BizNews

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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Chamber hears from Minister about BC’s economic plans

The Chamber hosted BC’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Diana Gibson, yesterday at the Union Club of BC. Minister Gibson spoke about the province’s efforts to build a resilient economy in the face of uncertain trade relations with the United States. “It was a valuable opportunity to speak with the Minister directly and […]

Saanich updates portals to speed up approval process

The District of Saanich has updated its residential building permit process with the launch of five digital submission portals: New Build Addition Renovation Demolition Other(Accessory Building, Swimming Pool/Fence, Retaining Wall) These online services will eliminate paper-based applications, making processes more convenient, reliable and efficient, the municipality stated, adding that it is striving to simplify the […]

Chamber CEO held meeting with new Prime Minister

Good business requires good relationships, and the same holds true for making sure your voice is heard by government. The Chamber has earned a seat at the table with decision-makers in all levels of government, including newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney’s staff recently approached Chamber CEO Bruce Williams for a one-on-one conversation to […]

Real estate market stays steady through Spring start

The chaos created by threats of tariffs and a tradewar is the likely reason for a cooler start to the spring housing market. “Political uncertainty associated with the federal election, combined with broader economic concerns stemming from the United States tempered our brisk spring market growth,” Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Dirk VanderWal said in […]

Climate Action Leadership still priority in uncertain economy

Chamber members have been clear that they believe Climate Action Leadership remains a priority. Even with ongoing economic uncertainty, the need for a livable planet is an existential threat that “trumps” other concerns. “The Chamber has always called for innovation led by business as the key to mitigating climate change,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. […]

A chance to hear firsthand about BC business growth

The economic uncertainty caused by threats of an escalating tradewar as well as a change in Canadian leadership has not been good for most businesses. As some of the shifting settles, many Chamber members want to know what these changes will mean to them. And some of the most direct impacts on business success are […]

Federal election shifts local political landscape

Greater Victoria’s federal landscape is a little more colourful after Monday’s election saw the Liberal Party of Canada return to power. Our region elected two members who will be part of the new government. In Victoria, Liberal candidate Will Greaves picked up 54.3% of ballots to beat the NDP incumbent Laurel Collins, who earned 24.9% […]

Chamber stands with grieving Filipino community

The tragic incident in Vancouver last Saturday left all of us shaken, especially those of us with roots in the Fillipino community. “We are all processing the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in a statement shared on social media. “The Greater Victoria Filipino Community is vital, generous […]

Chamber championing ferries’ future resonates with Island communities

The Chamber’s efforts to bring a business perspective to the future of our most vital transportation link has captured the attention of policy makers and business associations on the Island and across BC. A letter penned by The Chamber on behalf of 20 organizations was sent to BC Premier David Eby last week. The letter […]

Changes to lobbyist rules help reduce chilling effect

The Chamber applauds news that the BC Lobbyist Registry is making changes to reduce the unfair burden facing many community organizations. The Registry changed significantly in 2020, surprising many chambers, boards of trade and other groups that traditionally work with government. The aim of the registry is to ensure transparency. It’s an important ideal to […]

Business tax break a sign that council is listening

The City of Victoria is investing in the business community by continuing to lower the gap between commercial and residential taxes. The Chamber has worked with municipal councils over the years, asking them to mind the gap that had been increasing in years past. Through letters and presentations, The Chamber spoke up for the local […]

Uncertainty sparks rate pause by Bank of Canada

After seven straight interest-rate cuts buoyed the spirits of businesses and individuals managing debt, it seems economic uncertainty has become a double-edged sword. The Bank of Canada announced today that its target rate will remain at 2.75%, after inflation came in at 2.3% in March. The reasoning for the pause was to provide a buffer […]