Social media companies have agreed to work with the provincial government and do better at protecting British Columbians.
“Helping young people stay safe online is one of the most important challenges facing parents, governments and technology companies today," reads a joint statement from the province along with Meta, Google, TikTok, Snap, and X. "This historic collaboration between government and industry pioneers aims to raise the bar for youth safety online." Issues discussed include online sexual exploitation and sharing private images without permission. The platforms agreed to work together to fight criminals who target victims across different apps. BC’s Intimate Images Protection Act will be more effective with formal cooperation from social media companies at the table. "The companies have agreed to provide BC with direct escalation channels that will allow them to quickly report non-consensual intimate images prior to the issuance of an intimate image protection order, and that when an order is issued that it is expedited and actioned swiftly," the media release said. The table is also looking at helping get word out to the public during crisis situations, such as wildfires or other climate emergencies. “Meta, Snap, TikTok and X have offered to provide the Province and additional crisis response organizations with advertising support to amplify awareness of safety resources throughout the wildfire season" the statement said. “The table is committed to continued engagement leading to further concrete actions to be announced in September.” The CEO of Our Place Society announced yesterday that he hopes to find homes by the end of the year for people living on the street in the 900-block of Pandora Ave.
“It distresses me to see so many displaced people,” Our Place CEO Julian Daly said in a media release. “No one should be consigned to living on the pavement in our city. It’s a crying shame. All people deserve so much better.” Our Place, located in the middle of the Pandora encampments, recently surveyed people living on the street. Not surprisingly, all of them hoped for a better life. “Each person told us they wanted housing, and what supports they needed to be successful once housed,” Daly said, noting the survey showed people need help with addiction and mental health as much as they do with housing. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Daly says. “Instead, we have to tailor our supports to the individual.” Some of the highlights of the survey were:
The federal government has updated its Letter of Requirements to support BC's exemption of hard drugs. The move is the latest twist in what was intended to be a three-year pilot project decriminalizing highly addictive drugs.
The provincial government asked to end the pilot and go back to prohibiting drug use in public spaces. BC Premier David Eby told Chamber members last week that his government decided to reverse course on a policy that wasn't working as intended. “Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” Premier Eby said in a media release. “We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.” 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." 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." What would you do to make Victoria feel safer? Have your say by participating in the City of Victoria's Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan
“This public engagement will help us understand people’s thoughts, feelings, perceptions and opinions about wellbeing and safety, and encourage them to share their ideas on possible solutions,” Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said in a news release. “Our Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan will include strategies to enhance the quality of life for our community — residents housed and unhoused, businesses, non-profits, workers of all kinds — to create a community that is safe and inclusive for everyone. The Plan will tackle a range of social issues, embracing an array of solutions.” The survey is available online until May 12. A draft of recommended actions will go to City Council in September. A longstanding concern has been addressed by proposed changes to the Police Act. Under the current rules, the chair of the local police board is automatically the person serving as mayor of the local municipality. That can create an appearance of conflict as councils must approve budgets recommended by the police board.
The new rule will allow local governments to determine who their representative will be on their police board and will allow members of the police board to elect their chair and vice-chair. "This is an important update as it will remove politics from the important decisions around ensuring police are adequately funded," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Having appropriate resources is fundamental for police so they can continue to keep our communities safe." A provincial program to help businesses repair and prevent vandalism has been streamlined after consultation with business. The Securing Small Business Rebate Program started as a good idea but onerous rules prevented many businesses from accessing the $10.5 million in funding.
Updates to the application process are being made to:
The funding is intended to help offset some of the costs businesses are facing due to vandalism by offering $2,000 to help fix damage, and $1,000 for preventative measures to deter vandals. 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. Fentanyl abuse is wreaking havoc in many cities, including Greater Victoria. The Chamber advocates for safe communities for all, though there is no simple solution to addiction and the health challenges that are at the root of the issue.
Earlier today, BC's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions issued a statement marking the one-year anniversary of drug decriminalization in BC. “This past year has seen a concerning increase in toxic drug deaths in provinces across the country, and British Columbia was no exception. Ending this measure will not save a single life. As the toxicity of illicit street drugs continues to increase, more people are at serious risk. There is no single solution to this complex and unrelenting public-health emergency, and we will continue to use every tool available to save lives and connect people to care," Minister Jennifer Whiteside said, promising to invest in early intervention and prevention services, expanded access to harm-reduction supports, increased medication-assisted treatments, and expanded treatment and recovery services. The statement comes in the wake of recent comments by former Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, who criticized the government for not providing better access to help while making the case for an ongoing pragmatic approach to decriminalization. Lapointe spoke with CBC Radio about her experience and what she believes is needed to address this crisis. The Chamber continues to call for better access to treatment and care, and applauds the recent funding for Our Place Society's New Roads Recovery Community Centre. The province is providing $9 million to fund 20 beds for women to try and replicate the success the men's program has had at the View Royal facility. More than 550 rental homes that meet affordability guidelines were added to Greater Victoria's housing supply, according to a website that reports on the region's real estate and development sector.
Citified.ca states that 342 of the homes were below-market rentals, including 130 suites in The Dalmatian — a project by Jawl Residental Ltd. that is owned and operated by Pacifica Housing Ltd. About $19 million of construction costs was covered by BC Housing, which will also provide annual operating funding of $1.6 million. The Dalmatian is a great example of innovation led by business with collaboration from the public and non-profit sectors. Citified.ca forecasts 2024 will see record levels of public-sector supported rental units come online. Greater Victoria needs more homes, especially units affordable to the workforce needed by our region's employers. Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore is hosting an online information session on Dec. 4 that is open to Chamber members interested in learning more about Victoria's Community Led Crisis Response team.
The special unit responds to calls involving people experiencing a mental health crisis. It's an alternative to having police attend these calls. Instead, trained health professionals use their expertise to de-escalate the situation and provide needed care. The Chamber supports efforts to make our community safer for everyone. "My office team and I are working with AVI and Canadian Mental Health Association to provide an opportunity for more people in the city to learn about what they do and how to access support, whether for themselves, a loved-one, or someone who they interact with at their business," Lore said. The info session runs 7- 8:30pm, Monday Dec. 4. Email grace.lore.mla@leg.bc.ca for a link to attend the virtual session. 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. The Chamber strongly supports safe communities. Everyone needs to feel safe at home, at work and in our communities.
Last week, new legislation was introduced to ban the use of illicit drugs from:
The legislation attempts to address concerns raised now that personal possession of small amounts of illegal drugs is permitted. The rule change is part of a pilot program to reduce stigma, cited as a barrier holding people back from seeking help. If passed, the legislation will allow police officers to stop people from using drugs if they don't move to a supervised consumption site or other appropriate area. A proposal to keep communities safe from the small group of people responsible for repeat criminal activity is a step in the right direction.
Bill C-48 was given its first reading in the Senate yesterday. The Act to Amend the Criminal Code (bail reform) aims to keep violent offenders behind bars instead of being released before trial. The amendments were supported by BC's provincial government, and reflect a public frustration with feelings that some areas are becoming more unsafe. "The Chamber strongly advocates for safe communities as fundamental to good business," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "That said, we've also heard from experts on criminal law in Victoria and know that real change will require investing in the court staff and infrastructure needed to keep the system working as intended." New law prohibits drugs near parks In related news, the federal government also approved this week a request by the province to prohibit illicit drugs in areas frequented by kids and families. As of Monday, it is illegal to possess controlled substances within 15 metres of a playground, wading pool or a skate park. “Decriminalization is one part of a complex response to the toxic-drug crisis," Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said in a news release. "As the longer-term effects of decriminalization are assessed, and more addictions and mental-health services are established, it’s important to consider and take steps that specifically protect children.” Schools are back in session next week and that means it's time to slow down. Last year, the Victoria Police Department teamed up with the Greater Victoria School District SD61 to remind drivers that a change in speed limit takes effect on many streets in Greater Victoria.
Police are typically out in force to ensure motorists slow down so that the walk to school is safer for students. With more families embracing active transportation, this message is more important than ever. Social media platforms have revolutionized the way businesses market their products and services. And while a new study shows a growing disaffection with some of the toxic traits of social media, it's clear the Internet is firmly cemented into our everyday lives.
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority's recently published Canada's Internet Factbook survey found that people are finding social media less beneficial. In 2023, only 18% said there was a benefit to social media compared to 25% in 2022 and 35% in 2020. Facebook continues to be the most popular platform, used by 65% of British Columbians. YouTube is used by 54%, Instagram by 43% and LinkedIn by 28%. British Columbians also report a preference for patronizing Canadian retailers when they shop online (67%) and 43% say they primarily shop locally or equally between local and chain stores. "It seems highly unlikely that our dependence on the internet will decline anytime soon," states the survey's Executive Summary. "In the meantime, the best course of action is to accept the many positives we derive from this indispensable technology while taking whatever positive and intentional actions we can to reduce the impact of the negatives—or even avoid them altogether." Travel restrictions are being lifted tonight for many areas of Interior BC devastated by wildfires, but for people and businesses forced to flee their homes recovery will take time.
“The emergency order we put in place on Saturday has had the effect we required and thousands of hotel rooms were made available for people forced from their homes, as well as the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us during the worst wildfire season in our history," BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said in a news release. The Chamber has been in conversation with affected chambers to offer support during this difficult time. "We know that Greater Victoria is an exceptionally compassionate and generous community," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "There are ways to help now, and there will be a need to help communities as they work to recover from so much loss." How to help: Housing supply is at the core of Chamber advocacy. Greater Victoria, like much of North America, is facing a crunch — not enough homes are being built to meet demand. This affects the cost of living for employees, delays people from starting a family and impacts the availability of shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
A group of Canadian housing sector organizations recently released the National Housing Accord: A Multi-Sector Approach to Ending Canada’s Rental Housing Crisis. The report offers 10 solutions that aim to focus the efforts of all levels of government and industry on policies to support more building. "It's a bit of a Catch 22 in that we need skilled tradespeople to build homes so that the market has enough supply for skilled tradespeople to be able to afford to live here," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The lack of housing affects people at all income levels but is particularly concerning for people early in their careers and those who have the added costs that come with raising kids." The City of Victoria has added an electric fire truck to its growing fleet of electric vehicles. The Rosenbauer Revolutionary Technology pumper fire engine, currently being assembled, is expected to arrive by the end of the year. Funding from the provincial government allowed the city to purchase the electric fire engine for about the same cost as a typical fire engine.
Vancouver and Brampton are the only other fire departments in Canada that have ordered RT electric fire engines, which are in use in Los Angeles, Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai. A panel of experts has been tasked with developing a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for the City of Victoria. The goal is to address multiple complex issues such as "declining civility and social cohesion, increasing social disorder, inadequate housing supply and homelessness, poverty, inequality, addictions, mental and physical health challenges, criminal activity and other factors."
The panel will work over the next 15 months to advise Victoria council on immediate interventions as well as long-term solutions. "I’m in frequent contact with the business community throughout the downtown and beyond and I’m consistently hearing that the impact of the pandemic is far from over," Fort Properties Ltd. CEO/co-owner Suzanne Bradbury said in the city's news release. "I believe that this is the right initiative at the right time and I’m honoured to bring a small business perspective.” Along with Bradbury, the panel includes:
The City of Victoria is considering a program that will help spruce up the look of businesses in the downtown core. The Business Façade Beautification Reimbursement Program is on the agenda for Thursday's council meeting. The city and the Downtown Victoria Business Association would split the cost of the program.
“This is an incentive to the property owners and the businesses on that block to join together and make their block look better," DVBA CEO Jeff Bray told the Times Colonist. "And I think when you do that over a handful of key blocks, it will be very noticeable.” The Township of Esquimalt and the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce introduced the Business Façade Improvement Project this year. "As the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, we support investment in our very important downtown centres," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "They're not all the same, of course, but they all need to be safe communities. The best way to do that is to support community pride led by local business." How do we solve homelessness? There's no easy answer as cities across the world and particularly along the west coast of North America are experiencing a surge in people living on the streets. In Greater Victoria, parts of our regional downtown have become almost unrecognizable. A constant state of distress impacts everyone who experiences the scene of people suffering from untreated mental health issues and addiction.
"The Chamber is looking at long-term solutions that could take generations while also calling for immediate action that can make a real difference today," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We need to work with our community partners, specifically those who are on the frontline. Their experiences are vital to helping shape policies and programs that address the roots of this issue." Partners such as Our Place Society and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, who recently co- authored an essay in the Times Colonist have offered a thoughtful four-point plan that deserves consideration. The essay is worth a read but The Chamber agrees that we need to:
Arriving at work to find your storefront window smashed or property vandalized can be a nightmare for business owners and their staff. Dealing with the cost of repairs or insurance paperwork can add to the anxiety.
A new provincial program starting in the fall will help businesses invest in preventative measures, and assist with the clean up if a property crime happens. The $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023. Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 to help cover the cost of cleaning up broken glass and graffiti and up to $1,000 for vandalism prevention such as security cameras or gates. |
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