Premier John Horgan making an announcement. (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

George Smith

Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
George.Smith@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Health

Communications
250 952-1887 (media line)

Backgrounders

What people are saying about tourism and hospitality workers in vaccination clinics

Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, executive vice-president, chief human resources officer and public affairs, Air Canada –

“We’re thrilled to support B.C.’s vaccination rollout and help our communities conquer COVID-19. Our partnership provides jobs for some of our furloughed colleagues who will be at the Coquitlam vaccination clinic site welcoming and assisting people. As more Canadians get vaccinated, we know confidence to travel will return, and we look forward to welcoming people back when they are ready.”

Greg D’Avignon, president and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia –

“The past year has been very challenging for every British Columbians’ personal health, as well for our shared economic well-being. The Immunize BC program is truly one of the most important and complex initiatives in the history of our province, and businesses across B.C. are proud to support the government in these efforts. The business council and our members have been privileged to be able to participate in the 'Team BC' approach to the vaccine rollout so we can quickly and efficiently protect the health, safety and economic opportunities for all British Columbians. The Community Partner program provides workers, particularly those in hard-hit sectors, with an opportunity to meaningfully re-engage and reconnect with employers to support health authorities and get our communities vaccinated as efficiently as possible.”

Ken Cretney, chief executive officer, B.C. Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) –

“PavCo is proud to support British Columbians during the COVID-19 pandemic through hosting a community vaccination site at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The health and safety of everyone coming through our doors is our top priority. Our team has made every effort to ensure our spaces are safe so members of the public feel confident when they arrive for their appointment. We look forward to welcoming the public into our facilities and continuing to contribute economic and community benefits to the people of B.C.”

Kathy deLisser, regional vice-president, Ceres Terminals Canada –

“We are so thrilled to be a part of this initiative, which has allowed us to re-employ more than 300 people from the cruise and travel sector who were facing another year of lost employment with the continued ban on cruise ships into Canada. Instead, our cruise terminal teams are being redeployed to support our health authorities that are working tirelessly to vaccinate our communities, which will aid in the recovery of the tourism sector in the province.”

Dylan Kular, vice-president, Fraser Valley Bandits –

“The Fraser Valley Bandits are grateful to be a community partner in support of the non-medical logistics of vaccination clinics in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. As British Columbia’s professional basketball club, we are part of a united team of organizations working together to help get the hospitality and tourism sectors back on their feet by sourcing staff and volunteers to assist with the operational management of clinics in the Fraser Valley.”

Joanne Burns Millar, CEO, Pacific Destination Services Inc. –

“Pacific Destination Services is proud to be a community partner in B.C.’s mass vaccination effort – supporting the clinical teams on the North Shore and Sea to Sky Corridor, which are working tirelessly to get as many British Columbians vaccinated as quickly as possible. Responding quickly and effectively to urgent and immediate requests is exactly what our meetings and events industry specializes in. We are well prepared to play our part in this community project – the faster we can get our province vaccinated, the faster our tourism industry, and specifically our business meetings and events sector, can get up and running again.”

Stacy Shields, acting president and CEO, Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) –

“We are incredibly honoured PNE staff are being called upon to help during this public health emergency. As an organization with 110 years of history in British Columbia, the PNE is always committed to support British Columbians, and we are honoured to be a part of this incredibly important program to keep British Columbians safe.”

Pat Quealey, vice-president, Canadian Red Cross - British Columbia and Yukon –

“At the request of provincial and regional health authorities, the Canadian Red Cross is pleased to be providing support to B.C.’s mass immunization efforts. Starting on March 29, Red Cross teams will provide non-clinical support at vaccination centres in Island Health, Interior Health and Northern Health. This is a hopeful time for British Columbians, and the Red Cross is proud to be a trusted partner.”

Barrett Fisher, president and CEO, Tourism Whistler –

“We are pleased to support the critically important provincewide vaccination rollout. As part of this program, and thanks to the financial support of the provincial government, we have been able to re-employ members of our tourism team to speed up the delivery and efficiency of the program, while providing meaningful employment to members of our community as we bridge the gap to rebuilding our tourism economy.”

Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority –

“We are thrilled the Province of British Columbia asked us to partner to support the vaccine clinics. 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.”

Trent Carroll, chief operating officer, Canucks Sports and Entertainment –

“The COVID-19 vaccine program is one of the most important initiatives of our lifetime and we are grateful to contribute in any way we can. Supporting this initiative also leads to employment for some of our part-time staff who haven’t been able to work at Rogers Arena during the pandemic. I know our team is excited to contribute and proud to help our province through this final phase of the pandemic.

Dale Saip, senior vice-president, Vancouver Giants –

“The Vancouver Giants organization is proud to be working with our partners at the Langley Event Centre in support of the vaccination efforts. Our management team and facility staff look forward to assisting the Fraser Health Authority health professionals to the benefit of our community.”

Mark Porter, executive vice-president, people and culture, WestJet –

“The caring experience our people provide is not exclusive to travel, it’s a mindset that all WestJetters embody. WestJetters will help put people at ease, and with our operational experience in moving people through airports, aid in ensuring the clinics run smoothly. We are proud to partner with Premier Horgan, Minister Dix, Dr. Henry and Dr. Ballem as vaccinations are critical to protecting our citizens and getting our lives and our economies moving again.”