Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Celebrating International Women's Day, Chamber staff take a #BreaktheBias stance to call for “a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination ... that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive ... (and) where difference is valued and celebrated."
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Fuel costs add to inflation concerns facing businesses
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Surging fuel costs are adding to the ongoing inflation pressures facing businesses.
BC's Public Safety Ministry said Monday it will not follow Alberta's lead and cut provincial fuel tax.
One idea The Chamber is looking at is calling for a carbon tax exemption for companies that transport goods or passengers. The idea being that these businesses help take single driver vehicles off the road and should be encouraged.
To find the lowest gas prices in the region, go to gasbuddy.com.
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Chamber Events
Please check our
for updates.
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Feds unveil cruise ship rules for 2022 season
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Cruise ships are being warmly welcomed to Canada by the federal government. On Monday, federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced the steps cruise passengers must take for Canadian ports to reopen to cruise passengers.
"We welcome cruise ships — an important part of our tourism sector — back to Canada, and we will continue working with partners to support this important industry,” Alghabra said in a news release.
Crew and passengers will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, symptom free, and:
- take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before boarding a cruise ship or an antigen test within one day of boarding a cruise ship; and
- passengers need to take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before arriving in Canada or taking an antigen test within one day of their scheduled arrival.
Last fall, at the urging of The Chamber and industry partners, the federal government lifted prohibitions against cruise ships and set a date for sailings to return.
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BC lists vaccine rules for healthcare professionals
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The Office of the Provincial Health Officer has taken the first step to better understand the vaccination status of BC's healthcare professionals.
On Monday, the PHO ordered professional health colleges to provide personal information, if requested, to help determine the immunization status of registrants.
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Province planning to reform commercial liens law
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The provincial government says new legislation will make it easier for people to understand liens and protect property rights.
"Liens commonly give people the right to keep another person’s property to secure payment for services that improve the property’s value," the province said in a news release.
The proposed Commercial Liens Act will apply to the following services:
- providing labour or materials for the purposes of restoring, improving or maintaining the condition or properties of goods
- storing goods
- transporting, carrying or towing goods
- salvaging goods.
The change will unify rules for repair, storage and transportation liens, which have caused confusion in the past, the province said.
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First Nations take on Rock Bay re-development
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Matullia Holdings LLP is set to take ownership on June 30 of a 4.5 acre industrial site in Rock Bay. The property has been used for heavy industry since the 19th century, and went through a $140 million clean up of contaminated soil.
Matullia, formed in 2011 to hold the option to purchase Rock Bay property,
is a business partnership with the Songhees Development Corporation.
The land will eventually be leased to create jobs and enhance economic opportunities for the Songhees First Nation and the Esquimalt First Nation.
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Songhees First Nation: Member since 2017
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Anacortes-Sidney ferry won't restart this summer
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A lack of crew has forced Washington State ferries to suspend its Sidney-to-Anacortes ferry until at least the end of summer. The service carried 135,000 people in 2019 before the border was closed to non-essential travel between the US and Canada at the sta rt of the pandemic.
"International service to and from Sidney, BC remains suspended until further notice due to continued significant crewing and vessel availability challenges," reads a statement by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
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2022 Business Awards Gala
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Celebrate excellence on May 7 at Fairmont Empress
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The Chamber is excited to announce that the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards will take place in-person on Saturday, May 7 at the Fairmont Empress from 6 to 10 pm.
This gala event recognizes businesses in Greater Victoria that have achieved a standard of excellence in the community through their own abilities, efforts and initiatives. A spectacular night of prestige, entertainment and celebration, make sure you reserve your tickets now before they are sold out!
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Saturday, May 7 | 6-10 pm
The Fairmont Empress, 721 Government St.
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To Your Health
Please review our COVID-19 Safety Protocols before attending to understand how we can work together to keep everyone healthy.
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Mark your calendar for March events
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March Mixer @ Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
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Step into tranquility and out of the urban rush of your day with us at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP). The Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP), home to the Pacific Horticulture College, present a year-round garden experience that all can enjoy. We will mix and mingle in the gorgeous Couvelier Pavilion and the gardens will be open for a stroll to our attendees from 3:30 pm on, with the gift shop staying open until 4:30 pm just for us. L'Apero Bistro will treat us to their "La Petite" individual cheese boards and a cash bar will be available. Weather appropriate attire is suggested.
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Thurs., Mar. 17 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
505 Quayle Rd, Victoria
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To Your Health
Please review our COVID-19 Safety Protocols before attending to understand how we can work together to keep everyone healthy.
Chamber Business Mixers are a member benefit. Non-members are welcome to attend one mixer as our guest while you consider joining The Chamber. Please note this is a 19+ event.
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Create new connections
Member Networking Breakfast @ Sandman Hotel
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The Chamber Member Networking Breakfast is a must-attend event for new and existing members. Facilitated by The Chamber, attendees will connect with nearly everyone in the room. Try it out for yourself and grow your business!
After breakfast and casual networking, The Chamber Team will take the floor to facilitate introductions and organize guests into roundtables. At each roundtable, guests will have a chance to introduce themselves and their businesses in a 60 second elevator speech; once everyone has had a chance to connect, it's time to meet an entirely new group of people at a different roundtable.
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Sandman Hotel Victoria
2852 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
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To Your Health
Please review our COVID-19 Safety Protocols before attending to understand how we can work together to keep everyone healthy.
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Find New Staff Today
UVic's Hiring Day
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The University of Victoria, in partnership with The Chamber, is hosting Hiring Day on March 28th. Each year, a large number of UVic students join the workforce, contributing to the economy and helping employers fill positions.
As a Chamber member, you have the first opportunity to book a booth. If your organization could benefit from hiring students this year, join us at Hiring Day to meet motivated, educated students who can contribute to your workforce. You can take resumes for later review or interview right on the spot. Each business will be provided a table, two chairs, and access to WiFi if needed. Power may be available by special request.
Hiring Day will be held in UVic’s Michele Pujol Room in the Student Union Building. Space is limited to 60 employers, so register today. Registration is free.
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Mon., Mar. 28 | 10 AM - 2 PM
University of Victoria - Michele Pujol Room, Student Union Building
3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria
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To Your Health
Please note we will follow the COVID safety protocols at the time of the event. These will be communicated a few days before the event.
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Save the date!
The Chamber Annual General Meeting
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We invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting. In addition to our usual agenda including recent advocacy wins, a report from the Chair, and audited financial statements, we are pleased to have the Hon. Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure speak to us about Budget 2022 and Transportation on the South Island.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure plans and improves transportation networks, builds new infrastructure, provides transportation services, and implements transportation policies, to allow for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Join us to learn about how the Ministry’s priorities will impact your business.
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Tues., April 12 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
100 Harbour Rd, Victoria
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To Your Health
Please review our COVID-19 Safety Protocols before attending to understand how we can work together to keep everyone healthy.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
A Chat with South Island Chambers
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We have regions within our South Island region, all with specific and unique elements.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce advocates for the entire region, and those regions have local Chambers of Commerce advocating for them. Today we chat with two of them — WestShore and Sooke.
Featuring Julie Lawlor, Executive Director of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, and Britt Santowski, Executive Director of the Sooke Chamber of Commerce.
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Special thanks to our series sponsor:
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Win great prizes at the 47th annual Flower Count
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With 65,245,471,605 blooms counted last year, Greater Victoria is undoubtedly Canada’s “Garden City.” So take a deep breath, spread some spring cheer, and get out there and start counting.
You're sure to feel joy, and you could also win incredible prizes!
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- Flower-fanatics are encouraged to enter the social media contest by tagging #FlowerCount on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You could win a prize pack that includes Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Inn & Teahouse and a Spring Basket courtesy of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) which includes two passes to the Gardens, a jar of HCP Honey, Rock Coast chocolates, Earth’s Herbal Tea, and a beautiful handcrafted soap from Rainwater Soap & Candle Co.
- If you’re great at spotting hidden blooms, don’t miss out on the Used.ca “Find the Bloom” challenge. Each day one lucky person will be going home with a fabulous prize package packed in a Chamber #ShopLocal bag filled with local goodies including a Goldilocks Goods Dish Towel & Reusable beeswax food wrap, Silk Road Tea Haven Hand Sanitizer, Nezza Naturals organic Forest & Flowers Body Lotion and your very own Destination Greater Victoria reusable water bottle and Greater Victoria Chamber face mask.
- Everyone is invited to participate in counting flowers, including schools. The Grade 4 or 5 class that counts the most blossoms in Greater Victoria will each get a ticket for the full Malahat SkyWalk experience – TreeWalk, Spiral Tower, The Slide and the Lookout – plus seeds from The Butchart Gardens to plant their own flowers for next year’s count.
- Also, be sure to listen to Ocean Mornings with A.J on Ocean 98.5 for even more opportunities to win! Call in to answer skill-testing questions about flowers and listen to great tunes all throughout Flower Count. Lucky winners will be receiving a one-day pass for four people to Butterfly Gardens, a gift certificate and box of chocolates to the Dutch Bakery, a gift card to Niche Grocerant and an annual pass for two to Fort Rodd Hill, a great place to count some extra blooms.
Flower Count will be hosted from March 9 – March 16, 2022. We’re looking forward to seeing all your photos of beautiful bloom!
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Celebrating our Chamber Champions
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Connect with a
Chamber Champion
When you’re searching for your next employer, look no further than a Chamber Champion!
Featured on The Chamber’s job board, Chamber Champions are offering great career opportunities for talented individuals across Greater Victoria.
Looking to speak with great employers directly? The Chamber, in partnership with the University of Victoria, is hosting an in-person Hiring Day to connect great employers with talented students. As a Chamber Champion, UVic’s Hiring Day hiring day is the perfect opportunity to meet your next great employer.
If you have any questions about The Chamber’s job board, or about UVic’s Hiring Day, please contact [email protected]
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Salish Heron arrives in Victoria
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BC Ferry Services Inc: Member since 1983
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Job fair for foreign trained workers
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WorkBC Victoria: Member since 2022
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Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA): Member since 1996
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Knappett Projects Inc: Member since 1987
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Knappett Projects Inc.: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Susan Blanchet nominated for national award
Origen Air Systems Ltd: Member since 2020
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RBC Financial Group - Commercial Financial Services, V. I. South: Member since 1962
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RBC Financial Group - Commercial Financial Services, V. I. South: Chamber Champion since 2020
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New opportunities for Pacific FC
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Pacific Football Club: Member since 2019
City of Langford: Member since 2019
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Douglas Magazine: Member since 2004
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Scotiabank: Member since 1962
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Scotiabank: Chamber Champion since 2021
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Dodd’s supporting Ukrainian refugees
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Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress: Member since 2002
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The Cridge Centre for the Family: Member since 1995
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Do you have a success story?
We want to hear from you
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Member to Member discounts
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Canada Hire Recruitment & Staffing
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Compass Mobile Massage Therapy
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Signature Merchant Services
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Welcome to our newest members!
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