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Real estate market continues showing signs of calm
/in Business And Economic Strength, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim ZeebenThe region’s real estate market appears to have taken a deep breath in June, as overall sales were down 13.4% from May. The numbers reflect seasonal expectations. “I think this is good news, as the more stable the market is, the more it supports both buyers and sellers,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone said in a […]
Inflation shows its stubborn side with bump in May
/in Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim ZeebenInflation rose 2.9% on a year-over-year basis in May, up from a 2.7% rise in April. The increase came as a surprise for many economists who are watching for the Consumer Price Index to return to the 2% target, which the Bank of Canada considers to be sustainable inflation. Statistics Canada said May’s increase was caused by higher prices for services, […]
YYJ working to improve services for travellers
/in Business And Economic Strength, Transportation Options/by Jim ZeebenAir travel is vital for business and essential for our region’s visitor economy. To make sure our region’s airport continues to overachieve, the Victoria Airport Authority is conducting a survey to check-in with stakeholders. The survey consists of a variety of statements along 12 critical variables, and can be saved to complete in multiple sessions. Responses are confidential, and will […]
Chamber network fighting to stop Digital Service Tax
/in Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim ZeebenYour next online purchase, ride share, meal delivery, or vacation could soon cost even more if the Digital Service Tax is implemented. That’s the message from the Canadian Chamber as it lobbies the federal government to not pass the DST without significant changes. The proposal will tax revenue earned by large foreign and domestic businesses on online […]
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. […]