December 8, 2008 - VICTORIA, BC – The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) has announced revisions to the Travel Industry Regulation under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. Most of the revisions will take effect April 1, 2009.

The revised regulations offer clarity to current and potential licensees, align British Columbia’s regulations with trade and labour mobility agreements in Canada, as well as acknowledge current payment trends and the needs of small businesses. In addition, the regulations offer increased protection and ease of information access for consumers.

Please click here to view the information bulletin issued by the PSSG.

The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is in the process of reviewing the revisions and will be consulting with the Travel Industry Advisory Group (TIAG) regarding implementation. Once this review has been completed, and the impact to licensees has been evaluated, the BPCPA will embark on a number of initiatives. Among these, there will be updates to the BPCPA website, information packages for licensees and further communications for all BPCPA partners.

In 2007, the PSSG and the BPCPA announced that a full review of the Travel Industry Regulation would be undertaken. The time and effort that has been invested in this process is greatly appreciated. The resulting revisions to the Travel Industry Regulation are due to the efforts made by industry, government and the Authority. The BPCPA is confident that the results will provide a more effective and fairer regulation of the travel and tourism industry while enhancing consumer protection in British Columbia.