1%, the Kootenays at 102.3%, Lower Mainland at 102%, Vancouver at 101.3% and North Coast-Nechako at 100.7%.
GoGreen | Sustainability Tip of the Week
The BCHA team is proud to bring a weekly tip of the week in an effort to drive our mission to create a more eco-efficient hospitality industry.

Interested in learning more about sustainability and how you can operate more efficiently while reducing your costs? Sign up for a FREE Energy Analysis today!
REMINDER | New Vaccination Requirements for Federal Employees & Travellers
On October 30, the Government of Canada will require:
  • Employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to establish vaccination policies for their employees
  • Travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will also be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel
 
Vaccine requirements for employees in the federally regulated transportation sector:
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:
  • airlines and airports, and other organizations who have employees who enter restricted areas of airports, such as concession and hospitality workers
  • federally regulated railways, and their rail crew and track employees
  • marine operators with Canadian vessels that operate with 12 or more crew
 
Vaccine requirements for travellers:
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:
 
  • Air passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada
  • Rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
  • Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, on voyages of 24 hours or more
 
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.
 
Enforcement:
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.
#HaveYourSay | Take Part in Important Survey's Today
The information you provide in this survey will support our ongoing engagement with all levels of government across the country to ensure the needs of foodservice are addressed as part of evolving COVID-19 recovery plans.
 
This survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will remain open until Friday, October 15, 2021. 
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.

British Columbians are now 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 25. Three options have been developed that cover the minimum number of days: three, five and 10 days of paid sick leave.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA), that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.
 
We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
 
To help with advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24th. We also request that you share the survey link with members and stakeholders to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input. 
COVID-19 Quick Links | Current Public Health Orders: Tools & Resources
As a reminder, the following province-wide public orders are currently in place:
 
The following regional public orders are also in place:
 
For more information about current restrictions, you can also visit these government websites:
Wondering how to properly respond to difficult guest situations? go2HR has updated their scripted guest messaging guidance.
Survey to Complete for the BC
Hospitality Foundation
UBC Sauder School of Business has chosen the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) as one of the charities for their students to work on a case study assignment.
 
Three different teams of students will create sponsorship packages for the BCHF tailored to promote the foundation and provide value to corporations when sponsoring any of our activities.
 
In order to provide the students with as much information as possible about the BCHF we ask that you fill out the survey below please.
 
 
The survey will be open until October 21 and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Information will go directly to the students.
 
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact Dana@danalee.biz.
Did you know there’s an Accessibility section in your HelloBC.com business listing? This feature helps to improve accessibility planning and enhance travel information for visitors with disabilities, as well as their friends and families. We encourage you to log in to your HelloBC.com account and specify whether your business offers accessible attributes in categories that include Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive and Sensory, and General. If you don’t have a HelloBC.com listing, register for free.
Mark Your Calendars
DATE & TIME
Wednesday, November 17, 2021

LOCATION
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops

AIR CANADA FLIGHT CODE
NTP code: DCZUV3V1
Discount: 15%
BOOK YOUR HOTEL | DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT CODE
November 15th—19th 2021
Group block : BCH
Simple Steps to Book your Room
1. Visit www.marriott.com/ykade
2. Select dates & special rates
4. Select & Enter your booking code
  • Single Kings (BCHBCHA)
  • Two Queens (BCHBCHB)
Both the BCHA & TIABC invite you to join us, along with our keynote speakers, at our respective Annual General Meetings.
 
Join us for a state of the industry update, with a focus on recovery and trends. Gain critical insights into the work each organization has led, programs and benefits, and network with industry colleagues.
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022

Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
Rapid Testing Info Session: Register Today
 
Rapid testing has long been seen as a possible tool to help employers manage COVID-19 in the workplace. However, until recently, these tests were not widely available and employers were unsure how to implement.
 
Safe Screen B.C. has been developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) to help businesses across the province access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for asymptomatic employees, in support of B.C.’s Rapid Point of Care Testing Strategy.
 
Safe Screen B.C. provides businesses with the toolkits, resources and guidance to help set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees and staff only.
At this time, Safe Screen B.C. will not be able to support companies looking to conduct screening for clients, customers, patients, visitors and family members
 
Safe Screen B.C. is offering info sessions to employers through this week. Please register to find out more about rapid testing in the workplace.
You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –
in-person & online
 
The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.

Reimagining the Future of Tourism: Rebuild, Reframe, and Rethink
November 3 & 4, 2021
 
TOTA's 2021 summit will be held in partnership with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
 
We 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 B.C. This 2-day virtual event will have thought provoking workshops and panels, opportunities to learn from tourism leaders from around the globe, and time to network with industry colleagues.
 
The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is open to all tourism stakeholders and GSTC members at no cost.
 
The BCRTS is a collaboration between the following five regional destination management organizations in B.C.: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, and Tourism Vancouver Island.
 
Post-Election Priorities with TIAC
 
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;
·   targeted support for the hardest hit;  
·   delivery of a seamless proof of vaccination certification program; and,  
·   implementation of progressive strategies to address critical issues such as the labour shortage and traveller confidence.
 
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.
Info Session on Propel: A new wage subsidy
 
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 at this info session on 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 & Work Integrated Learning, this info session will feature Rachel George and Joe Baker from Propel, who will explain how the program works and how to apply.
 
This info session is free, but you must register for it here.
 
Want more information on hiring students? Visit the Talent MATCH webpage for more details or contact Project Manager Debby Reis at TalentMatch@acewilbc.ca.
Announcing 2021 BC Liquor Conference Seminars
 
The BC Liquor Conference is back for a sixth year and we’re going hybrid!
 
Hosted by ABLE BC, this year’s conference will take place online and in-person on Monday, October 25, 2021. 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.
 
Register now for the 2021 BC Liquor Conference.
 
2021 BC Liquor Conference Seminars
 
This year’s conference schedule includes:
 
·   Industry Welcome and Update by ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard
·   LCRB Update
·   LDB Update
·   Retail Trends and Consumer Insights with Arterra, Labatt, and Spirits Canada
·   Preventing Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace with WorkSafeBC
·   How to win in the bar and restaurant business with David Hopkins, The 15 Group
·   Liquor Liability with Lorne Folick, Dolden Wallace Folick
·   Panel discussion with ABLE BC, BCHA, and TIABC on what’s next for BC’s tourism and hospitality industries
 
Reserve your spot now and join us in October.
Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
Have News or A Congrats You'd Like to Share? Contact kelsey@bcha.com
Thank You to Everyone Who Joined Us for the First Ever Bliss Hospitality Hiring Fair!

On Saturday BCHA supported the first-ever Bliss Hospitality Hiring Fair in partnership with Bliss Hospitality and Cornerstone International Community College Canada.

We'd like to thank every employer and student who participated and made this event a success. Thank you also to our partners at Bliss and CICCC!
Industry News & Quick Links
HOT OFF THE PRESS

Boards of trade, chambers of commerce and tourism organizations both in the United States and Canada are calling on the Canadian government to scrap requirements to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test to travel between countries.
The Canadian border is currently open for recreational travel, but only for fully vaccinated travellers who produce a negative PCR test. Read more.

British Columbians who have been eagerly anticipating the opening of the Canada-U.S. land border will be able to drive down beginning in early November.
But fully vaccinated travellers will still need to get tested for COVID-19 on their return to Canada— even if they are only heading down to the United States for the day.
On Tuesday (Oct. 12), the Biden administration announced that the U.S. will open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers in Canada and Mexico. Read more.


Critics call Tradex tender short-sighted; Abbotsford mayor says it’s just ‘fiscal discipline’
Critics are calling an open bid to the private sector for Abbotsford’s Tradex building short-sighted, but the mayor says it’s merely “fiscal discipline.” An outcry is being voiced from industry leaders and event organizers should the building no longer serve as a regional events venue, but these fears are premature, says Mayor Henry Braun. Read here.
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND NEWS

Many Pandemic-Borne Trends Here to Stay Read more
Could recruitment and retention problems stem from how management interacts with - and treats - employees, along with some issues in the structure of industry work? Neel Shah, President at Hotel Evolution and Del Ross, Chief Revenue Office at Hotel Effectiveness, think so. Read more
 
How to stimulate revenue in a changing travel landscape Read more
 
Don’t wait for the gifting season to set in before you start promoting gift cards. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to market them. Read more
Comment Card
Destination Greater Victoria, President and CEO, Paul Nursey shares thoughts on the temporary suspension of the Clipper
Cornerstone International Community College of Canada reflects on a successful Hiring Fair
Last Laugh