C-19 BULLETIN - June 7, 2021

Excerpt from Today's News Conference With Minister Dix and Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Reka Gustafson on Border Re-opening

Reporter: I'm not sure if this is better suited for Minister Dix or the doctor, but I've heard reference today to the borders opening in the coming months. I know it's a federal government decision and their jurisdiction, but obviously the provincial government and public health have the lobby for what they think is right and safe. What is your best guess as to when the border will open, or educated guess I should say? Do you think it will be the month of August? Do you think it will be September? Can you give us some insight as to when you think it should open and if there's any metric in terms of vaccination counts here you'd like to see before you encourage that?

Minister Dix: I'll start again because we had a technical issue. I'll just say that I'm not going to make any educated guesses. I think what we try and do, and consistently do as we did last summer, months in advance, is prepare for eventualities. That's what we do all of the time, in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic increasing last summer.

That's a federal government decision and it's based on, I'm sure, many of the same metrics that we look at. This is something that the premiers and prime minister are talking about, that the provincial health officer and Dr. Gustafson talks about with her colleagues and gives advice on, but I think the key question that we'll want to see answered is what steps are being taken when those things occur to ensure that we continue to be safe? Those are the things that I know that the federal government is working on and of course they must be working on.

Dr. Gustafson: The only thing I really have to add to that is the importance of remembering the border is long and it involves all of Canada. This is something that we discuss with our federal colleagues. The decision will take into consideration things like the rate of transmission, rate of infection south of the border and the level of immunity in Canada overall. Again, both of those factors are really important in that decision from a public health perspective.
Survey Explores Canadians Preferences for Returning to Work

The relaxation of COVID-19 safety measures in many provinces and states is prompting Canadian and American employers and employees to contemplate what returning to work will look like post pandemic.

Highlights of the survey conducted recently by Leger include:

  • 82% of Canadians who worked/are still working from home during the pandemic say their experience was/has been positive. 
  • When it comes to returning to the workplace, among Canadians who worked/are still working from home during the pandemic: 
  • 40% of Canadians would prefer working a mix of a few days a week at their workplace and a few days a week at home. 
  • Only 20% of Canadians want to stop working from home and go back to their workplace entirely. 
  • About half of Canadians (50%) who want to return to their workplace would not be comfortable returning to work if some of their colleagues are not vaccinated. 
  • 35% of Canadians who worked/are still working from home during the pandemic agree that if their superiors ordered them to return to the office, they would start to look for another job where they can work from home.

Click here for the full report.
Additional Funding for Business Recovery Grant

The Province has added millions in additional funding to keep the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant operating until the expected start of Step 3 of BC’s Restart plan.

To date, the business recovery grant program has committed $290 million to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. After applications close on July 2nd, the total investment of the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program is expected to reach $430 million. This funding will support more than 20,000 BC businesses and 260,000 employees over the course of the pandemic and beyond.

As of June 3rd, more than 10,000 grants have been awarded to BC businesses. Over 41% of these grants have been awarded to tourism-related businesses.

All businesses that apply, including those in the application process, must submit all final documentation and details prior to the July 2nd deadline. Outstanding grants and related service-provider claims will continue to be processed as soon as possible after the application period closes.

Click here for further information.
Destination BC Launches New Summer Campaign

Destination BC has just launched their summer campaign "Be Open To More", which encourages British Columbians to be open to more adventures in BC - whether travelling somewhere, or trying a new, bookable experience in their favourite destination.

The campaign features 10 key experiences to BC travel, coupled wth a call to action to "plan your summer getaway now" for travel after June 15, or once we enter Step 2 of BC's Restart Plan.

Click here for further information.
Richmond Restaurants Dive in to Dine-Out Grants

Many local restaurants in Richmond jumped at the chance when Tourism Richmond announced they were offering financial support for establishments offering patio service last week.

Tourism Richmond was offering 25 grants, each worth $1,000, to be provided through the Patio Enhancement Program for restaurants to upgrade and enhance existing patios or to establish a new temporary patio.

Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond, said they received 14 applications within the first 24 hours and had to close the applications on May 31 when all 25 grants were applied for.

Tourism Richmond had to close its grant application process after being flooded with requests.

Click here for more information.
Sport Fishing BC Response to Minister and Canadian Coast Guard on State of the Pacific Salmon Study

Last week, the Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) responded to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on comments made during the proceedings of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) as the committee continues to work through and discuss the State of the Pacific Salmon study. While there was interest in hearing the remarks of June 2nd, the responses provided to questions posed were both concerning and confusing to the SFI.

To the SFI knowledge, except for the Sechelt Inlet hybrid fishery that was approved in 2021, all the Chinook retention opportunities that are in place now were implemented in 2020. All the fisheries implemented in the Mainland Inlets are not MSF’s and in fact allow for retention of both marked and unmarked Chinook but with no size restriction in place for marked fish.

It was noted by the SFI and agreed with the statement that acknowledges mark selective fisheries, (MSF) are a good idea and look forward to the implementation as soon as possible. To that end, their intent is to ensure that decisions are based on accurate and complete information.

Click here to learn ore about the advocacy efforts of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC.
National Indigenous History Month Workshop with ITBC & DBC

Join Indigenous Tourism BC for an inspiring and interactive food & beverage workshop in celebration of National Indigenous History Month.

In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Meet Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s successful Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Viewers will learn how to make authentic bannock from the comfort of their homes and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.

Click here for more information and to register.
Join The Indigenous Tourism Family

Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled career and contract opportunities from our Stakeholders to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in British Columbia. Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry.

Click here for more information on career and contract opportunities with ITBC.
Thank-You Long-standing TIABC Members!

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this new feature, we will be showcasing those businesses, associations, organizations and DMOs that been TIABC members for more than 10 years.
Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 25.9 million passengers in 2018. Fifty-six airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 125 non-stop destinations worldwide.

In 2019 YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the 10th consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2018 donated more than $1,000,000 to more than 50 community organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.

Click here to learn more about the Vancouver Airport Authority.
Moments of Levity

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. Feel free to share your photos, etc. with TIABC to share in our C-19 Bulletin.
Understanding Social Procurement and the Potential Social Enterprises Have to Support Tourism Sector Recovery

Join Tourism Vancouver, Thursday, June 10 | 9:00am - 10:30am | Online via Zoom

As we work to rebuild the tourism sector, social procurement is a tool that can help to meet labour needs and create positive impact in your community. Explore how you can look to your supply chain for opportunities to include social enterprises: purpose-driven business with diverse and inclusive hiring practices. By working with a social enterprise, you help create impact and you will be able to access new avenues for employees.

Participants learn how to consider social procurement as a way to create impact in their communities and find partners to solve challenges for their businesses.

Check here for more information and to register.
What does BC's No-Fault Auto Regime Mean for Liquor Liability?

Join ABLE BC for a free webinar on Wednesday, June 16 at 10:00 am PST for this up to date information on BC's liquor liability.
BC’s new no-fault auto regime creates a “disincentive” for a patron to sue you. Does that mean insurance should be cheaper and easier to get? Join Lorne Folick (Dolden Wallace Folick LLP) to discuss the impact of of the no-fault auto regime on your liquor business.

If you cannot attend live, a recording will be sent out to everyone registered.

To learn more about the application of BC’s no-fault auto regime to commercial liquor licensees, download this article by Lorne Folick and Ouran Li.

Check here for more information and to register.
WEBINAR | COVID-19 VACCINES & THE WORKPLACE
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

DATE & TIME
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 1:00PM - 2:15PM PDT

Vaccine rollout has continued to accelerate across Canada, and with it comes growing optimism about a return to a semblance of normalcy. Nowhere is the excitement greater than in the tourism and hospitality industry. However, employers are asking how this new weapon in the fight against COVID-19 might impact their workplaces, including whether employers can mandate their employees to take the vaccine.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) and go2HR have engaged Ryan Anderson, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LL P to help address these questions. Ryan will provide an overview of the requirements and key OH&S, privacy, human rights, labour and employment considerations for the potential implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy, mandatory or otherwise, where one is warranted.

Check here for more information and to register.
Canada’s International Events and Convention Services

Presented by Destination Canada’s Business Events team, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Thursday, June 17th, 2021 at 10:00 am PDT

While we wait for a time when we can welcome back international business event visitors, we are working with CBSA and IRCC to ensure that we are ready, prepared and knowledgeable on CBSA's International Events and Convention Services Program that is available to our clients.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in collaboration with other government departments and agencies, has developed the International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP). . These benefits may apply to international events hosted in our destinations.

Through this webinar, you will learn about relevant Canadian border-related requirements for international events, facilitating the future arrival of attendees and their accompanying goods, thus supporting your sales efforts with international clients. You will also connect with key coordinators of the program and benefit from their free and expert advice.

Check here for more information and to register.
5 New Free Learning Resources
for Tourism Operators & Destination Partners

It’s no secret that Canada’s tourism industry was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One year into this new reality, our task is two-fold. We, as individual stakeholders, need to recover from the pandemic. And together, we must rebuild the visitor economy—when it is safe to do so.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) launched the Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) program to help tourism stakeholders seize innovative opportunities in culinary tourism and in the winter and shoulder seasons (WSS).

The ECE program was conceived as a series of in-person workshops held in rural and remote areas. But the program launch dovetailed with the pandemic and, like so many organizations, we needed to pivot.

From April 2020 to March 2021, TIAC and their partners, which included TIABC, delivered virtual workshops/webinars to over 4,000 participants, reaching over 30,000 businesses from coast to coast to coast. 

And now, TIAC is pleased to announce the ECE content hub, where you can access 5 new practical tools and resources developed for the program.
Culinary tools
Canada has all the ingredients to become a world class culinary destination. Our culinary webinars and national guidelines support growth and innovation in creating tasty experiences for domestic and international visitors.

Self-Guided Webinars 
Over the course of five learning modules, you will learn how to concoct compelling culinary experiences, attract tourists and partner with other tourism stakeholders in your region. You’ll also explore how to nurture agritourism, create multisensory experiences, and how to exceed your visitors’ expectations—every single time. 

Culinary Tourism Strategy Development National Guidelines
Create your destination’s culinary tourism strategy using best practices from TIAC’s culinary tourism strategy development pilot, which took place in four regions in Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Informed by the methods, processes, activities, and learnings from the pilot project, the guidelines provide practical advice for tourism operators and destination partners.
Winter / Shoulder Season Tools
Summer is Canada’s peak tourism season. But we have a lot to offer visitors beyond June, July and August! Our WSS webinar, toolkit, and research report help operators and destination partners develop exceptional year-round experiences for when it’s safe to welcome visitors back.

Developing Winter / Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit
Developed by industry experts, this toolkit helps destination partners discover untapped opportunities for tourism products and experiences from September to May. Full of valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies, the toolkit will fuel ideas to boost your region’s off-season tourism.

Enhancing Winter / Shoulder Tourism In Canada Webinar
Made up of six learning modules, this webinar will give you actionable advice on how to define your strategy, develop products and experiences, build collaborative partnerships and more to boost seasonal tourism in your business or region.


Winter / Shoulder Season Consumer Demand Research Report
Discover current data on the domestic WSS travel consumer that provides essential market insights to help tourism operators and destination partners develop exciting off-season products and experiences. 
 
Start today!
Get access to free tools and strategies to grow your business and tourism in your region at the ECE content hub: https://ecehub.tiac-aitc.ca/en/
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.