All in all, the rollout of BC's new proof of vaccination requirements has been smooth for most businesses in Greater Victoria. Unfortunately, there have also been reports of rare but disturbing incidents of misplaced anger at businesses and their staff.

"The province has ordered businesses to comply with this order, so anyone who has concerns about the rules should not be bullying people who are trying to make a living. It's not their rule," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We've been working with our community partners on posters and other materials that we hope will remind everyone that we need to continue to be kind and patient while these requirements are in place."

The Chamber also supports ongoing advocacy efforts underway to ensure the burden of enforcing the vaccine card is not placed solely on the shoulders of business.

"It has been a tough 18 months for restaurants and retailers, and they've worked extremely hard to keep their businesses operating. We can't risk that by making it even harder on them by adding new challenges," Williams said. "Getting your proof of vaccine is a simple process and only takes a few seconds to check. This will be a temporary measure, and it allows businesses to stay open and let's all of us get back to the things we enjoy."

The Chamber has been a vocal advocate for immunization as the best way forward. The data from today's update by BC's Ministry of Health shows that, after factoring for age, people not vaccinated are 37.9 times more likely to be hospitalized than those fully vaccinated.

Election ballots were emailed Thursday, Sept. 9, to the main contact of every Chamber member. The Chamber uses a weighted voting system, based on your organization's number of employees. Voting will close at noon Thursday, Oct. 7.

Personal write-ups for each of the nominees are included with the electronic ballot. You can also view the nominees on The Chamber’s website here.

This week, hear from candidates from the four main political parties running in the four ridings in Greater Victoria on issues affecting our businesses and region’s economic environment. Tune in to The Chamber’s Facebook page to watch or register below to receive an event reminder leading up to the livestream.  

There is a new timeline for the E&N Rail corridor. The BC Court of Appeal has given the federal government 18 months to get rail service back. The last passenger service ended in 2011.

Larry Stevenson, CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation, told CHEK the court ruling is good news but it will take time to understand all of the implications of the court's more than 100-page decision.

After 18 months, the court said it would be open to re-examining the future of a 10-acre right-of-way running through the Snaw’naw’as First Nation near Nanoose Bay.

Greater Victoria had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada in August, according to Statistics Canada's latest Labour Force Survey. The seasonally adjusted rate was 4.2% for our region, below the 4.4% rate of our traditional rival Quebec City. Lethbridge was also at 4.4%.

Last August, Greater Victoria's unemployment rate was 10.7%.

The provincial government's financial picture was better than expected in the first quarter, with the year-end deficit projected to be $4.8 billion — about half of what was initially forecast five months ago in the 2021 budget.

The Chamber recently presented to BC's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services to advocate for policies that will help grow the economy and allow the province to return to budget surpluses.

The updated numbers show that BC's economy is rebounding, and that the province has the capacity to continue helping hard hit sectors, such as tourism and transportation, until they can fully participate in the recovery.

The Chamber applauds a new initiative by the Town of View Royal to make it easier for the public to track the municipality's spending.

View Royal's new budget variance dashboard provides detailed info on operational finances in a number of areas, and allows comparisons of this year's figures to previous years.

For those of you engaging in this year's ClimbUp campaign, consider it early training.

For details about this event, including best choice for all levels of physical capability, click here.

Thurs., Sept. 16 | 5 - 6 PM

Zoom

The Chamber has a number of active and engaged committees that report to our Board of Directors. A key reason for the success of our board committees is the involvement of our Chamber members as volunteer committee members.

Each year, there are a few openings on our committees for new members. We are recruiting now for members who will be available starting on Jan. 1, 2022 for at least a two-year term. Here are our committees:

The opportunity to apply for any of the above committees will be open until Oct. 15, 2021. At the end of the application period, the chair of the committee will be in contact by email or phone.

Did you miss your spring-cleaning opportunity this year? There’s no time like the present to tidy your surroundings and prepare for a productive fall and winter.

Many Chamber members are still offering cleaning options for offices, including disinfecting services, janitorial services, and industrial steam cleaning. And as you reduce, reuse and recycle you'll feel invigorated. Make sure you don’t neglect cleaning your carpets, rugs, or upholstery!

Still working from home? Check out Chamber member house cleaning services to ensure your home is cleaned efficiently and safely.

Take a sneak peek at an incredible item available at the 2021 Virtual Chamber Auction from Nov. 7 – 14!

Read to your heart's desire with a $75 gift card to Munro's Books and carry your purchases home in your brand-new canvas tote – Kindly donated by Munro’s Books

Interested in having your products or services showcased at our auction?

Fill out our 2021 Auction Donation Form, call (250) 383-7191 or email [email protected]

As an event sponsor, Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics is offering donors complimentary delivery of their auction item to The Chamber Office.

How much do you know about Chamber Member the Victoria Native Friendship Centre?

Some surprises and better understanding are included in this Chamber Chat with Executive Director Ron Rice.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

More information on UVic Co-op and Camosun Co-op

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.