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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Construction underway on Uptown transit hub

A contract has been awarded to a Nanaimo firm to build out the Uptown Mobility Hub in the District of Saanich. Major improvements to the Saanich neighbourhood are planned to make it easier for people to take the bus to get around the region. This transit hub will become the region’s principal RapidBus exchange and […]

Eight predictions for Canada’s economy in 2025

No one knows what the future holds, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a shot at forecasting what’s to come. Here, with the help of the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab, are Chief Economist Stephen Tapp’s eight predictions for the economy. Note that the following list is edited and condensed for space. Read the […]

Beyond the news headlines, $3.6B in Canada/US trade

It’s hard to have a conversation these days that doesn’t veer into Canada/US relations. Looking past the political chirps, here are some of the numbers behind what’s at stake for business. The Chamber’s national network has introduced the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker — to illustrate the ties between our two economies. “The stakes couldn’t be higher,” […]

New year, new Board of Directors for Chamber

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2025 Board of Directors. Joining the board for their first term, effective Jan. 1, are Ashka Wirk, Principal of Wirk Consulting; Corey Gillon, CEO of Peninsula Co-op; Elizabeth M. Brown, President and CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority; Mary Lou Newbold, Chief Eyewear Officer […]

New era set to begin as Trudeau says he’ll step down

There has been a seismic shift in the political landscape to start the new year. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he will step down as soon as his successor is in place. Canadian Chamber President and CEO Candace Laing issued a statement saying it was the right move, and Canada must now […]

BC Assessment’s property value website now live

After decades of mostly upward changes to property values, there should be little difference for most homeowners this year. BC Assessment has opened up its portal for 2025 property assessments, allowing anyone to see the value of 400,000 properties in the province. The list reflects the assessed value as of July 1, 2024, and is […]

Workshop promotes workplace mental health

Safe communities depend on access to health care, including mental health care. Employers can contribute to making our community better by ensuring workplaces are healthy and safe for all staff. To help, WorkBC Victoria is supporting local employers by offering a workshop on Jan. 29, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, that will […]

Tax holiday nice, but businesses want real reforms

The holiday on GST begins Dec. 14, but the measure misses the mark when it comes to improving affordability, the Canadian Chamber said. “We’re pleased to see recognition that the affordability crisis continues to hurt Canadians. This relief on everyday purchases is an important first step. But the root causes of Canada’s affordability challenges cannot […]

Tickets needed to attend former BC Premier’s funeral

The state funeral for former BC Premier John Horgan on Dec. 15 is expected to be so popular that tickets will be needed to attend. Horgan died Nov. 12 at the age of 65 after several years of fighting cancer. The service for Horgan is at The Q Centre in the City of Colwood. Tickets […]

Postal workers ordered back to job

Snail mail isn’t often top of mind — although getting letters delivered has become the talk of the town, even with the Canada Post strike coming to an end. The impact on the holidays could be devastating for some, especially charities that rely on an annual intake of December donations for a bulk of their […]

Second big-rate-cut aims to spur business investment

The Bank of Canada slashed its overnight rate by 0.5% for the second time in a row. This morning’s announcement brings the rate to 3.25%. “Governing Council has reduced the policy rate substantially since June. Going forward, we will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time,” […]

State funeral planned for former BC Premier Horgan

A state funeral is planned for former BC Premier John Horgan, who died Nov. 12 at the age of 65 after several years of fighting cancer. The ceremony is on Dec. 15, starting at 1 pm, at the Q Centre in the City of Colwood. Horgan served as MLA for the electoral area now known […]