Richmond, B.C. (July 13, 2026) — WorkSafeBC announced today that the preliminary average base rate for 2027 will remain at $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. Subject to final approval by WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors in the fall, this will be the 10th consecutive year that the average base rate has remained at this level.

Surplus funds returned to employers

WorkSafeBC’s rate-setting approach includes mechanisms to return surplus funds to employers when the funding level exceeds its target. In 2027, WorkSafeBC is proposing to return almost $1 billion ($960 million) of surplus funds to employers through discounted rates and assessment credits.

• Discounted rates: WorkSafeBC is returning an estimated $677 million of surplus funds to employers by pricing base rates below the costs to run the workers’ compensation system. The preliminary average base rate of $1.55 will be 18 per cent less than the projected average cost rate of $1.88 in 2027, with the difference funded by the surplus.

• Assessment credits: WorkSafeBC is also providing $283 million in assessment credits to employer accounts in 2027 in those industry groups with significant surpluses. This credit will apply to approximately 31,000 employers in 15 industry groups.

Between 2019 and 2027, WorkSafeBC projects that $3.9 billion of surplus funds will have been returned to employers, primarily through the pricing of base rates below costs.

Changes in 2027 will enhance rate stability

While the average base rate will be unchanged in 2027, each year, the costs in some industries go up, some go down and others stay the same. In 2027, more than half (52 per cent) of employers will either see a decrease in their base rate (30 per cent) or no change (22 per cent), while 48 per cent will see an increase.

To keep rates as stable as possible, base rate increases and decreases are normally capped at 20 per cent. However, given the continuing economic uncertainties facing the province, for 2027, WorkSafeBC will restrict base rate increases to a maximum of 15 per cent, while allowing base rate reductions of up to 30 per cent. This temporary approach, which was also used in 2026, is intended to provide greater rate stability for B.C. employers during challenging economic times.

WorkSafeBC’s strong financial position has allowed the average base rate to remain flat, despite upward claim-cost pressures — particularly for psychological-injury and chronic-pain claims — and a reduction in the surplus.

Premiums fund the workers’ compensation system

The Workers Compensation Act requires WorkSafeBC to set premium rates annually for employers to pay for the workers' compensation system. The system is structured so that today’s employers are accountable for the full cost of today’s workplace injuries.

Premium rate increases and decreases are mainly driven by injury rates, return-to-work performance, and the resulting cost of claims, as well as investment returns.

WorkSafeBC operates a non-profit system funded solely by employer premiums and investment returns. Premiums fund the costs associated with work-related injuries and diseases, health care, wage loss, rehabilitation and administration, including prevention and safety initiatives.

WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors will finalize the 2027 premium rates in October of this year.

Rate information sessions

Rate information sessions with stakeholders will take place this summer, with general information sessions scheduled for July 13, 14 and 15. These sessions are an opportunity for WorkSafeBC to provide an update on the financial state of the workers’ compensation system, rate and classification changes, and information on health and safety and return-to-work activities. Further details are posted online at worksafebc.com.

KELOWNA, B.C., July 7, 2026 — GreenStep has become the first North American-based GSTC-Recognized Standard Owner to make GSTC Certification available to hotels, accommodations, and tour operators. Through a partnership with RoyalCert, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, tourism businesses can now pursue independent third-party certification against the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard.

“Becoming the first North American-based standard owner to make GSTC Certification available is a major milestone for GreenStep and for the tourism businesses we support,” said Angela Nagy, president and chief executive officer of GreenStep. “Sustainable tourism claims are only as credible as the standard and process behind them. When a business earns GSTC Certification through the GreenStep Standard, that achievement has been independently verified against globally accepted criteria. That rigour is what tourism businesses, destinations, travellers and trade partners need as sustainability becomes a core part of competitiveness.”

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council sets the internationally accepted baseline for credible sustainability in travel and tourism through criteria developed with input from governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the United Nations.

Unlike self-reported sustainability programs, GSTC Certification confirms that a tourism business has been independently audited against these criteria by a third-party
GSTC-accredited certification body. Businesses certified through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard will be audited by RoyalCert, which conducts certification audits in more than 40 countries.

GSTC Certification also drives market access for tourism businesses. GSTC-certified properties are eligible for the GSTC Market Access Program, which provides added visibility on major booking platforms including Booking.com and Trip.com, where certification drives algorithmic preference and feature placement. Major corporate travel managers, including American Express Global Business Travel and BCD Travel, are actively preferencing or requiring GSTC-certified properties, with AMEX GBT targeting certification at 25 per cent of Bookings.

Demand for certification also extends to the largest global tourism sectors. Major international cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises, now require or prefer that excursion tour operators hold GSTC Certification, making it a procurement requirement for tourism suppliers serving those markets.

“Becoming the first organization based in North America to make GSTC Certification available through a recognized standard is a significant milestone for GreenStep, its strategic partner RoyalCert and the credibility of sustainable tourism across the region,” said Randy Durband, chief executive officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

“Partnering with GreenStep reflects our shared commitment to raising the bar for what sustainability certification means in the tourism industry,” said Christos Markopoulos, chief executive officer of RoyalCert. “RoyalCert is proud to support this new program for North
American tourism businesses seeking credible, internationally recognized certification.” GreenStep has been advancing sustainable tourism standards in Canada since October 2020, when the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard became the first Canadian standard to achieve GSTC-Recognized status. This was followed by the GreenStep Destination Standard in December 2021.

Tourism businesses interested in pursuing GSTC Certification through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard can contact GreenStep at greenstep.ca.

VICTORIA, BC (July 7, 2026) – Fairmont Empress has been crowned once again as #1 City Hotel in Canada in the 2026 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure®, marking the second consecutive year the magnificent property has earned the top city hotel honour.

The Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards recognize the leading hotels, operators, destinations, and travel experiences worldwide, as voted by readers in the magazine’s annual survey. Today, the results confirm travelers’ strong appreciation for excellence across a variety of criteria, including rooms, facilities, location, service, and restaurants, thereby reinforcing the awards as a definitive benchmark for top-tier standards in the travel and hospitality industry.

Since 1908, Fairmont Empress—often referred to as “Canada’s Castle on the Coast”—has remained the crown jewel of the City of Victoria. As a National Historic Site with a distinguished past, architectural grandeur, impressive gardens, refined accommodations, and the iconic Tea at the Empress, the hotel continues to charm local and international guests. Recent accolades further reinforce the hotel's status as a leader in global hospitality and as a premier destination in Canada.

“It is an honour to be recognized as the #1 City Hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers for a second consecutive year. It is incredibly rewarding to have our valued guests return time and time again, and to vote for us as their hotel of choice once more,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager of Fairmont Empress. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and our visionary owner, Nat Bosa, whose passion and continual investment ensure Fairmont Empress remains a source of pride for our community and a world-class experience for international travelers. We are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, our supporters, our team, and Mr. Bosa for making this recognition possible.”

In the past year, the hotel has welcomed a new chapter for its dining experiences. The Bengal has reopened as the hotel’s breakfast room, bringing renewed energy to one of Victoria’s most storied spaces. In addition, the hotel’s restaurant and bar has undergone a transformation, with a brand-new look and feel for Q at the Empress—creating an even more elevated setting for Pacific Northwest-inspired dining and signature cocktails.

A pivotal chapter in the hotel’s legacy began in 2014, when Nat Bosa acquired the property. With a grand vision, Bosa spearheaded the remarkable $60+ million ‘Return of the Queen’ renovation, meticulously revitalizing the hotel in 2017 by retaining its heritage while introducing contemporary design and amenities. His ongoing investment in Fairmont Empress was further exemplified by the launch of the new Fairmont Gold experience, which includes 88 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, an exclusive lounge over 5,000 square feet with sweeping harbour views, and a host of elevated amenities designed to provide guests with exceptional comfort and sophistication. Additional planned capital investments demonstrate his commitment to making Fairmont Empress a top luxury hotel in the world and a source of pride for the local community.

For more information or to book a stay at Fairmont Empress, visit www.fairmontempress.com

ATLANTA (July 6, 2026) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, celebrates its continued growth in Canada across a portfolio that now includes more than 200 open hotels, a major milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing momentum within key global markets.

The broadening of IHG’s Canadian portfolio comes as the nation expects a strong 2026 for tourism, with Destination Canada forecasting visitor spending to increase by 6 percent year-over-year and reach more than $140B in value. This includes a resurgence in domestic travel across urban, suburban and secondary markets.

Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, Americas for IHG, said: “Reaching 200 open IHG hotels in Canada is a testament to the strength of our brands, the dedication of our teams and the trust our owners place in us. With a balance of major metropolitan cities and scenic natural landscapes, Canada offers a stay for every traveler and occasion. We remain focused on capitalizing on this building demand and delivering the right brands in the right places that meet evolving guest needs.”

Looking ahead, IHG will further expand its presence across key Canadian markets with nearly 40 hotels in the development pipeline. Six additional hotels planned to open this year include Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites properties in Barrie, Aurora East, Pembroke and Woodstock. These openings will build on the seven new hotels that arrived in Canada in 2025, including a Crowne Plaza in Toronto and four Staybridge Suites properties.

IHG’s growth in Canada additionally includes the introduction of several of its new and emerging brands. voco hotels – IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand globally – recently signed its first Canadian hotels in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. IHG also is capitalizing on growing regional demand for high-quality midscale conversions, with the Garner brand set to make its Canadian debut in 2027 with three planned southern Alberta hotels in Red Deer, Medicine Hat and near Calgary International Airport.

To learn more and book a stay, visit ihg.com