Member Portal

COMPETITION ACT

The Issue

In June 2024, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-59, introducing a range of amendments to the Competition Act. Among these changes are new and strengthened provisions governing how prices are presented to consumers — including a formal prohibition on what is referred to as “drip pricing.”

Under the amended Act, businesses must now ensure that any advertised price includes all mandatory fees, except for those imposed by a government (such as GST, PST, or MRDT). This means that consumers should be able to clearly understand the total price they will pay before completing a purchase.

For the accommodation sector, this includes all mandatory service, facility, or resort fees associated with a room rate or booking. Optional add-ons — such as parking, pet fees, or elective environmental contributions — can still be listed separately, provided they are genuinely optional.

These changes are intended to increase pricing transparency across all sectors, support fair competition, and ensure consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.

To read the full federal announcement and related guidance, visit:

Competition Bureau of Canada – Compliance Starter Pack

GreenStep – Overview of Bill C-59 and Pricing Transparency

WHAT BCHA IS DOING TO HELP

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) supports policies that promote clarity, fairness, and guest confidence while recognizing the operational realities of BC’s hotel industry.

BCHA is taking the following steps to assist members in understanding and aligning with the new requirements:

  • Monitoring implementation of Bill C-59 and providing industry updates as additional guidance is released by the Competition Bureau or the federal government.
  • Sharing best practices for transparent pricing displays across direct bookings, third-party listings, and marketing materials.
  • Encouraging all member properties to review their room rate structures, marketing content, and booking systems to ensure compliance with consumer protection and competition laws.
  • Recommending that all Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) agreements include language requiring participating properties to comply with applicable competition and consumer protection legislation.
  • Advising members to seek independent legal counsel for specific operational or contractual guidance to ensure full compliance.

Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the BCHA continues to support the province’s accommodation sector in meeting evolving regulatory expectations while maintaining guest trust and operational flexibility.

BCHASUMMIT25
8N1Z0QH
TZZ8Y3Y1

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION

Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
NOMINATOR INFORMATION
NOMINEE INFORMATION
All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
  • Open to any accommodation property in British Columbia.

Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

    CULINARY EXCELLENCE

    Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
    NOMINATOR INFORMATION
    NOMINEE INFORMATION
    All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
    CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
    • Must be from an accommodation-operated food and beverage company in British Columbia.

    Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

    SUPPORTING MATERIALS

      LEADER OF THE FUTURE

      Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
      NOMINATOR INFORMATION
      NOMINEE INFORMATION
      All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
      CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
      • Age 35 and under.

      Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

      SUPPORTING MATERIALS

        HOTELIER OF THE YEAR

        Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
        NOMINATOR INFORMATION
        NOMINEE INFORMATION
        All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
        CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
        • Must be a General Manager, Vice President, Regional Vice President or President/Executive Director of a BC-based hotel or hotel group.

        Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

        SUPPORTING MATERIALS

          HOUSEKEEPING EXCELLENCE

          Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
          NOMINATOR INFORMATION
          NOMINEE INFORMATION
          I confirm that:*

          Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

          SUPPORTING MATERIALS

            ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR

            Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.
            NOMINATOR INFORMATION
            NOMINEE INFORMATION
            All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*

            Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

            SUPPORTING MATERIALS

              Community Contribution award

              NOMINATOR INFORMATION
              NOMINEE INFORMATION
              All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*

              Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

              COMMUNITY IMPACT
              INDUSTRY SUPPORT
              SUPPORTING MATERIALS