Tuesday, Health Canada changed its position on the efficacy of home testing for COVID and are now reviewing approval for this option.

Described as "similar to home pregnancy tests" prototypes exist in research labs, but concerns remain high that people may use the test incorrectly or misinterpret the results. Much like a pregnancy test, the home test does not negate the need for medical follow-up.

"In response to the evolution of the pandemic, Health Canada is now considering applications for home testing devices for screening purposes," said Cole Davidson, spokesperson for the Minister of Health said in a statement.

This is positive news for health experts who have long argued that frequent, accessible testing would provide a positive results in keeping the sick at home and beating the pandemic.

The federal government has also secured deals this week for up to 114 million doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines from Novovax and Johnson & Johnson. The government has hedged its bets for public health by also signing agreements for another 76 million vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with a final agreement with Oxford University's AstraZeneca vaccine pending. Ottawa's final goal is production of the vaccine in Canada.

One of this year's Business Award finalists - Maple Leaf Adventures - is one of the co-leads on a project to shine-up the phrase, Canada's pristine wilderness.

“When it became clear we would not be able to operate under normal circumstances this summer and had to cancel a sold-out season, we turned our attention to the environment to give back to the coast that sustains us,” says Kevin Smith, CEO of Maple Leaf Adventures and co-lead on the project.

Working collaboratively with other small ship tour operators, local first nations, provincial scientists and with funding from the provincial government the project became a reality. The massive cleanup of up to 1,000 km of coastal beaches along the Great Bear Rainforest, is projected to take 100 tonnes of marine waste out of the eco-system over the next few weeks. Kudos to the 175 people from the surrounding first nations and tour companies, involved in this #BCCoastalCleanup.

Learn more about Maple Leaf Adventures, during the CHEK broadcast of this year's Business Awards on Sept 19th at 6 p.m.

The stamp of marching feet has been drilled into the Naden Drill Shed since it was put up in 1941 as part of the WWII efforts on the base at CFB Esquimalt.

As part of the ongoing infrastructure projects that CFB Esquimalt is undertaking the shed is being upgraded to a Junior Ranks Training Accommodation building. The new, multi-storey facility will include a 200-bed capacity. The existing shed, pictured here, was demolished and the site decontaminated earlier this year.

The project will bring between $100 million to $249 million in spending to the region. Construction is targeted for 2022-23 with completion by 2026-27.

More exciting things are being planned for the working harbour. The Ralmax Group is investing in a forward-thinking storage facility run by Trio Ready-Mix.

Working with Synergy Sustainability, the new plant with silo will "set a standard for low-impact concrete production" changing delivery methods from truck to barge and providing a more efficient footprint using fewer resources. An application has been made to the City of Victoria for a variance for the 31-metre silo.

In addition to the environmental advantage the design for the silo includes cladding and changing lights in order to enhance the shoreline views. Ian Maxwell has a long-term vision that industry can and should contribute to the overall beauty of our shoreline.

Watch the 2020 Greater Victoria Business Awards live on CHEK Saturday, September 19 at 6 p.m. The program recognizes members in 14 different award categories. Click here to see the 2020 finalists!

Join in the celebration and dine-in with special award menu options from Chamber members House of Boateng, Toque Catering, Truffles Catering and Food for Thought Catering. Thank you for choosing to support Chamber members.

If you're an employer looking for your next great hire, make sure to post your career opportunities on the Chamber job board.

The job board is an exclusive benefit of Chamber membership.

If you have any difficulty posting, email [email protected].

We will get back to you within one business day. We know how important hiring the right person can be.

All jobs posted to our job board have been vetted by a member of The Chamber team.