Starting July 1, we can begin to experience the end of the pandemic. The provincial state of emergency is over, and many of the restrictions that have defined life for the past months are no longer in place.

"Immunization is the key to stopping the spread of COVID and variants," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "However, we still need to exercise patience and kindness with each other. Some of us will take time before feeling truly safe, and we need to respect that. If a business requires you to wear a mask, it's easy to do so and show support for each other."

The Chamber also encourages everyone to make sure they book their second vaccination appointment. We can't risk the work done so far by not getting fully immunized as soon as possible.

Check out this week's Chamber Chat for more on what businesses need to know about requiring masks, and how to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

On the cusp of Canada Day, I would like to share news with you. As of our Board Meeting yesterday, The Chamber has a plan in place to craft next steps in Economic Reconciliation. There was an acknowledgement that our mission of "working together to build good business and great community" isn’t possible until it is true for all.

Canada Day is different this year. As we celebrate the best of our country, we are also facing up to a history that is shamefully distant from the Canada we want. Looking into our dark past is difficult. There is a sense of sorrow at a time when we are used to celebration.

The Chamber is committed to carrying as much burden as we can to try and correct the mistakes of the past. It's the right thing to do, and we encourage all Canadians to help lift the weight that has far too long been put on Indigenous people.

Millions of us have arrived on this land since 1867, escaping oppression or seeking a chance to build better a better life for our families. We can no longer ignore that part of the cost of those new opportunities came at the expense of the people who were already here.

This Canada Day, let's again embrace the best of what it means to be Canadian. We can open our arms, our hearts and ears. Reconciliation will take time. We must be patient and we must build into our lives the changes necessary for a better, more inclusive future.

Click here for key dates, the nomination process and the voting procedure. Download your application, including a request for a bio and photo for the election ballot — as well as a form to gather your nomination supporters. Additional questions can be directed here.

A new rapid transit bus will begin running between the West Shore and downtown Victoria in the next three years, BC Transit announced today.

The Victoria Regional RapidBus Implementation Strategy was created from 2020's South Island Transportation Strategy. After the first "RapidBus" route is established, the plan is to add the service to the Saanich Peninsula and the University of Victoria.

The goal of RapidBus is to provide an option for commuters that is faster than driving, while also being comfortable and reliable.

Efficient and convenient transportation is a key advocacy priority for The Chamber as a way to connect more people to potential employers in the region.

People refusing to wear masks throughout the pandemic have caused added stress to the general public and to the front line employees who must manage their defiance.

In the latest Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with WorkSafeBC about the management of this issue, and Charlotte Salomon, partner with McConnan, Bion, O'Connor & Peterson, who speaks about the legality of it all, health regulation vs law.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Innovative partnerships and updated traditions will help people in Greater Victoria celebrate Canada Day, while reflecting on the values of our country and the work still needed to ensure it is inclusive for all.

The Times Colonist is organizing a live Indigenous Canadian Flag featuring photos of Greater Victoria residents. Provided by The Flag Shop, the design was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Curtis Wilson.

Around the region on Canada Day, the City of Victoria will host a broadcast focused on Canadian history with guidance from local Lekwungen people. The Town of View Royal will distribute free red maple tree kits and buttons. You can also tune in to CHEK News on July 1 at 8 pm for a pre-recorded musical performance from the Mary Winspear Centre.

We hope this Canada day gives you and your family a time to reflect, and the opportunity to support the great local businesses that make up our communities and country. The essence of being Canadian is we are stronger together.