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B.C. Liberals seeking “brand ambassadors” to hype Family Day

The marketing agency hired by the B.C. Liberal government to produce Family Day festivities on February 11 is seeking so-called “brand ambassadors.” The online listing by Inventa encouraged job-seekers to “come be a part of B.C.

The marketing agency hired by the B.C. Liberal government to produce Family Day festivities on February 11 is seeking so-called “brand ambassadors.”

The online listing by Inventa encouraged job-seekers to “come be a part of B.C.’s first ever Family Day this February 11th and help families celebrate British Columbia’s newest holiday!”

Specific event venues in Vancouver, Victoria and elsewhere were not included in the listing, and the pay range was not mentioned. However, a November government request for proposals for Family Day events issued pegged the “party planning” contract at $1.5 million.

It adds, “At each event, you will be driving awareness amongst British Columbians about Family Day and promoting the value and meaning of family to event attendees,” said the listing. “You will be helping event attendees create memorable moments, and ensuring each and every family has a great experience at B.C.’s inaugural Family Day celebration!”

Inventa is seeking “friendly and mature team players with strong communication skills and the ability to engage and interact with families and all event attendees with a positive demeanor.”

The February 9-11 assignment also requires assistance with set-up and teardown and “working on your feet, outdoors and in all weather conditions.”

The listing also says, “It is considered an asset if you have an arts, crafts or a technology background.”

Inventa’s credits include contracts for the RBC Flag Tour, Canadian Pacific Spirit Train, B.C. Lottery Corporation Games Dome, and 2010 Winter Olympics torch relay.

Inventa executive vice-president and co-founder Brent Nichols did not return Business in Vancouver’sphone calls.

A prepared statement from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training said, “Consistent with the contract process that was undertaken last year, there will be a modest series of family-oriented, affordable events supported in several communities. There will be ongoing communications to ensure awareness of these events.”

Premier Christy Clark announced the new statutory holiday last May. Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimated the new holiday will cost an average small business with fewer than five employees $1,135 in lost sales or revenue, higher wage costs and lost production. The holiday does not apply for workers in federally regulated industries.

B.C. is alone in having such a holiday on the second Monday of February. Five other provinces, including Alberta, observe a statutory holiday on the third Monday of February, which coincides with Presidents’ Day in the United States.

Last November, NDP house leader John Horgan called the $1.5 million Family Day party planner contract a “self-congratulatory party” for the BC Liberals, who were “robbing B.C. taxpayers of the good government they deserve.”

Republished from Business in Vancouver