WorkSafe BC offers a resource database to support employers in completing the required daily health checks, including checklists, posters, and a self-assessment tool.
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The B.C. PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment is a temporary provincial sales tax (PST) program to help corporations recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19.
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The B.C. increased employment incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2021. For each eligible employee, eligible remuneration must not exceed the maximum amount of $1,129.33 per week.
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DER3 offers free, one-to-one business and technical expertise for companies that want to better engage with the digital economy. When required, the program will also match businesses with regional service providers who can deliver contracted solutions. Application closed as of March 15, 2021.
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The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
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Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
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The Tourism Digital Academy is a free 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing at an intermediate level. The Self-Guided program provides six months of access to digital marketing instruction videos, templates and resources focused on practical, actionable guidance to set participants on the path to completing a digital marketing plan.
There are multiple intakes, each running for 8 weeks. Applications for the October intakes will open in August 2021.
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Grants of $2,000 to $20,000 are available to hospitality, fitness, and accommodation businesses impacted by the March 31, 2021 Public Health Officer orders on gatherings and events and liquor and food serving premises, and the April 23, 2021 EPA order on travel.
Grants are available until June 4, 2021 or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes first. Apply as soon as possible.
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BSAFE is a new online training course created in partnership with tourism and hospitality stakeholders and go2HR, the tourism and hospitality industry health and safety authority. This complementary training provides staff with a strong foundation in COVID-19 health and safety protocols. BSAFE is set to become an industry standard: a recognizable indicator of the extent to which health and safety is a priority for BC’s tourism and hospitality employers.
The course is 60-90 minutes in duration, followed by a multiple-choice test to verify the learner’s knowledge.
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Through the Co-op Marketing Program, the Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) has continued to elevate the profile of mountain biking in BC. The MBTA launched a new website in 2021, which features stunning imagery demonstrating the variety of terrain in BC, provides inspiration for road trips and encourages outdoor enthusiasts to find their ride. Key messaging is focused on dreaming about mountain biking now and travelling later, including important information on riding safely by observing COVID-19 protocols.
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A Communications Toolkit is available to help accommodators and tourism operators to inform guests, staff, and stakeholders of the provincial travel restrictions.
Please review and share the toolkit, which includes key messaging, Q&A, and other resources to better-position industry to handle these restrictions.
The TOTA Training Centre team hosted an Industry Info Session to prepare employers for the Job Fair & Open House. In the session, we explained the Tourism Skills Training Program, reviewed the schedule, and discussed the virtual format, including Zoom Meetings basic features and a demonstration of the Zoom breakout rooms for employers.
The Slide Deck and Video Recording of the Info Session is available to view/review at your convenience
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The BC Government has made regulatory improvements under the Employment Standards Act to bring in job-protected leave for workers needing time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Full- and part-time workers can take time off to receive the vaccine, or take a dependent family member. The government is also exploring options to provide workers with paid leave while getting their vaccine.
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Free workshops, webinars and information to help employers and employees in industries hard-hit by the pandemic manage stress and build resiliency. The Workplace Mental Health Hub provides a range of tools for workers in the tourism, hospitality, and community social services and other sectors to improve their overall mental health as well as navigation support to connect to other mental health services, including counselling and peer support.
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TOTA is seeking tourism operators to provide job placements post-program for job-ready participants. Sign up to receive a list of potential candidates based on location, interest, and experience. Job postings will be shared during and after the Job Fair.
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CEBA provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs—such as rent, utilities and insurance—during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. These loans are partially forgivable as repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). Applicants now have until June 30, 2021 to apply for a $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion at their financial institution.
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Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) provides eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an interest-free repayable contribution of up to $60,000 to help alleviate financial hardship resulting from COVID-19 during the period of April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. The objective is to assist western Canadian SMEs that do not qualify for the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program, or the "RRRF – Community Futures Stream." Application Deadline: June 30, 2021.
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TOTA hosted a virtual Job Fair & Open House on April 22 to introduce participants of the Tourism Skills Training Program to potential employers and industry connections.
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Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs. These loans are for small and medium-sized businesses that have seen their revenues decrease by 50% or more as a result of COVID-19. The HASCAP Guarantee is available until June 30, 2021.
Read MoreABLE BC has developed several resources for liquor primary establishments to operate through the pandemic, including the Liquor Primary Reopening Best Practices Handbook, guidelines for what to do if you have a COVID-19 outbreak at your business, and signage to display at your establishment.
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