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On Nov 15th, the South Island Prosperity Project will launch their new Prosperity Index. Find out how our city compares to other major cities across Canada. Tickets available here.
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Opening Doors Slightly
Federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced a three year plan for immigration
today.
The goals for welcoming immigrants to Canada will be 310,000 in 2018, 330,000 in 2019 and 340,000 in 2020. That is up from 300,000 this year. 60% will be in the economic class of migrants and the other 40% will be refugees and family members.
By 2036, 100% of Canada's population growth will be as a result of immigration, said the Minister. Today it accounts for 75%.
Although a positive step forward, in setting longer-term goals instead of annual targets, even the federal government's Advisory Council on Economic Growth has recommended higher levels. They recommended a target of 450,000 newcomers annually by 2021. Current goals will increase Canada's immigration to nearly 1% of the population by 2021.
The Minister didn't provide a new immigrant allocation by province. Current quotas are set for provinces and territories regardless of needs, resulting in lost migration opportunities. The Chamber has been advocating for a higher allocation of immigrants to BC to meet our growing labour needs.
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Canada Child Benefit Doesn't Fix Poverty
This week the federal government
announced it would be using $5.6 billion of its surplus to increase the Canada Child Benefit with the objective of reducing child poverty. That is a good goal and families with income under $30,000 do benefit most from the Canada Child Benefit.
That being said, is it more effective to raise a child out of poverty through a benefit or by helping a parent get and keep a job by making child care more affordable? A parent with a decent salary over a number of decades has a greater impact on a child's standard of living than a subsidy that drops after age six and disappears at age 17.
A recent report by the International Monetary Fund says Canada spends by far the lowest per capita in the OECD countries to make child care more accessible. Canada spends $82 a year per child, the US spends $150 and the median for all countries in the OECD is almost $300.
In Greater Victoria, employers are increasingly desperate for workers. After housing, child care is the single largest expense for a family with young children. For more info The Chamber highlighted the
key issues in the
September Business Matters (affordability, availability and quality) and what the government can do to improve the situation.
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Wake Up and Smell the Awards
Roast magazine's Roaster of the Year awards recognize companies that roast coffees of superior quality, exemplify a dedication to sustainability, promote employee and community education, and demonstrate a strong commitment to the coffee industry, among other criteria.
In 2015, Oughtred Coffee & Tea won the Greater Victoria Business Award for sustainable business practices. Click here to watch their video and click here to nominate a deserving business for the 2018 awards!
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Oughtred Coffee & Tea: member since 1987
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MEMBER SNAPSHOT:
Kelly Hawes
ColdStar is a Vancouver Island company specializing in independent grocery wholesaling, transportation, third party logistics and cold storage which services all of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
What's your favourite thing about your job? Watching food production-fascinating!
What is the best perk of your job? The BC Ferries buffet. I eat there. A lot.
What's your favourite Chamber event? CEO breakfasts. Great networking, business focused and fun.
What is one job you could never do? Having a job that requires sitting at a desk looking at Excel spreadsheets all day.
Favourite activity to do after work with your friends? Drink wine. Any wine.....
What was your first job? Pumping gas and cleaning windshields for $3/hour. The good 'ole days!
What is the best advice you've ever received? In business-surround yourself with the best insurance agent, the best lawyer and the best accountant and NEVER be afraid to hire for your weakness.
What's your favourite mode of transportation to get around town? My Harley.
What's something people don't know about you? Sometimes I drink scotch instead of wine.... On the serious side, I do a lot of mentoring for those trying to start businesses. I am very passionate about that.
| ColdStar Solutions Inc.: member since 2012 |
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Just announced!
BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology
Join us as Minister Ralston outlines the provincial  government's plans for small business and initiatives to expand trades, innovation and technology sectors in this province
Tues, Nov 21 |
11:30 am-1 pm
Union Club of BC
805 Gordon St.
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Members Around Town
Canadian comedian legend Rick Mercer spent Tuesday afternoon filming the Rick Mercer Report at the University of Victoria. Later that afternoon he was on board the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Vector for a maintenance expedition.
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UVic: member since 1976
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This past Saturday the Canada C3 expedition sailed into Victoria's inner harbour marking the end of a 150-day, 23,000 km voyage across three coastlines, through the Northwest Passage. Chamber member the Fish Eye Project joined the expedition in August and filmed the first ever Arctic Live Dive in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
The Fish Eye Project: member since 2017
The City of Victoria is opening a new library in James Bay and is looking for help in naming it! Names could be based on a local person or historical figure, a landmark, or an idea inspired by the James Bay neighbourhood or Victoria. You can submit your suggestions through this survey - the deadline is Nov 19.
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City of Victoria: member since 1962
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Joint Fire Dispatch Good, But Not Good Enough
The City of Victoria and the District of Saanich have agreed in principle to establish a new jointly-owned regional fire dispatch corporation. The Vancouver Island Emergency Dispatch Corporation (VIEDC) will provide fire dispatch to the two municipalities. Saanich currently provides fire dispatch to seven other municipalities within the Capital Region: Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Colwood, Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney.
"A regional fire dispatch is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go to integrate more regional services," says Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "In the
press release they justify the decision to integrate by saying, '...the new integrated service is a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure seamless service to the community.' Imagine how seamless service would be if we had only one fire department that covered the whole region."
Watch for Catherine's more in-depth piece about fire department integration in the November edition of Business Examiner. She will also be the guest speaker at the Grumpy Taxpayers AGM Nov 8, where she'll address the need for better regional governance across the Capital Region. All Chamber members are welcome.
The Hotel Association of Greater Victoria has also written a letter to BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing indicating the need for amalgamation to be further studied in Greater Victoria.
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Interaction Lab Takes Shape at Interurban
Camosun College has officially opened the doors to its
Babcock Canada Interaction Lab. The Lab is an enabler - a technically advanced physical space where students, faculty and staff from diverse disciplines can use cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers, robotic systems, and 3D scanners to turn their ideas into market-ready innovations.
"It's a game-changer for applied learning, interdisciplinary research, and innovation that will drive forward regional economic development with our industry partners," says Dr. Tim Walzak, Director of Camosun Innovates.
Designed to help to position Camosun College as the Pacific coastal region's leading technology, applied research and learning hub to support local industry, it will ensure that the next generation of students and workers are equipped with the skills and experience necessary for real-world success.
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Camosun College: member since 1981
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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
Outstanding Workplace of the Year Award honours a business owner or founder under the age of 35 who:
- Shows a commitment to a healthy work environment through practices that benefit employees physically, intellectually and/or emotionally;
- An exceptional commitment to its employees through competitive employment packages;
- A focus on workplace culture as well as employee recognition and reward programs;
- Is dedicated to providing professional development and/or advancement opportunities;
- Shows diversity in the workplace; and
- Demonstrates their commitment to staff contributes to their success.
Need some inspiration? Check out the videos of the 2017
Outstanding Workplace of the Year finalists below.
Thanks to
CPHR British Columbia & Yukon
for sponsoring this award last year.
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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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