Municipal News

Saanich and Victoria Councils Unanimously Move Amalgamation Discussion Forward

The question will come in the upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for October 17, 2026. Additionally, Victoria staff will return to council to determine if more public information is needed to ensure voters can make an informed decision.

Member News

Victoria’s Tech Sector Receives $2.5M in Federal Support

Eleven high-potential tech ventures in Greater Victoria are growing through VIATEC’s new BOOST initiative, which fast-tracks growth and impact. Funded by a $2.5-million investment from PacifiCan’s Business Acceleration Pilot, the program provides each company with $45,000 in flexible funding, alongside expert mentorship and tailored resources.

BOOST is designed to meet startups and scale-ups where they are, while supporting their self-directed growth strategies to accelerate market expansion, job creation and innovation in the region. The eleven recipients, ranging from biotech and software to green tech and brewing, were selected through a competitive process based on their growth readiness, leadership and scalability.

Provincial News

Premier Eby Shuffles Cabinet to Prioritize Jobs and Economic Growth

Premier David Eby recently announced a significant cabinet shuffle designed to centre jobs, the economy and public service resilience at the heart of B.C.’s government agenda. Key appointments include Ravi Kahlon as Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Nina Krieger as Minister of Public Safety and Rick Glumac as Minister of State for AI and New Technologies, highlighting the province’s focus on innovation and forward-looking leadership.

"As the BC government navigates increasing economic uncertainty with today's cabinet changes, we extend our sincere thanks to Minister Diana Gibson for her dedicated work in Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation," says SIPP CEO Aaron Stone.

"We also want to warmly welcome Ravi Kahlon to his new role as Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to best position Greater Victoria as a region that's leading in the future of British Columbia. We're not just looking to grow our economy; we're focused on cultivating an economy that benefits everyone and champions the values we hold dear."

Provincial News

B.C. Attracts Hundreds of U.S. Healthcare Workers with New Campaign

B.C. is seeing strong early results from its healthcare recruitment campaign, launched in March to attract doctors, nurses and allied professionals to the province. More than 2,250 healthcare workers have expressed interest in relocating to B.C., with nearly 800 job applications submitted in May and June alone — 780 of them from U.S. applicants, including 112 targeting the Island Health region.

Greater Victoria is only one of five places in all of Canada where the percentage of the population over the age of 85 exceeds 3%. This means our needs for healthcare services will be increasingly acute as this 85+ population uses more services than other age cohorts. We need to capitalize on this opportunity.

"It's essential that Greater Victoria deliberately put ourselves on the radar for these healthcare workers and support them to move, settle and thrive here - including their spouses and families," says Dallas Gislason, SIPP's Deputy Director of Regional Economies. "We need to ensure their spouses have good jobs, that their children and families are supported and that they find their 'sense of community', especially for those coming in with language or cultural barriers. This is more than just a Ministry of Health issue, this is an opportunity to build community and keep healthcare workers thriving here for their entire careers"

Member News

Victoria Airport Targets Global Reach with Terminal Expansion, New Routes

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is preparing for a major transformation to keep pace with rising passenger demand and changing aircraft types. With traffic projected to surpass 2 million passengers this year, YYJ is considering fast-tracking elements of its 20-year master plan, including a new two-storey departure pavilion, an expanded terminal with improved baggage systems and security screening and more sky bridges to accommodate the increasing use of jet aircraft.

The expansion would also include new concessions, a restaurant and potentially an outdoor deck. CEO Elizabeth Brown says the airport is targeting new domestic and international routes, including potential future service to Halifax, the Caribbean and even Europe, pending aircraft and runway capabilities.

Provincial News

B.C. Adds 5,000 Jobs in June, but Labour Market Shows Mixed Signals

B.C.’s job market remained relatively stable in June, posting a modest gain of 5,000 jobs, which is the fourth straight month of employment growth. However, the gains were driven entirely by part-time work (+21,300), masking a loss of 16,300 full-time jobs. The accommodation and food services sector rebounded with 8,000 new positions, recovering from similar losses the month prior, while the tech sector added 2,500 jobs. Meanwhile, key sectors such as manufacturing, construction and transportation all recorded job losses.

B.C.’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.6%, down 0.8 percentage points, largely due to people leaving the workforce. Nationally, Canada added 83,000 jobs in June and saw its unemployment rate dip slightly to 6.9%. Analysts say that while the job market appears to be holding up, long-term confidence remains shaky amid cooling labour conditions and external pressures, including renewed U.S. trade threats.

Did You Know?

• Canada's trade deficit narrowed to $5.9B in May, as trade with U.S. continues to decrease. - CBC



Indigenous Youth Blue Economy Day Camp is Back!

The Indigenous Prosperity Centre, an initiative of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, is excited to welcome back the Indigenous Youth Blue Economy Day Camp, running August 18–22, 2025. Registration is now open!

This free week-long camp is for Indigenous youth from Southern Vancouver Island Nations to explore career paths in the Blue Economy through hands-on learning, cultural teachings, and field trips. From marine stewardship to innovation and sustainability, youth will develop skills, strengthen community connections, and discover how they can contribute to shaping the future of our waters.

Join Greater Victoria’s Ocean Tech Community With a New Office at the COAST Ocean Innovation Hub

Two bright offices are now available at SIPP's COAST Ocean Innovation Hub in downtown Victoria. Set up shop in Victoria and move into a space where you can work alongside people driving innovation in the ocean sector. Members of South Island Prosperity Partnership are entitled to a free COAST membership — giving you access to subsidized office spaces.

What We're Working On

• Stay tuned for the upcoming SIPP Summer Patio Mixer on August 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Watch your emails for more information!

• SIPP is currently working to complete the Rising Economy Taskforce Final Report, featuring insights and recommendations to address Greater Victoria's economic issues and unleash its potential.

At a Glance

⛴️ North Saanich adopts new OCP focused on sustainability and agriculture - Peninsula News Review

🔩 Carney promises to curb non-U.S. steel imports as domestic industry signals distress - CBC News

📣 Victoria right at home as one of Canada's favourite cities - Victoria News

🤖 A new national initiative has emerged to encourage Canada to get better organized in adopting Artificial Intelligence. - AI Adoption

Follow Us On Our Social Media Channels to Learn more!

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