Richmond, B.C. (July 23, 2026) — With many employers hiring seasonal staff during the summer months, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers that young and new workers remain at higher risk of workplace injury during their first months on the job.

In 2025, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 7,000 claims from young workers who were injured on the job in B.C. Between 2021 and 2025, 18 young workers lost their lives due to workplace incidents.

WorkSafeBC's research has consistently shown that while young workers value safety and want to do a good job, many hesitate to speak up about unsafe work. New research from WorkSafeBC identifies why: the barrier is often less about recognizing hazards and more about feeling confident and able to raise concerns in the moment, particularly when workers are concerned about job security or how they will be perceived.

“Young workers often recognize when something isn’t right, but that doesn’t always mean they feel comfortable saying so,” says Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Young workers focus on making a good impression, which can make it harder to ask questions, raise concerns, or refuse unsafe work. Creating a workplace culture where questions are welcomed and concerns are taken seriously supports young workers and is critical to preventing injuries.”

Every worker has the right to know about workplace hazards, participate in health and safety, and refuse unsafe work, Effective risk management depends on workers being encouraged to identify hazards, assess risks, and help develop controls.

WorkSafeBC has launched a new campaign, Before You Ask a Bot, Ask Your Boss, to encourage young workers to speak with a supervisor before starting an unfamiliar or potentially unsafe task. Informed by research showing many young workers turn to AI tools and chatbots for answers, the campaign reinforces that workplace safety questions should be directed to a supervisor who understands the specific job and its risks. It also reminds employers that creating a workplace where questions are encouraged and concerns are welcomed is a shared responsibility that helps prevent injuries.

Employer responsibilities

Under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, employers must ensure all workers, including young and new workers, receive job site orientation and role-specific training before they begin work. Employers must also provide ongoing supervision to ensure workers can perform their jobs safely and effectively. Training should reflect the tasks and hazards of the role and be reinforced over time.

“Young workers bring different levels of experience and familiarity with workplace hazards. Employers should tailor orientation, training, and supervision to the individual worker rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, which can leave gaps that increase risk,” says McDonald.

Young workers who feel their concerns haven’t been addressed can contact WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1‑888‑621‑7233 to speak confidentially with a prevention officer.

Resources

Worksafebc.com offers a range of free resources to help young workers, parents, and employers build strong safety habits, including online tools, orientation checklists, and classroom-ready materials.

• Young & new workers
• Student WorkSafe
• Getting a Job? Ask Questions About Safety
• Support for employers: Training and orientation for young and new workers
• “Before you ask a bot, ask your boss” campaign

ARLINGTON, Va. – 22 July 2026 – Canada’s hotel industry reported its first monthly occupancy decline since December 2025, according to June 2026 data from CoStar, a leading global provider of commercial real estate information, analytics, and online property marketplaces.

June 2026 (percentage change from 2025):

• Occupancy: 73.0% (-3.5%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD252.63 (+5.4%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD184.33 (+1.6%)

Among the provinces and territories, Nova Scotia reported the largest gains in ADR (+15.7% to CAD270.46) and RevPAR (+20.2% to CAD228.22), helped by the 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix held in Halifax.

Newfoundland and Labrador, which hosted the Iceberg Festival, saw the highest occupancy lift (+4.6% to 86.4%) and the second-largest increases in ADR (+13.8% to CAD235.68) and RevPAR (+19.0% to CAD203.61).

Among the major markets, Vancouver registered the largest jump in ADR (+21.3% to CAD406.34) but the steepest occupancy drop (-15.8% to 73.2%). The market hosted five World Cup matches during the month.

Montreal posted the highest occupancy increase (+6.9% to 78.5%), but the largest ADR decline (-16.0% to CAD257.89). The decrease in ADR was due to the Canadian Grand Prix calendar shift.

Toronto, which also hosted five World Cup matches in June, reported the highest rise in RevPAR (+10.4% to CAD247.18) thanks to the second-highest ADR gain (+19.0% to CAD321.27).

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com.

Jasper, Alberta – July 16, 2026 – Tekarra Lodge, one of Jasper National Park's most iconic and beloved mountain retreats, is pleased to announce that reservations are now open for guest stays beginning June 1, 2027, marking a major milestone in the return of the historic resort following the devastating 2024 Jasper wildfire.

Managed by Coast Hotels Limited, the completely rebuilt and reimagined Tekarra Lodge ushers in a new era for the legendary riverside destination. Rebuilt from the ground up, the new lodge honours the spirit, character and enduring legacy of the original property while introducing thoughtfully designed accommodations and enhanced guest experiences that reflect the expectations of today's travellers.

For nearly 100 years, Tekarra Lodge has welcomed generations of visitors seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain escape at the confluence of the Athabasca and Miette rivers. Its intimate cabin experience, spectacular natural setting and timeless connection to Jasper have made it a cherished destination for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The reopening represents not only the return of a landmark resort, but also an important step in the continued renewal of Jasper's tourism community.

"Today's announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Tekarra Lodge," said Marc de La Bruyère, Managing Director, Maclab Development Group. "Rebuilding Tekarra has been both an extraordinary undertaking and a deeply meaningful commitment. While the lodge has been completely rebuilt, we have remained steadfast in preserving the warmth, authenticity and sense of place that made it so special. We are proud to bring this iconic destination back to Jasper and look forward to welcoming returning guests and first-time visitors alike beginning in June 2027."

Guests will discover a resort that respects its storied past while embracing the future. The complete rebuild has created an elevated guest experience that remains true to Tekarra Lodge's identity, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of signature cabins, family cabins and intimate main lodge guest rooms, all designed to complement the surrounding landscape.
Set along the banks of the Athabasca River with exceptional access to Jasper National Park, the renewed resort combines modern comfort with the genuine hospitality, natural beauty and sense of tranquility that have defined the Tekarra Lodge experience for generations.

"We are honoured to manage the return of such a treasured Canadian destination," said Takamasa Machiura, President & CEO, Coast Hotels Limited. "Tekarra Lodge holds a special place in the hearts of so many guests, and we look forward to delivering memorable experiences that celebrate its remarkable setting, rich history and exciting future."

Reservations are now open for arrivals beginning June 1, 2027. Guests are encouraged to book early, as strong demand is anticipated for the return of one of Jasper's most iconic lodging experiences.

For more information or to reserve your stay, visit www.tekarralodge.com.

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.