Keeping an eye on AI to help business adopt it safely

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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 conveniences? The threats of AI are still vague. From lost income opportunities to humanity’s demise, there’s a massive gamut of possibilities.

A new organization was announced today to help Canada stay ahead of the AI revolution. The Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute has a $50 million budget over five years to help Canadians reap the benefits from AI while fighting misuses such as disinformation campaigns, cybersecurity breaches and election interference.

The Chamber will work to keep members apprised of the positives and potential negatives of AI. The national Chamber network’s Future of Artificial Intelligence Council works directly with government to advocate on behalf of business to profoundly increase economic productivity and growth.

Feds step in to end labour disputes at Canadian ports

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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 Tuesday that it will impose final binding arbitration to resolve labour disputes at ports in British Columbia, Montreal and Quebec.

This decision will swiftly end disruptions and resume port operations, while extending current collective agreements until new ones are finalized.

“As an Island economy, we need our supply chains to operate efficiently,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Any disruptions can have critical impacts on businesses ability to plan with certainty.”

Canada Post could face labour disruption this week

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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 are united in their demands. Meanwhile, Canada Post said it intends to continue operations regardless of what happens, though a strike would likely delay deliveries.

“Businesses need certainty so they can plan for expenses needed to provide services or goods. Any disruption that adds uncertainty creates risk and can be especially stressful for many small businesses operating with tight margins,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said in a statement to Black Press. “We’re hoping the two sides can continue negotiations to achieve a fair agreement that allows this national institution to continue to serve Canadians while keeping good jobs in our region.”

Business in Greater Victoria impacted by a strike can turn to local delivery services.

Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics announced this week it’s offering to deliver mail for $6 per delivery to help reassure businesses in case a postal strike happens.

Death of John Horgan a loss for all of Greater Victoria

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Former BC Premier John Horgan at a Chamber Business Leaders Luncheon in 2018.

Former BC Premier John Horgan at a Chamber Business Leaders Luncheon in 2018.

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. Premier John Horgan, the longtime Langford MLA, who brought remarkable stability to government. Horgan’s leadership was enormously beneficial for Greater Victoria as he understood the complexity of challenges faced by our region. We hope that John’s legacy will show a path forward for today’s leaders and help bridge the divide between British Columbians as we all seek to make the world a little better than we found it.”

Horgan was the first Premier from Vancouver Island since 1947. He stepped down in 2022 to focus on his health, and was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany in 2023.

RRU events demonstrate climate action leadership

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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 action.

Ferries celebrates milestone for zero-emission ships

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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 keel laying is a significant milestone, not just in the construction of these ships, but in our journey to provide enhanced capacity and service reliability for our customers while moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable fleet,” BC Ferries CEO and President Nicolas Jimenez said in a media release. “These ferries will not only reduce our environmental impact, but also increase capacity, improve service reliability and provide a quieter, more efficient travel experience for our customers.”

Jimenez, who will speak at a Chamber Business Leaders breakfast on Nov. 26, welded a coin to the central frame above the keel of each vessel, symbolizing good fortune for the ship and its future passengers. The coin chosen is a 1 oz pure silver coin, depicting five orcas off British Columbia coast.

BC Ferries plans to begin using the zero-emission ferries by 2027 on routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each vessel will carry up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, operating with zero emissions by utilizing renewable shore power for battery charging. They will replace older vessels and expand the Island Class fleet, which already includes six hybrid diesel-battery electric ferries introduced in recent years.

On Nov. 11, remember those who gave us freedom

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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 as it offered enough space to commemorate every soldier from the city who died in the war. Chamber members helped plan the project and business owners rolled up their sleeves to dig holes for the trees.

During the Second World War, The Chamber’s advocacy focused on supporting the war effort and ensuring local representation on national boards.

On Nov. 11, the Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar/Pro Patria Branch #292 will serve as the host Legion brach of BC’s official Remembrance Day service at the Provincial Cenotaph in front of the Legislature from 10:30 am – 12 pm.

Greater Victoria municipalities are also hosting ceremonies in the region.

As well, BC Ferries, BC Transit and TransLink are offering complimentary travel for veterans on Remembrance Day.

The Chamber will be closed Nov. 11, and we hope it is a day of reflection and remembrance for all.

Premier’s new cabinet will be sworn in Nov. 18

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BC Premier David Eby announced today that a new cabinet will be sworn in Nov. 18, at Government House.

The Premier will present his recommendations for cabinet to BC’s Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, thereby establishing the new government.

Newly elected MLAs will be sworn in and formally invited to take their seats in the legislature prior to cabinet’s swearing in. The Opposition caucus and BC Green Party MLAs are scheduled to be sworn in on Nov. 12. Government caucus MLAs will be sworn in on Nov. 13.

The swearing-in dates have been set based on judicial recounts and reporting information from Elections BC.

Regional ripples will be felt in wake of US elections

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The US elections wrapped up yesterday with Republican Donald Trump winning convincingly over Democrat Kamala Harris. The Republican party also controls the US Senate and House.

The result of this election will be felt globally.

To get a sense of the impact on our region, The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee invited two subject matter experts to address the committee at their monthly meeting yesterday.

Stephen Tapp, Chief Economist with the Canadian Chamber, spoke about the significance of US-Canada trade and the important advocacy work already being done with individual states that rely on Canadian materials and services.

The committee also heard from Wilfrid Greaves, a University of Victoria Associate Professor and Undergraduate Director in the Department of Political Science. He provided a high-level look at the US’s power as the world’s largest economy and military, and where Canada intersects with the US on the world stage.

On a local level, The Chamber will continue to advocate for certainty in supply chains that serve Vancouver Island and call on all levels of government to protect the interest of our region’s diverse economic sectors.

Historic night as Chamber welcomes 2024 inductees into Business Hall of Fame

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The Chamber Business Hall of Fame celebration at the Fairmont Empress was attended by close to 250 people who joyfully applauded stories of this year’s inductees and their life’s work.

Historic night as Chamber welcomes 2024 inductees into Business Hall of Fame
It was a night for the history books. With about 250 people in attendance in the Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Empress, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomed five new additions into the Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC.

The Times Colonist, CHEK Media, Michael Williams, the Yuen family-Fairway Market and Alan Lowe were selected for their role in shaping our community’s quality of life and developing our region’s economy.

“It was great to have such a positive celebration of our Greater Victoria business community,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said. “This year’s inductees join an impressive group already in the Business Hall of Fame and serve as inspiration for everyone working together to build good business and great community for all.”

This year’s inductees have been instrumental in forming our sense of culture and understanding of place.

“It truly had the feel of a historic night and everyone who was there will be able to look back for years to come and say they were there to experience it,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The Business Hall of Fame is an idea that many people believed in, especially our presenting sponsor RBC. With the 2024 inductees, we have a growing list of business leaders who have been fundamental to the growth and development of Greater Victoria.”
Read the Full Media Release

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