Saanich-based director and co-producer Arnold Lim (centre) guides crew members before shooting a scene for the feature film All-in Madonna. The film was shot in and around Victoria and the South Island in 2019. (Photo by Patrick Coble/Blue Lake Films)

The Chamber applauds Monday's news that the province has purchased 3.4 hectares of land at Thetis Cove in View Royal for $13 million to support reconciliation with Esquimalt Nation.

Working with First Nations is vital for the long-term resilience of Greater Victoria's economy. Indigenous communities can help regional employers fill job vacancies without having to hope for migration from other parts of Canada. Local populations are also key to innovations that will allow businesses to provide solutions to climate change.

The province will hold the property during negotiations with Esquimalt Nation, which are expected to take up to five years.

“While we are at the beginning of our discussions with Esquimalt Nation and the broader community about the land, we see its significant potential for supporting Esquimalt Nation to thrive and prosper, which benefits everyone who lives in the region,” BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin said in a news release.

The deal will also support treaty discussions with the Songhees Nation, as well as providing new opportunities for View Royal.

“We are looking forward to working with Esquimalt Nation and the Province in a collaborative way that considers all of our interests as the future plans for Thetis Cove are developed,” said View Royal Mayor David Screech. “As neighbours, Esquimalt Nation and View Royal have much to gain from working together.”

When the world changes, we all need to change with it. One of the best ways to ensure BC has a workforce with the skills needed to fill new jobs being created is through training.

On Monday, the provincial government announced $4 million for micro-credentials programs to provide the education and skills required for high-demand occupations. BC's Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training worked with post-secondary institutions — including the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Royal Roads University — to develop 24 micro-credential programs.

Half of the funding for the program comes from the federal government, with the province covering the other half. Course are designed for working people with families, and take weeks rather than months to complete.

Greater Victoria's unemployment rate was 5% in January, down from 5.8% in December. The region's unemployment rate was 11% last July. The number of people in the labour force was 217,000 in January. That's down from 221,000 in January 2020.

"Our region typically has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, so it's good to see us getting closer to where we were before the pandemic," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "On the other hand, there are people who have left the workforce who will be needed as our economy recovers. Employment flexibility and accessible childcare remain key to bringing them back."

The federal government is about to make it harder for people to travel across land borders. Starting on Monday, all non-essential travellers will need to provide evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test before they get to the border. The requirement is currently in place for air travellers. Showing up without proof of a test could result in a $3,000 fine. The new enforcement is in addition to the requirement to quarantine for 14 days after arrival in Canada.

Three of the most important issues facing our membership and region will be addressed over three weeks as The Chamber hosts these high-profile provincial ministers. Book your ticket today.

Thank you to TD Bank Group for sponsoring the following events:

There was good news for Greater Victoria's office market as the vacancy rate remains lower than expected. As with most things these days, there is still plenty of uncertainty about what will happen when government programs that have buffered the market are removed.

According to Colliers International's latest Victoria Office Market Report, the overall vacancy rate was 6.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020. That's up from 5.9% the previous quarter. The report credits the relatively stable numbers to the public sector and tech businesses, which account for a large portion of office inventory in Greater Victoria.

Businesses that have lost revenue because of the pandemic are depending on a successful immunization rollout so the economy can begin a full recovery and allow government to end subsidies.

The report forecasts that demand for quality office space in good locations will continue to be strong after the pandemic.

The suspension of cruise ships in Canada until March 2022 is devastating news for the many businesses in Greater Victoria that served the industry. The move is necessary to protect public health, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority released a statement that is committed to being ready to welcome passengers and crews back to our region once it's safe to do so.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams spoke with Global News after the announcement to voice concern for vulnerable businesses.

The Chamber continues to advocate for focused relief to ensure all businesses have an opportunity to get through the pandemic. On Monday, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams was on a province-wide broadcast on CBC Radio speaking about what government needs to do to help specific sectors.

As well, on our national Chamber network, Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty interviewed Arlene Dickinson, a noted investor and former cast member on Dragons' Den, about the opportunities awaiting businesses that pull together on a local level and embrace innovation.

Beatty was also a recent guest of The Chamber's Business Restart Series, discussing what's in store for Canada-US relations under the Biden administration.

In his latest contribution to Douglas Magazine, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says we need to use the experience we've gained over the last year.

"In some ways, we’re back where we started in March 2020, when we first began to understand the severity of the novel coronavirus spreading across the planet," Williams says. "We don’t really know what the next two weeks will hold. And while it’s natural to feel fed up with our situation, we have the benefit of experience. Let’s focus on what we can control in the moment, not on what we can’t in the future."

Our Chamber Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK, CIBC, Kinetic Construction Ltd., Knappett Projects Inc., MNP, RBC, Seaspan, TELUS Business and the University of Victoria.

Learn more about how these organizations are championing the work of The Chamber.

Spread the love this long weekend by taking advantage of free Family Day activities across Greater Victoria.

Whether you’re spending the day with a loved one, or having a special day for yourself, The Chamber wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!

The sudden change to cold weather as we head in to the depths of winter can be a tough time for many people. Going through a pandemic makes these days even more demanding on our mental health and well-being. Check out this mini-guide designed to help employers provide workers with specific tools and resources during the winter months.

As always, The Chamber’s Job Board is here to help you connect great employers with employees in need of work.

Learn more about how to post on the job board here. ​If you have any questions about posting, please email members@victoriachamber.ca