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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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City of Victoria seeks input on 2025 Draft Budget
/in BizNews This Week, Government Local/by Jim ZeebenThe 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
/in BizNews This Week, Safe Communities/by Jim ZeebenIf 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
/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Transportation Options/by Jim ZeebenToday 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
/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions, Government Local, Housing, Transportation Options/by Jim ZeebenIt’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 […]
Better policies key to helping small businesses grow
/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Finding And Keeping Workers, New And Established Businesses/by Jim ZeebenIt’s often said that small businesses are the backbone of their communities, and a new report shows that the numbers back up that claim. The Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab recently published Scaling Success: Enabling Small Businesses to Grow. Among its findings are that nearly 70% of private-sector jobs are created by small businesses. The […]
Regulatory burden crushing BC restaurant industry
/in BizNews This Week, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim ZeebenThey are a bellwether for business health. Restaurants in BC are hurting, which is a concern for everyone. Not only do restaurants operate on the front line of our economy but they provide the venues for much of our community’s vibrancy and social life. “Restaurants are feeling the pain of inflation and low consumer confidence, […]
Chamber policy resolution passes unanimously
/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Housing/by Jim ZeebenWork spearheaded by staff at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has paid off. The Chamber’s paper — Adding to Canada’s housing supply by strengthening Canada’s military through housing on military bases — was adopted at last week’s Canadian Chamber AGM. “I was in Halifax for the conference and there was rigorous debate and amendments […]
Supersized interest rate cut aims to spur economy
/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim ZeebenDoes today’s news from the Bank of Canada mark the start of better times? Maybe. There is certainly plenty of buzz surrounding this morning’s announcement that the policy interest rate has been cut by 0.5% to stand at 3.75%. It’s the biggest drop since 2020, back when the bank needed to reassure an economy frozen […]
BC’s political future remains uncertain after tight election
/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim ZeebenClarity on BC’s political future will have to wait. The provincial election remains mired in recounts that could take a week to determine who will form government. “We knew this was going to be a close election and Greater Victoria’s business community is ready and eager to work with whichever party forms government,” Chamber CEO […]
Survey helps helps create safety and well-being plan
/in BizNews This Week, Government Local/by Jim ZeebenThe Capital Regional District is working on a plan to improve the safety and well-being of Greater Victoria residents. “The value of safe communities is something we can all agree on. It has been a Chamber advocacy priority for years and we’re happy to participate in the regional district’s effort to build a great community […]
Go beyond the headlines to learn about BC Ferries
/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Transportation Options/by Jim ZeebenIt’s not an overstatement to say Greater Victoria depends on BC Ferries to connect us to the world. We rely on this iconic institution for so many of our material needs, from groceries to industrial supplies, and for our connections to family and friends. However, hardly a day goes by without BC Ferries making headlines […]
Oak Bay survey takes the (happy) pulse of community
/in BizNews This Week, Government Local/by Jim ZeebenLife is good in the District of Oak Bay, according to feedback from residents and business owners in the 2024 survey. “The annual questionnaire provides the opportunity for staff and Council to hear directly from our residents and taxpayers, taking the pulse our community,” Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch said. Oak Bay’s quality of life […]