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.

Interested in advertising in BizNews? Download a PDF of our Rate Card here or contact us for more details on rates and availability.

Greater Victoria MLAs named to new provincial cabinet

BC’s recently elected Premier David Eby named his new cabinet this week, with several local MLAs taking charge of key ministries. Lana Popham (Saanich South) — who had been serving as Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports — is now Minister of Agriculture and Food. Grace Lore (Victoria-Beacon Hill) continues as Minister of Children […]

Keeping an eye on AI to help business adopt it safely

The adoption of artificial intelligence into our daily routine has been profound. Maybe you use ChatGPT to build out tedious frameworks for standard documents or use Canva to create spectacular illustrated designs for marketing. The ease of integrating AI into our workflows makes it impossible to ignore. However, what price are we paying for these […]

Feds step in to end labour disputes at Canadian ports

The Chamber was part of advocacy efforts that succeeded in ending the recent labour disputes that had shut down vital ports across Canada. The Chamber was a signatory to a letter that went directly to federal Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon. That effort helped push the Canada Industrial Relations Board to announce on […]

Canada Post could face labour disruption this week

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Canada Post are preparing for labour action as early as this Friday. The consequences could impact businesses ability to use the postal service to deliver documents and goods. Last week, a solidarity rally was held outside the Canada Post facility in Saanich to send a message that employees […]

Death of John Horgan a loss for all of Greater Victoria

Greater Victoria lost a champion of our region this week. Former Premier John Horgan died on Tuesday at age 65, after several years of fighting cancer. He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends while receiving care at Royal Jubilee Hospital. “The Chamber is saddened to hear of the death of former B.C. […]

RRU events demonstrate climate action leadership

Royal Roads University is bringing together students, faculty and the community for a series of events and activities focused on climate action leadership. Climate Week takes place Nov. 18-22, offering a combination of online and in-person events. Topics range from regeneration and systemic change to presentations about the power of food systems and tools for holistic climate […]

Ferries celebrates milestone for zero-emission ships

The new boats might symbolize the future of ferry service, but a recent ceremony marking a significant construction milestone dates back to the age of wooden ships. On Nov. 1, BC Ferries celebrated the successful keel laying of the first two of four fully electric Island Class vessels at Damen Shipyards Galați in Romania. “The […]

On Nov. 11, remember those who gave us freedom

As we honour members of the Armed Forces and their sacrifices this Remembrance Day, The Chamber is proud to have a long history of commemorating the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. After the First World War, The Chamber was instrumental in helping create Memorial Avenue along Shelbourne Street. Shelbourne was chosen […]

City of Victoria seeks input on 2025 Draft Budget

The Chamber works with municipalities year round to provide information about the importance of investing in local business. One of the most important ways a municipality can help is by being aware of the burden of property taxes. The private sector creates jobs and provides goods and services that improve quality of life for all […]

Sick notes an unnecessary burden on doctors: CMA

If your organization requires staff to provide a note from their doctor for sick days, take note that the Canadian Medical Association is lobbying to make this practice a thing of the past. “Sick notes are not a health systems issue, they’re a human resources issue,” CMA president Dr. Joss Reimer said in a media […]

Greater Victoria cruise ship season concludes today

Today marks the end of cruise ship season as the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority welcomed the 316th ship to call at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point this year. More than 700,000 passengers of about 930,000 that arrived here disembarked their ship and explored Victoria’s attractions, landmarks and restaurants. “The industry remains a strong economic […]

Saanich making plans to address major challenges

It’s the biggest and most populous municipality on Vancouver Island, so, when the District of Saanich makes plans, it pays to pay attention. Saanich has created a draft plan for Quadra McKenzie that will help transform the area over the next 20 years. The plan addresses challenges such as housing and climate change as well […]