VICTORIA — A new partnership between B.C.’s government and the province’s tourism and hospitality businesses will employ more than 1,400 tourism and hospitality workers in mass-vaccination clinics.
“British Columbians have risen to many challenges during this past year, with people and businesses finding new and innovative ways to support each other,” says 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.”
Tourism and hospitality businesses have already begun to recall and train hundreds of staff who were laid off due to the pandemic. Through this partnership, 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.
Industry players participating in the initiative include Tourism Whistler, Pacific Destination Services, Vancouver International Airport, Air Canada and WestJet, among others.
“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,” says 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.”
