“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.”

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.

Community partners in this program include:

• Air Canada
• B.C. Pavilion Corporation
• Ceres Terminals Canada
• Canadian Red Cross
• Fraser Valley Bandits
• Pacific Destination Services
• 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.

B.C. takes next steps to protect people with COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan