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Minimum Wage Increase Won't Solve Work Force Issues
The
Provincial Fair Wages Commission had its consultation session in Victoria today. The Commission is advising government on "how to move towards a $15-an-hour minimum wage with increases that are regular, measured and predictable." The commission is also "advising on ways to address the discrepancy between the minimum wage and living wage in our province."
Chamber CEO Catherine Holt made a
presentation to the Commission focused on the main work force issue facing Chamber members, which is the difficulty they are having attracting and retaining workers due to factors other than the minimum wage.
"Our problem is that the other things workers need - housing, child care and transportation - are not available or affordable, regardless of what the minimum wage is at," said Catherine. "We need the Province to step in with bigger solutions related to these fundamental work force issues."
Read the
submission to see the solutions recommended by The Chamber.
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Bike Lane Update
Over the past five months the
City of Victoria has been working with agency partners, property owners and major employers to explore transportation needs and develop
emerging designs for the Cook, Humboldt and Wharf street bike lanes.
Highlights of emerging concepts (click the street name for more info):
- Wharf St: 0.7 km two-way bike lane on west side (ocean side) of street from Pandora Ave to Government St.
- Humboldt St: 1 km of traffic-calmed, shared-use streets east of Douglas St to Cook St and and two-way protected bike lanes from Government to Douglas St
- Cook St: 1.2 km of one-way protected bike lanes on each side of the street from Pandora Ave to Pakington St
Click to see an
interactive map of the emerging concepts (includes links to a feedback survey) or simply email the city with your thoughts
here. You can also attend one of the feedback events below:
- Nov 29 (4-5:30 pm): On-street at the corner of Cook and Pandora
- Dec 1 (7:30-9:30 am): Business Breakfast Open House, City Hall Antechamber
- Dec 7 (4:30 - 8:30 pm): Public Open House, Victoria Conference Centre - Oak Bay Room
The city is aiming to start construction on the Wharf, Humboldt and Cook street bike lanes in 2018.
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City of Victoria: member since 1962
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Chair's Holiday Reception 
It's the party of the season - and who would know better than man-about-town, our chair, Al Hasham.
The Chair's Holiday Reception is right around the corner. In the spirit of the season, Al's looking to share the wealth with a swag bag giveaway that night. Contact us Thurs., if you would like to add to the swag and do some holiday marketing!
Looking forward to seeing you there in your funky and/or fabulous business casual attire.
Featured Drink - The Hasham Spiced rum and ginger ale with a splash of cranberry.
Tues, Dec 5 |
5-7 pm
Distrikt Nightclub
, 919 Douglas St.
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BC Electoral Reform
Until Feb. 28, 2018, British Columbians can
provide input to help shape next year's provincial referendum on electoral reform. They also can learn about the characteristics of voting systems used here and elsewhere in the world, and to provide input on key elements of the referendum - including ballot design, choice of voting systems and public funding distribution during the referendum campaign period.
"British Columbians deserve a say in the question of how we elect our members of the legislative assembly, and how our society is governed," said Attorney General David Eby, who launched the engagement in the BC legislature today. "I encourage everyone to visit the engagement website to learn more and participate. We want to hear from all BC voters."
The Electoral Reform Referendum Act, 2018, was introduced in October to establish the referendum, which will be held no later than Nov. 30, 2018.
The referendum will be conducted through a mail-in ballot, with results binding at 50%+1 of the vote provincewide. If a new voting system is approved, legislation will be introduced in time for the 2021 provincial general election.
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Electrifying Transit
In Jan 2018,
BC Transit will trial a 40-foot electric transit bus in Victoria for up to six months. The first stage will involve operational training and evaluation of the bus; after this, the vehicle will be put into regular service for the remainder of the six-month period. BC Transit has trialed green buses in the past, but this will be the first time the participating bus will be put into regular service.
"Sustainability is one of BC Transit's core values," said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit president and Chief Executive Officer. "This trial will provide us with valuable insight into the emerging technology as we look for better ways to connect people and communities."
The electric bus, manufactured by BYD, is powered by a 324-kilowatt hour battery, which will be recharged at a charging station to be located at the Victoria Regional Transit Centre. The vehicle is expected to travel approximately 250 km on a single charge and will be recharged overnight for a period of three to four hours. The manufacturing company will cover the cost of the bus and charging station during the trial.
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BC Transit: member since 1999
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Nominate Now for The Chamber's 2018 Greater Victoria Business Awards
Each week The Chamber will be profiling a different award category, encouraging members to
nominate a deserving Chamber member for our 2018 Business Awards.
The
Business Person of the Year Award honours a person who:
- Is the founder, owner, CEO, President or Senior Executive of a company(ies)
- Exhibits business leadership and vision;
- Displays a significant commitment to the success of both his/her business and the region as a whole; and
- Serves as a positive role model or mentor for other business people
Need some inspiration? Check out the videos of the 2017
Business Person of the Year finalists below.
Thanks to
United Way of Greater Victoria for sponsoring this award last year AND for being our 2018 sponsor as well.
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Festival of Trees
From November 16 to January 2nd, 83 beautiful Christmas trees that were decorated by local business, organizations and individuals are all collecting votes and raising funds for BC Children's Hospital.
Funds raised through Festival of Trees will support the Excellence in Child Health Fund which is supporting research, equipment and rehabilitation. If you vote for your favourite tree you can be assured your donation will go toward an area of high impact. On average, 22 children from Vancouver Island are treated at BC Children's Hospital every day - 5 of which will come from here in Victoria.
This year, The Chamber is excited to have its very own tree. Make sure you visit the Bay Centre and check it out - you may see a familiar face or business card!
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The Bay Centre: member since 1990
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BC Children's Hospital Foundation: member since 2016
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Canadians Outstanding Globally
Stats Canada's released its final set of data from the
2016 census which sheds new light on how Canadians work, study and live.
Highlights:
- Canada has the highest proportion of college graduates among OECD countries.
- More than half of Canadians have a college or university education.
- Greater Victoria has the 5th highest number of the people with a university degree.
- Over half of recent immigrants to Canada have a bachelor's degree or higher.
- 74% of Canadians commuted to work by car, 12% on public transit, 7% by walking or cycling
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South Island Prosperity Index Survey
The
South Island Prosperity Project (SIPP)
is looking for feedback on its first-ever "South Island Prosperity Index". Please take the survey to help supply comprehensive information from which to make decisions, correct our course, and work towards the future that we want for our region. The information from the survey also has the potential to win some federal dollars for the region.
SIPP is leading the region's charge for Infrastructure Canada's Smart Cities Challenge. Communities under 500,000 can win up to $10 million to implement bold and innovative plans to improve the quality of life for their residents.
Be a part of the plan. SIPP will be looking for ideas from the community as part of its Smart South Island Open Innovation Challenge. Top pilot project teams will be invited to pitch their "smart" ideas in front of a live audience and expert panel of judges for a chance to win $15,000 and the possibility to be included in SIPP's federal proposal to Infrastructure Canada. Full details to be release Dec 1.
South Island Prosperity Project: member since 2017
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EcoStar Award Winners
Shining a spotlight on outstanding environmental achievements and leadership by businesses, organizations, and individuals, the third annual EcoStar Awards took place on Thurs, Nov 16th. And in our opinion the brightest light shines on our six Chamber members that won the
2017 EcoStar Awards hosted by
Synergy Sustainability Institute.
Chamber Winners:
Congratulations! To see a complete list of winners click here.
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Lend Santa A Hand
With the holidays right around the corner, lend Santa a hand by taking advantage of discounted worldwide shipping with the UPS Members Benefit Program. As a Chamber member, save 40% off small package shipments across Canada, U.S. and around the world.
This is just one of the many benefits offered to Chamber members. Check out our full list here.
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Welcome to Our Newest Members!
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Chamber Name Tags
 Need to get one of the snazzy new Chamber Name tags?
Email Reception to order yours today.
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