The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) released a Gathering & Event Guide, developed in consultation with the B.C. Ministry of Health. The guide outlines best practices for communications Small events can be done safely through best practices that build consumer confidence.
Read MoreLoans for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses to cover payroll and operating costs caused by the current economic situation. The Business Credit Availability Program BCAP is being extended through June 2021.
Read MoreFollowing a disaster, the provincial government may declare the event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). For more information, see Events Eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance.
Read MoreProvincial enforcement officers have been given the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events.
They can also issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour.
Read MoreOrganizations can apply for the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to receive funding for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with accessibility requirements. Application assistance is available.
Read MoreEmployers who need to extend workers' temporary layoffs beyond the end of August are reminded to apply for a variance using the Employment Standards Branch’s new online application by August 25. Employers can avoid permanent layoffs and severance payments for eligible employees while the economy restarts by applying for a temporary layoff extension beyond 24 weeks.
Read MoreTOTA has signed a formal agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna and Thoughtfull Workplace Wellness Strategies, which includes:
Personal wellbeing resources & services are available free of charge.
CMHA will deliver programming through an ongoing webinar series.
Participants of the Tourism Resiliency Program can access workplace psychological health and safety training and advising at a subsidized rate.
Transition from CERB to Simplified EI Program
The Government of Canada announced a transition from Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program.
Canadian employers who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of employee wages. This subsidy will enable businesses to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
Read MoreTo help improve spaces for artists and cultural activities, organizations can get support through the new $2-million Arts Infrastructure Program. Arts and cultural organizations, including Indigenous groups, will be eligible for up to $75,000 to improve arts and culture spaces or $40,000 to buy special equipment to support art programming.
Applications are open until October 19, 2020.
Read MoreB.C.has taken steps to protect people from legal proceedings for civil damages that result from transmission or exposure to COVID-19. This coverage can give comfort to people that they have protection from civil proceedings as B.C. The protection only exists if the person has followed all emergency and public health guidance, or reasonably believes that they have done so.
Read MoreCanada and the United States agreed to extend the temporary restriction of all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border until further notice.
Read MoreDowntown Grand Forks is seeking retail businesses that will add to the vibrancy, shop local culture, and pedestrian-friendly feel of the downtown core. The “Grand Forks: The Place to Grow Your Business” initiative is offering a prepaid six months lease program, contingent on signing a minimum two year lease.
Applications due September 4, 2020.
Read MoreUNWTO and partners have developed a set of basic recommendations addressed to different stakeholders across the tourism industry in support of the adjustments to the new health and sanitary protocols.
Read MorePlease review the PHO order to understand the conditions that must be met when hosting events, gatherings, or guests in vacation rentals.
The Community Futures - TOTA Taskforce is proud to offer the “Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program,” in alignment with the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (RRRF). To apply for a micro loan, tourism stakeholders must be referred to a Community Futures office by a Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor. Advisors will also provide ongoing, one-on-one support to tourism businesses. There is no cost to participate.
Read MoreBusinesses who are eligible for CECRA but whose landlord does not apply for the program are protected from eviction or seizure of property for the duration of the federal rent assistance program. The order will protect small businesses in British Columbia and encourage landlords to apply for the joint federal-provincial relief program.
Read MoreAlacrity Canada is offering a new virtual Digital Marketing Bootcamp that will support people and businesses as they move online during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness will cover tuition costs for participating BC-based small- and medium-sized businesses. Registration is open until July 31, 2020.
Read MoreBC Liquor and Food primaries can now purchase liquor at wholesale price.
Read MoreThe BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) released an update to their 'Guidelines for BC's Hotel Sector to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission'.
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