BizNews

^{March 13, 2024}

Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!

Leading to election — breakfast with Premier Eby

Chamber members have an opportunity for a seat at the table with BC's Premier as The Chamber hosts the Hon. David Eby on April 30 for a breakfast and discussion about business in BC.

"We know our members have many questions for the Premier during this electing year, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to get answers and learn more about the government's plans to help the private sector strengthen our economy," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

The MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey became leader of the BC NDP in October 2022 and BC Premier in November 2022. Before he was elected, Eby was the Executive Director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia, and president of the HIV/AIDS Legal Network. He also served on the Vancouver Foundation's Health and Social Development Committee.

Chamber events are always popular so reserve your spot now to ensure you have a seat at the table.

Leading to Election: Breakfast with Premier Eby

Tuesday, April 30
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Venue provided upon registration

Work begins on Belleville Terminal redevelopment

Contracts have been announced for construction on the Belleville Terminal redevelopment project, which will give our region a secure, modern pre-clearance terminal to act as an international gateway for goods, services and passengers.

Work will begin immediately on a temporary terminal, with estimated completion in fall 2024. Offsite work on a new wharf will begin soon near Cowichan Bay, before moving to the Inner Harbour this summer. The project is also advancing toward the Phase II permanent upgrades to the terminal.

"As a gateway to Canada, to British Columbia and to our region, Belleville Terminal serves as a vital connection point for trade and tourism. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has made the case for modernization for more than 20 years," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said when the province announced the redevelopment would begin this year. "I'm encouraged to see progress being made now. There is an urgency to ensure Belleville can continue to serve as an important border crossing and point of entry, and the time is now for this project to happen."

During construction, pedestrians won't have access to the causeway behind the Steamship building. There will be no impact to Clipper and Coho ferry sailings.

The upgrade brings the terminal into compliance with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Pre-clearance Agreement, and will streamline travel by allowing passengers to complete the customs and immigration process in Victoria prior to disembarking in the US. Visitors spend $174 million annually, generating $268 million in economic output and $155 million in provincial gross domestic product, according to the media release.

The project is expected to be complete in time for the 2028 tourism season, with a budget of $303.9 million and a $41.6-million federal contribution.

Flower Count winners announced tonight on CHEK

The 49th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count is officially finished, with billions of bulbs counted over the last week.

“We've had another successful Flower Count, and I think we all welcome the beautiful blooms that are the first signs that spring has arrived in the city with the mildest climate in Canada, as it will soon for the rest of the country,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said. “The only thing more impressive than the number of flowers counted, is the enthusiasm and joy this tradition brings to our region.Thank you to our sponsors and prize donors for making it such a great event.”

Part of the fun is the competition between Greater Victoria municipalities to see which has the most blooms. A separate contest engaged Grade 4 and 5 students, with the winning class getting a trip via L.A. Limousines to The Butchart Gardens.

You can tune into CHEK News' March 13 evening newscast to find out the Bloomingest community in Greater Victoria as well as the winning elementary school classroom.

Go to flowercount.ca to see the final count for your community. The winner of a $500 gift card from Pedego Victoria will be announced Friday.

Destination Greater Victoria: Member since 1988

L.A. Limousines: Member since 2013

Pedego Victoria: Member since 2022

CHEK News: Member since 1971

Federal minister talks trade with chamber members

A special roundtable held today gave Chamber members doing business in the US a chance to talk trade directly with federal Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng.

During the face-to-face meeting, the Minister said that Canadian businesses are all part of a Team Canada approach needed to remind Americans that Canadians are key customers and important allies.

“The US is our closest friend and biggest trading partner. No one knows that better than Greater Victoria businesses — the US is BC’s biggest customer, importing more than $30 million in goods and services annually," Minister Ng told The Chamber after the meeting. "Through our Team Canada engagement, we are working together at all levels to make sure Canada and our relationship with the US stays centered in the minds of Americans. That effort needs the help of our businesses, like the members of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, to help highlight the incredible strength of this partnership. At the heart of this work is advancing opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses, and communities across the country and right here in BC.”

Among the many questions brought up during the discussion were challenges with the development of innovative mining equipment. Canadian firms face unfair competition from some overseas companies that don't have the same strict environmental and labour standards. Minister Ng noted that the Canada United States Mexico Agreement can give BC companies an edge because it includes prohibitions against trade that involves forced labour or bad environmental practices.

The Minister also heard from Chamber members who wanted help making the connections needed to get products on US shelves, as well as others asking for a better coordinated national approach to procurement and distribution of goods and services.

To share questions or comments with the Minister's team, email [email protected].

Perrin Beatty leaving Canadian Chamber on Aug. 31

The national network of Chambers of Commerce has big shoes to fill, after current CEO Perrin Beatty announced he is stepping down from the Canadian Chamber on Aug. 31.

Beatty's leadership during the pandemic provided critical support for business by advising governments. This led to a fundamental shift in the Canadian Chamber’s mandate and structure.

“Not only have we added new tools and services for Canadian businesses and chambers and boards of trade across the country, but we have grown substantially, doubling our revenues over just the last four years,” said Beatty, who is the longest serving leader in the national organizations 99-year history. “Along the way, we have modernized our governance structure, built a skilled and respected team, strengthened our grassroots network of chambers and boards of trade and provided a strong and influential voice for Canada’s business community.”

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams worked with Beatty on several initiatives over the past four years.

"Perrin is a master communicator and connector, and I'm grateful for having the chance to learn from him," Williams said. "He recognized that growing the national chamber required listening to and supporting regional chambers such as the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The symbiotic relationship we built has made our organizations more resilient than ever."

Minister Freeland visits Victoria ahead of fed budget

Canada's Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland made a surprise visit to Victoria on Monday for a meeting with BC Premier David Eby.

With the federal budget coming on April 16, Freeland was in town to promote her government's investment in housing across Canada.

"For me, it's actually pretty simple," Freeland said at a media event ahead of her meeting with Eby. "It's housing, housing, housing. Supply, supply, supply, affordability, a strong economic plan that delivers great jobs and a real focus on younger Canadians."

Freeland stated $34 million in federal funding has helped create homes in Greater Victoria — something the Greater Victoria chamber continues to call for to help our region meet the demand at the root of housing affordability.

Freeland highlighted Sawyer Block on Fort Street, which has 60 rental apartments, and a project in Cook Street Village that helped build 47 rental apartments.

"Through the Apartment Construction Loan Program, we will also be offering low-cost loans to post-secondary institutions — like the University of Victoria ... so that they can build more student housing on- and off-campus," Freeland said in her presentation. "This will help more students to find housing they can afford close to where they study, and at the same time, it will mean that there are more homes available for those who live in those same communities year-round."

Adding on-campus housing is another long-standing chamber advocacy priority, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

"This is a big win for our advocacy work. We know that one of the biggest challenges for building homes in Greater Victoria is our land constraints," Williams said. "Post-secondaries have the space. They need the right financing to make housing work and this is part of that solution."

Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams

ICA helps people new to Canada build a life in Greater Victoria

CEO Bruce Williams talks with subject matter experts

Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria:

Member since 1996

Chamber Chats

Immigrants to Greater Victoria encounter opportunities but also challenges as they settle into life in their new home. In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Intercultural Association CEO Shelly D’Mello about the work the ICA does providing services and programs.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Meet with their local experts for solutions as unique as your business.

Chamber Events

Member News @VictoriaChamber

Click the image to read and share the Member News story on Instagram

Maritime Museum of BC to host “Float the Boat” fundraising campaign.

Maritime Museum of BC:

Member since 1989

Hotel Zed Victoria unveils 10-Year anniversary makeover.

Accent Inns | Hotel Zed:

Member since 1992

MNP announces merger with two BC-based HR consulting firms.

MNP LLP:

Member since 2013

Grant Thornton Launches 2024 Women in Business Report.

Grant Thornton LLP:

Member since 1973

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Hire right in 2024 with The Chamber's job board

Make sure potential employees know about the opportunities that you offer when they work with you. If you have any questions or need help uploading your job, email us at [email protected].