Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria

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Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

When can we set a date for a return to business?

It's the question all of us have, and while we can't predict the future, we are seeing indications that we are successfully making our way through this crisis.

BC Premier John Horgan announced today that the provincial state of emergency has been extended until April 28, but he also noted that BC is "starting to see results."

Also today, when asked about plans for lifting restrictions, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry was careful to manage expectations. We're not clear of danger yet, but she did say we are on the right path.

British Columbia and Vancouver Island are being held up as leaders in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. As governments plan for how to transition from the necessary restrictions currently in place, we are optimistic that our region can be at the forefront of recovery in Canada.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization updated its COVID-19 strategy to include six criteria that are key to lifting restrictions put in place to slow the pandemic.

Recovery will require everyone's participation to prevent a new surge in infections, and will take time to implement.

Join Chamber CEO Catherine Holt and the Hon. Carole James, Minister of Finance and MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill as they discuss recent initiatives announced by the provincial government aimed at helping business and workers being affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

About the Series:

As part of The Chamber's commitment to getting businesses back to work, Chamber CEO Catherine Holt is hosting experts and government officials. This is your opportunity to get answers on pressing issues and the information you need to help you manage through these unprecedented times. For previous fireside chats, click here.

Virtual Fireside Chat with Carole James, MLA Victoria-Beacon Hill

Frid., Apr. 15 |2:30-3:15pm

Tune in to   Facebook Live

Please check our   Events Calendar   for   other events and updates on tools and suggestions to get through to the other side.

Tourism sector needs help now to get through crisis

The Chamber continues to call for immediate financial relief for the tourism and hospitality industry. Greater Victoria businesses that would be entering the busiest time of their year are facing a summer season without revenue. The loss of the cruise ship season alone is devastating for many businesses that rely on the steady stream of passengers.

BC Tourism Minister Lisa Beare has promised more help for the sector in the coming weeks, and, in his remarks this morning, Prime Minister Trudeau noted the Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit has been made available to seasonal workers. And yesterday, for the first time the Prime Minister specifically mentioned tourism as one of the sectors that has been hardest hit and in need of urgent help. The Prime Minister also reassured businesses "worried about commercial rent, we’ll have more to say to you very soon.”

The Chamber is pressing for help now, and we are working with our community partners to ensure our members are ready to thrive once the recovery begins.

Destination BC is planning a significant recovery campaign to help the industry once restrictions are lifted.

Despite relief, businesses falling through the cracks

Thank you to everyone who shared the challenges their business is facing because you aren't able to access the financial help you need from government.

The Canada Emergency Business Account is available now at most financial institutions and credit unions and provides a loan of up to $40,000 backed by the federal government with no interest. Up to $10,000 of the loan is forgivable if it is repaid by December 2022.

One member wrote that it's difficult to keep his business afloat because his payroll is just below the threshold of $50,000 required to qualify for an emergency loan. He also can't collect the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit because he was just getting his new business to the point where he can pay himself a wage, and, acting at an arm's length from his business, he also does not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

Another member is an independent contractor whose sales run through his corporation. He pays an assistant $35,000 annually, and himself through dividends from the same corporation.

Those circumstances were echoed by other members, including one who started her business last October so had not had enough pay periods to meet the threshold. Her problem is exacerbated because she signed a 10-year-lease and, as with many other businesses, her landlord is not able to provide commercial rent relief. She's asking government to waive the payroll threshold to allow her to access loans and keep her business going.

The Chamber will take these specific concerns to government and advocate for urgent changes to government relief to make sure no business falls through the cracks.

To help understand the latest changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Deloitte has published an updated guide.

Victoria reduces rates to help downtown parkers

To make it easier for people who need to drive and park downtown, the City of Victoria is cutting rates in city parkades to a maximum of $5 per day.

As well, on-street parking rates are now $1 per hour with no time limits except for 30-minute zones. The rates are in effect as long as the provincial state of emergency remains in place.

City of Victoria: Member since 1962

Deadline extended for Canadian Chamber survey

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has extended the deadline for the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions . The Statistics Canada questionnaire, which adheres to strict privacy requirements, can be accessed directly here . The survey will be open until Friday, April 17.

The Chamber encourages you to spend a few minutes of your time and help shape public policies needed to facilitate Canada’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Spring Cleaning for Charity

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tidy-up your surroundings, disinfect surfaces and donate items around your house you no longer need. 

Although donation drop-offs are not being accepted at many non-profits, it's a good time to sort through your clothing, furniture and other items you want to donate.

The following are three Chamber member organizations that will accept clothing and furniture donations in the future.

Wear2Start is a volunteer-driven non-profit society that provides a personalized wardrobe experience for all self-identified women as they take the next step in their lives.

The Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative is an enterprising, not-for-profit organization that meets social goals through business ventures, which has recently implemented an online store offering contactless pickup. 

The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 113 countries around the world.

Greater Victoria has many important Charities , Non-Profits and Community Service associations that are continually seeking support — now more than ever. Visit our Member Directory and Member Updates page to see a list of organizations making a difference in our community. 

Let us know about updates to your hours or services

We've created a webpage to help your customers keep track of updated hours and services as a result of COVID-19. If your changes are not yet listed, email  [email protected]  to have your information added.

Click on a category below to find innovative ways our members continue to serve Greater Victoria.

Connecting employers with employees today

During these extraordinary times, we've expanded our Job Board to support our community.

We've heard from members that they need more staff as they gear up to provide essential services to our community. We also know a lot of great staff with transferable skills who need work. We want to connect the two — after all, connections are what we do best.

At this time, employers are able to post at no charge by using the code SUPPORTYYJ.

If you have any difficulty posting, please email [email protected]. We will get back to you ASAP on the next business day.

All jobs posted to our job board have been vetted by a member of The Chamber team.

Thanks to our friends at H2, we have a new ad campaign you'll see online. It encourages out-of-work locals to pitch in at businesses that need help.

Current Job Listings:

Executive Chef – Canoe Brewpub

Post Office / Customer Service – Pharmasave Drugs

Shelter Support Staff – Victoria Dandelion Society

Dining Room Server – Amica

Motel Liaison Outreach Worker – Pacifica Housing

Concierge – Cornerstone Properties

Lead Cook – The Cridge Centre for the Family  

Security Guard - Commissionaires Canada

Customer Service Representative – Nightingale Medical Supplies

Warehouse Receiver – Portofino Bakery  

Virtual Networking Breakfast

Join us for the second Virtual Breakfast event. Grow valuable connections from the comfort of your own home, and interact with a diverse group of professionals. This networking event will be hosted on Zoom, and participants are invited to join us in developing business relationships during these extraordinary times.

Virtual Fireside Chat

Join Chamber CEO Catherine Holt and Dan Dagg, President of H2 Accelerator, as they discuss why now is the time for businesses to create a strategic marketing plan and how it can help sustain your business operations and services in the months and weeks ahead.

Is your business implementing new strategies or innovative ways of connecting with consumers?

Contact [email protected]

Welcome to our newest members!