Thank you to everyone who attended our Business Leaders Luncheon with BC’s Auditor General, Michael A. Pickup! Attendees had the opportunity to learn how the Office of the Auditor General of BC safeguards tax dollars, as well as how government audits affect you, your business, and your family. See event photos here.

And while the Inner Harbour is set to shine from the water, the Downtown Victoria Business Association is planning to add their own magic to the city. Starting Dec. 15, Lights of Wonder will transform Centennial Square into a holiday wonderland. Light exhibits and a 40-foot tree will be on display until the end of the year, providing a festive backdrop for live entertainment, food vendors and more.

Inflation watchers breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday morning as the latest report on Canada's Consumer Price Index shows the rate appears to have stalled out at 6.9%. While the number is still more than double the Bank of Canada's target rate, the fact it no longer seems to be increasing is reason for optimism. High inflation creates uncertainty for businesses facing difficult decisions around how they will increase prices and raise wages.

Inflation jumped to 8.1% in June — the highest it had been in decades — prompting the Bank of Canada to raise its interest rate target six times in an attempt to slow the economy.

The provincial government has announced funding for close to 100 events in BC through the Tourism Events Program. Among the Greater Victoria events to receive grants are the Rifflandia Festival, the Royal Victoria Marathon, Dragon Boat Festival, JazzFest and Symphony Splash.

In April, the province announced $4.8 million for the program, which aims to boost BC's reputation as a destination for major events.

British Columbia is not seeing a surge in people needing to be hospitalized due to respiratory illnesses, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said today.

Over the summer, there were concerns that the fall flu and cold season would see an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. So far, that has not happened.

Dr. Henry said the current situation does not warrant a formal mask mandate.

"While COVID-19 continues to circulate in communities, the situation has changed ... and the number of people at risk for serious outcomes from COVID-19 has dropped significantly," states the provincial news release. "There are many tools to get people through respiratory illness season. The most important is to maximize protection through vaccination. People are also encouraged to check daily for symptoms of respiratory illness, wash their hands regularly and practise respiratory etiquette. This includes wearing a mask if they have mild symptoms, covering coughs and disposing of tissues appropriately."

Each week, The Chamber will profile two of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.

Nominations close: January 18, 2023

Check out the videos of the 2022 Business of the Year (40+) finalists below. Thanks to BCLC, who is our sponsor for this award in 2023.

Winner: Monk Office

Finalist: Heart Pharmacy Group

This event is for businesses who have already received a nomination or want to learn more before nominating themselves. During this virtual call we will take a look at the 2023 Business Awards timeline, award categories, nomination information, and how to submit an award entry. 

This time, the City of Victoria gets the credit as Best Small City in Canada, according to Resonance Consulting. The international firm ranked six categories: place, product, programming, people, prosperity and promotion to determine the top 25 small cities in Canada.

Victoria placed on top for access to post-secondary education and bike lanes (product) as well as for its restaurant scene and activities (programming). The rank is well deserved, of course, though locals know that the city couldn't do it without all of the neighbouring municipalities that make up Greater Victoria. The list did include the District of Saanich, which placed No. 23. Saanich's only real knock seems that it is lesser known then the official capital!

Hopefully being featured in lists such as this will help more people choose to join our community and contribute to our workforce and economy.

In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with MNPs Senior Economist Susan Mowbray about the State of the Island Economy Report.

MNP describes the report as "an overview of the drivers and entrants to Vancouver Island’s diverse economy."

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Stay warm and dry this November even when seeking medical advice. If you have Chambers Group Insurance, you can now take advantage of Teladoc Telemedicine Services — a fast and efficient way of getting the help you need, when you need it.

Members can receive a diagnosis, treatment recommendation and even be prescribed medicine when necessary. Members can consult a physician about non-urgent medical matters by video conference or by phone, from wherever they are, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This cold and flu season, ensure your family is prepared for anything — without leaving the comfort of your home.

Chambers Plan offers the Teladoc Telemedicine service at no additional charge to all plan members and their dependents. With the Chambers Group Insurance plan, you can customize an employee benefits plan that meets your needs.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.