Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Feds suspend vaccination mandate for air and rail |
Starting June 20, travellers will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination when boarding a plane or train in Canada. Federally regulated workers will also no longer need to reveal their vaccination status.
The federal government has opted to suspend the requirements, which could be reinstated if the COVID-19 situation changes.
The change does not affect the steps that need to be taken by Canadians returning from international travel. As well, travelling to other countries requires following their entry rules, including proof of vaccination to enter the US.
Meanwhile, long lineups continue at Service Canada centres caused by people seeking to renew their passport. An additional 600 workers were hired this month to help alleviate the backlog as passport applications jumped.
The federal government expects as many as 4.3 million applications over the next two years. Almost 1.3 million passports applications were processed between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. That compares to 363,000 the previous year.
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Chamber supports fair rules for short-term rentals |
Digital platforms allowing people to book short-term rental accommodation have been one of the disruptive innovations that will define the past decade.
The Chamber advocates for Fair Rules for new and established businesses and supports new initiatives to level the playing field. One proposal is to require companies promoting short-term rentals to share information with local governments. This would help municipalities track and ensure all businesses providing accommodation are licensed.
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Healthy job growth as more workers back to full-time |
A notable increase in full-time work helped drive job numbers for May, Statistics Canada said. The figures also show that absences from work due to illness or disability are back to pre-pandemic levels. Statistics Canada also said that wages grew by 3.9% ($1.18) in May compared to the same month last year.
Though work still needs to be done to close the gender wage gap, salaries among women have grown by 17.8% since January 2018, compared to 14.9% for men. Students are also experiencing higher wages, with average hourly wages up 5.7% year over year.
Other trends include one in five Canadians working exclusively from home, the same as the previous month, while slightly more (6.3%, up 0.5%) employees reported splitting time between home and office.
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Call goes out for feds and province to save Island rail |
The Town of View Royal voted last week to ask the provincial and federal governments to commit to maintaining the corridor. In a 2021 ruling, the BC Court of Appeal gave the federal government until March 2023 to clarify its intentions for the future of the corridor. The Island Corridor Foundation has released a business case for restoring rail service. All that's needed is the political will to make it happen.
“We want to bring real focus to this problem that we need to solve, and we need the upper levels of government to solve it with us,” View Royal Mayor David Screech told the Goldstream News Gazette.
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Capital Regional District: Member since 1993 |
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Town of View Royal: Member since 2020 |
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Island Corridor Foundation: Member since 2020 |
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Survey reveals milestone for Interac e-transfers |
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More than one billion Interac e-transfers were conducted by Canadians between April 2021 and April 2022, setting a new milestone, the company said.
It's the first time that number was reached in the 20 years the service has existed. Almost 90% of Canadians have sent cash by e-transfer, sharing $338 billion over the 12 month period. The numbers are from a recent survey by Interac about how different demographics are using the service.
“Each generation is navigating the changing economic conditions, and we see the rising trend in Canadians, especially younger ones, using their own money for the simple joys of shared experiences with friends and family,” Interac spokesperson William Keliehor said in a statement. |
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Supporting local restaurants continues with the Picnics & Patios Campaign |
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Support local restaurants and win great weekly prizes with the Greater Victoria Picnics & Patios Campaign!
Congratulations to @akthede for winning last week’s prize: a $75 gift card to their favourite restaurant, Wind Cries Mary!
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Don’t miss your chance to win this week’s prize:
Tag your favourite restaurant and two friends on this week’s #PicnicsPatiosVicBC giveaway post for a chance to win a $75 gift card of your choice!
Share a photo of your summertime snack and use the hashtag #PicnicsPatiosVicBC for five (5) additional entries!
By participating in the Picnics & Patios campaign this week, you will also be entered to win the Grand Prize: A $200 gift card to the restaurant of your choice + a prize pack of local goodies.
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Community Partners & Sponsors: |
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Join Dr. Kevin Hall, president of the University of Victoria, as he shares key findings from UVic's Economic Impact Report and asks for your feedback on the development of UVic's next strategic plan.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch while providing input to shape the future direction of Victoria's largest post-secondary institution and it's continued support of the Greater Victoria economy.
Sponsored by:
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Thinking about running for municipal council? |
This session will offer transparency on what being a Mayor or Councillor entails, ensuring that potential candidates are better informed about what to expect when elected, making better community representatives.
Join Allison Habkirk, former Mayor and Councillor for the District of Central Saanich, as she answers key questions to help inform candidates and the general public of what makes good municipal candidates and councils. She will also share her key learnings from her experience as Mayor.
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Wed., June 29 | 12-1:30 PM
Virtual via Airmeet
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The best of both worlds!
July Mixer & Mingle
@ The Fort Common
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We are thrilled to bring together our monthly Business Mixer and Prodigy Group Mingle to build new connections this July!
Join us on Wednesday, July 20 at the gorgeous Fort Commons for an evening of connections, food, drinks, and fun. Stay tuned for an event theme announcement soon!
This vibrant, after hours business social event provides an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to meet face-to-face, establishing or renewing valuable business relationships.
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You could win two round-trip flights to Vancouver by answering 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. Are you getting your full membership value?
Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet.
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National Indigenous Peoples Day |
Tuesday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day – a time to celebrate Indigenous culture and learn more about ways to support Indigenous business across the region.
The Chamber is proud to work with local Nations and a diverse membership as we continue to support Indigenous businesses in our community. Find a list of Indigenous-owned Chamber members here.
There are many different ways to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Royal Roads University will be hosting a canoe challenge, nature walks, and field games on the 21st. Visitors will be able to experience Indigenous art and music while joining a craft table or purchasing goods from an Indigenous vendor.
Now is the time to listen with purpose as we all move towards the path to reconciliation. The Chamber encourages our members to take a moment this Tuesday to acknowledge and respect the people whose land we call home.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
Skills Training at Camosun College
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As workforce challenges continue in our economy, skills training is more important than ever.
In this Chamber Chat, we hear perspective from Camosun College President Dr Lane Trotter.
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Camosun College: Member since 1981 |
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Have a fan-stache-tic Father’s Day |
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Make sure dad feels special this Father's Day! Whether you are relaxing in the backyard or visiting a great local restaurant, bar or pub to celebrate the day, show your appreciation.
Need a gift suggestion? You can't go wrong with tried-and-true favorites:
Whether you’re taking the day to celebrate in-person with your dad, or if you’re celebrating from afar, we hope you have a fun and relaxing Father’s Day!
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Elevate your job to the top of The Chamber’s job board! |
Are you looking to get extra attention on your job board post? For an extra $45 USD per listing, shoot your job to the top of the job board and increase the number of jobseekers that view your offer.
Your job will also have a highlighted “FEATURED” badge and will be published to the Google Jobs Network.
You can also upgrade your previously posted positions to ensure your job opening gets the most views over time.
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The University of Victoria’s transit exchange is receiving a $4.5 million upgrade this summer, increasing accessibility for riders on BC Transit. It's the second-most frequented destination for BC Transit in Greater Victoria. The upgrades will replace old bus shelters, add new lighting and signage and other improvements to help with safety.
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
Vancouver Island tech in the spotlight
MazumaGo: Member since 2021
RaceRocks3D: Member since 2020
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Broken Promises exhibit highlights Japanese Canadian resilience
The Royal BC Museum has unveiled a new exhibit to teach visitors about the history of Japanese Canadian dispossession. The Broken Promises exhibit brings attention to the injustice caused by the internment of 21,000 individuals of Japanese descent in BC in the 1940s, and the subsequent removal of their property and personal belongings. The exhibit, created by the Landscapes of Injustice project, at the University of Victoria, tells the story of the generational trauma caused by the mass displacement and the resilience of the Japanese Canadian community.
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Royal BC Museum: Member since 1994 |
University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
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Building Chateau Victoria brick by brick
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CHEK News: Member since 1971 |
CHEK News: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites: Member since 1974 |
Three local hotels receive national accolades
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Oswego Hotel: Member since 2007 |
Magnolia Hotel & Spa: Member since 1998 |
Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Member since 2011 |
Local artists wanted!
Applications are now open for the City of Victoria’s Artist in Residence program. From now until July 4, artists across the region are invited to submit an expression of interest to work with the city to develop a dynamic art plan over a two-year term. |
City of Victoria: Member since 1962 |
Safety and beer go hand-in-hand
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Vancouver Island Brewing: Member since 1993 |
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Member to Member Discounts |
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BC Ferries Connector operated by the Wilson's Group |
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Canada Hire Recruitment & Staffing |
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Iris Optometrists and Opticians |
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Welcome to our newest members! |
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Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags? |
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250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
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