The Gloves Are Off: We’re In Your Corner

The recreation, tourism and hospitality industries have suffered too many blows to count at this point. To help prop up the industry, the Provincial Government created a Tourism Task Force of 11 business and industry leaders who aim to put tourism back on a path towards long-term competitiveness. The Task Force will prepare recommendations for Premier John Horgan on short term measures to support recovery, allocating $50 million to our devastated industry. 

WORTH Association was invited to attend one of the roundtable discussions. We offered our recommendations on behalf of women, who make up 60% of the sector’s employment. Joined by voices from businesses, unions, and associations, we advocated that recovery for the industry must be considered through an intersectional gendered lens. 

We reminded the task force that keeping women employed must remain top of mind, especially as female workforce participation is at its lowest in three decades. We shared the challenges faced by young and racialized women, shown to be the hardest hit with job losses. Warning of a significant female talent drain, we asked what the government will do to retain women who are exiting the industry at a rapid pace. We shared that women of WORTH seek job security, access to mental health resources, mentorship, training, subsidies, and stipends for remote or rural placements. We asked that non-profits and associations be supported so that we can focus on future recovery.  

The task force is doing an impressive job to fight for tourism. Yet, the elephant in the Zoom room remained. The task force is compiling recommendations on how to boost tourism, while the government has been forced to take measures to shut it down. Recent domestic travel advisories are another punch in the gut. 

WORTH Association is not throwing in the towel. We’re in your corner with many other women who are paving the way and fighting for a fair future.  In this month’s newsletter, we are inspired by Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of YVR Airport. Once named Canada’s most powerful woman, Tamara shares how she’s bringing her executive experience to the recovery efforts. We also feature voices from Directors on our Board, taking brave steps during this challenging time. Natalie Nicholls, shares her experience attending a conference in this COVID-19 era. Read Rosy Herman’s take on starting over and being the new kid. Get advice on overcoming perfectionism from Inna Medviychuk.

We need you in this fight. We are expanding our Board and Volunteers and are looking for talented women to help join us in 2021. We’re looking for support with our finances, partnerships, sponsorships, operations and advocacy efforts. If you’re interested in getting involved with WORTH, send a note to joanna@worthassociation.com 

We know how difficult this year has been, and you might feel you have no fight left in you. But our community continues to rise despite the barriers in our way. Don’t ever forget, women of WORTH pull no punches. Keep fighting.