MISSISSAUGA, ON | JANUARY 21, 2025 – The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) has partnered with the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) to announce the launch of a comprehensive workforce training program designed to address the ongoing labour shortages in Ontario's hospitality sector. This initiative, aimed at equipping workers with the skills needed for success in the hospitality industry, will provide fast-track pathways for career growth and development.

The Fast-Track Your Future program, developed by BCHA, offers a streamlined training curriculum focusing on critical hospitality skills, including customer service, food and beverage management, and essential health and safety protocols. The program has been tailored to help those already working in the industry, with the opportunity to upskill and advance in their careers.

Built as a retention initiative, this program offers opportunities for the growth of employees looking to Fast Track their career, employers to show dedication and commitment to their new and aspiring leaders, as well as established leaders who want a refresher and aspire to continue learning about the unique positions they hold.

Fatima Finnegan, Vice President of Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations at ORHMA, emphasized the importance of workforce development in the hospitality sector, stating:

"We are excited to partner with BCHA to offer this crucial training initiative. With the hospitality industry facing a significant labour shortage, programs like Fast-Track Your Future are vital to ensure that individuals are prepared for successful careers in the sector. This collaboration provides both immediate career opportunities and long-term growth for employees, and we are proud to be part of such a meaningful program."

Karissa Bourgeault, Fast Track Manager at BCHA, shared her thoughts on the program’s impact on the workforce:

"The Fast-Track Your Future program is designed to provide a rapid and effective way for individuals to enhance their skills and progress in their hospitality careers. It offers a valuable opportunity for employees to fast-track their development, while acquiring high in-demand skills and certifications. We're proud to offer this opportunity alongside ORHMA, which will ultimately strengthen Ontario’s hospitality workforce and provide support long-term retention and growth to build a sustainable career."

Training details and enrollment information are available on the BCHA website at . Interested individuals can find resources, course schedules, and next steps to develop in their career journey.

MONTREAL, Jan. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nüline Distribution is thrilled to announce its partnership as the official Canadian distributor for Newgarden, the Spanish brand known for its innovative outdoor lighting and furniture solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing Newgarden’s exceptional designs to the Canadian market, catering to a growing demand for stylish, sustainable, and functional outdoor living products.

Introducing Newgarden to Canada

has established itself as an European leader in the outdoor design space, offering an extensive range of products that combine aesthetics, durability, and eco-friendly technology. From solar-powered lighting to unique planters and versatile outdoor furniture, Newgarden’s collections are celebrated for their modern design and commitment to sustainability.

Through this partnership, Nüline Distribution will ensure that Canadian retailers and consumers have access to Newgarden’s innovative products, transforming outdoor spaces across the country.

A Shared Vision for Quality and Sustainability

“We are proud to partner with Newgarden to bring their exceptional products to Canada,” said Ricardo Turner, Business Development Manager at Nüline Distribution. “Their commitment to sustainability and innovative design perfectly aligns with our mission to provide high-quality, stylish solutions to the Canadian market. This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for outdoor living in Canada.”

What Canadian Customers Can Expect

With Newgarden’s wide range of solar-powered lighting, portable furniture, and decorative items, Canadian customers can expect:

• Eco-Friendly Options: Solar-powered lighting solutions for sustainable energy use.
• Durable Designs: Weather-resistant products built to withstand Canada’s diverse climate.
• Stylish Aesthetics: Contemporary designs that enhance any outdoor setting.

Nüline Distribution is committed to supporting Canadian retailers with the tools and resources needed to showcase Newgarden’s product line, from marketing materials to seamless supply chain solutions.

British Columbia – January 16, 2025: Les Dames d'Escoffier International BC Chapter (LDBC) online scholarship applications are now open until February 12^th (11:59 pm PT) to those who identify as women in BC interested in furthering their careers in the culinary, beverage, agriculture, aquaculture and other hospitality fields.

Founded in 1992, LDBC has awarded scholarships for over 30 years to support women who wish to further their careers through educational opportunities.

LDBC has up to $30,000 to award in 2025 including tuition support sponsored by the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Cacao Barry/Chocolate Academy, Pastry Training Centre of Vancouver, Snowcap Fund, Karen A. Davidson, the Fineza Family, and Two Rivers Specialty Meats. 

Eligibility

Scholarships are open to persons in BC who identify as women, of any age and at any stage of their career, who are looking to either refine or expand their expertise at a credible educational institution of their choice anywhere in the world.

Scholarships are awarded on merit, ability, commitment, and passion.

Applicants can be awarded a scholarship more than once, depending on the circumstance. If a woman’s previous application was unsuccessful, they are encouraged to apply again between now and February 12^th, 2025.

Scholarships Bringing it Full Circle

Christine Godlonton, Culinary Arts Program instructor at Vancouver Island University, was awarded LDBC scholarships in both 1994 and 2023 and has become one of the newest Les Dames members joining the BC Chapter in 2024.

Christine shares, “I am very grateful for the support that the BC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has provided me over the last 30 years as a young woman just embarking on a career path in BC’s culinary field with a ton of passion and then again as a mature woman who absolutely loves what I do. I fully believe in the work of Les Dames d’ Escoffier and am proud to now be a member to bring my experience full circle to mentor, support and inspire our next generation of women leaders.”

Important Details

• The deadline for applications is February 12^th, 2025 (11:59 pm PT).
• Applicants must be BC residents.
• Applications are available online at https://lesdames.ca/scholarship-program/apply/
• Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the Scholarship Committee comprised of Les Dames members.
• Scholarship awards rarely constitute a complete tuition, therefore scholars must be able to provide the remaining funds through other sources.
• Successful applicants will be announced in March 2025.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the fields of food, beverage, and hospitality.

The organization’s 2,400 members in 41 chapters in the US, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Italy provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy. LDEI chapters raised and donated more than $525,000 to community non-profits, philanthropic organizations and individuals in 2021.

To learn more about Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Chapter and its scholarship application process: www.lesdames.ca

Tourism HR Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of two new directors to its board. Bringing a mix of experience in non-profits, governance, workforce development, and the tourism sector are Beth McMahon, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada, and Tracy Breher, Vice-President, Destination and Workforce Development, at Tourism Saskatchewan.

The new directors’ elections were confirmed at Tourism HR Canada’s recent Annual General Meeting. They join a highly engaged and experienced board that plays an integral role in helping Canada’s tourism sector reach its full potential with a vibrant, diverse, skilled workforce. Tourism HR Canada plays a lead role in pan-Canadian attraction, retention, and skills development initiatives, as well as labour market intelligence.

Beth fills one of four seats in the national associations category, allocated for the Hotel Association of Canada. With over twenty years of executive experience, Beth has significantly grown and strengthened non-profit organizations by fostering collaboration and innovation among boards, members, and staff. An award-winning association leader, Beth is leading the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) into an exciting new chapter of growth and advocacy.

Prior to joining HAC, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), where she expanded membership by over forty percent and strengthened the organization’s position with government and key partners. She has also held leadership roles such as Vice President, Government and Public Relations, at the Canadian Vintners Association (now Wine Growers Canada).

A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, Beth has also completed the IVEY Business School CommunityShift executive leadership program, underscoring her commitment to continuous professional learning.

Tracy fills one of four seats in the industry at-large category. Tourism Saskatchewan is a Treasury Board Crown Corporation responsible for developing and promoting tourism in the province. Its mandate includes education and training, product development, visitor services, and marketing. Tracy leads the team responsible for strengthening industry growth through planning and development support for businesses, as well as tourism education and training to address the challenges of a competitive labour market.

Tracy has diverse experience from past roles in communications, development, and marketing, always working to support strategic growth and business sustainability. She is a champion of advancing quality experiences through industry-validated training and brings focused accountability on program results.

“We benefit from a collaborative Board of Directors that is committed to ensuring smart, targeted strategies to support Canada’s tourism workforce,” said Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “The perspectives and expertise Beth and Tracy bring to the table will be invaluable as we continue to grow a resilient, competitive, and inclusive tourism workforce.”

Tourism HR Canada board and staff members thank outgoing directors Susie Grynol (formerly with the Hotel Association of Canada, now with Marriott International) and Jim Bence (Hospitality Saskatchewan) for their leadership and significant contributions and look forward to ongoing collaboration.

Tourism HR Canada would like to thank all who put forward nominations.