For an up-to-date schedule of cruise ship arrivals at Ogden Point, go to gvha.ca.

“The start of cruise ship season is another sign that Greater Victoria is reconnecting with the world,” Williams said. “International visitors provide a significant boost to our region’s economic ecosystem, which truly flourishes when all sectors are able to achieve their potential. It’s exhilarating to once again show off our spectacular corner of the world to travellers. On behalf of all Chamber members, I’m thrilled to welcome the first passengers back to Greater Victoria.”

A convoy of honking trucks and anti-government protestors that planned to entrench themselves in James Bay fizzled out before it could gain a foothold.

"Safe, peaceful and lawful protest are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Occupation is not," states a VicPD media release. "Dangerous and/or unlawful activity will continue to be met with de-escalation and enforcement.

By being proactive, the Victoria Police Department were able to avoid a prolonged disruption to businesses and residents. VicPD consulted with Ottawa police about lessons learned by that city when it permitted a protest that then turned into an encampment.

VicPD Police Chief Del Manak shared his insights as a guest speaker at The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy committee meeting this week. Chief Manak was also asked about efforts to create a regional police department that could draw resources from more than one municipality. VicPD works with their neighbouring police forces as much as possible, but there's no question the department faces critical constraints. The job of police is to protect people in their community, regardless of where they're from. In Greater Victoria, that means VicPD protect everyone who visits downtown for work in the day or for all of its entertainment options in the evening.

The Chamber has long called for a regional police force, and we will be looking for indications government is listening when the provincial Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act is released April 28.

The Chamber has lent its support to the long-standing career centre program at the Greater Victoria School District. The SD61 school board is expected to announce funding cuts as part of finalizing its budget tomorrow.

"We understand that this year’s budget process requires difficult decisions, and we do appreciate that every trustee is doing their best to make the right decision. That said, we urge the school board to continue adequately funding career centre staff positions," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams stated in a letter to trustees. "Education is about helping students grow and learn to be successful adults who contribute to making our world a better place. Students receive positive direction to fulfill their academic potential, and they deserve to also have positive direction to prepare them for working life."

Career centre staff are able to help students learn to build connections and professional relationships. Without that assistance, there might be fewer students available to take on traditional student positions. With Greater Victoria experiencing a workforce crisis, hiring students helps employers and gives young people a chance to earn money to pursue their own dreams.

The federal budget will be unveiled tomorrow at 1 pm and is expected to include plans for long-term economic growth. However, high inflation and uncertainty over the war in the Ukraine could see the government focus on new spending priorities, states an analysis by RBC Dominion Securities.

Housing affordability will be the cornerstone of the budget, according to media reports that suggest new rules will prohibit foreign buyers of real estate for the next two years. CTV also says the budget will include:

The budget is also expected to include a surtax on banks and insurance companies, and billions of dollars in new spending for the military.

The RBC analysis notes that Canada's economic recovery has been stronger than expected, allowing the feds to announce new spending and lower deficit projections. The analysis also points out that private capital will be required to grow the economy over the long term and to begin addressing chronic labour shortages facing all sectors.

Starting Friday, businesses and event organizers will no longer be required by the province to check vaccination status. As well, businesses will only need a communicable disease plan to reduce the spread of all infectious diseases rather than a specific COVID-19 safety plan.

"We expect a few businesses will continue to require proof of immunization, much as many continue to ask that masks are worn in common areas," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We welcome the end of formal regulations and support businesses that know their customers and their staff, and who make decisions that work for their organization."

BC Ferries has joined our roster of Chamber Champions, which also includes Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria.

The Chamber Champions initiative was created in 2020 to add a powerful resource for leadership and guidance to our organization and members. Learn more about how these organizations are championing the work of the Chamber.

Transportation services such as commuter buses were hit hard by pandemic restrictions.

BC Transit is reporting ridership levels have recovered to about 70% of pre-pandemic levels. To ensure the service can carry on until it's fully recovered, the federal and provincial governments announced $28 million in relief. The governments are also providing $176 million to Translink on the Lower Mainland.

To continue to safeguard the health of our community we require all in-person event attendees to be fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is to each individuals' discretion. You can review our COVID-19 safety protocols here.

The AGM is also your chance to catch up on chamber business, including recent advocacy wins, a report from our chair and audited financial statements.

Kick-off the April long-weekend with signature cocktails, upscale dishes and fabulous décor in a place that offers both a classy VIP experience and be-yourself atmosphere. Friends of Dorothy Lounge is the perfect place to foster great connections and future collaborations as one of Greater Victoria’s emerging professionals.

Location Max Furniture

If you haven’t been to your local library lately, either in person or online, you may not be aware of all the resources available to you. it’s an A-Z information universe including everything from Ancestry to Zoology.

In this Chamber Chat, we speak with Greater Victoria Public Library CEO Maureen Sawa about all we can access through the library.

As a member of The Chamber, you and your organization are eligible for discounts and savings. Take advantage of these corporate discounts this spring through the Chamber Benefits Program.

Need to improve your home office? Lenovo, Monk Office, and Grand & Toy offer a variety of discounts for hardware, furniture and more.

Ship your packages with ease and get 50% off domestic and international shipping with UPS. Shipments can be easily tracked through UPS My Choice^® for Business. Learn more about shipping rates and tracking here.

Our Chamber Benefits Program has many valuable offers to utilize, from fuel discounts to certificates of origin. Chamber members can also find and post on the Member to Member Offers page, a constantly updated resource to showcase your product/service to fellow Chamber members.

For more information on how to take advantage of these savings, or to post a Member to Member offer, contact [email protected].

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams would like to invite you to visit the new Chinese Canadian Museum exhibit in Fan Tan Alley, created in partnership with the Royal BC Museum.

Williams joined the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee to tour the exhibit with the guidance of Charlayne Thornton-Joe, City of Victoria councilor, and Alan Lowe, board member of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society. The exhibit showcases the positive impact of Chinese Canadians and cultural significance of Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

The IDEA Committee offers advice and guidance to The Chamber to create a more inclusive and welcoming business community that truly represents the diversity of the Greater Victoria business community we aspire to have.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.