Create an emergency response plan that considers the needs of newcomers and English language learners
See below on this page for details about how to complete this commitment.
⚠️ Instructions To Complete This Commitment:
Commitment:
Create an emergency response plan that considers the needs of newcomers and English language learners.
Please complete all of the below requirements.
Part A: Complete the Emergency Response checklist.
Complete the provided checklist: Multilingual & Multicultural Emergency Response Planning (PDF) to ensure your Emergency Response Plan considers the needs of newcomers and English language learners.
Part B: Changes
Submit notes about changes you made to your Emergency Response Plan as a result of completing the checklist.
You may choose to attach a copy of your Emergency Response Plan.
Already completed this commitment as a returning signatory?
Required: Add a column to the checklist for “Annual Evaluation” and complete it.
Emergency preparedness is an essential annual commitment for businesses. To ensure all employees understand and practice their roles in an emergency, as well as their personal preparedness, businesses must complete this requirement each year. While this initiative prioritizes multilingual and multicultural accessibility, annual participation benefits all employees by reinforcing critical safety protocols.
Evidence
Evidence may include the following:
Email from Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association confirming you have completed this commitment
Your completed checklist: Multilingual & Multicultural Emergency Response Planning (PDF)
Your notes about changes you made to your Emergency Response Plan
How to submit your evidence:
Once you have completed each of the above requirements, upload your evidence using our online form as soon as possible. This allows time for review and feedback.
Deadline to submit all evidence for this commitment is November 15th 2027.
⏰ Key Dates:
Important dates to remember:
Deadline to submit all evidence for this commitment is November 15th 2027.
✅ Why This Commitment Is Important:
The problem we’re trying to solve:
During an emergency, it is critical that all of your team members know how to stay safe. If you offer staff housing, residents there also need timely and accurate information.
Your team members will have a range of comfort levels, access to, and expectations around key messages, technologies, and procedures. A ‘one size fits all’ approach to communication during an emergency will not meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
While there are many factors to consider when developing a robust Emergency Response Plan, this commitment asks you to start by considering the specific needs of Bow Valley residents who were born outside of Canada (representing over 25% of residents), as well as those whose first language is not English.
Benefits:
Improved safety for all staff and residents: Emergency plans that consider language and cultural differences help ensure everyone understands how to respond quickly and safely.
Clearer communication during emergencies: Using plain language, visuals, and multilingual resources reduces confusion and supports better decision-making during critical events.
More inclusive and prepared workplace culture: Planning for diverse needs strengthens trust, shows care for all team members, and helps meet legal and moral responsibilities during emergencies.
📝 Resources:
Details to come
📧 Contact:
Supporting Agency
For questions and support to complete this commitment, please contact:
Katie Dolson (she/her)
Manager, Destination Affairs & Initiatives, Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association
Email: katie@bllha.ca