There's still plenty of room for diehard fans as well as those new to the bandwagon.
The Vancouver Canucks Stanley Cup playoff run has been a pleasant experience for many of the province's pubs and restaurants. In Greater Victoria, a number of Chamber members are supporting fans by showing games on their big screens. The Victoria Royals also announced that they will be opening Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for a ticketed event allowing fans to watch the Canucks together. "It's hard to not get caught up in the excitement, even for folks who might not be the biggest hockey fans," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The atmosphere at local establishments is fun and festive. Let's hope the Canucks can keep it going all the way to the finals this year." BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said the Canucks' run is especially helpful at creating business during the weekdays. Minister Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South, told CFAX that having the province's home team in the playoffs is good for the economy while also boosting the spirits of their fans. The Canucks are currently in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their series against the Edmonton Oilers is tied at two wins each, with games set for Thursday, Saturday and Monday (if needed). The 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards were presented Tuesday, May 7, in front of an audience of 400 at the Lecture Theatre in the Victoria Conference Centre.
“It was an exhilarating celebration, and an exciting opportunity to shine the spotlight on Greater Victoria’s business community,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams. “When we showcase the finalists, there is always so much emotion in the room. I encourage everyone to check out their inspiring videos, which are available on our website and our social media channels.” The recipients distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation. An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries. It's not everyday that your breakfast conversation includes a candid discussion with BC's Premier about the major challenges facing business in Greater Victoria.
That was the experience yesterday for 300 people at the Victoria Conference Centre as they were able to nourish their bodies while feeding their minds. After speaking about the government's plans to support the private sector and grow BC's economy, Premier David Eby engaged in a lively discussion with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams about topics submitted by Chamber members. Community safety is top of mind for many people, and the Premier acknowledged the province is trying to find a solution for challenges facing governments around the world. The recent move to ban drug use in public spaces is an example of how government reversed course on a policy that wasn't working as intended. The long-term solution is complex, with Eby noting that a continuum of care is required for people experiencing homelessness rooted in mental health or addiction. Other topics included the province's plan to avoid disruptions to ferry sailings this summer — something that happened with alarming frequency last year — and how the province can reduce obstacles for builders so that they can increase housing supply. "The morning flew by and we could have easily kept talking all day," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "I'm grateful for the Premier's time and for everyone who chose to enjoy breakfast with us. We'll keep the dialogue going between business and government and work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our community." It's an election year in BC and The Chamber is working to provide opportunities for the province's main political parties to speak with the Greater Victoria business community. On Tuesday, Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP, spoke at a breakfast hosted by The Chamber for 300 community leaders.
On June 6, The Chamber hosts the leader of the Official Opposition, Kevin Falcon. Details about the event will be available soon. Falcon leads the BC United Party, which was formerly known as the BC Liberal Party though they represented the conservative side of the political spectrum. "The Chamber is non-partisan but we have a long history of supporting democracy," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We know BC politics can seem divisive and even confusing, but we believe hearing directly from those who seek to represent us is the best way to help voters understand what candidates stand for." Watch for more details about upcoming events ahead of the provincial election in October. This month, The Chamber's Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee heard from Lifetime Networks, which supports 350 individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Typically, people with intellectual disabilities often have many paid individuals in their lives, including doctors, therapists, specialists and support workers. Sadly, there are often a lack of friends. Making friends can be challenging for everyone. The challenge increases with the addition of barriers such as mobility issues, communication issues, physical differences—in fact, any perceived differences. One of the services Lifetime Networks offers is the facilitation of friendships. Friendships are integral to leading to a rich and rewarding life. The Chamber invites all members to support the work of Lifetime Networks to "friend raise" and continue making a difference in the lives of many. More spending and more taxes have many business groups concerned about the future after the federal government released its ambitious 2024 Budget yesterday.
"Canada must end the cycle of tax and spend politics," Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Fiscal and Financial Services Policy Jessica Brandon-Jepp said. "Fueling economic growth is the key to improving quality of life and affordability for Canadians." The national chamber network opposes any measure that increases costs for businesses currently experiencing economic headwinds. We also will work with our members to understand how the increase to capital gains tax will impact business. "(The) budget contains few surprises. Most of the major new spending was announced by the government over the last few weeks, and the government’s projections for the deficit are largely in line with previous predictions," Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty said. "Our lagging productivity and stalled GDP growth means Canadians are becoming collectively poorer and working harder to just remain where they are today." New taxes will cover about $18 billion with about $57 billion in added spending:
Another successful AGM is nothing new for your 161-year-old Chamber, but the expert panel convened for yesterday's meeting could not have been more topical.
"Safe communities is a long-standing advocacy priority for us, and we know there is no simple solution," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "A true fix requires a collaborative approach, though as we learned yesterday there are things we can do to improve symptoms while we work on more permanent solutions." After a series of reports of violent incidents in media, Chamber members had many questions about policing, mental health support and housing services. The need for more homes for all income levels is clear, as is a requirement for adequate health care and addiction treatment professionals. Those solutions will take time, even as the political will grows to invest in foundational change. While mistakes have been made, including in the early days of the pandemic when screening for supporting housing wasn't as closely monitored as it is now, progress is being made. The Chamber is working on policy issues such as legal reforms to keep repeat offenders off the street, and police are partnering with health authorities to enforce laws while assisting people in distress. "We can't ignore these issues facing the business community, but we also have a responsibility to not sensationalize them," Williams said. "Going Downtown is safe and our region really is one of the best cities in the world. That said, as with any city, if you don't feel safe, stay away from the few spots that are troubled, stay informed about what governments are doing and let's all be part of positive change." The national network of Chambers of Commerce has big shoes to fill, after current CEO Perrin Beatty announced he is stepping down from the Canadian Chamber on Aug. 31.
Beatty's leadership during the pandemic provided critical support for business by advising governments. This led to a fundamental shift in the Canadian Chamber’s mandate and structure. “Not only have we added new tools and services for Canadian businesses and chambers and boards of trade across the country, but we have grown substantially, doubling our revenues over just the last four years,” said Beatty, who is the longest serving leader in the national organizations 99-year history. “Along the way, we have modernized our governance structure, built a skilled and respected team, strengthened our grassroots network of chambers and boards of trade and provided a strong and influential voice for Canada’s business community.” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams worked with Beatty on several initiatives over the past four years. "Perrin is a master communicator and connector, and I'm grateful for having the chance to learn from him," Williams said. "He recognized that growing the national chamber required listening to and supporting regional chambers such as the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The symbiotic relationship we built has made our organizations more resilient than ever." Chamber members have an opportunity for a seat at the table with BC's Premier as The Chamber hosts the Hon. David Eby on April 30 for a breakfast and discussion about business in BC.
"We know our members have many questions for the Premier during this electing year, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to get answers and learn more about the government's plans to help the private sector strengthen our economy," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. The MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey became leader of the BC NDP in October 2022 and BC Premier in November 2022. Before he was elected, Eby was the Executive Director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia, and president of the HIV/AIDS Legal Network. He also served on the Vancouver Foundation's Health and Social Development Committee. Chamber events are always popular so reserve your spot now to ensure you have a seat at the table. Leading to Election: Breakfast with Premier Eby
Payroll tax change welcomed, though questions remain about province’s fiscal path: Budget 20242/28/2024
Businesses with payrolls of up to $1 million will now qualify for an exemption from the Employer Health Tax, B.C. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy announced last Thursday during the unveiling of the 2024 provincial budget.
“Increasing the EHT exemption is welcome news for business. The experience in other provinces has shown we can expect an increase in productivity as employers have more room to increase wages and promote staff,” said Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, noting The Chamber has been calling for the change since the new tax was introduced in Budget 2018. Minister Conroy joined Chamber members the day after budget day to answer questions and highlight initiatives such as a new tax to deter home buyers from quickly reselling their properties, and a promise to cover the cost of one cycle of invitro-fertilization. Asked about efforts to improve public safety, Conroy noted the province has increased investment in mental health and addiction treatment programs. Business leaders were also concerned about rising debt with the budget including a record deficit. The Chamber has kept a watchful eye on the promise of better governance from fewer governments in our region. We're pleased to see the City of Victoria and the District of Saanich have taken the next step to explore the pros and cons of merging municipalities. A Toronto-based agency has been hired to create a Citizens' Assembly, and has launched a new website at victoriasaanich.ca. The website highlights the following steps:
Next week, Chamber members will be among the first to learn about the 2024 provincial budget and hear directly from BC's Finance Minister. The Speech from the Throne is set for Feb. 20, followed by Budget Day on Feb. 22 and the Finance Minister lunch with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 23, sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union. "As the oldest Chamber in Western Canada, we have a long tradition of connecting government with the private sector," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "That includes the tradition of being the first chamber to host the finance minister after the provincial budget is unveiled. We're thrilled Minister Conroy will join us, once again, and I look forward to seeing many of our members at the Hotel Grand Pacific." Cyber-security will only become more important to businesses as economic activity shifts online. Even traditional storefronts embraced digital sales during pandemic lockdowns, and many are continuing or expanding their services to meet consumer expectations. With that shift, The Chamber recognizes that cyber-security is fundamental to our advocacy for safe communities. On Monday, our national chamber network addressed the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security to speak to Bill C-26. Canadian Chamber senior director Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia said more than 98% of Canadian businesses are small- or medium-sized enterprises, and need greater awareness and protection from cyber-security threats. She advocated for a prevention-first approach, calling for clear rules to ensure incidents are reported appropriately as well as better communication by the government so businesses can prevent incidents before they happen. Understanding economic trends is invaluable to helping businesses plan for the future. The Chamber relies on a number of sources for information and analysis, including our national network.
On Tuesday, Canadian Chamber Chief Economist Stephen Tapp provided members of The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee with his insights. "We're fortunate to have access to a deep pool of experts who help us make effective use of our advocacy efforts," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has a long history as Western Canada's first chamber and we continue to play an active role with the Canadian Chamber." Tapp spoke about the state of the economy and expectations for interest rate cuts, using the latest numbers from the Business Data Lab. Click the image to view Tapp's presentation. For information on joining a Chamber committee, go to victoriachamber.ca/committees for contact info. Canada is a trading nation, and many businesses in Greater Victoria provide goods and services to an international customer base. Building connections across borders is vital to helping business operate as smoothly as possible.
On Monday, the Chamber welcomed Vancouver-based US Consulate General Jim DeHart to Victoria. "I've spoken with Mr. DeHart during trade missions in the past and he's always expressed an interest in learning more about Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island," Chamber CEO Bruce WIlliams said. "I'm glad we were able to host him for a roundtable with some of our region's business leaders for a discussion on trade and cross-border relations." Topics covered an array of interests, including labour force mobility, credential recognition and ongoing efforts to streamline regulations. South Island Prosperity Partnership's CEO is stepping down on March 15 for a business opportunity.
Emilie de Rosenroll is the founding CEO of SIPP, which has its roots in an Economic Development Committee started by The Chamber before becoming its own organization in 2016. The Rising Economy Taskforce and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technology (COAST) are among de Rosenroll's achievements. “On behalf of the SIPP Board of Directors, I am very grateful for the tremendous contribution Emilie has made to the organization and region,” SIPP's Board Chair Frank Bourree said. SIPP is working with an executive search firm to help find its next CEO. After months of planning and preparation, Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada kicked off with an incredible night of storytelling. The Legends of Broadcasting event, held Tuesday night at the Bayview Presentation Centre, saw an awestruck crowd watch Ron MacLean host a panel discussion with Jim Robson, Bernie Pascall, Jim Laing and Tim Ryan.
Stories about chopping trees with Muhammad Ali, the eternal debate between Gretzky vs. Orr and being the voice behind some of the most iconic broadcasts in Canadian sports history brought cheers and laughter. Unfortunately, snowy weather caused Wednesday morning's activities with school kids to be cancelled. However, the Skate with the Stanley Cup and the Player Draft for Friday's Alumni and Celebrity Classic were still able to go ahead. Go to victoriahockeyday.ca for the latest on events and activities happening this week. A new year means a new Board of Directors for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Kris Wirk enters his second year as Chair, along with Christina Clark as Vice Chair, John Wilson as Past Chair and James Gatsi as Secretary. New to the Board Executive this year is Treasurer Deborah Huelscher. Returning Directors include Rose Arsenault, Judith Ethier, Pedro Marquez, Richard Michaels, Josue Dubon, Ann Squires Ferguson and Jessica Stigant. Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside also returns as an appointed Director because of his role as CFB Esquimalt Base Commander. Family Business Committee Chair Dean Clarke begins his first full year as a Director. Chamber CEO Bruce Williams and Emerge Committee Chair Frumsa Ibrahim will serve the Board as non-voting Directors. Board elections are held every summer, with terms officially beginning Jan. 1 every year. The Canadian Chamber has sent an open letter to the Prime Minister's Office calling for the government to focus its foreign policy on results rather than "good feelings."
"It is clear that we can no longer take for granted the stable and peaceful international conditions that Canada helped to shape following the Second World War. This moment calls for a sober assessment of our international priorities and a recalibration of how we engage with other nations," states the letter from Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty. The Chamber is concerned about Canada's place in a world that has profoundly changed over the last few years, "with the international order being challenged and undermined on many fronts." The letter notes that, other than the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canadian foreign policy has become reactive and unfocused, "signaling that we have too often concentrated our efforts on policies designed to produce good feelings instead of on those that will produce good results." The Canadian Chamber has proposed three ways to improve Canada's international standing. The first is to fulfill our trading potential as a reliable global supplier. The second is showing a serious commitment to economic and security commitments that Canada helped establish after the Second World War. And the third is recognizing the value of good relationships with our North American neighbours by promoting Canada's importance in those countries. "The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is a longstanding advocate of unlocking Canada’s international potential, and we support our businesses in trade advocacy, navigating global markets and representing Canada at key multilateral fora," the letter concludes. "The Canadian business community recognizes that our collective long-term prosperity is closely tied to how we engage with the world." Businesses can begin applying for the $10.5-million Securing Small Business Rebate Program as of Nov. 22.
Eligible organization can receive up to $2,000 for the cost of repairs due to vandalism, and up to $1,000 for prevention measures such as security cameras or gates. Applications are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023, to help businesses recoup costs incurred this year. Kids will fill the streets hunting for sugary treats on Tuesday to celebrate Halloween night, but there is plenty of themed fun to be had be this weekend. Greater Victoria is known as one of the most haunted places in Canada, and this spooky season is the perfect time to experience something new — if you dare! Visit a local pub or nightclub to show off your great costume skills, or have a Halloween meal at a great restaurant before handing out handfuls of candy to trick-or-treaters. Check out Destination Greater Victoria's list of Top 10 Haunted Places in Victoria and Eerie-sistable Halloween Activities in Victoria if you’re dying to see a ghost, and explore famously haunted sites. Spooky stories await at Craigdarroch Castle, Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University, the Fairmont Empress, Rogers’ Chocolates, and many more. If you’re looking to burn off that extra sugar from Halloween treats, check out a local fitness facility, and be sure to recycle your pumpkin at Pumpkin Smash 2023 in the City of Langford on Nov. 4. Whatever you may be up too this Halloween, The Chamber hopes you have a fun (and frightening) time! The Chamber has long called for a more sensible approach to recognizing the skills newcomers bring to Canada. We've all heard the stories of trained doctors driving cabs and other professionals who can't work in their chosen field despite high demand for their service.
"That is changing. I'm thrilled to share the news that British Columbia is moving to help regulatory bodies improve the process of credential recognition," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We hear all the time from employers who are frustrated because they need workers but can't hire qualified newcomers because they were trained out of province." Upcoming legislation will streamline pathways for skilled people with international credentials while maintaining standards and safety. According to the provincial government, 387,000 newcomers are expected to enter the B.C. workforce, filling 38% of job openings over the next 10 years. Unless you're stuck under the proverbial rock, you know that economies around the world are facing some serious doldrums. The latest report from the Conference Board of Canada adds to the dreary outlook. Headlined, "Consumer confidence falls to Its second lowest point to date," the index of Consumer Confidence shows that Canadians are feeling bummed about their finances.
"We had hoped to be through the rough patch by now but it's proving persistent," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that the fight against inflation and the re-balancing of global supply chains continues to take a toll. "We will get through this, as we have countless times in the past, by supporting each other. So much work has gone into building a resilient economy for Greater Victoria, and, as a result, we are in a better place than many other regions." The Index of Consumer Confidence was 59.6 in September, compared to 61.2 in August. The Conference Board said wildfires likely contributed to the pessimistic outlook in BC. Each year, more than 400 chambers across Canada prepare policies on issues of national importance for the Canadian Chamber AGM. At the conference, days of debate ensue on the best actions needed to support our businesses and the select policies that the advocacy team at the Canadian Chamber will champion on Parliament Hill with federal officials.
Here's a look at the proposed policy resolutions formally supported by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. All resolutions will be voted on at the Canadian Chamber AGM, Oct. 12-14 in Calgary.
"Many of the policy resolutions are worthy of support but we selected these because they align with initiatives that matter to our members and we were happy to lend our expertise and voice to get these advocacy action items moving ahead," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has finalized the list of proposed policy resolutions that will be voted on at its 2023 AGM next month.
The resolutions reflect input given to chambers by their boards and members. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce holds an annual member survey and consults with our Public Policy and Advocacy committee to determine policies to support. "The policy book reflects the work of over 400 chambers across the country amplifying the voice of business on issues around climate change, innovation, skilled labour force and other critical issues for success," Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said. "We want to make sure the resolutions that are adopted provide the government with practical solutions to challenges facing businesses." The Canadian Chamber AGM takes place Oct. 12-14 in Calgary. Also at the AGM, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will find out if we won an award for our work supporting diversity and inclusion. We have been nominated for the Canadian Chamber’s Inclusive Growth Award. |
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