C-19 BULLETIN - August 12, 2020

TIABC and Ministry of Labour Co-Hosting Free Webinar on Temporary Layoff Extensions

The expiry for temporary layoffs is August 30th, and employers are reminded to get their applications in by the deadline of August 25th at the latest.

For employers with 50+ employees, it can take time – even a week – to survey employees. This means employers should start the process as soon as possible, in order to meet the application deadline.

Some employers may not know at this stage whether they will need to extend the temporary lay-off period past August 30th (i.e. - they may be hoping to recall their staff by then). If employers think there is a chance they may need to extend, we recommend they make an application to avoid potentially missing the deadline. Employers can still recall their employees even if a variance has been granted.

Webinar details:

Monday, August 17th from 3:00-4:00pm PT

Register in advance for this webinar:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information
about joining the meeting.
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Government of Canada Launches Updated
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator
to Support Employers

Yesterday, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, launched an updated and improved Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy online calculator. It will help small and large employers alike prepare to apply for the next period of the CEWS program, which will open for applications on August 17th.

The CEWS calculator can be found on the CRA’s Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy web page, which includes detailed information to help employers understand how the CEWS can support their employees and operations, who is eligible to apply, and how claim periods are structured. The calculator uses a step-by-step approach to get employers to enter information about their business situation to provide an estimate of the subsidy they can expect to receive.

The calculator also includes printable spreadsheet and statement features that employers can use to view their claim at a glance and enter required information into the CEWS application form quickly and easily.

By providing employers with detailed information about their subsidy claim, the CEWS calculator can assist them in making informed decisions about retaining or re-hiring workers. The CRA will conduct a series of information sessions in the coming weeks for eligible employers and stakeholder organizations.
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TIABC Keeping Tourism's Needs Front & Centre
The tourism and hospitality sector employs roughly 300,000 British Columbians and is seeking $680 million in initial relief and stimulus from the provincial government to address a significant decline in business.

Walt Judas, TIABC's CEO, discussed the proposal with Kirk LaPointe, BIV's publisher and editor-in-chief.

Walt Judas, TIABC's CEO discussed the state of the tourism industry and why government support is desperately needed with guest host Jody Vance on CKNW's Mike Smyth show this morning. Hear the full interview here

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TIABC's Federal Counterparts Stress Need for Federal Government Support for Tourism Industry

Earlier this week, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) President & CEO, Charlotte Bell, appeared before the federal Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU) to discuss with Members of Parliament the crucial need for liquidity support for the industry in the face of COVID-19. This message was supported by several other travel sector organizations and strongly underscored the need for federal assistance for our sector. 

MPs on the House of Commons committee heard grim stories on Monday about the devastating toll the pandemic is taking on the travel and hospitality sector. Industry leaders said existing federal programs either don't help their members, or aren't enough to keep businesses afloat.
 
Bell said the government should also consider tax credits or grants for the hotels, conference centres, airports and others that are spending millions to make their locations safe through signage and infrastructure.
 
Conservative MP and committee member Blake Richards said COVID-19 is having a "profound" effect on tourism operators and businesses, and many of them worry the government has not provided enough support.

He pointed to a Tourism Industry Association of Canada Report which predicted that without further government action, 61,000 tourism businesses in Canada, or 57%, are projected to fail. That could mean the loss of employment for 1.66 million Canadians, he said
 
"What is needed immediately is a sector-specific package. Tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of communities are at significant risk without action now.


Gutted by COVID-19, travel and tourism industry pleads for aid from Ottawa
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The Tourism Industry Deserves More Time

August 12, 2020
Dear Tourism Partners,

As you are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound effect on tourism operators and businesses. Many of them have reached out to my office to express their fear that there has not been enough done by the Government to support the industry in this difficult time.

The Liberal Government needs to be taking a proactive approach to consulting with the tourism industry and to understanding the profound impact the pandemic has had on them. They also need to take meaningful industry specific action.

This week, the Standing Committee on Industry met with tourism stakeholders on needed solutions in the industry as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting was a result of my Conservative colleagues forcing a meeting on this important topic. You can watch the full meeting here. You can also watch my full line of questioning here.

Unfortunately, when the Conservative Members on the committee asked for further meetings at the committee, the Government Members would not agree to any. 

This is where you come in. You have an opportunity to let the committee know that more meetings are absolutely required to find proactive solutions for the industry during this difficult period. Send an email to the Committee Clerk, Michael MacPherson to request to appear at Committee, and copy me at blake.richards@parl.gc.ca.

Please know that Conservatives will continue to stand up and fight for this important Canadian industry and ensure that your voices are heard and will continue to ensure that the federal government provides the critical support and solutions that our industry requires. 

Sincerely,
Blake Richards, MP Banff-Airdrie
Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Western Economic Diversification, Market Access and Development  
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Pandemic Continues
to Impact Tourism Businesses

Without Government Aid, It Could Be Lights Out for Richmond Night Market

Weeds and brush are taking over where the Richmond Night Market should be celebrating its 20th season; give nature and COVID-19 enough time and those rubber dinosaurs could soon have their own Jurassic Park.

The main stage sits frozen, last year’s theme still on display, the teardown and reconstruction barely begun; no one until Monday had been on-site since workers laid down their tools and left the area mid-March after the pandemic began shutting things down.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Raymond Cheung, the entrepreneur who introduced the Asian night market to Metro Vancouver 20 years ago, said as he looked around. “Just coming down here is so weird and not seeing the tents set up, the colourful flags, the smell of all the foods.

“I should be in my uniform cleaning up, preparing for next weekend, but it’s like a ghost town now.”

Almost $800,000 worth of 2020 20th anniversary memorabilia, tents and coupon books have been thrown out, Cheung said. He is now worried the whole night market might have to be trashed, if he doesn’t get some sort of government assistance.

“Four containers (of anniversary paraphernalia) arrived in February, we were so excited. But everything has gone into the garbage,” he said.

In Cheung’s case, as a seasonal business, he is unable to make up any losses this winter. As a niche business, he’s ineligible for aid. He is a reluctant case study of someone who has fallen through the cracks.

The 24 acres by the Bridgeport Canada Line Station that houses the night market from May to Thanksgiving still has a landlord who expects his roughly $65,000 a month until the lease expires next spring.

In pre-COVID-19 times, Cheung could have subleased the space to the airport for overflow parking, but barely anyone is flying and there’s lots of parking in the permanent lots. Cheung would have employed 150 workers this summer, and he had 280 vendors — 120 of them in the food court — signed up.

“I feel my business has fallen into quicksand and the faster I move the faster I sink,” Cheung said. “For years we’ve welcomed thousands-and-thousands of tourists every night we’re open, we’re one of the biggest attractions in the Lower Mainland
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BC Ferries Eligible for Safe Restart Funding

The federal and provincial governments have confirmed that the transit funding envelope of the Safe Restart Agreement will include eligibility for BC Ferries.

Helping communities recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is a key part of the Safe Restart Agreement. The agreement was announced on July 16th by the federal government.

The provincial government’s decision on how to apply a portion of the federal funding for BC Ferries, along with its own matched funding commitment, will be based on considerations that put the public’s interest first. This includes ensuring fares remain affordable through the pandemic recovery and essential ferry service is maintained so the public can continue to access appropriate, safe and reliable transportation to and from coastal communities.

The provincial government is working closely with BC Ferries and other transportation agencies, such as TransLink and BC Transit, to fully understand the operational and financial challenges resulting from the pandemic before determining what level of relief may be considered. This includes any plans to safely return to pre COVID-19 service levels.

A task force with representation from the provincial government, the BC Ferry Authority board and BC Ferries Services Inc. board is working to ensure that when BC Ferries is ready to bring forward a comprehensive relief proposal to the Province, all necessary information is made available to support the government’s decision.

The Province has earmarked up to $1 billion of additional provincial spending targeted to addressing COVID-19 impacts and restart plans of local governments and public transportation services. This funding is conditional on matching federal contributions, with 50-50 cost sharing under Canada’s Safe Restart Agreement.
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Ebus Offering More Service Options

Ebus BC is pleased to announce that they are increasing their service from four days per week to daily service on all of their routes and the majority of their departures in BC, effective August 17th.

Since officially resuming service on June 4th, they have seen a successful execution of their new Safely Clean program and have responsibly offered safe and convenient travel to thousands of passengers. Now, they are thrilled to increase their schedules and provide even more travel options to even more British Columbians on a daily basis.

A few of the features you can still expect from the Safely Clean program:
  • Face masks are mandatory for all passengers
  • Ebus face masks, hand sanitizers, and gloves are available for purchase for those who don’t have their own
  • Passenger screening questions are asked of everyone prior to every trip; regarding international travel, health symptoms, and face mask usage
  • Social distancing is being practiced in offices, during check-in, and onboard
  • Enhanced daily cleaning protocols including our industry-leading electrostatic sprayers, allowing the appropriate sanitizers and disinfectants to evenly coat all types of surfaces for a more complete clean

Please see the new schedule online here.
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Leger Weekly Survey Results

Leger conducted this web survey with a representative sample of 1,513 Canadians and 1,003 Americans, over the age of 18, selected from LEO’s (Leger Opinion) representative panel.

COVID Tracking
  • 55% of Canadians fear contracting the virus, down 2 points from last week. Fear is highest in BC (61%) and Ontario (59%) and lowest in QC (43%).
  • 35% of Canadians self-assess their mental health to be excellent/ very good which is down 5 points from last week. This is lowest in AB at 27%.
  • Almost 8 in 10 Canadians (78%) expect a 2nd wave of the pandemic to hit Canada. This perspective is generally highest in Western Canada.
  • Almost two-thirds (64%) of Canadians say Canada will be forced into a lockdown similar to March and April when the 2nd wave hits (up 5 points from last week). Interestingly, Canada and the US have almost identical numbers on this question.
  • 28% of Canadians think the worst of the crisis is behind us while 43% feel the worst is still to come.
  • Satisfaction with governments’ handling of the pandemic is steady this week with 76% satisfied with the federal government, 78% satisfied with their provincial government, and 70% satisfied with their municipal government.
  • Regionally, QC (up 4 points to 84%), ON (81%), and BC (79%) are at the top.

Download the full report here
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CoronaVirus Cost Global Tourism $320B

The enormous toll of COVID-19 on international tourism has now become clear, with World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) data showing the cost up to May was already three times that of the 2009 Global Economic Crisis.

The latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows that the near-complete lockdown imposed in response to the pandemic led to a 98% fall in international tourist numbers in May when compared to 2019. The Barometer also shows a 56% year-on-year drop in tourist arrivals between January and May. This translates into a fall of 300 million tourists and US$320 billion lost in international tourism receipts – more than three times the loss during the Global Economic Crisis of 2009.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This latest data makes clear the importance of restarting tourism as soon as it is safe to do so. The dramatic fall in international tourism places many millions of livelihoods at risk, including in developing countries. Governments in every world region have a dual responsibility: to prioritize public health while also protecting jobs and businesses. They also need to maintain the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that has defined our response to this shared challenge and refrain from making unilateral decisions that may undermine the trust and confidence we have been working so hard to build.”
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BC Hospitality Foundation
Seeks Donation Prizes
Deadline Friday August 14

For the past three years the BC Hospitality Foundation has benefited from an online lottery called Hotels to Help (licensed by the BC Lottery Commission) that raised over $55,000, and last year they launched Wine Country to Help, which raised over $15,000. This year they are hosting a single lottery in mid-October.

The BCHF is looking for “experiential prizes” with a minimum value of $1,000. Examples would be:
  • A flight for two to Penticton, accommodation for two nights and four VIP tours of wineries, including dinner and a driver
  • A BC Ferries pass for Vancouver Island for four, plus two winery tours
  • A package consisting of gift cards for gas, accommodation, dining, tour company comps, etc. from multiple donors

Please note that alcohol can’t be a prize for this lottery.
Donation deadline is this Friday, August 14th.

The funds raised by these ventures will be used to support workers in the hospitality industry who are facing financial crisis due to an extraordinary health condition. Over the past three years the BCHF has granted an average of $100,000 annually to our colleagues in need, and in 2020 they have already helped nine individuals with a total of over $25,000. We anticipate increased requests for assistance in the future, as the current economic crisis will doubtless deplete individuals’ savings so they will be less financially resilient if they experience a serious health challenge.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact please contact: Dana dana@danalee.biz
Donated auction items can be dated for 2021
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Indigenous Tourism Canada

One of the key marketing tactics involved in the Escape From Home campaign is the release of a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) specifically focused on targeting Canadians looking for a staycation, quick getaway and/or family vacation.

This commercial is targeting 6.5 million Canadian households.
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What Are the Trends that Will Support a “New Normal” for Tourism?

Along with countless challenges brought on by COVID-19, the "New Normal" holds opportunities for businesses to adapt, thoughtfully bridge gaps and relay value in new ways.

Consumers are re-evaluating spending habits, making more conscious choices and paying considerable attention to a brand’s social responsibility, authenticity and political standing. Join Rochelle Turner, Head of Research & Insight at MaCher, to learn more about how consumer trends have evolved and why being mindful of these changes matters when it comes to helping your business reset, rebound, and (re-)build resilience for the future.

Attendees can expect insights on:
  • How consumers are re-evaluating spending with sustainability, social responsibility and community in mind - and why it matters
  • How long-term consumer trends are accelerating and what new trends are being adopted
  • How to continue - Getting tourism future-ready

Thursday August 13th @ 10:00am (PT)

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Small Business BC Webinar

During COVID-19, business owners have been looking at different ways to cut costs and become more efficient. What if it was possible to achieve this goal while helping to reduce transmission of COVID-19 at the same time?

Delivered by Sam Thomas, Principal and Kootenay Branch Manager of Prism Engineering, and Tiago Pereira, Energy Solutions Manager at FortisBC, attendees will learn practical steps for making the workplace safer, while also saving money in our “new normal.” We’ll also be covering tips for making your space cost-effective, COVID relief incentives for small biz and plumbing/environmental controls.

What Will I Learn?
Best practices in HVAC and safety during COVID-19 reopening
How to develop a pandemic response plan
Steps to prepare your business for a potential second wave
Identifying opportunities for increased energy efficiency in your business
Available rebates and energy saving resources from Fortis BC

Wednesday September 2nd @ 10:00am (PT)

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****NOTE: TIABC's C-19 Bulletin is now published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Feel free to send us your ideas on what information would be valuable for TIABC to share through our COVID-19 Bulletin going forward. Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.