The Chamber Member of the Year award, sponsored by Air Canada, recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.

BC Premier David Eby hasn't wasted any time putting his stamp on the provincial government. In less than two weeks, the province has rolled out a series of almost daily announcements that take aim at some of the top concerns facing British Columbians.

Among the barrage of news releases was a promise to add $230 million to RCMP funding to increase staff and a plan to train more doctors. Those, along with announcements of a new Housing Ministry and a strategy for making communities safer, are welcome news. The Chamber will continue to advocate for business as these announcements move from the idea stage to implementation.

Tell us what you think by emailing communications@victoriachamber.ca.

A movement that initially took hold in the City of Victoria is set to become a Canada-wide initiative as of Dec. 20. The federal Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations aims to stop the manufacture, import and sale of bags, cutlery and other items made with problematic plastics.

The Chamber worked closely with Victoria and other local governments. Our goal was to make sure the initial regulations incorporated innovations that businesses were already using to address consumer concerns. The public has, for many years, supported businesses that provided alternatives to plastic waste. Having the same rules across the country will help businesses work with the requirements efficiently and effectively.

Each week, The Chamber will profile two of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.

The Outstanding Workplace of the Year Award honors a business that:

● shows a commitment to a healthy work environment through practices that benefit employees physically, intellectually and/or emotionally

● has competitive employment packages

● focuses on workplace culture as well as employee recognition and reward programs

● is dedicated to professional development and/or advancement opportunities

● and shows diversity in the workplace.

Nominations close: January 18, 2023

Check out the videos of the 2022 Outstanding Workplace of the Year finalists below.

Winner: BC Transit

Finalist: Engaged HR 

This event is for businesses who have already received a nomination or want to learn more before nominating themselves. During this virtual call we will take a look at the 2023 Business Awards timeline, award categories, nomination information, and how to submit an award entry. 

The federal government released Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy this week, providing a guideline for future engagement with this massive economic region. The Canadian Chamber welcomed the news.

“In addition to increasing our presence in the region, much of the important work that needs to be done is here at home," Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Perrin Beatty said. "Any successful strategy must give an enhanced priority to building the trade-enhancing infrastructure that is needed to significantly increase our exports. Additionally, the rapidly-growing communities of Canadians who trace their roots to the region provide a much-underutilized source of people who speak the languages, understand the cultures and have networks of family and friends in the region and who could help to strengthen our trade and investment ties."

The Indo-Pacific accounts for 65% of the world's population and is Canada’s second-largest regional export market, after the United States, with annual two-way trade valued at $226 billion.

Almost 20% of Canadians have family ties in the Indo-Pacific, which also provides 60% of Canada’s international students.

Inflation has become the top concern for many businesses. The Chamber is hearing from many members struggling to balance higher costs by adjusting prices and raising wages to keep staff.

On top of this, the increased emphasis on tipping that took hold during the pandemic has created new challenges for employers, employees and customers.

The issues and a few solutions are the subject of a new series that recently ran in the Times Colonist. The articles shine a light on how tipping was affected by social changes over the past few years, as well as consumers reliance on debit cards and tax implications for people whose income relies on tips.

It's well worth the read as we head into the holiday shopping season!

The recent municipal elections saw strong winds of change blow through the offices of many of our region's Councils and Mayors.

In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams talk about what’s ahead for the new leadership team in the District of Saanich with newly elected Mayor Dean Murdock.

District of Saanich: Member since 2019

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Now is the time to take advantage of your health insurance coverage through your Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan.

Before the end of the calendar year, make sure to schedule a visit to your local dentist, chiropractor, massage therapist or acupuncturist to ensure you use the coverage you’re provided. Depending on your plan, your funds may not carry over into 2023.

Rest easy knowing claim payments are directly deposited into your account within 48 hours of being processed, and that you’re supporting local businesses this holiday season.

Interested in learning more? For over 17 years, RDF Group Ltd. has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses.

The VIATEC Community Tech Awards have received a record number of finalists, and Chamber members are proudly represented in a variety of categories, including:

Winners for the Community Tech Awards will be announced Thursday, Dec. 8

The Chamber is committed to Indigenous reconciliation. We’re proud to feature our new Indigenous members, including Indigenous Perspectives Society.

Indigenous Perspective Society (IPS) is a charitable and not-for-profit social enterprise that offers specialized training and consulting services to help foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives, cultural differences, and the need for self-determination.

Stay tuned as we highlight more Indigenous Chamber members — #IndigenousBusinessYYJ.

Are you an Indigenous-owned business working in Greater Victoria? Learn more about Chamber membership and opportunities to connect by emailing engagement@victoriachamber.ca

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.