Chamber Update
March 27, 2020
Feds announce new Emergency Business Account
This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a broad new plan to help businesses get through the economic shut down needed to ensure Canada can effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chamber along with our partners at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, have been calling on all levels of government to make major investments in businesses so we can get through this crisis and b egin an economic recovery as soon as it passes.

The federal government responded by increasing the Temporary Wage Subsidy to 75 per cent , retroactive to March 15.

As well, a new Canada Emergency Account will provide small and medium businesses with loans of up to $40,000 , interest-free for the first year. Under certain circumstances, $10,000 will forgivable. The fund, underwritten by the federal government, will be offered through private financial institutions. 

An additional $12.5 billion is available through Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada to help businesses access capital to stay viable . The federal government also announced the deferral of HST/GST remittances and duties/taxes on imports until June.
Where do you fit on BC list of essential services?
Yesterday, the provincial government declared what it considers essential services. The list is comprehensive, and recognizes that many businesses provide valuable services and need to continue to operate.

The Chamber is grateful to all of our members who have adapted and responded to the dramatic changes created by requirements to slow the spread of COVID-19. Your efforts are appreciated and all of us will get through this together.
Stay connected with The Chamber's virtual events
Stay tuned for information on new virtual events in the coming weeks!

The Chamber is committed to providing you with informative and interactive ways to connect during these unprecedented times.

This includes a new Fireside Chat web series aimed to provide you information on the latest federal and provincial initiatives as we ask experts what this means for our local businesses. 

More information on how you can take part in Chamber Update on Monday.

Please check our Events Calendar for other events and updates on tools and suggestions to get through to the other side.
Job Board grows as many employers call for help
During these extraordinary times, we're expanding our Job Board to support our community.

We're hearing from some of our 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, email us and we will get back to you by next business day. All jobs posted to our job board have been vetted by a member of The Chamber team.
Let us know about updates to your hours or services
As a result of COVID-19 many Chamber Members have updated their hours and services. We've created a webpage to help your customers keep track of the changes. If your changes are not yet listed, email membership@victoriachamber.ca to have your information added.
250-383-7191 
victoriachamber.ca