Grace Lore, MLA Victoria-Beacon Hill, (second from left) stands with James Gatsi, left, Richard Michaels and Cheryl Wirch-Ryckman — members of The Chamber's IDEA committee — at last week's Prodigy Mingle, co-sponsored by DesignWealth and Friends of Dorothy Lounge. See more photos here.

Investing in child care allows more working parents to stay in the labour force and helps our region achieve its economic potential. The addition of 395 new licensed child care spaces in Greater Victoria, announced April 19, will help parents continue careers or pursue employment while knowing their children are being looked after.

"The Chamber has led the way in encouraging investment in child care as a way to boost our economy and help our region remain an attractive destination for working families," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We'll continue to advocate for good policies that build good business and great community for all."

The City of Victoria is the first BC municipality to approve fast tracking affordable housing — and the District of Saanich could soon follow suit.

Last week, Victoria council unanimously approved a motion to speed up the development process for housing proposed by non-profit, government or co-op organizations. The proposals need to fit with the Official Community Plan but would not be required to go through rezoning or public hearings.

“The change we made tonight will get more affordable homes built more quickly for families, workers and people who need it the most,” Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said in a media release.

Victoria's effort has inspired a Saanich councillor to try to have the same motion adopted in her municipality.

“I think if Victoria has a process which Saanich council can approve, and I hope they do that, that will make things more streamlined as agencies move between the municipalities, they’re not going to have to figure out the differences just because of the boundaries,” Saanich Coun. Susan Brice told CHEK News.

The Chamber applauds Victoria for taking action to increase housing supply that is affordable for workers. This is one of the keys to helping employers find and keep staff. The Chamber also encourages Saanich Council to adopt the motion when it comes to them. It's more efficient to have the same rules within our region as the need for more housing affects everyone in Greater Victoria.

Inflation crept higher in March as Canada's Consumer Price Index was 6.7% higher than March last year. All eight categories that are tracked by Statistics Canada increased in cost as the CPI recorded its largest increase since 1991, the year the Goods and Services Tax was introduced.

The cost of filling up at the pump was one of the key factors, as was higher hotel rates and the cost of housing in general. Fuel is a factor in shipping and transportation costs so the jump in gas prices results in higher bills for food, furniture and other goods.

The war in the Ukraine has significantly reduced the supply of oil and gas driving up prices. However, the lifting of pandemic restrictions has also increased demand for many services as people seek out in-person experiences.

We continue to ask for your support in safeguarding the health of our community at events. Please review our current COVID-19 protocols for in-person events to understand how you can help.

Join The Chamber and Mixer Hosts Max Furniture and Maximum Express for a very comfortable business networking opportunity. This vibrant, after hours business social event provides an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to meet face-to-face, establishing or renewing valuable business relationships.

 3460 Quadra St., Victoria, BC

Join us to hear from Auditor General Michael Pickup on the work of his office and how they are attentive to the needs, expectations, and priorities of the Legislature, while being responsive to the needs and expectations of British Columbians.

Picnic in the Park, formerly known as YYJ Eats, is your exclusive chance to enjoy a variety of gourmet food samples, local wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails created and presented by some of Greater Victoria’s most popular restaurants, breweries, wineries, cideries & spirit makers.

With dozens of food and beverage options available, try unique menu items from great local exhibitors such as Hoyne Brewing Co.!

We will be highlighting more of our exhibitors in the weeks leading up to the event, so stay tuned to see what great local flavours you can experience at Picnic in the Park.

If you and your business would like to participate as an exhibitor in Picnic in the Park, please email [email protected] for more details.

Concerts, theatre, dance and all other elements of the arts and culture scene are reopening post pandemic. How have our beloved performers and artists withstood COVID-19, and what does the future look like for our favorite entertainment events?

We learn more in this Chamber Chat with Kegan McFadden, Victoria Arts Council, Janyce Ronson, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and Ian Rye, Pacific Opera Victoria.

April 22 is Earth Day — a time to reflect on the environmental impact we have on the world, and how we can mitigate climate change together.

The Chamber is proud to be recognized as Green Certified by the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective, as well as an Ocean Friendly Business by the Surfrider Foundation. We continue to work to help businesses take the lead on climate solutions that will benefit us all.

We have many amazing members that are dedicated to sustainability, including our two finalists for the Sustainable Practices Award at the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards: Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours and Oak Bay Marine Group.

Cascadia Seaweed, and TOPSOIL – Innovative Urban Agriculture Inc won the Sustainable Practices Award in 2021 and 2020, and continue to create positive impact. Visit our Member Directory to find more of our members who are committed to sustainable business.

Being green is good for everyone: people, planet, and profit. Let's try to make every day Earth Day!

For insight into how The Chamber is working with our national network, check out this conversation between Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty and Cynthia Leach, the Senior Director of Economic Thought Leadership at RBC. The two talk about Canada’s climate journey and what’s in store for Canadian businesses as we transition towards a net-zero future and economy.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.