Labour shortages, closed borders major obstacles to B.C. restaurant, tourism restarts

Jun 15, 2021 | 1:29 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s restaurant and tourism operators applaud the easing of pandemic health restrictions, but say the sectors still face daunting COVID-19-related barriers to a robust return to business.

Industry representatives say the closed border between Canada and the United States and worker shortages will continue to hinder their restart despite fewer health restrictions.

Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., says the industry lost billions of dollars in revenues over the past 16 months and it won’t start to recover until international travellers can visit B.C. and Canada.

Ian Tostenson, president of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, says thousands of workers have left the restaurant industry during the pandemic and many reopening plans will be dictated by available staff.