Message from President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett
Click here for message from BCHA President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett
Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • HAC Outlines Priorities for Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
  • Does Your Hotel Qualify for the EI Premium Reduction Program?
  • PrepareBC Resources Ahead of Heat Wave
  • Embrace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Your Workplace with Employer Toolkit by TalentMATCH
  • Now Hiring: A Free Post-Pandemic HR Guide for Employers
  • BCHA Board of Directors Taking Safer Spaces Training | Register Yourself Today!
  • Reminder | Checking Work Permits of Temporary Foreign Workers
  • News - See more below!
  • BC | Canada News
  • World News
  • Industry Trends
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Cheers to Western Community College Hospitality Graduates!
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
HAC Outlines Priorities for Federal
Tourism Growth Strategy
On Tuesday, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) met with the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and the Associate Minister of Finance, to discuss the hotel sector’s top challenges coming out of the pandemic. Key to the discussion was how the government’s new Tourism Growth Strategy (TGS) can address priorities such as labour, new infrastructure and investments, a predictable travel environment and an ambitious growth plan for the sector. 
HAC had a great dialogue with the Minister who was well versed in our issues and keen to champion them. We are well-positioned to make great strides on several long-term, systemic issues.
Does Your Hotel Qualify for the
EI Premium Reduction Program?
What is the Premium Reduction Program (PRP)?
The PRP allows employers to apply for a reduction in EI premiums if they offer income-protection coverage to employees through a short-term disability plan that is similar to EI sickness benefits.
 
Do You Qualify?
There are two types of wage-loss replacement plans for which EI premium reductions may be granted: cumulative paid sick leave plans and weekly indemnity plans. These plans must also meet certain requirements to qualify for a premium reduction.

Click here to find out more about the four categories of qualified plans and associated premium reduction rates.
PrepareBC Resources Ahead of Heat Wave
It is wildfire season in BC and with hot and dry weather for many parts of the province expected this week, Tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates.

Plan ahead and access heat and wildfire preparedness resources online:
Embrace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Your Workplace with Employer Toolkit by TalentMATCH
Looking to diversify your workforce? Want to be more inclusive in your hiring practices? This employer toolkit is extremely useful for hiring students (and non-students too). Take your Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity hiring practices to the next level by downloading the toolkit today.
Now Hiring: A Free Post-Pandemic
HR Guide for Employers
To assist employers in adapting their business model and enhancing their HR practices, Tourism HR Canada has created a new, free resource, Now Hiring: A Guide to Help Employers Attract and Retain Workers in a Post-Pandemic Environment.
The tools in this guide are intended to help tourism businesses attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce, including:
  • Overhauling your recruitment strategies
  • Diversifying your workforce
  • Building strategic community partnerships
  • Analyzing the real cost of replacing people
  • Gaining insights on employee retention
BCHA Board of Directors Taking Safer Spaces Training | Register Yourself Today!
As part of our commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable industry, the BCHA has required all staff and Board Directors to complete go2HR's Safer Spaces training!

  • Did you know?
  • According to Stats Canada, over 25% of employees believe their employer doesn't provide them with enough information about sexual harassment in the workplace. Safer Spaces is a training course dedicated to raising awareness about this very topic and providing information on how to handle it.

We encourage you to take the challenge and encourage others to complete this invaluable free training.
Reminder | Checking Work Permits of Temporary Foreign Workers
Temporary Foreign Workers contribute immensely to our industry in British Columbia, but we share a friendly reminder that additional documentation is required to ensure these workers meet employment and immigration protocols.

Please see below for a quick guide on how you can confirm this, reviewing your use of third-party organizations and contractors.
Industry News & Quick Links
BC & CANADA

WORLD NEWS

INDUSTRY TRENDS  
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Cheers to Western Community College Hospitality Graduates!

Since January, the BCHA has been actively working with Western Community College and the Progressive Intercultural Community Services on the Hotel Operations Skills Services Training program. We are so delighted to share that students from the first intake of this fully funded upskilling program, officially graduated this week! BCHA team members were delighted to celebrate our students at the event, welcoming them to the hospitality industry. A very happy occasion indeed!

Congratulations to the students and Western Community College on its 10-year anniversary!
Mark Your Calendars
Jul 27, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Host: Small Business BC
Jul 31, 2022 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Host: Small Business BC
July 31 – August 2, 2022 I Nashville, TN 
Yes SHEF! Elevating Women in Food & Wine returns this summer in Vancouver!
August 15, 2022
More details to come! Email yesshef@worthassociation.com for sponsor / partnership opportunities
BC Hospitality Foundation’s 8th annual Victoria Golf Tournament
August 23, 2022
Comment Card
Booking with Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel Just Makes Sense!
Destination International Annual Convention Kicks Off
ITBC Seeking Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
Meet Jason Guyitt of Four Points Sheraton Kelowna
Last Laugh