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Breaking news for Greater Victoria businesses
Published weekly, BizNews offers information to help Greater Victoria’s business community make sense of our shifting economic and political landscape. The Chamber’s flagship newsletter is distributed to more than 5,000 subscribers who are highly engaged and active in our region’s business community. Scroll down to read the latest.
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Happy Canada Day!
/in Chamber Awareness/by Jim ZeebenSummer is officially underway, which means it’s time to express our gratitude for living in the best place on earth. Greater Victoria is amazing throughout the year, but summer means every weekend has something to celebrate. With the Canada Day long-weekend approaching, The Chamber is celebrating our New to Canada Program. Read more about this […]
BC Conservative leader speaks at Chamber election luncheon
/in Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim ZeebenA full-house enjoyed lunch today at the Sandman Hotel Victoria while listening to Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad explain how he would change the province if elected. Rustad offered his thoughts on the economy, public safety and other issues, often weaving in small-town stories from rural constituents. “Some people really liked what Mr. Rustad had […]
Recognizing international credentials makes sense
/in Business And Economic Strength, Training And Microcredentials/by Jim ZeebenThe International Credentials Recognition Act comes into effect July 1, requiring regulatory bodies to reduce red tape in 29 professions and make it easier for qualified professionals to have credentials recognized, no matter where they were trained. A major change is eliminating the catch-22 that required someone to have work experience in Canada even though they couldn’t work in […]
Lessons of past can help us improve future economy
/in Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim ZeebenCanada’s economy made a significant shift last month when the Bank of Canada dropped its interest rate for the first time in four years. Now the Bank’s governor is saying he and his central bank peers are navigating a new world. “We’ve also learned some lessons from the post-pandemic inflation, and we will take these to heart,” Tiff […]
Access to help key to making community safe for all
/in Chamber Awareness, Housing, Safe Communities/by Jim ZeebenFeeling safe at home and at work is a fundamental requirement for good business and great community. The Chamber supports initiatives such as two recent announcements about investments in housing and support programs to help people reintegrate into society. Access Hub for Street Community The City of Victoria has agreed to provide up to $1.8 million for the […]
Chamber initiative will help people New to Canada
/in Chamber Awareness, Immigration And Integration/by Jim ZeebenA new Chamber initiative that will formally launch in August is already helping make Greater Victoria a great community. The New to Canada Program aims to empower newcomer business owners in our region. To qualify, business owners must hold a valid business license and have been in Canada for three or less years. Black Press recently reached […]
Canadian business optimism improving, survey finds
/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty/by Jim ZeebenThe Business Expectations Index has moved into positive territory for the first time in a year. The index rose 2.7 points in the second quarter of 2024 from the first quarter, led by an improved outlook for sales. Some of the key findings include: Businesses expect employment to grow as labour market conditions continue to […]
Saanich approves 24-storey tower at Uptown
/in Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim ZeebenA new tower that will create a notable landmark for people entering Greater Victoria’s core has been approved by District of Saanich council. The 24-storey apartment building will house 318 rental units on the corner of Carey Road and Ravine Way. A residential building on the site was part of the original proposal for Uptown. […]
Two tales emerging about downtown: DVBA report
/in Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Government Local, Safe Communities/by Jim ZeebenThere are two stories being told about downtown Victoria, says a new analysis released this morning by the Downtown Victoria Business Association. With 5% more business licences issued, and tourism and industry thriving, the DVBA’s 2024 Annual Report says the numbers show the region’s downtown is enjoying economic growth. However, there is also a growing […]
Send us your questions ahead of next week’s Election Lunch
/in Government Provincial/by Jim ZeebenThere has been no shortage of intrigue on the campaign trail leading up to the October provincial election. Last week, The Chamber hosted Kevin Falcon — the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the BC United Party. About 80 Chamber members were treated to a firsthand account from Falcon about his plan to […]
Measuring gender pay rates helping close the gap
/in Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim ZeebenPay equity is one of the keys to unlocking productivity in our workforce, and vital for helping employers find and keep workers. In 2023, British Columbia introduced the Pay Transparency Act to formalize a system for employers to ensure employee compensation was not being influenced by gender. Women in BC earn 17% less than men, […]
Fund helps municipalities cope with changing climate
/in Climate Change Solutions, Government Federal/by Jim ZeebenOn Monday, the federal government announced $530 million to help Canadian municipalities adapt to the changing climate. The money will help cities and towns prepare for flooding, heat domes and other impacts on residents and infrastruture caused by weather events. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will administer the fund, which is a fraction of the […]