We're now eight months into the pandemic in BC, and businesses are finding their way — often with help from government relief programs that have been rolling out since the spring. On Tuesday, The Chamber hosted the latest offering in our Business Restart Series with tax experts Kris Wirk and Matthew Hohnsbehn. If you didn't have a chance to watch live, you can still view the recorded video.

Kris and Matthew provided insight into the most popular programs, including updates and changes to what you need to apply. This video is particularly timely for businesses that are accessing the wage subsidy, the emergency business account and the recently revised emergency rent subsidy.

Victoria continues to shine on the international stage as Monocle magazine has named our city one of the top five small cities in the world.

“Victoria is at the heart of a vibrant South Island region. Our city has made an effort over the last few years to diversify our economy, especially in our ocean research and technology sectors, drawing new talent and energy into our region,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in the City of Victoria's news release. “Despite the recent challenges of the pandemic, this recognition reinforces the fact that we continue to be one of the most desirable places to live and work in the world.”

Porto, Portugal, topped the list followed by Leuven, Belgium, Itoshima, Japan and Lucerne, Switzerland.

The list features cities that Monocle's editors believe are the best options for people looking to move away from big cities. The top small cities were selected in part because they are well connected internationally, and have progressive and nimble local leadership.

What does local mean to you? The answer to that question will be key to ensuring Greater Victoria is able to recover from the pandemic and gain added resilience as we move forward. As the province ramps up temporary restrictions to try and reduce the transmission of COVID-19, not everyone is being impacted equally. Downtown Victoria, in particular, is facing a difficult few weeks as the provincial government backs away from its plan to move workers back to their offices.

“If people are not coming downtown to work. They are probably not coming downtown to shop,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told CHEK News, noting that suburban hubs are faring better. The Chamber urges people to find ways to support business in need. Why not make a special trip downtown while parking is abundant and protocols are in place to ensure customers' safety? It's also easy to support businesses by purchasing from them online for pickup or delivery.

The Downtown Victoria Business Association has a Shop Downtown from Home campaign underway encouraging locals to support businesses in the downtown core.

Please do what you can to support each other so we can get through this together. #InItTogetherYYJ #ChamberLocalVicBC

The Chamber has been a vocal advocate for increased immigration as Vancouver Island is facing a severe labour shortage over the next decade. On Oct. 30, the federal government announced an ambitious increase to immigration levels to try and make up for the low number of new arrivals this year.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Minister Marco Mendicino said Canada will bring in 401,000 immigrants next year, 411,000 in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023.

"It’s difficult to predict exactly how many newcomers will arrive in the Capital Region over the next three years," the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria says in its latest newsletter. "Usually, we see roughly 2,000 annually."

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is calling on government to ensure new arrivals to Canada are a match for sectors that need workers. The pandemic has skewed the unemployment rate, though the fundamental concerns will likely still be there after the economy recovers.

Canada's Economic Development Minister Melanie Joly said BC could have its own agency to help businesses bounce forward after COVID-19.

“We need to be much more focused on British Columbians’ realities and needs, and the pandemic has exacerbated this reality,” Joly said in a report by Postmedia this week. "When you look at other regions of the country, there is a very strong presence of the federal government. But that’s not necessarily the case as much in British Columbia.”

The Western Economic Diversification Agency currently serves BC as well as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Joly was a guest speaker last Friday at the South Island Prosperity Partnership's Rising Economy Week.

Joly, pictured above, spoke to Chamber members last year as part of our Business Leader Series of luncheons.

Now is the time to take advantage of your health insurance coverage through your Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan.

Before the calendar year ends, make sure you schedule in a visit to your local dentist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or acupuncturist to ensure you use the coverage you’re provided. Depending on your plan, your funds may not carry over into 2021.

Interested in learning more? For over 17 years, Jack Insurance and Financial Services has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses. Email [email protected] to learn more!

During these extraordinary times, The Chamber’s Job Board connects employers needing help with employees in need of work.

Whether you’re a CEO, small business owner, or a manager looking for talent, finding and retaining employees is crucial.

Learn more about how to post on the job board here. ​If you have any questions about posting, please email [email protected]

Each week, The Chamber will profile one of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.

Outstanding Customer Service honours a business that:

Need some inspiration? Check out the videos of the 2020 Outstanding Customer Service finalists below. Thanks to Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc. for sponsoring this award.

WINNER: Victoria Comfort Keepers

FINALIST: Victoria HarbourCats