Chamber Week is an opportunity for Chamber Members to celebrate community and build relationships in Greater Victoria. Find out how we're celebrating.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes news from the federal and provincial governments that will boost business in our region.

“I’m not much of a dancer. However, I think many of us are doing a little jig — either in our mind or literally — upon hearing this news,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “The sun is shining a little brighter and the birds are singing a little sweeter today. We are all ready to soar after a long winter of doing what we needed to keep each other safe. Let’s keep moving forward and respect each other as we find our footing and our own pace as we begin to step a little lighter.”

The federal government’s announcement on Tuesday will make it easier for visitors to travel to our destination and enjoy all of the attractions, goods and experiences we have to offer. Starting Feb. 28, fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada from any country will face easier testing requirements. As well, Transport Canada will allow international flights to return to more Canadian airports starting Feb. 28.

Also, BC’s Provincial Health Officer has updated the timeline for easing restrictions in British Columbia. This is great news for the events industry, fitness centres, dance clubs and organizations such as sports teams that depend on ticket sales.

The province is lifting capacity restrictions on gatherings and events; exercise and fitness; and bars, clubs and restaurants as of 11:59 p.m., Feb. 16.

For now, business will still be required to have COVID-19 Safety Plans. As well, masks and the BC Vaccine Pass are still required in indoor public spaces.

Some big changes are coming to the auto insurance industry in BC. On Monday, ICBC announced that customers with policies expiring on or after May 1, can renew online. The system will actually be available March 17 for people who want to renew early.

Also starting May 1, drivers will no longer need to display an updated insurance decal on their licence plate. BC is expanding the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program, which helps law enforcement detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers.

How do you think the federal government can help Canada's economy remain robust and resilient in the years ahead?

Now is the time to engage with federal decision makers, who are looking to the business community for help understanding the private sector's challenges and opportunities. The Chamber is preparing a submission for pre-budget consultations. We're also working with the national chamber network to amplify the voice of business.

Let us know what you think by emailing [email protected] before Feb. 18, or answering a questionnaire by Feb. 25.

Wed., Feb. 23 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM

We will be taking the appropriate precautions as directed by the current PHO to protect the health of all of our guests and staff supporting the event. Please review our COVID-19 Safety Protocols before attending to understand how we can work together to keep everyone healthy.

With recently announced dates for returning in-person events to full capacity, tourism businesses can begin work on attracting major business events and conferences in our region. To help, the province recently announced the Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund, which will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel.

The money will help destination management organizations, such as Destination Greater Victoria, which will be able to submit proposals to access the new funds.

The province also announced $1.3 million to fund dedicated human resources specialists for two years to attract more workers to the tourism industry.

Innovation led by business is helping create more than 100 affordable homes that will enable people to live, work and invest in our region. A partnership between BC Housing, Chard Development and the provincial government has reserved 104 units from the Haven project in the 1100-block of Johnson St.

Qualifying buyers must have a combined household income no greater than $118,440 for homes with fewer than two bedrooms and an income no greater than $168,310 for homes with two bedrooms or more. Buyers will be required to make the home their primary residence for the first five years.

BC Housing will administer a no-interest, no monthly payment second mortgage for all 104 buyers to support their purchase.

“As a long-standing, family-owned developer, we take our role in the fight to improve housing affordability seriously,” Chard Development president and CEO Byron Chard said in the news release.

The provincial government has passed legislation bringing in the controversial Skilled Trades BC Act. The hope for the plan is that it will address critical labour shortages, but there are some serious concerns being voiced by industry.

The current plan is focused on skilled trades certification that "will require people to register as an apprentice or be a certified journeyperson to work in one of the 10 initial mechanical, electrical and automotive trades."

Good intentions are admirable but there are structural issues that likely need to be addressed if the program is to succeed. We need more investment in trades training so there are spaces available for people who want to learn skilled trades.

And the business community needs to be included in the conversation so that innovations being used by industry are part of the strategy. We all share the goal of building up our skilled workforce and don't need inefficient bureaucracy to impede progress from being made.

The Town of View Royal voted Feb. 2 on increasing the size of its council from five to seven. The addition will add about $44,000 in annual costs, or about 0.2% to the municipality's budget. Mayor David Screech was in favour of the extra seats, saying they will allow for more diversity on council. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2.

An incorrect headline was used in an article on this story in last week's BizNews. We apologize for any confusion we may have caused.

All businesses on Vancouver Island face unique challenges, but communities across the Island have their own economic issues particular to their region.

This Chamber Chat looks at those unique Island issues with Comox Valley Chamber CEO Dianne Hawkins and Greater Nanaimo Chamber CEO Kim Smythe.

In honour of Black History Month, The Chamber would like to highlight two of our Board Directors who have accomplished incredible feats in their industries: James Gatsi and Richard Micheals.

We asked James and Richard for their insights on the following topics of Black excellence. The Chamber is proud to have a diverse staff, board of directors, and membership, and we believe amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups is essential to building good business and great community for all.

February marks Black History Month and a chance to learn more about the stories, struggles and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Here's a look at some events happening around Greater Victoria.

Thursday, Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day! We all could use some extra positivity in our lives, and The Chamber would like to encourage you to make a positive impact wherever you go.

Looking for ideas? Follow a few of these tips inspired by The Victoria Foundation

Looking for more ways to brighten someone’s day? Download the Random Acts of Kindness Day Poster From The Victoria Foundation and spread kindness in your community. Children under the age of 12 also have the opportunity to colour-in this image to win a $50 gift card and a $100 donation made in their name to a registered charity of their choice.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.