Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Chamber asking for answers on marine border confusion |
The Chamber is actively working with the federal government to get clarity on why Canada's marine borders with the U.S remain closed.
There has been tremendous confusion regarding marine borders, which have not reopened, creating a major disruption to commercial ferry operators and Greater Victoria’s tourism economy.
We are asking government to provide clarity on this issue, as soon as possible, in order to avoid the very real risk of permanently losing key transportation and tourism links.
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Visitors from Washington State play a vital role in job creation and the economic vitality of our region. The companies that operate ferries, as with all businesses, need certainty before they begin the process of resuming operations. This takes at minimum three weeks and, as we get closer to fall, a decision must be made to resume by the end of summer or to suspend operations for 2021 entirely.
Victoria’s Inner Harbour has long been a gateway to Canada and we are concerned about the federal government’s approach to Belleville Terminal’s designation as a port-of-entry. We are asking that immediate attention be given to reinstating Canada Border Service Agency personnel at Belleville Terminal in order to demonstrate that fair treatment is being given to this vital border crossing.
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Vaccine passport in works for Canadian travellers |
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Canada is moving ahead with a vaccine passport for people who want to travel outside the country. The federal government announced today that it hopes to have a vaccine passport available by the fall to give Canadians a trusted and verifiable credential they can show to border officials in foreign countries.
"We will continue our work with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to provide Canadians with a secure and reliable proof of vaccination, which could be required for international travel. I encourage all Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as they are able to,” Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a news release.
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Victoria office part of new EcDev agency for BC |
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Federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Mélanie Joly says Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) will provide a tailored approach for British Columbia’s economy.
“Minister Joly’s announcement has the potential to have a significant impact on the economic recovery and resilience needed in the Capital Region to move along a path of a sustainable and diverse post-pandemic economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says, noting that as B.C.’s population has grown rapidly over the past 20 years, the province’s economy is becoming more advanced. “By creating two offices on Vancouver Island, one in Victoria and the other in Campbell River, the federal government shows it recognizes the unique opportunities and challenges of our Island economy. Greater Victoria has distinct priorities, as do the central, northern and western regions of the Island.”
PacifiCan builds on work done by Western Economic Diversification Canada over the last 34 years. Another new agency, Prairie Economic Development Canada (PrairieCan), will now serve Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
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Survey opens for permanent paid sick leave plan |
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Have your say on the province's plan for paid sick leave, and help make sure it fits with programs your business currently has in place. The first phase of engagement, which began Aug. 5, includes surveys for employers and employees. The surveys close Sept. 14 and Phase 2 will launch Sept. 20 seeking comments on a proposed model for a permanent provincial paid sick leave program. |
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August Business Mixer (Online) |
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One of your last chances to log on from the comfort of your home and connect with businesses across Greater Victoria at The Chamber’s Virtual August Business Mixer.
Grow your connections and discover new opportunities as we conclude our Virtual Mixer series, moving back to in-person networking events starting in September.
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Next Thursday!
Thurs., Aug. 19 | 5 - 6 PM
Zoom
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The Prodigy Group presents Bite-Size Connections |
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FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT in 2021
Get re-acquainted with emerging and established members of Greater Victoria's business community at the Prodigy Group's first in-person event this year.
Attendees will be able to sit in groups of six and mingle over personal appetizers.
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Thurs., Sept. 16 | 5 - 6:30 PM
Maple Room - Strathcona Hotel
919 Douglas St. Victoria, BC
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Registration is limited so don't delay!
Safety protocols will be in place and Provincial Public Health Guidelines will be followed.
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Take The Chamber's Membership Survey! |
Your Chamber Membership provides you with discounts on our benefit programs, opportunities to connect with the business community and supports your business through its advocacy efforts.
Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet by completing the survey. |
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Province funds skills training to retrain job seekers |
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The provincial government has allocated $95 million to provide skills training to help people facing barriers to employment. The money will be paid out in three streams, including $33 million to the Community Workforce Response Grant program.
The program funds short-term skills-training projects for low-skilled workers, youth, women, workers older than 55, Indigenous people, recent immigrants, people of colour and those with employment history in an industry or sector impacted by the pandemic.
Recipients include the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific. which is offering a Level 2 Landscape Apprenticeship Project that can lead to Red Seal designation. The training provides skills such as pruning, hardscaping, softscaping, botany and soil science. |
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Horticultural Centre of the Pacific: Member since 2013 |
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Chambers call for tax reform to address federal debt |
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Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty recently spoke to BNN Bloomberg about the increase in federal debt over the pandemic and why a more effective tax system will be key to creating private sector growth needed in the years ahead. |
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Do you want to be on a Chamber committee? |
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The Chamber has a number of active and engaged committees that report to our Board of Directors. A key reason for the success of our board committees is the involvement of our Chamber members as volunteer committee members. Each year, there are a few openings on our committees for new members. We are recruiting now for members who will be available starting on Jan. 1, 2022 for at least a two-year term. Here are our committees:
- The Ambassador Committee
- The Finance and Audit Committee
- The Prodigy Group
- The Public Policy and Advocacy Committee
The opportunity to apply for any of the above committees will be open until Oct. 15, 2021. At the end of the application period, the chair of the committee will be in contact by email or phone. |
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Staying active this summer |
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As one of Canada’s most active cities, Greater Victoria is known for its beautiful trails, expansive bike-lane network and many waterways. With summer in full swing, it's a good time to enjoy what your municipality has to offer and get active while supporting a Chamber member.
Lace up a new pair of shoes and pick up sports equipment at a local retailer to enjoy an activity with friends and family. You can also explore Greater Victoria while staying fit by purchasing a new e-bike from a local retailer. Rebates are available for this fun and active mode of transportation.
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Showcase your business at the 2021 Auction |
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Do you want your products and services featured in the auction? From gift cards to great local items and everything in-between, reach thousands of potential customers by donating a prize today. Keep an eye on our social media feed to see some of the incredible Auction items that will be featured this year.
This is a major fundraising event for The Chamber, with all proceeds supporting our work as the largest and most influential advocate for businesses in the region. Last year, we received nearly 8,000 visitors to our auction platform for a week of bidding on fabulous gifts.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
A chat with View Royal Mayor David Screech
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When travelling through Greater Victoria by vehicle, transit, bike or trail, whether on the the Old Island Highway, Trans Canada Highway or Admirals Road, chances are you'll go through View Royal. It's literally in the middle of the region.
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Town of View Royal: Member since 2020 |
Victoria Hospitals Foundation: Member since 2019 |
Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island: Member Since: 2007 |
Elements Casino Victoria: Member since 2001 |
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Work for a Chamber Champion
When you’re searching for your next employer, look no further than a Chamber Champion!
If you have any questions or need help uploading your job, please email [email protected]. |
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Create an online strategy to drive global sales |
Discover, learn and create an integrated online strategy to drive your global sales.
100% of ICE graduates stated that they are better equipped for e-commerce following the workshop and would recommend ICE to other SME's.
Join us for this two-day interactive workshop:
- September 7, 2021 — 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- September 8, 2021 — 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Get on Board with BC Transit
Starting Sept. 1, all children 12 and under can ride BC Transit buses for free. An estimated 370,000 children across the province will be eligible for the program, saving families who ride the bus an average of $420 annually. The initiative is part of the provincial government’s plan to provide affordable transit for families. |
BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
Saanich takes lead in cleaning Elk/Beaver Lake
Corporation of the District of Saanich: Member since 2019
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Embracing the Growth Mindset
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Douglas Magazine: Member since 2004 |
Victoria Symphony: Member since 1984 |
Shape Property Management – Uptown: Member since 1983 |
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Phillips Double Header
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co: Member since 2020
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Security grants now available
The Downtown Victoria Business Association is offering grants to help businesses upgrade their security. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, DVBA will provide 50% of the cost on upgrades up to $500. The grants can be used to purchase locks, protective film for windows or other security measures. Tesseract 2.0 Computing is also selling security cameras to businesses at cost. |
Downtown Victoria Business Association: Member since 2007 |
Tesseract 2.0 Computing: Member since 2021 |
Posterize your next event
Have a live event coming up? Metropol Industries Inc. has waived poster fees for live-event companies for the foreseeable future. To help event producers rebuild, Metropol has launched Vicposters.com with their promotion. The website gives promoters a place to showcase their event posters digitally, while their printed posters are displayed on poles and cylinders across the downtown core. |
Metropol Industries Inc: Member since 2008 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
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Welcome to our newest Members! |
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