Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Chamber Chat with the Hon. Murray Rankin
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Check out our latest Chamber Chat with Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Topics include efforts to help more businesses make better use of provincial grants, and how the inclusion of indigenous people in the workforce is changing attitudes about reconciliation across the province.
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ICBC tool estimates savings after shift to no-fault model
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ICBC customers will save money in 2021 under the crown corporation's new Enhanced Care program. On Tuesday, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth showcased an online calculator that gives customers an idea of how much lower their ICBC premiums will be going forward.
The change reflects a shift to a no-fault model that significantly lowers legal costs.
"For eligible customers, the tool will display a refund amount of the difference between their current Autoplan coverage and the new, lower-cost Enhanced Care coverage," says a statement from the ministry.
"The refund amount depends on the customer’s renewal date and how much of their current policy extends beyond May 1, 2021."
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Fed loan program for hard-hit sectors launched
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There was some good news yesterday for business that have been the hardest hit by the pandemic as the federal government launched the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program. Up to $1 million in low-interest, government guaranteed loans are now available for businesses. Businesses with multiple locations can receive up to $6.2 million.
"We've been calling for help for the tourism and transportation sectors, which have been devastated," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "This program is a lifeline, but we have concerns about adding more debt to businesses that have lost their revenue sources. Instead of loans, these businesses need relief to stay afloat until restrictions are lifted and they can start to make a living again."
To qualify, businesses need to show year-over-year revenue decline of at least 50% in three months, within the eight months prior to their application. The Business Development Bank of Canada will work with participating Canadian financial institutions to provide the loans.
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Business Development Bank of Canada: Member since 1976
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Connect with Provincial Ministers
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Three virtual events you won't want to miss
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What will economic recovery look like after the pandemic?
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As we emerge from the fog of the pandemic, find out how government is refocusing relief efforts to make sure no one is left behind.
Join Chamber CEO Bruce Williams and the Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, to hear about what is being done to ensure an inclusive economic recovery across B.C.
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Business Restart Series:
Thurs., Feb. 18 | 12 - 1PM
Zoom
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BC'S plans to address homelessness
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Since the beginning of the pandemic, affordable housing and homelessness have become some of the most pressing issues facing our region.
Be a part of the discussion as Chamber CEO Bruce Williams talks with Hon. David Eby, BC Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, about the province's 10-year housing plan and actions being taken to house the homeless.
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Tues., Feb. 23 | 12 - 1 PM
Zoom
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BC's plans for transportation in the Capital Region
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Hear from Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on what's coming down the road in Greater Victoria including priority infrastructure projects, the South Island Transportation Plan, transit improvements, green transportation initiatives and more.
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Business Restart Series:
Tues., Mar. 2 | 12 - 1 PM
Zoom
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Mutual aid agreements vital to efficient services
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Renewed mutual aid agreements between Greater Victoria's core municipal fire department's are vital to ensuring efficient delivery of services.
These integrated efforts are welcomed by The Chamber, which advocates for better regional services in Greater Victoria. Businesses and residents in the region need to know their communities are safe, and taxes are being wisely spent. We look forward to municipalities continuing to work together to ensure efficiencies in other regional services.
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'Patience and resilience and determination' - PHO
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CHEK News and reporter Rob Shaw deserve a shout-out this week for looking beyond the doom and gloom, and highlighting a hopeful message in an interview with Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
While many media stories this week have focused on pandemic fatigue, the CHEK report offers some context to Henry's plea for British Columbians to do more.
“If we can just get through the next few months and get to that place, we’ll be able to do a lot more this summer than we ever did last summer," Henry said in the interview. "And we’ll be able to get to that point where we can get back to not wearing masks again, where we can get back to being together in that way we all so want to."
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CHEK News: Chamber member since 1971
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CHEK News: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Time to talk seriously about regional restrictions
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In the fall, the province acknowledged that Fraser Health is where most of the cases of COVID-19 in BC are occurring and imposed further restrictions on that region. However, as the pandemic's second wave grew larger, all British Columbians were asked to take a step back and limit activities through the holidays.
"We now need to talk about going back to regional restrictions, even though it's not an easy conversation," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "Re-opening of businesses and ensuring economic activity is vital to public health. Restrictions are taking a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of people in our community."
Throughout the pandemic, Vancouver Island has consistently had much lower case counts than other health regions in BC. Clearly, Islanders are overwhelmingly abiding by restrictions that slow the spread of COVID-19.
"We can do this. Better times are coming. As entrepreneurs and business leaders, our members know how to deal with diversity while keeping a healthy sense of cautious optimism," Williams says. "They deserve to be recognized for their efforts by being allowed to get back to business with restrictions that reflect what's happening in our region."
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Thank you to our Chamber Champions!
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Learn more about how these organizations are championing the work of The Chamber.
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Board well-equipped for 2021: Business Examiner
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It’s become clear that as our economy recovers from the pandemic, not all industries are faring the same. This is a real concern and goes against the spirit of resilience all of us shared at the beginning of the crisis. If we are truly all in it together, we need to make sure all businesses have a chance to recover.
With immunization efforts underway and the promise of summer prosperity in sight, we need to hang on to our most vulnerable industries — especially ones as capital intensive as transportation operators whose fleets have been grounded through no fault of their own. If these businesses are allowed to fail, our entire economic recovery will be affected.
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Businesses helping businesses bounce forward
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As businesses deliver more of their goods and services online, Greater Victoria's tech companies have banded together to help. Through InnovateBC funding, VIATEC has developed an innovative program — DER3 — to lend a hand and guide businesses through, in some cases, new terrain.
"The various tools and support provided to our team through the DER3 program has informed our decision making and allowed us to proceed with greater confidence," said Jeff Wright, Regional Manager of Marketing for the Truffles Group. "This program has been invaluable to our success in navigating the digital world we’ve previously been unfamiliar with, and has helped us achieve success, despite the hiccups we faced."
The advice is free and provides an unbiased assessment of your current online capabilities and a roadmap forward. The Chamber has worked with VIATEC to humanize the first step, which is just a call to talk about where your business is and where you want to be. Take the time to have a simple chat, and we can work together to come out of this stronger than ever.
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VIATEC: Member since 1991
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Truffles Catering: Member since 1994
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Final days to apply: Canada Summer Jobs program
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There are only two days left to apply for Canada Summer Jobs funding. Funding covers youth hires between the ages of 15 and 30 for six to 23 consecutive weeks. And, similar to the program in 2020, stretches from April 2021 to February 2022 — a very welcome degree of flexibility.
Hiring a co-op students through programs at Camosun and the University of Victoria is more than an investment in your business, it's an investment in a future staff person. With up to 75% of the wage potentially covered for most businesses, it is worth taking 20 to 30 minutes to apply.
Deadline: January 29, 2021
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"Over the years, we've been able to hire students each year thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program. The new flexibility on dates has been incredibly helpful," says Cheryl Wirch-Ryckman, The Chamber's Director of Operations.
"One of the best parts of my day is hearing about the extraordinary things our previous co-op students are doing now. Always worth it!"
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Camosun College: member since 1981
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University of Victoria: member since 1976
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What does local mean to you?
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Our #ChamberLocalVicBC campaign aims to help individuals understand what local means on a social, economic, and community level. We're asking our members to answer this question with a quote about what makes their business or organization local.
We hope you will help us amplify these stories as we work with resilience to bounce forward out of this pandemic.
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Follow this campaign on social media with the hashtags:
#ChamberLocalVicBC #UnderstandLocal
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The Chamber has always supported local business. Back to our founding in 1863, we helped Greater Victoria's economy thrive by serving as a unified voice for enterprise.
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Prince of Whales Whale Watching: member since 2002
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Newport Realty: member since 2006
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Ride the Glide - RTG E-Bikes Inc: member since 2012
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Brown's The Florist: member since 1981
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Mayfair Optometric Clinic: member since 1996
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CHEK News: member since 1971
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Sheringham Distillery: member since 2018
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Luxe Home Interiors: member since 2004
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Highlighting Mental Health
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Now more than ever, acknowledging the importance of mental health and taking action to reduce the stigma of addiction and mental illness is a fundamental aspect of creating safe, prosperous communities.
The foundation of our daily lives depends on feeling safe in our homes, our cities and our workplaces. This includes feeling safe to seek support, utilize resources and speak openly regarding mental health concerns.
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The Chamber has focused on the importance of mental health before and during the COVID pandemic, and we will continue to advocate on behalf of our members for the creation and implementation of support networks into the future.
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This Thursday, Bell Let’s Talk will return for its eleventh consecutive year to support mental health initiatives across Canada. Created to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness, the campaign has seen more than 1.1 billion interactions on social media.
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Chamber Job Board
Whether you’re a CEO, small business owner, or a manager looking for talent, finding and retaining employees is crucial.
And of course, post your position on The Chamber’s Job Board connecting great employers needing help with employees in need of work.
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Nominations open for UVic Senate
The University of Victoria is seeking nominations for the UVic Senate. Nominations are open to alumni, staff members, students who completed one full-year at Victoria College before 1963, and past and present members of UVic’s Senate and Board of Governors.
Four positions are currently available, and successful candidates will be invited to participate in three-year terms starting July 1, 2021.
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University of Victoria: member since 1976
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Coldest Night of the Year
Join thousands of Canadians and raise funds and awareness for homelessness and poverty issues while participating in a winter walk. Prizes will be given to those who post the best photos of their walk using #CNOY21 and #YYJCNOY.
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Our Place Society: member since 2010
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Eluma Beauty Inc (Elate Cosmetics): member since 2019
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Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you!
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Designing the Songhees connection
Western Interior Design Group Ltd: member since 2013
Songhees Nation: member since 2017
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Sustainable certification
The Oak Bay Marine Group has obtained its first Clean Marine BC eco-certification for its Oak Bay Marina location. The Clean Marine BC program recognizes marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs and harbour authority facilities that implement environmental measures to reduce toxins, conserve water and energy, and make efforts to protect marine habitats. Oak Bay Marina has received four out of five possible anchors, displaying the organization's commitment to environmental conservation.
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Oak Bay Marine Group: member since 1969
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#FoodiesUnite
Sysco Victoria has launched #FoodiesUnite, an initiative to support local restaurants during the pandemic. Simply order from your favourite local restaurant, upload a picture and use #FoodiesUnite to support the restaurant and encourage others to eat local.
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Sysco Victoria: member since 1979
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Community Cheer success
WIN Resale Shops’ Community Cheer Campaign has concluded, raising $27,457. The funds will be used to support WIN’s five empowerment programs. The programs aim to provide women in Greater Victoria with skill development, housing assistance, and more in an effort to fight the she-cession exacerbated by COVID.
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WIN Resale Shops: member since 1998
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Welcome to our newest members!
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