Yesterday I received an email from my friend Craig Nichols, the CEO of Tourism Abbotsford that led me to scrap my original CEO message in favour of sharing the following story with you. The email was originally sent to Craig by one of his members who describes how she and her business were affected by the devastating floods in Sumas prairie. Her heartbreaking account of what she faced and continues to deal with illustrates the depth of the impact to tourism operators, not only in the Fraser Valley but in many parts of Southwestern BC. Be sure to click on the link with images to give you a better perspective on what Caroline and so many others have faced in recent weeks, and why our ongoing work with the province is so critical.

"Hello Craig. Thank you so much for reaching out and supporting us. I feel Tourism Abbotsford is one of the cornerstones of our community. We had plans to move to Powell River, but after this, you may be stuck with us for a few more years.

This certainly has put any past challenges we've had into perspective! It has been a surreal time for us. We opted to stay on the farm, too much need out here to leave. We got the kids and animals out, went back to help a neighbour and never really were able to get out after that - too much to do.

It doesn't seem like a lot, rescuing the odd dog, cow or cat but to the owners in these times it means everything. There were also a number of families that were isolated and did not have boats and we were ferrying food across to them from the Salvation Army. At one point we picked up a gentleman who was standing for I don't know how long in chest deep water. He had a dead phone, but the language barrier was too large to get a clear picture of his story. But at least we could get him to safety.

That first week was crazy. We were safe, well supplied and had multiple boats. We were making hygiene top priority because the flood is of course poop soup. 😁. The water rose to a peak of 6 feet in the wine tasting room. I was able to get in there 3 days ago and it is an absolute devastation. The top floor of our house stayed dry and that is where we have been staying for the last three weeks. We could get to the boats from the porch roof. As soon as the bottom floor was dry we started ripping all drywall, floor and insulation out, so we were ahead of the game in terms of house damage because now the floods are gone we are completely focused on the rest of the farm.

The winery, distillery, machinery, crops, plants, houses and inventory are all destroyed. Unfortunately on the Sumas flats, flood insurance is not an option for many, I'm hoping that there will be some changes to the Disaster relief funds program because the way the DRF is currently structured, any farm grossing over $1m does not qualify. That pretty much rules out all real farmers. It will take months to clean and years to rebuild. I worry that we may not have the puff to do this again. The emotional roller coaster is tough but our family survives well off humour and our kids have shone in this crisis.

We are currently overwhelmed by people wanting to help, which in itself is overwhelming. Yesterday a whole army descended on us and anything we hadn't lost in the flood, they managed to throw out. I say that in jest, but it is partially true...well intentioned people can be equally destructive if they are not sensitive to people's needs. It is something we need to get out there too.

Today was much better, instead of hiding in my greenhouse, I guarded the dumpster and gave some direction. It was a great day, and we got lots done. I'm learning to survive this in many ways. If you or a friend is on Facebook and wish to friend me, I was giving daily updates as of course there was no media coverage due to the roadblocks. Now they are all swarming to see, we had four news crews stop by, but who has time now?

I process the day by answering emails! Anyway thank you again for the support, Look forward to happier days. FYI - I do have my first wedding booked for next year on May 1st so our thank you party for all you great people that have helped and supported us will be at the end of April. That's my deadline."

I wanted to reach out to you today to acknowledge the impact the floods and extreme weather is having on winter tourism businesses after an already incredibly challenging year. The damaging weather systems, stressed supply chains, travel restrictions and limited transportation corridors are yet again a test to our endurance, but one that together, I know we will overcome.

My ministry staff continue to work with Emergency Management BC, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and across government to ensure we are sharing the latest information with people throughout the tourism sector, and particularly those in the rural, Indigenous and winter tourism industry that are about to embark on a second season within the pandemic. We are also conveying your concerns and feedback as we work towards short-and-long term solutions. We appreciate the leadership, flexibility, and supportive approach you have taken over the past 20 months.

We know how important winter holidays are, especially now for families and for tourism businesses. Staff in my ministry and I have been working with tourism representatives and airlines on alternative avenues for safe travel for the holiday season. With today’s change to essential travel orders for Highway 3, intercity buses are now permitted for non-essential travel. This means there are options for bus transportation from the Lower Mainland to Kelowna and Kamloops through companies like E-bus, Rider Express and Mountain Man Mike’s Bus Service. There is also an increase of air travel options coming online as airlines work to increase their capacity at Vancouver and Abbotsford airports into the Interior. Airlines have come to the table to get people to where they want to go without impacting traffic levels on our roadways.

The Coquihalla now has an earlier estimated reopening for commercial traffic. It is moving up to early January and that is positive news, but we know the damaged highways are challenging for winter tourism businesses. Some of Destination BC’s co-operative marketing funds will be used to promote alternative routes for travel, including airline partnerships and use of non-impacted highways, as restrictions are lifted, and will continue to work with these partners to keep these options in place beyond the immediate need.

Destination BC continues to work diligently on up-to-date resources for travellers including road information, flight options, travel restrictions and more on their Know Before You Go webpage, which is updated regularly. Our collective efforts are focused on the challenges of right now, which includes building a strong ski season throughout British Columbia and promoting ways to safely access and enjoy all BC winter tourism has to offer.

In closing, I would like to make sure you are aware of financial supports that are available to business owners who have been impacted by recent extreme weather events, including:

If you or someone you know needs support, visit here or call Small Business BC at 1 800-667-2272.

Thank you for all that you are doing to keep your staff, communities and guests safe. Thank you for stepping up, helping those impacted and punching above your weight class. Please continue to reach out to ministry staff with your ideas and concerns. We will get through these challenging times if we continue to paddle together.

T’ooyaksim’ N’iisim’

Eligibility Expanded

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) eligibility has been expanded for people affected by flooding and landslides from November 14th to December 2nd and now includes British Columbians in the northwest, southwest, central, and southeast areas of the province and on Vancouver Island.

This assistance includes all Indigenous communities, electoral areas and municipalities within those geographic boundaries. DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, business owners, farm owners, and charitable organizations that were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses. DFA is unable to compensate for losses for which insurance was reasonably and readily available.

Individuals, small businesses, farms and charitable organizations can access the DFA application online and applications will be accepted until March 3rd, 2022:

Indigenous communities and local governments that have infrastructure damage because of the recent flooding should submit a local government DFA application as soon as possible and no later than March 3rd, 2022 here.

For a map of eligible Indigenous communities, electoral areas and municipalities, check here.

Information, eligibility criteria, categories and applications can be found by calling toll free 1 888 257-4777 or visiting here.

British Columbians have faced unprecedented challenges from severe weather and flooding that have impacted the normal ability to travel between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province.

While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, we can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation if we plan ahead and prepare for situations that can shift rapidly. Many of us are eager to travel and see family and friends this winter.

This toolkit has been developed by several sector association and marketing partners as a guide for operators to share with visitors who plan to travel in British Columbia this winter.

As things evolve, TIABC and our partners will do our best to keep industry informed by updating this toolkit, as well as the links to critical information that should reflect changes to travel information.

PreparedBC has additional resources and step-by-step guides to prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies, with templates and tools to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response.

As you know, the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, that includes TIABC, have been actively lobbying Government to pass Bill C-2 without delay. The passage of this Bill would provide further support in response to COVID-19, including the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program.

This week, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and the Hotel Association of Canada both appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to discuss the importance of targeted support for hard hit businesses.

We have mobilized a letter writing effort through our letter writing app to press urgency on the Hill. You will be familiar with this platform– simply input your information, and send a personal letter to your Member of Parliament in a few clicks.

All politics is local, and every member of parliament needs to hear from our sector about the urgency of this legislation passing. Parliamentarians only have 5 days left in Ottawa before they break until late January. Please send your letter here today and share this message with your members so that they can do the same.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas was interviewed by Global News on Dec. 7th about the latest challenge the industry is now faced with since the recent flooding and closure of major highway routes to non-essential travellers.

While many operators in the province are experiencing cancellations due to limited options for travelling by car, he stressed that people must remain realistic and travel plans may have to change.

View the full story and interview here.

The Government of Canada and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have developed an air travel infographic to assist travellers with a better understanding of what is required when both arriving and departing the airport.

Through direction from government, airport officials will be conducting COVID-19 testing for all fully vaccinated passengers arriving from an international destination at YVR with the exception for those coming directly from the US. This will be in addition to a number of existing travel requirements already in place at airports. The arrivals test is paid for by the Government of Canada.

For passengers connecting through the airport, they will be subject to COVID-19 testing at YVR before continuing onward to their next destination. After taking the test, passengers can carry on to their final destination to quarantine while they await test results.

Note: Fully vaccinated Canadians who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving are exempt from providing a pre-entry test result. It is recommended that travellers pre-register for the COVID-19 testing in advance to avoid long delays upon arrival at YVR.

For more information about COVID-19 testing at YVR - click here.

Earlier this year, the provincial government permanently authorized liquor and food primaries to sell packaged liquor of all types for off-site consumption with a meal for takeout or delivery.

In July, government announced liquor and food primaries could also package and sell single-serving, pre-mixed drinks with a meal for takeout or delivery.

In October, the policy was further expanded to permit licensees to package and sell unmixed drinks for takeout or delivery, such as a glass of wine, cider, draft beer, or an unmixed ounce of spirit, with a meal. This policy change was intended to provide long-term financial support to the hospitality industry and aid industry recovery from the pandemic.

Food and Liquor Primaries who are offering liquor for takeaway with a meal must ensure the sale and service is consistent with how that liquor would be sold or served in the normal course of business.

Government has expressed concern that some establishments are not following the rules and is calling on all licensees to voluntary comply with these policies. If industry fails to comply, government may introduce more stringent measures or remove the permissions altogether.

Licensees should also not be setting up self-serve, retail-looking spaces in their establishments. Compliance & Enforcement Inspectors are reporting that some Food and Liquor Primary licensees are setting up retail spaces where liquor is displayed in open refrigerated floor cabinets or open shelves accessible to patrons for self-service, which is contrary to the purpose of the license and inconsistent with the intention of the provision.

Government also recently extended the moratorium on new LRS licenses until 2032.

For more information on the policy please refer to the Terms and Conditions Handbooks and the following policy directives:

Policy Directive 21-04: policy change made permanent

Policy Directive 21-14: permission to sell cocktails

Policy Directive 21-21: permission to sell unmixed drinks

Effective January 1, 2022, the provincial government will implement Paid Sick Leave for employees across British Columbia.

We know this will affect small and medium-sized businesses. The BC Chamber of Commerce wants to hear directly from you.

They have launched a BC Paid Sick Leave Impact Survey to inform the advocacy efforts of the BC Chamber of Commerce and its provincial network, and your needs and concerns will be shared directly with government.

Take the survey, download the toolkit, and share the survey with your members! The survey is already open, and will close Tuesday, December 14 at 4:00pm PST.

Across the country, governments, industry associations and other key tourism stakeholders have been developing support services for hard hit tourism businesses and workers. This support is desperately needed but has also created confusion due to the many subsidies and services available.

To help understand the complete ecosystem of support services available across the country, we are asking your organization to complete an eight-minute survey. This survey asks you, or another member of your organization, to identify the government programs and industry support services available in your region or to your industry members. The survey also asks about any innovative practices tourism businesses are implementing to mitigate workforce shortages. Please feel free to share the survey with other associations and service providers in your network.

This survey was developed in partnership with OTEC and Tourism HR Canada as part of the Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project.

The findings of this survey will help to recommend where investments in products or services could/should be made in order to build a toolkit that will help employers or communities address workforce recovery needs.

For more information about the Tourism & Hospitality Emergency Recovery Program, visit here.

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. As a part of their shared ongoing commitment to providing tools and resources to businesses, they regularly share important content developed by experts on mental health and wellness in the workplace.

Understanding that mental health is a state of well-being, the partnership has developed a series of videos to provide insightful industry-specific advice for the industry.

Tourism Relief Fund: Program funding to empower tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences to attract more local and domestic visitors and helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experience we have to offer the world.

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy: Subsidy of up to 75% of eligible expenses until October 23, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Applications to this program can happen retroactively back 6 months. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is currently proposed and still pending decision.

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years. Available until December 31, 2021.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until October 23, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is proposed and still pending decision.

Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay. This program has a proposed extension to May 7, 2022.

Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs

Canada Recovery Benefit: The Canada Response Benefit ended October 23, 2021. Claims can be made up to December 22, 2021. The government has proposed a new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit that would provide $300 for eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between Oct 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022. Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the near future. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by TIABC and BCHA to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within BC’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences,

and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Richmond Conference Centre.

INDIGENOUS OPERATOR

SUSTAINABILITY

EMPLOYEES FIRST

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

HOTELIER OF THE YEAR

INNOVATION

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION & IMPACT

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

For more information about each award click here.

The deadline to submit a nomination is January 14, 2022.

If you know a business, organization, or individual who is deserving of a nomination, please submit your nomination:

Please support our BC hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to a Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).

This licensed lottery is being promoted ONLY in our local hospitality and tourism community, so someone in or related to our industry will be the big winner!

Help Industry Workers in their Time of Need. Purchase Tickets Here Today.

Ticket Package Options:

5 for $10

20 for $20

150 for $40

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.

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.

There is no better example of what TIABC has done for you than in the last 20-months. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC has identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

We thank you for your investment in our advocacy efforts. Our success depends on you.

Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery.

Upcoming webinars include:

Social Media for Small Business, Date: January 12th, 2022

Get Started with Email Marketing, Date: February 2nd 2022

To access the webinars free of charge, register online here using coupon code DBC3034.

Join TIABC and the BC Hotel Association for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference as we 'Kickstart the Comeback' and gather in-person to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history.

When | March 9-11, 2022

Where | Richmond Conference Centre

This year's conference will bring together hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia.

At the 2022 BCTHC, you can be part of an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share stories of success and resilience, acquire new research and best practices, be inspired for creative new projects and initiatives, and build bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of BC’s tourism industry.

Our sessions will explore some of our most important questions on issues that have impacted our whole industry:

We would love you to be part of our program! Do you have something you’d like to share with your industry colleagues? Submit a session proposal through our Call for Presentations! The deadline to submit is December 17, 2021. 

Hotel booking and travel details will be made available before the end of 2021.

Registration is set to open in early January 2022.

Visit here for more details including how to become a sponsor of the BCTHC!

Email us at info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com

Solving Canada's Tourism Industry Labour Crisis will be a strategic journey. Learn more and contribute to the conversation by participating in TIAC's last 2021 MEMBER Talk

Date: Tuesday, December 14th, 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET.

Philip Mondor, President with Tourism HR Canada will join TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter and present the comprehensive tourism labour market strategy.

When you register to attend, you have the opportunity to submit a question in advance to be addressed during the virtual meeting. Of course, you can also ask questions throughout the session.

Members can click here to register.

Have you started thinking about your summer hiring needs? Canada Summer Jobs supports non-profits, small businesses (50 or fewer employees), and public sector employers to provide quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years old.

Service Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs program is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy which aims to provide quality work experiences for youth to develop skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.

Date: January 12th at 1:00 pm (PT)

Talent MATCH has partnered with Service Canada to bring you this free info session featuring Canada Summer Jobs representatives Line Noel and Melanie Greene, who will explain how the program works and how to apply. Note that the Call for Applications for the Canada Summer Jobs will open soon and close in late January, 2022.

The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, go2HR, and the Association for Co-operative Education & Work Integrated Learning BC/Yukon.

This info session is free, but you must register for it here.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET virtually – please note details for the virtual call will be sent shortly.

To access the proxy vote or nomination form, click on the following:

These documents and the link to register to the AGM require you to log in to your membership account with TIAC.

If you have forgotten your login information to access benefits or renew your membership, click here and input your email address and check your inbox.

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains team, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum, to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

The two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts in January 2022.

The Forum is a BC-based national charity whose mission is to provide self-identified women entrepreneurs with the resources and community they need to succeed in business.

The free, application-based virtual program will take place over two days on January 13 and 20, 2022.

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2021 at 4:00pm PST or until all available spots have been filled. You are advised to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Learn more in the Applicant Information Package and Apply Here. 

The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and we need your voices! Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.

Date: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria, BC

Click here to learn more and to register.

RVC+ is going hybrid in 2022! The new format will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating opportunities for more of industry to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies.

The in-person portion of RVC+ will be a buyer-seated marketplace in Toronto, Ontario. This will be Canada’s RVC and hosted by Destination Canada and TIAC, creating an exciting opportunity to welcome international buyers back to Canada and showcase the beauty of this country, as well as the meaningful travel experiences offered across each province and territory.

Dates: May 24th - 27th, 2022

Learn more about Rendezvous Canada 2022 here.

TIAC launched its Elevating Canadian Experience (ECE) program to provide tourism stakeholders with free learning resources in culinary tourism and tools for the winter/shoulder seasons.

The ECE program provides content ranging from strategy development to practical tools and tips - all designed to help grow and adapt your tourism business as an operator and build tourism capacity in your region as a destination partner.

The latest module "Embracing Canada’s Winter and Shoulder Season" has been developed to assist tourism operators and destination partners in broadening the shoulders of your tourism season and provides valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies.

Click here to learn more and to download the Toolkit.