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Over 1,400 tourism and hospitality workers will be employed by the province to help with its COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Tourism, hospitality support B.C. immunization efforts

Published 2:29 PDT, Wed March 24, 2021

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A new partnership will employ more than 1,400 tourism and hospitality workers in mass vaccination clinics, creating hundreds of jobs for B.C.'s hard-hit tourism, hospitality and sport sectors.

Vancouver Airport Authority president and CEO Tamara Vrooman said she was thrilled to have been asked to partner on the vaccination effort.

“The tourism industry has been drastically impacted by COVID-19. This opportunity has allowed us to recall our own employees as well as Musqueam, airline and other airport business employees to provide meaningful employment in service of our community's greatest priority. I want to thank the Province of British Columbia for including us in this critical initiative that is contributing to the recovery of our industry and province,” said Vrooman.

Tourism and hospitality businesses have already begun to call and train hundreds of staff who have been laid off due to the pandemic. Workers from these industries will provide their expertise and logistical support as non-clinical staff at immunization clinics to help move people through the clinics efficiently and safely. Many of these workers bring additional language skills as well.

"British Columbians have risen to many challenges during this past year, with people and businesses finding new and innovative ways to support each other," said Premier John Horgan. "People who work in the hard-hit tourism and hospitality sector have answered the call to help with B.C.'s immunization plan. This partnership will provide new jobs for people while contributing to B.C.'s already accelerated vaccine rollout."

Community partners in this program include:

• Air Canada

• B.C. Pavilion Corporation

• Ceres Terminals Canada

• Canadian Red Cross

• Fraser Valley Bandits

• Pacific Destinations

• Pacific National Exhibition

• Tourism Whistler

• Vancouver Canucks

• Vancouver Giants

• Vancouver International Airport

• WestJet

Municipal venue owners are also helping operate some clinics with contributions of staff, furniture and supplies.

"People who work in tourism, hospitality and sport organizations in our province have been hit hard by the pandemic and the ability for them to contribute to B.C.'s immunization program is a unique opportunity to use their skills and experience in new ways," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "I'm inspired to see people from throughout the province pitching in to help make sure British Columbians are protected against COVID-19 so we can get back on track with travel, play sports and support the arts."

B.C.'s age-based vaccine rollout continues to move forward ahead of schedule, as B.C. approaches Phase 3 of its immunization plan. Immunizations for workers in high-risk industries and critical services will also continue to accelerate in April.

"Our immunization program is the largest and most complex in B.C.'s history, with multiple sectors, industries and professions working together to get people immunized as quickly as possible," said Health Minister Adrian Dix. "This partnership is another incredible example of what can be accomplished when we work together to protect our communities from COVID-19."

Dr. Penny Ballem, the executive lead of B.C.'s immunization plan rollout, said: "Since day one of our immunization program, we have been committed to tapping into the knowledge and expertise of our community partners. It takes a whole village to help implement this immunization effort, and we are proud to work with business and industry leaders and community organizations in every sector, along with municipalities to get vaccines to people in B.C. quickly and efficiently."