The Chamber's board celebrates the induction of past chair Dan Dagg into The Chamber's Board of Governors at Saturday night's Business Awards gala. Experience all the stories of winners and finalists of the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards at victoriachamber.ca.

If you're flying out of Victoria International Airport, be prepared to get there early and have plenty of patience. The airport's website recently added a live update for the current wait time to get through security screening to help passengers plan ahead. The website currently suggests domestic travellers arrive 90 minutes before their flight, while international travellers give themselves two hours.

A pent-up demand to travel has resulted in long lines at airports across Canada. "This follows two tumultuous years that resulted in a significant number of layoffs throughout the aviation industry, including the security-screening workforce," states a news release from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

Record-breaking gas prices are the latest challenge for businesses that need to transport goods across our region. The cost per litre of regular gas hit $2.219 this week. That compares to $1.526 in December. The rapid increase is partly linked to global shortages caused by sanctions on Russian energy supplies after the invasion of Ukraine. However, supply issues existed before the war began and are expected to become more of a concern as demand for gas increases in the summer.

The sudden jump in gas prices has led to spirited debate in BC's Legislature, and highlighted efforts to switch to alternative fuels.

Unemployment was up slightly for April, with fewer people active in the labour force in Greater Victoria, according to the latest report from Statistics Canada.

Our region's unemployment rate was 4.4% last month, compared to 4.1% in March. There were a total of 228,100 people in the labour force in April, down from 229,800 in March.

For 17 years, the Victoria Foundation has conducted the Vital Signs Citizen Survey to measure social indicators that help us better understand the health of our region. This year's survey went live on May 5 and is open until July 4.

This year's focus is "What does community mean to you?" Data collected from the survey reflects how a community is integrating economic, social and environmental elements and helps policy makers understand where improvements are needed.

Hear from BC Ferries on their plans to evolve our coast ferry system. One of the world's largest marine passenger systems, BC Ferries is an economic driver of our province.

In less than 10 minutes, you can share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.

Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet or tickets for two to this year's Picnic in the Park.

Get your answers in by May 11 to enter to win the early bird prize, free membership and 150 free driving minutes from EVO Car Share."

Picnic in the Park, formerly known as YYJ Eats, is your exclusive chance to enjoy a variety of gourmet food samples, local wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails created and presented by some of Greater Victoria’s most popular restaurants, breweries, wineries, cideries & spirit makers.

If you and your business would like to participate as an exhibitor in Picnic in the Park, please email [email protected] for more details.

The experience of visiting Royal Roads University as a student, a tourist or a resident is unique for everyone — it’s a castle after all!

There are exciting plans in place to transform students' lives and the university campus. Hear more in this Chamber Chat with Royal Roads President and Vice Chancellor Dr Philip Steenkamp.

Thursday, May 12 is Moose Hide Campaign Day — a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys who are standing up against violence towards women and children.

Wearing a moose hide pin signifies commitment to respecting, honouring, and protecting women and children. The campaign was founded to encourage men and boys to step up and take action, challenging behaviour that leads to violence and developing a culture of healthy masculinity.

Everyone is invited to take part in this nationwide anti-violence movement. Here are some ways to spread the important message of the campaign:

Learn more and download additional resources at moosehidecampaign.ca.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.