Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia
| Specific Topics of Lobbying Communications | Intended Outcomes | Associated Subject Matters |
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Advocating on behalf of the tourism and hospitality sector for measures to address liquidity and other challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Advocating to introduce, modify or eliminate regulations and/or legislation related to issues such as crown tenures/land use, taxation, sharing economy, sport fishing, destination development, investment.
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Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly, Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity, Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Emergency Preparedness
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Briefly by the tourism and hospitality sector to inform government on the extensive health and safety protocols businesses have put in place to meet provincial guidelines, and to be able to host customers/visitors.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion about some work the Ministry is doing to help COVID-impacted employers and workers stay connected. The Ministery of Labour provided a preview of forthcoming plans on the temporary layoff provision to provide the tourism industry an opportunity for some input and feedback.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Tourism
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Discussion and decision on an online hub for government, industry and consumer access that contains COVID-19 health and safety plans for tourism sectors and individual businesses.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion and details on the Small & Medium-sized Business Recovery Program and qualifying criteria to assist tourism and hospitality businesses.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion and information exchange on the Major Iconic Attractions Grant Program and remaining funds available; discussion on options for $50 million available to tourism operators as part of recovery contingency monies from the 2021 budget to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 and the wildfires; discussion on impacts of wildfires and government support.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion and update on multiple topics including: Value of Tourism Project that creates a new narrative for the sector; policies being developed by TIABC on open net fish farms and old growth logging; TIABC's pending submission to help inform BC's economic strategy; TIABC's position on paid sick leave; status of the adventure tourism policy and the need for a champion within government to advocate for changes; status of Step 4 of BC's restart plan and TIABC's position on vaccine passports (cards).
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion on BC Parks camping reservation system and a request by commercial operators for advance reservations to secure spots and market to out-of-province visitors which would allow these businesses to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion on progress of the Tourism Task Force; guidance requested on the meetings & events proposal to ease gathering restrictions; research needed by industry to identify gaps in government relief programs; adjustments required to the small & medium business grant program to allow more businesses to qualify.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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COVID-19
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Discussion on border closures affecting the tourism industry. Discussion on whether the Province would consider temporarily amending regulation to protect tourism businesses from having to issue cash refunds to customers that have paid deposits for trips now cancelled. Question on whether the Province can get involved in the issue of insurance renewal challenges that tourism operators now face given that underwriters are abandoning the sector. Follow-up on the submission to Minister for tourism recovery funding. Request to ease restrictions on priority passengers on BC Ferries. Follow-up on letter to Premier, Minister James, Minister Beare with request for meeting. FYI on joint news release with Yukon Tourism Industry Association.
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Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly, Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Consumer Issues
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Discussion on contents of TIABC's pre-budget 2022 federal submission; information provided on pending research project to collect data on tourism operator needs vis-a-vis liquidity; information provided on TIABC's proposed 'Value of Tourism' project, as well as pending economic strategy submission; status update on workforce strategy proposal submitted to province 3 weeks ago.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion on increasing opportunities for meetings and events in BC as per the events proposal to amend gathering restrictions. Discussion on WorkSafe BC's proposal to amend schedule 1 to include communicable viral pathogens. Update on Minister's discussions with mayors on re-opening communities to visitors. Request to consider suspending rod day fees and crown tenures for commercial tourism operators. Request to extend the temporary layoff provision.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Forestry, Labour/Labour Relations
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Discussion on issues affecting tourism during the COVID-19 crisis. Subject matters included details on BC's restart plan; extensions to the temporary layoff provision required by businesses to avoid insolvency; potential suspension of the Consumer Protection Act that compels businesses to offer refunds (e.g. deposits) to clients for services not rendered because of COVID-19; letter to government on recommendations to expand the 50 person limit on gatherings for the meetings and events sector.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Tourism
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Discussion on marine border issue and provincial assistance required; update on development of adventure tourism policy and recommendations on next steps given the impending departure of MTACS ADM; status of $50 million available for tourism recovery and further input required; status of workforce submission for government support; fyi on tourism economic plan submission.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion on ministry plans for Tourism Week; inquiry on length of travel restrictions and border closures and the impact on tourism businesses; follow-up on the consumer refunds issue and proposal to temporarily suspend regulation to enforce the act; follow-up on events sector proposal to extend gatherings to more than 50 people; provided industry feedback on the temporary layoff provision and the need to extend the 16 week limit to coincide with the recovery timeframe for the tourism sector.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation, Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity, Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
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Tourism
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Discussion on the extended temporary layoff provision and the potential increase to a further extension beyond 16 weeks.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Tourism
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Discussion on the need for further input or ideas regarding $50 million still available to tourism and hospitality sectors this fiscal year to help with relief and recovery efforts; status update and discussion on best approach for introducing suggested policies pertaining to the adventure tourism sector.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion on the slow regulatory process to approve development projects such as the Bridal Falls Gondola, and what more can be done to move this project forward without unnecessary delay; introduction of a new contact tracing app that could help the Province with tracking outbreaks related to various business sectors.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity, Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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COVID-19
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Discussion on the state of the tourism industry and assistance required to help the sector survive. Briefing on the new opposition critic for tourism and impending meeting.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion on the timing of Phase 3 and the lifting of travel restrictions in BC to allow more freedom for people to travel and visit other regions. Information presented on a pilot program that would allow international travellers to visit British Columbia for commercial tourism activities that would not expose the general public to these visitors. Information provided on the development of a policy paper to be submitted to government representing recommendations by the Metro Van Tourism Response & Recovery Task Force. Discussion on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program and changes required to meet the needs of tourism operators.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Tourism
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Discussion on the tourism industry's compliance with COVID-19 health and safety regulations and the need to further educate residents, consumers and government on the industry's progress. Information presented on proposed training programs, contact-tracing apps; request for direction on additional measures required to satisfy PHO and government directives.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Discussion on Tourism Task Force and media relations vis-a-vis the final report; brieflng on discussion with opposition tourism critic; progress report and direction on the impending meetings & events proposal to lift gathering restrictions and allow a gradual re-opening of the sector at the appropriate time.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity, Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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COVID-19
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Discussion with Premier on the status of the cruise file and information on what the Province is doing vis-a-vis discussions with the federal government relative to the cruise ship ban.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Financial relief for tourism and hospitality businesses impacted by the pandemic; adjustments required to current government relief programs to allow more businesses to qualify; plans to re-start the visitor economy via rapid-testing, vaccines, border mobility; proposal to ease gathering restrictions for meetings & events; Tourism Task Force recommendations; changes required to regulations to help the hospitality sector (e.g. wholesale pricing for liquor)
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Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly, Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation, Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19, Consumer Issues, Emergency Preparedness, Finances and Budgets, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Labour/Labour Relations, Liquor Control/Alcohol, Municipal Affairs, Small Business, Tourism, Transportation
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Follow up on June meeting concerning support for the BC cruise sector; distribution of a national survey of cruise industry businesses on the impact of cancelling the cruise season - shared as a fyi.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Follow-up on the BC TRIP proposal to help large operators; discussion on status of World Cup Soccer opportunity; discussion and feedback on tourism and hospitality sector proposal/s to access recovery monies set aside in the 2021 budget.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Follow up on the events sector proposal to extend public gatherings beyond 50 under the guise of strict health and safety guidelines; follow-up on the Consumer Protection refunds issue and the letter sent to government proposing temporary suspension of the act; clarity on travel restrictions and border closures and the subsequent impact on tourism businesses across the province; feedback on federal government programs such as wage subsidies and rent relief.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation, Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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Tourism
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Funding support for community destination marketing organizations
Funding support for the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 crisis
Waiving of tenure fees, rod day fees, park day fees for tourism operators because of the COVID-19 crisis
Deferral or waiving of taxes (e.g. employer health tax) because of COVID-19 crisis
Amendment to Consumer Protection Act to protect tourism operators from bankruptcy due to COVID-19 crisis
Extension of the temporary layoff provision from 13 to 16 weeks
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity, Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation, Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly, Introduction, amendment, passage or defeat of any Bill or resolution in or before the Legislative Assembly
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Labour/Labour Relations
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General discussion on the needs of the tourism industry and whether government was considering support in the form of working capital grants, low or no interest loans. Provided information on TIABC's recovery stimulus package submission that outlined three specific requests to address liquidity. Requested assistance to ensure that tourism was recognized and understood by government as requiring specific measures to help the industry survive and recover from COVID-19.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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COVID-19
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Information on TIABC submission in response to the WorkSafeBC discussion paper on adding COVID-19 to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act. Information on letters that have and will be sent to Premier Horgan and Ministers Beare & James on a meeting with senior tourism leaders. Further discussion on the pilot project exploring options to welcome international visitors to BC. Inquiry on whether government is still considering waiving rod day fees, park permit fees and land tenure payments for tourism businesses closed and significantly impacted by COVID-19/travel restrictions.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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Consumer Issues
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Introductory meeting with new minister to discuss the state of the tourism industry, various sector issues due to pandemic, and the role of TIABC as an industry advocate.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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COVID-19
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Introductory meeting with the new Assistant Deputy Minister for Tourism. Discussion on the tourism industry in general, its current state vis-a-vis COVID-19, the needs of the industry for further government assistant such as recovery funds, and information on the primary sectors and tourism operators.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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COVID-19
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Introductory session with new tourism critic. Discussion on the role of TIABC, the state of the tourism industry and government assistance needed for the sector to recover. Information on the opposition's intentions and priorities vis-a-vis the tourism and hospitality sector.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Joint letter with BC Hotel Association with recommendations to the Province on elements needed to restart the tourism and hospitality sector, with a focus on relief and recovery measures to help businesses manage through the impact of COVID-19.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Letter signed off by TIABC and multiple associations urging the Province to introduce a government-led vaccine passport/proof of vaccination program as a tool for businesses to use to protect residents, workers, visitors and business operations, as well as to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Letter to acknowledge the need for additional travel orders, and to thank the Province for including the tourism industry in the decision-making process and mitigation efforts vis-a-vis the restrictions.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Letter to appeal to Minister Fleming to resolve the cruise issue, particularly with a view to nullify proposed legislation that would allow cruise ships to bypass Canada when sailing between Seattle and Alaska. Letter also asked the Province to appeal to the federal government to make cruise a priority for BC and Canada, and to announce that the current order banning ships will be rescinded later this year.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Letter to Premier on the introduction of BC's Restart Plan and the core elements that benefit the tourism industry. The letter also called for additional support necessary to support businesses that continue to be affected by travel restrictions.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Letter to Province on the need to advocate to the federal government to establish criteria and a timeline for reopening international borders to allow the tourism industry to recover and rebuild.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Meeting to discuss marine border impasse and the fact that no commercial passenger vessels (e.g. COHO, Clipper) are able to operate (transport passengers) from the US to Canada; discussion on status of provincial discussions with federal government, reasons for closure, possible solutions.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Request for a roundtable discussion between senior industry leaders, Tourism Minister, Finance Minister and Premier to discuss the plight of the tourism industry and the help needed for the sector to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation, Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
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Finances and Budgets
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Request for government and industry to coordinate key messaging to consumers and residents that changes the narrative from one that is unwelcoming and pits residents against visitors, to one that does not encourage visitation during this period, but instructs visitors on their responsibilities if they are visiting BC.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Review and discussion of joint TIABC submission with BCHA, ABLE BC & Restaurants Canada outlining problem criteria and providing context and rationale for proposed changes needed to allow more businesses to qualify for the BC Small & Medium-sized Business Recovery Grant.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Roundtable with Minister Beare and tourism operators to discuss issues affecting the industry including, but not limited to, liquidity, taxes and fees, border closures, health and safety protocols, government assistance required.
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Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation
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Consumer Issues
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Sent in a submission on a proposal for a government backed loan program, as well as grants, to help large tourism operators meet their fixed cost expenses and financial obligations to remain solvent and ultimately recover from the pandemic. The program is known as BC TRIP - BC Tourism Recovery Investment Program.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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Submission of draft concept paper on the prospect of developing a new film and television museum as an attraction for the Metro Vancouver region. No government funds were requested, but feedback on the proposal was encouraged.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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Sports and Recreation
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TIABC support letter for Marine Debris Removal Initiative put forward by the Wilderness Tourism Association with support from the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia.
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Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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Tourism
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Together with members of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, discussion on impacts of the latest announcement on vaccine passports, as well as issues concerning interior health restrictions, labour shortages and impacts of wildfires. Further data on impacts and support recommendations to be provided as follow-up.
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Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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COVID-19
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