C-19 BULLETIN - December 9, 2020

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Health Canada Authorizes First COVID-19 Vaccine

Thanks to advances in science and technology, and an unprecedented level of global cooperation, today, Canada reached a critical milestone in its fight against COVID-19 with the authorization of the first COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Canada received Pfizer's submission on October 9th, and after a thorough, independent review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine meets the department's stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements for use in Canada.

As part of its continued commitment to openness and transparency, Health Canada is publishing a number of documents related to this decision, including a high-level summary of the evidence that Health Canada reviewed to support the authorization of the vaccine. More detailed information will be available in the coming weeks, including a detailed scientific summary and the full clinical trial data package.

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Ministry of Labour Reminder:
Temporary Layoff Variance Holders - Renewal Before Expiry

In summer 2020, a “COVID-19 Emergency Layoff” period was in place to extend the temporary layoff period under the Employment Standards Act to 24 weeks, expiring August 30th. Many businesses may have applied for and received a variance to keep workers and employers connected as British Columbia continues the path towards economic recovery. Many employers requested four-month variances, which will expire near the end of December 2020.
 
All variances have an expiry date, and when you are within 30 days of that expiry you will get an email from the Employment Standards Branch notifying you that if you wish to seek a renewal to a later date, you must take action before your variance expires.
 
It is a simple, online process so employers and workers in non-unionized workplaces can jointly apply to the Employment Standards Branch to extend a temporary layoff period and renew a variance. The online form, employee informed consent tool and additional resources can be found here: www.gov.bc.ca/covidlayoffs
 
While there are positive signs of increased economic activity in many sectors, some businesses, particularly in the tourism, cultural and hospitality sectors, are not yet able to recall all their workers.  BC’s Ministry of Labour recommends that employers submit their variance applications early to avoid the potential of permanent staff layoffs and compensation for length of service to eligible workers upon the expiry of the employer’s Temporary Layoff Variance. 
 
The Employment Standards Branch reviews the application. Employers will be notified once the variance is decided. Employers are encouraged to submit their variance application at least 5 days before expiry of their current variance and earlier if possible, for processing.
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In Case you Missed it...

BC Extends COVID-19 Household Restrictions into January

On Monday, BC's provincial health officer announced the current province-wide restrictions will be extended until January 8th, 2021. The restrictions were originally set to expire December 7th at midnight.

These restrictions include:

  • All in-person events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended, with the exception of weddings, funerals, baptisms, support group meetings and business meetings. Drive-in and drop-off events will also be allowed.
  • No gatherings of any size at your residence with anyone other than your household or core bubble.
  • Businesses can continue to operate if have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and employee protocols in place
  • Restaurants can remain open - a maximum of 6 people at a table allowed and no moving between tables
  • WorkSafeBC will be conducting inspections to verify that COVID-19 Safety Plans remain effective. Establishments that are noncompliant with plan requirements may face orders and fines, and possible referral to public health which may result in a closure order
  • Masks are required in many indoor public settings

For more information:

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In the House


On Tuesday, December 8th, MP Gudie Hutchings rose in the House of Commons to speak of TIAC president and CEO, Charlotte Bell. 
TIAC Update

On Monday TIAC’s Acting CEO participated in a meeting of the Tourism Roundtable Steering Committee.

On Wednesday, TIAC’s board chair presented at the Future Borders Coalition’s Government–Industry webinar; Paths to Recovery: Testing and Vaccination for Safe Restart of Air Travel. 

Today, TIAC’s Acting CEO met with MP Tony Baldinelli, the Conservative Party’s Special Advisor to on Tourism Recovery.

TIAC’s Acting CEO continues advocacy outreach to discuss measures outlined in the Fall Economic Statement with key decision makers. 
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BC Hotel Association
Shares Industry Pulse Check Survey Results

The BCHA has continued to work with all levels of government, along with their key partners and industry stakeholders, to support the needs of the industry. Below are the results of their most recent industry pulse check survey for November.

Based on feedback provided, the advocacy priorities are as follows:

1.Extending the Wage Subsidy
2.Securing Liquidity
3.Property Tax Relief
4.Insurance Issues

Status of Hotels in BC 
•72.37% of hotels are either operating at reduced capacity or closed due to the travel restrictions
•38.15% of hotels have lost between $10K - $500K due to travel restrictions
•59.86% of hotels have lost between $500K - $5m due to travel restrictions
•46.5% of hotels cannot continue without additional relief measures by April

Industry Stats
•46.5% of businesses will not be able to stay solvent without government relief funding
•7.9% of hotels have 30-60 days of liquidity
•40.1% have 3-6 months of liquidity
•49.3% of hotels do not qualify for the small & medium size business relief funds

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Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to Proceed with Next Stage of Shore Power Project at the Victoria Cruise Terminal

Following its meeting on Friday, Dec. 4th, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) Board of Directors has confirmed that the organization will proceed with the next stage of the shore power project for the Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District.

The Ship Emission Mitigation Technology Assessment and Business Case created by consulting firm Moffat & Nichol indicates that a reduction of more than 46% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and criteria air contaminants (CACs) is achievable with the installation of shore power at two berths at Pier B, which welcomes 75% of all cruise ship calls during a season. The reduction of GHG emissions and CACs is equivalent to 1,394 cars on the road per year.

The cost for the proposed solution is between $23.3 million and $24.8 million. In contrast, the 2019 gross revenues for GVHA, a not-for-profit organization, were $16.3 million. Due to COVID-19, the suspension of cruise worldwide, and remaining uncertainty about resumption of cruise in Canada and the financial impact to GVHA the project cannot proceed until a stabilization of the cruise industry is achieved and funding sources are determined. The critical next steps in the project will focus on funding opportunities with partners and stakeholders and developing a power upgrade design and installation plan with BC Hydro.

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Sun Peaks Chairlift Sale
Raises $20,000 for Local Charities

Sun Peaks Resort is thrilled to announce the results of a highly successful fundraising campaign through the sale of Crystal chair ballots that far outpaced expectation. Ballot sales reached $18,070, with Sun Peaks Resort making an additional donation to help reach an even total of $20,000 raised to assist programs in the local area.

The ballot, which launched on October 26th, gave entrants the chance to be selected to purchase one of 80 chairs from the original Crystal triple, which was decommissioned following 40 years in service on Tod Mountain. In its place stands the latest lift investment at Sun Peaks; the new Crystal quad carries 20% more skiers and riders in comfort, unloading with spectacular terrain access (not to mention views!) right at the Top of The World.

The decision to launch the ballot process was not a simple one. With overwhelming interest in purchasing a chair coming from near and far, and to ensure the process was fair, Sun Peaks launched a ballot sale with the added feature of all generated funds being donated to local charities and programs. At closing, a whopping 3,614 ballot tickets had been sold and the lucky winners were drawn and contacted.

Sun Peaks Resort is pleased to announce the distribution of these funds to a variety of local area organizations, ensuring multiple groups receive support during this challenging year. This includes three local entities that all have a strong on-mountain presence in resort. The fourth organization is an important one that Sun Peaks Resort has been supporting for many years, typically through the High-Five Day initiative. Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 situation, this event is unable to take place as in normal winter situations. The amazing support of resort guests through the Crystal chair ballot program has allowed substantial donation to the Kamloops Food Bank to still occur.
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What to do if you have a COVID-19 Outbreak
FREE AbleBC Webinar

Join ABLE BC for a free webinar to learn what to do if you have a COVID-19 outbreak in your liquor store, bar, or pub.

Thursday December 10th
11:00am (PST)

A Zoom link will be provided by email prior to the webinar. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Danielle Leroux (Director of Membership and Communications): danielle@ablebc.ca.

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COVID-19 Government Measures
for Business and Individuals

As we move through this pandemic, the federal government has announced new programs and changes to funding that assist businesses and individuals.

Join our panellists as they break down how you can utilize these programs to keep your business running and find success as we move forward and hopefully soon see the end of the pandemic.

Topics of discussion will include:

Friday December 11th
Noon to 1:00pm (PST)
Free for Greater Vancouver Board of Trade members / $30 for non-members
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RRU
Join Royal Roads University for a panel discussion to explore ways we can care for ourselves and others. Each of us is navigating through this time of uncertainty. Inevitably, worry, anxiety, and stress impact our work performance, as well as our mental and physical health. Three experts consider the challenges of sustaining our bodies, minds, and souls so we can continue to thrive as managers, leaders, and learners in the immediate and long term. Our panelists will provide three interrelated perspectives and a range of practices we can use daily in our lives.

December 10, 2:00-2:50pm (PST)


Panelists
  • Dr. Hilary Leighton, PhD, Associate Professor, Psychotherapist & Registered Clinical Counsellor. School of Environment and Sustainability, Royal Roads University
  • Tina Derix, NSCA – CPT, NCCP, CFit Lvl 1 Instructor. Co-Owner, Forge Gym, Victoria.
  • Dr. Carolin Rekar-Munro, PhD, CPHR, CTDP, Professor, Leadership. School of Business, Royal Roads University

This panel is an initiative of the Tourism and Hospitality Resource Forum of Royal Roads University, a volunteer initiative to support BC's tourism industry. For more information on joining the Resource Forum for free or about this event, please contact Geoff Bird at geoff.2bird@royalroads.ca
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Together with the Tourism Cafe, the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat is pleased to announce expanded support through the BC Tourism Resiliency Network. Launching this month, Ideas Labs are a series of 30 online sessions on nine original topics selected from requests from tourism operators across the province. The labs will bring small groups together in a business-to-business learning environment to address hot topics where solutions to common problems are discussed and shared, and new ideas are incubated. These are 1-hour online peer-to-peer discussions led by an inspiring industry topic specialist.

Each session is limited to only 12 participants and space is limited. Ideas Labs is a program created and produced by the Tourism Cafe.

Learn more at:
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TIABC's C-19 Bulletin is 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.