This is a provincial election year, which means it’s an excellent time to get the ear of candidates who will represent British Columbians in the 43rd Parliament of B.C.
What do you want to hear from government, and better yet, what do you want done to improve life in this province? It is a challenging time for many businesses. Rising costs are squeezing already tight margins and high interest rates have made it harder to invest in the new equipment and staff necessary for staying competitive. I speak with business owners daily and hear their stories about how they’re working hard to make ends meet. Thankfully, there is good news on the horizon as many economists, including the team at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, are optimistic that better days await. We can all help make sure conditions improve by continuing to call on our elected officials to understand what businesses need to innovate and create jobs. Last month, I was thrilled to see the province finally listened to The Chamber and B.C. business associations who have been calling for an increase in the exemption to the Employer Health Tax. The 2024 B.C. Budget changed the EHT to only affect employers with payrolls above $1 million instead of $500,000. We’d like to see the exemption even higher, or the EHT removed completely, as there’s good evidence showing that productivity increases when businesses can increase wages or promote staff without concern of triggering a higher tax bill. Another concern for our business community and our region in general is the lack of success the government is having addressing street crime and toxic drug overdoses. Currently, we’re working with more than 90 organizations concerned with the state of downtowns across the province. The Save Our Streets coalition recently released a statement calling on the province to heed the findings of B.C.’s Auditor General. The report by Michael Pickup found that decisions regarding harm reduction programs were being based on outdated information and did not accurately reflect the shift in dangerous street drugs. That, as well as other concerns, led the AG to suggest a policy rethink is needed. We agree it's time for a new approach. Anyone who has spent time with Greater Victoria’s business community knows how incredibly compassionate and caring it is. Businesses are often on the frontline of street disorder. They are the ones who interact directly with people in distress outside their storefronts. We hear daily about how aggressive shoplifting and senseless property crime shatters the sense of safety people need to have in their workplace. We’ve been calling for government to fix our broken legal system to make sure repeat offenders are kept off our streets. We also want adequate investment in addiction treatment facilities so they can be accessed faster, as well as involuntary care made available for people who are unable to care for themselves. Yes, these are complicated solutions, but the alternative has proven devastating. If the public wants this change, there is no better time to give our public officials the mandate to do so than an election. You can hear more about work being done to promote Safe Communities and how supporting employee mental health can increase productivity at The Chamber's AGM on April 16 featuring Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association B.C.; Carolina Ibarra, CEO of Pacifica Housing Advisory Association; and Chief Del Manak, Victoria Police Department. You can also join me for a seat at the table with B.C.'s Premier, as The Chamber hosts the Hon. David Eby on April 30 for a breakfast and discussion about business in B.C. Our members have many questions for the Premier, 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. Register at victoriachamber.ca. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
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Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
VICTORIA, BC – After 161 years as western Canada’s first chamber of commerce, we know the mere mention of the word “taxes” is a good way to get a reaction. We also know that businesses recognize the value of the public service and what rankles them is wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money. This is why our work never ends helping elected officials understand how their decisions affect businesses and the economic vibrancy of their community. This year, Chamber Chair Kris Wirk and I have reached out to all of our member municipalities offering to engage with them on their ongoing financial planning. Local governments have a long list of traditional services they are responsible for delivering to their citizens, and any additional programs promised by politicians must be costed out and added to their budgets. Often these early proposals read like a holiday wish list that would require large tax increases to fund. The final budgets are almost always much leaner, and less politically risky, because councils and their committees work with city staff to whittle down the promises. Eventually they arrive at a budget that covers the basics with a few new expenses that were promised to the electorate. At that point, after accounting for revenue from sources such as user fees and grants from higher governments, municipalities use property taxes to ensure they can balance their budgets. This is a very high-level explanation, of course, but I think it’s important for business people to understand the process so we can offer our experience and expertise in budgeting discussions. Over the years we’ve seen some councils play favourites by increasing taxes on business in an attempt to reduce the burden on residents. Typically, this happens because residents can vote while businesses can’t — or at least have a very narrow opportunity to do so. The obvious problem with this is it’s short-sighted. Businesses vote with their feet and will eventually relocate to jurisdictions where they can thrive. And once they leave, it’s hard to get them back or to convince other businesses to set up shop. This affects the quality of life in a community in many ways — fewer nearby jobs and a loss of goods and services that residents had come to expect. Of course, this leads to residents voting for politicians with a longer-term view of their community. Fortunately, in my experience, it’s rare to meet a municipal councillor or mayor who doesn’t appreciate the value that good business brings to their constituents. Getting elected and being an effective member of a local government is not easy, and the people who choose this service do so because they genuinely have the best interests of their community at heart. As the region’s chamber, we work closely with the other community chambers to help local councils understand the tools they have available. For example, we make sure they are conscientious of the gap between residential and commercial tax rates, as well as the percentage of revenue they are asking businesses to contribute to the municipal budget. Fair rules and a chance to thrive is not too much to ask, but it’s important for business that we make that point with government The province mandates that municipalities adopt their annual tax rate before May 15 each year. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
VICTORIA, BC – A new year means a new Board of Directors for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Board elections are held every summer, with terms officially beginning Jan. 1 every year. Kris Wirk enters his second year as Chair. A partner at Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants, Kris is a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience in accounting and tax services. He brings a clear vision to the table, honed during his three years as an understudy on the board. His tenure as Past Chair of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee positions him well to drive positive changes in response to the challenges facing the regional economy. Christina Clarke continues as Vice Chair. The Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, Christina's dedication to Indigenous reconciliation aligns with The Chamber's commitment to fostering connections with First Nations for the betterment of the entire community. Her role as the nominee for the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society showcases the Chamber's commitment to meaningful engagement on multiple fronts. Also back for a second year are John Wilson as Past Chair and James Gatsi as Secretary. New to the Board Executive this year is Treasurer Deborah Huelscher. John, President and CEO of The Wilson's Group of Companies, provides steadfast leadership, which was instrumental over the past three years during challenging times. His unwavering dedication to the community is reflected in his role supporting new leadership. As Secretary, James brings his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and IT expertise to the board. James is the CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., and is committed to fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive business environment in Greater Victoria. Deborah brings more than 20 years of public sector financial knowledge as the Vice-President, Administration, and CFO at Camosun College. We’re very grateful to have someone with her extensive experience acting as The Chamber's financial steward. Family Business Committee Chair Dean Clarke, owner of Tru Value Foods, begins his first full year as a Director. The ensemble of Directors includes accomplished professionals from various sectors, each adding a unique perspective to the board's dynamics and bringing a wealth of expertise from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive representation. Returning Directors include Rose Arsenault (Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions), Judith Ethier (CAO for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority), Pedro Marquez (Professor, Strategic Management & International Business at Royal Roads University), Richard Michaels (president of MACCRIM Solutions), Josue Dubon (Co-Founder and Wealth Mentor at DesignWealth), Ann Squires Ferguson (CEO of Western Design + Build) and Jessica Stigant (Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships at Ocean Networks Canada). Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside also returns as an appointed Director because of his role as CFB Esquimalt Base Commander. Non-voting members Bruce Williams, Chamber CEO, and Frumsa Ibrahim, Chair of the Emerge Committee and Regional Director of Operations for Scandinavian Building Service, further enrich the leadership team with their unique insights and experiences. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is poised for another year of promoting progress, building connections with energetic entrepreneurs and remaining a vital force in the region's business community. As the torch passes to this exceptional board, The Chamber looks forward to navigating the future with resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the prosperity of Greater Victoria. September marks the official shift from summer into fall.
For many businesses, it’s a time to shift gears on their annual strategies. A lot of organizations slow down in July and August as staff and clients spend time on holidays, before ramping back up in September to finish their year with a productive fourth quarter. Other businesses make hay while the days are long, catering to visitors and the summer crowds that keep our hospitality sector healthy. For them, the start of school and slower nights can add to the challenge of finding and keeping staff. And, for some, the slower season is their chance to take a break before planning for the year ahead. Any time your business experiences a shift, it’s important to be prepared for the change. I’m thinking specifically about two areas that are becoming more important than ever and deserve a good roadmap. The first is climate action leadership. Fall might be here, but many regions of British Columbia are still experiencing the effects of ongoing forest fires. The province has experienced an extended stretch of dry weather, which means drought conditions could impact farmers’ future harvests. Dry watersheds can also leave communities prone to flooding when the rain does finally arrive. These events are devastating and, sadly, part of our new paradigm. Climatologists tell us we can longer dismiss catastrophic events as “once in a lifetime” or “100-year” events. The truth is, we don’t know how often these events will occur going forward. That means we need to plan for realities that past generations never imagined. Food security, for example, has proven to be much more of a vulnerability than expected. The good news is that there are innovators in our business community who recognize the challenges and are doing amazing work to provide solutions. This is an opportunity for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The demand for sustainability is growing, and I’m excited to see how the market responds to supply the goods and services that the public wants. At The Chamber, we’re planning to support this shift by showcasing how businesses thrive as part of this change, while continuing our advocacy for investment in innovations led by the private sector. We also see an increasing opportunity to learn from Indigenous ways of knowing by supporting the growth of First Nations entrepreneurs. Their perspective on the centering sustainability in the vision statement of all organizations is truly invaluable. The other seismic event occurring in the business world is the need for succession planning. Almost every country is facing an aging population as my generation, the baby boomers, looks to wind down after many decades in the workforce. For family businesses, this can mean that parents who have been hands on in day-to-day operations begin to delegate more duties to the children who have grown into larger roles within the organization. It’s a beautiful transition, though one ripe with pitfalls. Thankfully, there exists a wonderful and supportive community of family business owners on Vancouver Island. I’m proud to announce that The Chamber has formally joined the mission to help future generations find harmony and success. This summer, we created a new Family Business Committee to take on the work of the former Family Business Association of Vancouver Island. The shift was the result of succession planning and is a positive change for both organizations. For example, we are proud to host a special dinner this month with David Bentall, one of B.C.’s top experts on family businesses. David has experienced a lot in his career, including the traumatic fracturing of a powerful family empire and the joy of leading one of the province’s most iconic property developers. He’s now an author and speaker and we’re thrilled to host him on Sept. 27. I hope you’ll join us. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce The column originally appeared in the September edition of the Business Examiner. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce I speak with many business leaders every day and I’m always impressed by the innovative initiatives they’re finding to address common challenges. As the voice of business in the region since 1863, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce stays current by listening and then amplifying what we hear to all levels of government. One of the most effective approaches has been our Business Leaders Luncheons, featuring high-level decision makers. The Chamber’s events team is currently working overtime to prepare for a great series of guest speakers. We hosted B.C.’s Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon at our April Annual General Meeting and are preparing to welcome B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation in May. I’ve had the pleasure of attending a BC Black Business Association event with Minister Brenda Bailey, who is an up-and-comer in government. She’s an experienced business leader and an engaging speaker whose history as a tech entrepreneur helps her understand the types of innovations businesses are making to adapt and thrive in a shifting economy. For those readers who might not be familiar with Minister Bailey, here are three reasons why you want to be there when she speaks with Chamber members on May 8 at the Union Club of B.C. The first is to hear what initiatives her ministry has planned to address labour shortages. Greater Victoria employers have been saying for years that a lack of qualified workers is impacting their business. It’s an issue facing most Canadian cities and many regions across the planet. In Greater Victoria we recently saw the economy add 14,000 jobs. That squeezed our unemployment rate, making our labour market the second tightest in the country. We need to optimize the skills of people in our community, which means things like micro-credentials and faster recognition of certifications that have been earned in other provinces or countries. It’s one way government can help get foreign doctors out of driving a cab and into vital roles in our health care system — no disrespect to taxi drivers as we also need skilled drivers! Another way the province can help B.C. employers grow our provincial economy is by wooing elite talent in the high-tech and creative industries. Greater Victoria is renowned for its quality of life. We need infrastructure like film and sound studios and smart transportation strategies to attract companies and their best people. The third reason you’ll want to hear from Minister Bailey is to find out how government is promoting inclusive workplaces. Changing outdated language in legislation and documents isn’t simply about doing the right thing. It also shows potential employees that they are welcome in your workplace. The sad truth is too many people have been kept on the outside looking in. Even if bias is unintentional, there’s no longer any reason employers should be unaware of it, especially when it’s keeping them from untapped pools of labour. Becoming more diverse and inclusive is what smart leaders are doing, and what we all need to do to stay competitive in our modern economy. If any of these topics interest you, I hope you can join us. It is going to be a dynamic afternoon and a great chance to connect with your peers and colleagues in Greater Victoria’s business community. and make sure to mark your calendar for our June 8 luncheon with the Bank of Canada’s Deputy Governor as he unveils the latest Economic Progress Report for the nation. And, on June 28, we’re hosting an electrifying event with Chris O’Riley, CEO of BC Hydro, as he talks about how B.C. will accommodate surging demand for electricity. See you there! The column originally appeared in the April edition of the Business Examiner. Spring has returned to southern Vancouver Island!
The Chamber was proud to usher in the new season with the 48th annual Flower Count. This evolving tradition began as a fun way to market Greater Victoria to folks in Canada’s prairie cities. Over time, Flower Count has turned into a spirited contest between municipalities to earn the title of Bloomingest Community. This year, Sidney narrowly outpaced North Saanich to take the crown, while a Grade 4 class from Saanich won the elementary school challenge that runs concurrently. Spring also means it’s time for The Chamber to review our own business and gather support from our board and members for the year ahead. The Chamber Annual General Meeting, sponsored by Fortis, is April 18. Our guest speaker is B.C.’s Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon, who was given a mandate in December to refresh the province’s housing strategy. Many of the details in the mandate are also priorities for business, specifically the initiatives aimed at increasing the supply of accessible and affordable housing for people of all incomes. We know that the cost of paying rent or mortgage as well as the difficulty finding a suitable home are major deterrents for people who want to build careers and start families in our region. That’s a major concern for employers and the top advocacy priority for our chamber. The pressure is only going to build. WorkBC’s 2022 Labour Market Outlook forecasts 176,700 new employees will be needed by 2033 to fill expected job openings on Vancouver Island. Some of those employees will find homes in existing housing stock as people move into different phases of life. However, with a current housing shortfall, we face a major challenge ensuring our region will have enough homes for every middle-income family and individual, including seniors. Minister Kahlon is someone who knows Greater Victoria well having grown up here and attended UVic. I’m looking forward to hearing the government’s ideas for helping industry build more housing. We need more supply to meet demand for buyers and renters. I’m also interested in hearing more about the minister’s mandate to streamline housing approval processes. Talk to people who work in construction or development and you’ll hear maddening stories about the various levels of municipal red tape that can bog down projects. The idea for a one-stop shop for getting all provincial permits is a great idea. Working with municipalities to fast-track permit approval and construction is another. It's going to be an informative event, and I hope you can join us. Until then, get outside and enjoy the feeling of renewal that comes with the blooming of flowers and the end of winter. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce This column was originally published in the March 2023 edition of the Business Examiner. Valentine’s Day was an appropriate date to hear from Chamber partners hoping for a little something special as all levels of government announce their financial plans for the year ahead.
I’ve written in the past about the Royal BC Museum and Belleville Terminal, which should both gain a little clarity from provincial budget day on Feb. 28 and the federal budget sometime after (no date has been announced yet). Another ongoing concern that impacts communities from Victoria to Courtenay is the fate of the Island Corridor. On Feb. 14, I facilitated a discussion with Paul Robinson of the Vancouver Island Transportation Corridor Coalition and Larry Stevenson, CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation. The meeting was held over Zoom and we invited members of chambers from across Vancouver Island. This is something we’re trying to do more, as the largest business association on the Island. By joining together we have a stronger voice to speak to government on behalf of business. Our goal is to strengthen Island economies by working locally and as a community of chambers. Transportation is a major issue for many communities and the idea of rail has been talked about for years. The Island has also seen an end to inter city bus service creating yet another barrier to safe travel between communities for those who do not own or have access to a vehicle. The Chamber has asked the Federal Government to subsidize a return of that service. There’s an urgency right now as the March 14 deadline approaches for the province to address the future of the Island Corridor. No question — the infrastructure needs a lot of TLC. But it did support an active railway for more than 100 years, until service was suspended indefinitely in 2011. Since then, train enthusiasts as well as some environmentalists and transportation planners have been vocal in calling for the return of rail. They argue that a modern passenger train will reduce the number of cars and transport trucks on Island highways, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and offering an efficient and even pleasant alternative for commuters. Others have been just as vocal against the return of rail, instead calling for the corridor to become a hiking trail or be used in other ways. Meanwhile, more questions have been raised by the fact the corridor runs through the territories of 14 First Nations. A lawsuit by the Snaw-naw-as First Nation wants to reclaim the land that runs through its territory. They say the right-of-way granted by Canada to E&N Railway in 1912 is no longer being used as intended. On Sept. 14, 2021, a BC Court of Appeals judge gave the federal and provincial governments 18 months to renew their commitment to improve the infrastructure required for rail. If no commitment is made, then an entirely new discussion will need to begin. As we heard Feb. 14, there are no simple solutions and the costs will be high whether rail service returns or the land is rehabilitated to be repurposed. Now we wait for government to make difficult decisions with limited public funds to see which way the story will go. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce This column was originally published in the February edition of the Business Examiner. VICTORIA, BC – I still catch myself whenever I hear someone note that we are now in 2023. It seems like a year from the future and, I guess, in some ways it is. There has been so much anticipation for this year.
It’s the first January since 2020 that businesses aren’t facing major public health restrictions. A weird sense of normalcy is returning, though we know the world will forever be much different than it was before the pandemic. At the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, 2023 also marks the 160th anniversary of the founding of our organization. That’s a long time to bear witness to history and a remarkable testament to the important role The Chamber continues to play supporting the business community. The secret to our successful longevity has been our willingness to adapt and grow with the times. And that can be directly accredited to the amazing board of directors who are elected each year by our members. This year, we welcome Kris Wirk as our new board chair. Kris is a partner with Dusanj + Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants and takes over from John Wilson, of the Wilson’s Group of Companies. John served stoically over the past three years, and I can’t thank him enough for his guidance and steady hand during turbulent times. There is no one who cares about our community more than John, who remains with the board in the role of past chair. I know he’s looking forward to passing the torch and Kris brings a vision that is laser focused after three years as an understudy. He is clear eyed about the challenges facing our regional economy, and, after three years as chair of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee, Kris is well-positioned to drive positive changes. Christina Clark of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre steps into the role of vice-chair. Christina is a go-getter who understands the work and benefits of Indigenous reconciliation. The Chamber, on behalf of our members, is committed to working with First Nations to facilitate connections that will improve life for everyone in our region. Our forward-thinking approach is being adopted by chambers across Canada due to my active participation in the national chamber network. Our initiative to create an Indigenous Economic Reconciliation Table has resonated with Canadians who want to do better. We have embraced the value of diversity and inclusion — and our economy and society have benefited as a result. We’ve seen this firsthand as The Chamber’s board has become much more reflective of the community at large. The other members of our board are: James Gatsi, CEO, CL Web Developers Inc., (secretary); Moira Hauk, Regional Manager South Island, Coastal Community Credit Union (treasurer); Rose Arsenault, Branch Manager, Agilus Work Solutions; Judith Ethier, CAO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority; Fallon Lindsay, Director of Finance and Administration, Kinetic Construction; Pedro Marquez, Vice President of Vice-President, Research and International, Royal Roads University; Richard Michaels, President, Maccrim Solutions; Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO, Western Interior Design Group; Jessica Stigant, Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships, Ocean Networks Canada; Capt. (N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt and Josue Dubon, DesignWealth, Co-Founder and Chair of the Emerge Committee (ex-officio). So, as we prepare to celebrate 16 decades of serving Greater Victoria’s business community, I look forward to working with our tremendous board to build connections with every energetic entrepreneur attracted to this amazing region we are grateful to call home. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce This column was originally published in the January edition of the Business Examiner. |
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