On September 27th, and on behalf of it's members and stakeholders, TIABC submitted a brief with recommendations on provincial investment in tourism for COVID-19 recovery, both for the short-term recognizing the current challenges including a slower than expected recovery and setting the stage for sustainable growth beyond 2022.

In the letter, TIABC reminded government that this is a critical juncture in COVID-19 for tourism businesses. BC’s visitor economy was set to continue its record-setting growth pattern until travel was virtually halted overnight by the sudden onset of the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020.

Now, after eighteen months into the pandemic, we are now at a critical juncture for many tourism and hospitality businesses throughout the province. Given that the peak summer season has just ended, and we enter the slower fall and winter months, small and rural operators, as well as those that rely almost exclusively on international visitors will face challenges meeting ongoing fixed cost expenses.

Many tourism business operators in the adventure tourism sector, cruise, meetings and events, as well as major attractions also virtually lost a second straight peak summer season, with this year’s restrictions due to a resurgence of COVID, wildfires and the late opening of the Canadian border to American visitors.

In the brief, TIABC identified 3 key areas where continued government tourism industry partnership and investments is needed.

TIABC concluded the organization believes that by continuing to invest strategically and adopting these recommendations, British Columbia will be better positioned to recover and harness the benefits of tourism for many years to come.

Read the full submitted letter here.

 

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport reported they saw the biggest lobbying jump of late summer with a 58 per cent increase in lobbying reports from July to August. Of the 19 reports filed, six came from TIABC, which reported interactions to discuss the impacts of the BC vaccine card “as well as issues concerning Interior Health restrictions, labour shortages and impacts of wildfires.”

Yesterday, September 30 was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the first-ever national holiday to honour the Survivors of Canadian residential institutions and those who never made it home. 

This day is a time for reflection that Canada is responsible for the deaths and suffering of Indigenous children at residential institutions across the nation. A time to face the truth of a dark side of Canadian history that is not taught in schools or spoken about. 

What does reconciliation really mean? This is a very complicated and personal question that will take each of us on a journey of reflection and exploration of our lived experience, personal history, and will make each of us examine our very own identity. It is a process that will be uncomfortable, shocking and sometimes heartbreaking. This is journey is not for the weak and will require courage, empathy and a desire to diligently seek truth - no matter what. However, the outcome will be profound and life-changing, and will be transformative for each of us both individually and collectively.

As an Syilx (Okanagan) woman, I have spent much time in the past few months contemplating this question and reflecting on the meaning of the word, the context of how it’s used and how this fits within my cultural values and beliefs.

According to the Oxford dictionary Reconciliation means:

1. The restoration of friendly relations.

2. The action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

Within my traditional language, we have no word that means “I’m Sorry”, and when I asked my grandmother about this, she taught that the Okanagan-Syilx language did not need a word for sorry because first, we must do our best to not hurt or harm anyone or anything in this world; however, if we inadvertently did then it is our responsibility to make things right. Reconciliation is about action not words. We show that we care enough to actively seek to create the harmony and caring that are part of the core principles of the Okanagan-Sylix people. We may not always be successful as some things such as historical wrongs and trauma cannot be undone. Lands taken will never be given back. Language and culture taken cannot be fully brought back. It is reality. 

I have come to understand that reconciliation is a reciprocal relationship and responsibility. In order to begin the process of healing and reconciliation requires a commitment on both sides to actively seek understanding, awareness, learning, creating a safe place for dialogue and most importantly, creating a a space of silence so that we can truly listen and hear the other’s perspective.  

My mother was a residential school survivor, and I was impacted by the inter-generational trauma, as were my children and grandchildren. Aside from stating that she went to St. Mary’s Residential school, she rarely went into the details of her experience if something triggered her trauma. However, she did say that children would go missing and no one ever knew what happened to them. She witnessed the violence and deprivation, but was always warned against talking to anyone about it or she would suffer the same fate. So she kept the secret, and even as an adult she feared retribution is she ever told. As her only daughter, it was often hard to understand her lack of knowledge about family life and parenting decisions, and her reluctance to teach us our language and culture as she was one of the few remaining fluent speakers of Okanagan.

As an adult, I realized that she didn’t understand family relationships or parenting because she had never experienced it. She was taken forcibly from her family at age 5, so her family model was that of an institution, church and the clergy. At 5, she could only speak and understand Okanagan, and was beaten for speaking her language so she couldn’t even ask basic questions about her surroundings or the expectations for behavior. She learned that there are things you do that are correct because you don’t get beaten, and when you make a mistake – you got beaten. 

She and my father chose to not teach us our language because they feared that we would be harmed, taken away or the knowledge would be used to hold us back from becoming successful adults. The hard thing about this is that all of our cultural values, beliefs, principles and teaching stories are embedded within our language. Many teachings and ceremonies have been lost, we have an oral history that can never be reclaimed, and the Okanagan Sylix people have very few fluent speakers left. The loss has been devastating and can never truly be restored.

When she was in her 60’s, she asked me to take her to Cranbrook for “unfinished business”, as she was sick and felt that she didn’t have much time to do this work. My role was to take care of her, but to also stand as her witness for the “work” so that I can pass the story on to my children and grandchildren. During this 4 day trip, she told me all that she had experienced – the trauma, pain, loneliness, and helplessness. Plus the everyday living conditions at the school. Not all of the stories were bad, she also told me how she had made life-long friends and created a secret family within the school without the staff knowing. She told me funny stories of how they would sneak food out for the younger ones, and at rare times could pull the wool over the staff’s eyes for stolen moments or treats. She also visited the unmarked gravesite, which the children all knew was there and said her goodbyes to those that would never come home again. Although I was truly honored and blessed to have this time with her, and hear the truth, it came at an emotional cost that has changed my life in many ways. It was painful, however truth often is the heart of pain, and it led to a deeper, richer understanding of my mother and who she was. Her resilience, her courage, her strength and her determination that this would never happen to her children and grandchildren have formed part of who I am as a person and I am grateful. She was daunting as an activist and advocated for the rights of Indigenous people until the day she passed. 

What can we do? How can we help?

Using the day and every day to reflect on the true history of Canada, and how they have treated Indigenous people then; and how some of this continues today. Many Indigenous communities still do not have adequate drinking water, housing, food security and other basic needs that all Canadians should have. Realistically looking a historical truths the true and come to terms with the dark side of Canadian history. 

Seek truth and start dialogue with courage, and a willingness to create safe places for dialogue and understanding. 

Observe ORANGE SHIRT DAY and attend in person or virtually events and learning opportunities.

Find out whose traditional territory that you live, work and visit. Then explore and get to know their people, culture and lands in a respectful and appropriate way. Indigenous culture is founded on hosting guests, so be a respectful and grateful guest in their community and territory. 

Reconciliation requires actions – not apologies.

Think about what your CALL TO ACTION is. Whether you are an individual, business owner, parent – what are you doing to increase awareness and support healing during this process? 

Educate yourself and pass this knowledge on to others. There are many resources available within Indigenous, government and public organizations. Seek knowledge actively. 

Donate, shop, and support Indigenous people in communities to build strong economies. This helps to fight the financial inequities, and provide the resources to begin restoring cultural programming. Purchase Indigenous art.

Eat at Indigenous restaurants. Tour with Indigenous guides. Stay at Indigenous accommodations. Invest in Indigenous.

The BC Vaccine Card is now the only acceptable proof of vaccination for British Columbians to enter certain businesses and recreational events.

People can get their BC Vaccine Card online and keep a digital copy on their mobile device by taking a screen shot or saving the digital copy to the device's photo album or downloads folder. Alternatively, people can print a hard copy to present when entering designated businesses and events.

The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing the holder is either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are now required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, and both doses by October 24, to enter these settings.

For more information and images of what the Vaccine Card looks like, click here.

As you are aware, BC's vaccine card program began on September 13th. The program requires proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter restaurants, movies, ticketed sporting events and many other non-essential venues.

As of October 24th, those aged 12 and up will need to be fully vaccinated to access those same services and venues.

ABLE BC and our industry partners want to better understand how the Vaccine Card has impacted your hospitality business. We need to understand how the Vaccine Card has impacted your revenue, expenses, and interactions with customers. Your responses will give us the real-world information we need to advocate for the government support you need to succeed.

Please complete this survey created by ABLE BC in partnership with the BCRFA, BC Craft Brewers Guild, Craft Distillers Guild of BC, Wine Growers British Columbia, Restaurants Canada, and New Wave Wine Society.

We know this is a difficult and contentious issue for many customers. If you or your customers continue to have concerns about vaccine cards, we encourage you to reach out directly to your MLA. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.

Note: Individual results and any business information shared will be kept confidential. Results will be presented as aggregate data.

The BC Hotel Association is seeking your voice to inform advocacy work that is critical to the ongoing recovery of their sector. This survey addresses a number of key elements impacting industry including 1. BC Vaccine Card 2. Paid sick leave program 3. Federal benefit programs 4. Workforce issues

BCHA want to know how you have been impacted in recent months. Note: individual and business information will be kept confidential. The survey will close on Thursday, October 7th at 5pm (PT).

As the needs of B.C.'s workforce continue to change and grow, more British Columbians will have access to micro-credential learning opportunities in a range of industries, preparing workers for high-demand, good-paying jobs.

A total investment of $5 million will support the development and implementation of additional micro-credentials at public post-secondary institutions for British Columbians who want to take advantage of employment opportunities in growing sectors throughout the province. This funding will support the development and implementation of an additional 35 micro-credentials aligned with government and labour market priorities to be delivered to 7,500 learners over a three-year period.

Micro-credentials recognize stand-alone, short-duration learning experiences that are competency-based, align with industry, employer and community and Indigenous community needs, and can be assessed and recognized for employment or learning purposes. They are more readily accessible to non-traditional and marginalized learners, thanks to their shorter time frame, flexible delivery and more focused content.

A new micro-credential framework established through ongoing consultation with key industry and educational partners has been developed to provide guidance and clarity about how micro-credentials fit within the current post-secondary system. The framework promotes communication between industry and post-secondary institutions, re-skilling and up-skilling for the future economy and workforce and encourages consistent and co-ordinated development of micro-credentials across the public post-secondary system.

This investment in micro-credentials will help thousands of people up-skill or re-skill and find their place in a rapidly changing post-COVID-19 economy and workforce.

Click here for more information.

British Columbians are 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.

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.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Tourism Industry Association of BC will be held at the following date and location:

When: November 17, 2021

Time: TBD

Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Kamloops, BC

The meeting is called for the purposes of:

□ To receive the financial statements of the Association for the fiscal year ended Dec 31, 2020

□ To approve the minutes of the November 25, 2020 Annual General Meeting

□ To elect five (5) Directors Voting Authorization:

One individual at the AGM, who will have been granted authority to be the voting representative by the relevant member, will represent each TIABC member business, sector association or Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). We request AGM registration from the business/association/DMO.

Online AGM registration can be found at: www.tiabc.ca

AGM packages, including Board nominees, will be available online before the AGM.

Sincerely,

Vivek Sharma

Chair, Tourism Industry Association of BC

To provide clarity to the wording of Directors, Terms of Directors, Maximum Term

WHEREAS the Board of TIABC reviewed the wording in Bylaw 8.6 regarding Directors & Officers 

WHEREAS the Board has agreed that there is a need to further describe the Director representation on the Board; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED to change Bylaw 8.6

8.6 The Vice Chair will be an Active Business Member and, in the case where such Member is not an individual, will be an owner or senior officer of an Active Business Member, or if representing a tourism sector, be an owner or senior officer of a business, subject to Section 17.2, will be appointed by the board for a term of one year and is eligible for re-appointment for a second one year term. Subject to Section 17.2, the individual appointed by the Board as Vice Chair in the second year of the Chair’s term will thereafter move by progression to the role of Chair.

8.6 The Vice Chair will be an Active Member and, in the case where such Member is not an individual, will be an owner or senior officer of an Active Member, or if representing a tourism sector or destination management organization (DMO), be an owner or senior officer, subject to Section 17.2, will be appointed by the board for a term of one-year and is eligible for re-appointment for a second one-year term. Subject to 17.2, the individual appointed by the Board as Vice Chair in the second year of the Chair’s term will thereafter move by progression to the role of Chair.

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.

Click here for more information on the benefits of becoming a TIABC member.

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this feature, we are showcasing those businesses and wish to thank them for their ongoing support.

Founded in 2004, GainingEdge operates from seven cities worldwide and has delivered over 100 engagements across the globe. They deliver in association management consulting, establishment of new convention & visitor bureaus, capability development of existing bureaus, destination strategy, convention centre feasibility studies and in-market convention and incentive sales representation.

Their mission is "To provide specialist consulting services globally that deliver competitive advantage and sustainable business to our clients".

For more information on The Gaining Edge click here.

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.

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.

Destination BC is launching Power Up! The application-based, digital mentorship program will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits across the province with free access to 1-1 digital audit and technical services designed to improve digital marketing activities and use of digital technology.

Businesses can choose one of the following service areas that they deem a priority for their business: digital strategy, SEO, website/booking engine/online store, email, social media audit and strategy, or digital advertising. The service costs will be directly covered through the program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.

Destination BC expects this to be a very popular program.

The application began on September 20th. TIABC will endeavour to keep you informed of the application process.

Vancouver has a reputation as a leader in sustainability and locals love to cycle. Each fall we celebrate two-wheeled transportation with Go By Bike Week. The event encourages everyone to bike to work, school, or shopping and includes community knowledge stations and lots of fun prizes.

The week-long initiative aims to encourage more people to choose biking for everyday transport. Biking is a fun way to get around while staying healthy. It also helps save money and reduces air pollution. Each trip that cyclists log also helps bike advocacy groups collect data to improve cycling conditions in Metro Vancouver.

Register online for Fall Go By Bike Week, then log at least one bike ride between September 27 and October 3. Any bike ride counts!

Click here to learn more and to register.

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;

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.

Join Northern BC Tourism Association for the Annual General Meeting.

The meeting will include an update from CEO, Clint Fraser, on NBCTA's work and the state of the tourism industry in Northern BC. The AGM will take place virtually on zoom.

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 - 1-2:30 pm (PT)

Click here to register.

ABLE BC's annual BC Liquor Conference is back for a sixth year. A portion of the tickets will be available to attend in person and the remaining will be available for virtual attendance. 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.

Date: Monday, October 25th

Click here for more information and to register.

Under the theme, Forging Canada’s Tourism Future, this year's Congress will have an amazing line-up of valued experts, innovative panels, enriching content and robust networking opportunities you can only get in person.

Thinking of registering in person? You’ll enjoy additional sessions that are only available live.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED: TIAC Members who register by September 10th - SAVE $100 on in-person registration.

Dates: November 30th and December 1st.

In-person registration includes:

Click here to register and to view the programming being offered at this year’s Congress.

Prince George

TIABC and the BC Hotel Association are excited to be hosting the 2nd annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George next March.

Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and speaker highlights will be updated in Fall, 2021 on the conference website here.