Working for You: Top 5 Things to Know About Your National Association This Month

HOTEL HILL DAY

Your voices were heard loud and clear on Parliament Hill! On October 2, 2018, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) hosted its second annual #HotelHillDay. This significant advocacy event brought 30 industry leaders from across Canada to Ottawa for meetings with more than 55 federal decision makers. Of note, delegates had the opportunity to participate in an intimate 45-minute roundtable discussion with The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie and an all-party panel discussion on labour shortages in the hotel sector.

HAC’s 2018 Parliament Hill Day was another great success. With your support, the association and the industry’s profile were strengthened and traction was generated on the HAC’s key advocacy issues. We are very well positioned to build on this momentum as we continue phase two of our #FairRules campaign and the rollout of Destination Employment, HAC’s new labour pilot project.

watch the #HotelHillDay Highlight Video

NEW RESEARCH: CANADIANS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SHORT TERM RENTALS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD

On #HotelHillDay, a press conference was held on Parliament Hill to launch a new public opinion poll, revealing Canadians’ concerns about short-term rentals in their neighbourhood. The new research, conducted by Nanos Research, unveiled that Canadians from coast to coast have serious reservations about the impact of short-term rentals, like Airbnb, on their communities. Canadians clearly disagree with the notion that Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms help create vibrant communities. In fact, only 1% think that platforms like Airbnb have a positive impact on the quality of life in their communities. One in two Canadians would personally feel less safe if short-term rentals were located in their neighbourhood.

Watch the Press Conference Highlight Video

HAC APPEARS BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

HAC was invited to testify at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of its Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2019 Budget. The appearance, held on October 5, was an important opportunity for HAC to highlight key asks related to short-term rentals and the labour shortage, as proposed in HAC’s recommendations provided to the Finance Committee in August. HAC’s presentation was well received by many in attendance, who showed a deep understanding for the issues facing hoteliers across the country. The process will result in a report to be tabled in the House of Commons to be considered by the Minister of Finance as the 2019 federal budget is developed.

CHOICE HOTELS FALL CONFERENCE

HAC’s Interim President, Alison Evans was invited to address the delegates of the Choice Hotels Fall Conference. This was an opportunity to highlight the significant advocacy work the Association is doing to tackle the most important issues facing hoteliers. Alison also shared an update on the Association’s strategic priorities, including recent progress on the new membership model and exciting Green Key Global developments.

CANNABIS IS LEGAL IN CANADA: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

As of October 17, 2018, cannabis is now legal in Canada. Federal, provincial and territorial governments share responsibility for overseeing the cannabis regulation system. While legalization is a federal decision, it is important that hotels consider local laws in their province, which can add their own safety measures such as restricting where adults can consume cannabis. Municipalities may also pass bylaws to regulate the use of cannabis locally. In some cases, smoking and vaping cannabis will be allowed anywhere you can smoke tobacco, including designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns.

What does this mean for you?

• Have a policy that covers impairment in the workplace, as well as substance abuse.
• If you charge a fee for smoking in a non-smoking room, this policy should be clearly communicated to guests, whether they use tobacco or marijuana.
• Update your drug and alcohol policies to include cannabis for guests and patrons.
• Train your supervisors on how to recognize impairment and how to deal with persons they suspect may be impaired.
• Any hotel that wishes to set a total prohibition on cannabis will need specific policies and are advised to seek their legal counsel.

Additional Resources:

• Cannabis in Canada – Get the Facts
• Cannabis in the Provinces and Territories
• Impairment and Cannabis in the Workplace

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