Business And Economic Strength Archives

Rising Economy speaks to Main Street and war zones

February 25, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength

Tickets are still available for South Island Prosperity Partnership‘s signature annual conference happening next month.

A chief economist decoding turbulence in real time. A Canadian retail leader driving major success despite the “Amazon effect.” A CEO building forensic systems in global disaster zones. A bestselling author who says we can’t afford to cast aside older workers. An AI expert sharing career-pivot strategies to help humans avoid becoming obsolete in work and business.

These are just some of the speakers featured at the conference, taking place from March 10-11 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria.

Among the keynote speakers is Justin Young, owner of Canadian Tire Hillside, who will provide a rare look at operations in one of the retailer’s largest locations in the country.

Private-sector growth key to Strategic Investment Fund

February 25, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial

It might be a case of too little too late, but it’s good to see this provincial government make an effort to acknowledge the critical importance of a strong private sector.

Yesterday’s announcement of a $400-million fund to help attract private investment to BC is something that should have happened before the province’s debt load was allowed to get out of hand.

“We don’t want to see this fund used for political ends, but The Chamber does support efforts that make our community more attractive for private investors looking to grow our private sector,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said, noting that the Chamber remains committed to helping our members in Greater Victoria’s business community.

The proposed BC Strategic Investment Fund would allow government to consider loans, equity investments and repayable contributions.

One way the fund could be used is to leverage recently announced federal funding tied to strengthening Canada’s military.

“The fund will provide the tools to enable government to work with industry in bringing federal investment to the province, as targeted in the province’s Look West strategy, and leverage the opportunities presented in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy,” Association of BC Marine Industries executive director Alex Rueben said in the media release.

Defence strategy aims to bolster Canadian businesses

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Streamlined Regional Regulations

Amid an ocean of economic uncertainty, Canada’s defence industry has emerged as a lighthouse for businesses seeking secure funding sources.

This week, the federal government announced its new Defence Industrial Strategy that includes $357.7 million for a Regional Defence Investment Initiative. In BC, PacificCan to distribute $67.5 million over the next three years. Applications for commercial projects open April 1 and close March 31, 2028.

“This scale of new funding is unprecedented, but the true measure of success will be how these dollars translate into real operational readiness, modernized equipment and a stronger Canadian Armed Forces,” Canadian Chamber Vice-President of Government Relations David Pierce said. “Canadian businesses hold the expertise in world-class advanced technology, cybersecurity, AI and quantum to deliver this strategy in real terms. To do this, the government must address long-standing issues plaguing our defence procurement system — from contracting times that cause project delays to security clearance challenges — as well as provide a clear sense of the required technology or goods to help more companies participate or bid.”

In Greater Victoria, the presence of Canada’s Pacific Fleet at CFB Esquimalt could serve as a catalyst for investment in the region.

“Canada’s Armed Forces have long played an important role in our region, and I look forward to working with businesses on initiatives that can leverage this new federal funding,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.

Victoria Business Hub rolling out series of sessions

February 18, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities

The City of Victoria Business Hub is planning aa series of events to support entrepreneurs and established businesses.

The series begins with a bootcamp on Feb. 23 for those developing a business plan. It continues with a conversation on cybersecurity on March 17 and a session focused on business safety during times of social disorder on April 21.

The latter event was spurred by a roundtable discussion that VicPD Chief Fiona Wilson held with members of The Chamber. It will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre to accommodate the many businesses affected. The session will provide practical tips and key contact information to help address issues including drugs, graffiti and mental-health-related safety concerns.

New tool helps Chamber track local industry data

February 4, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty

The Canadian Chamber has released a new tool to help understand the geographic and economic footprint of different industries on regions across the country.

The Business Data Lab’s Canadian Industry Tracker is available to chambers that are part of the national network. The tracker combines economic, workforce, trade, productivity and business outlook indicators — many not previously available at the city level. The data shows how major Canadian industries are performing across 41 census metropolitan areas, including Greater Victoria.

The tracker helps the Chamber’s team benchmark industries, compare regions and spot emerging strengths and risks. That knowledge helps in our advocacy and our partnerships with other community organizations working on behalf of business.

“Our Chamber has always punched above our weight with the advocacy we do to all levels of government, and this tool along with additions to our staff to increase our capacity around advocacy will help us to continue that work,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.

Belleville Terminal meets new construction milestone

January 28, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, Transportation Options

The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is entering the next phase of work, with dredging of the designated marine construction zone starting Feb. 2.

This work to remove contaminated soils happens Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 7 pm, until Feb. 17. A crane barge and three support barges are set to arrive on site Jan. 30 to support dredging operations. The work is not expected to affect marine traffic.

The Chamber’s advocacy was key to attracting investment in the new terminal, which will modernize the experience for people travelling to downtown Victoria by ferry.

“It’s exciting to see the project moving along and we truly believe that investment in transportation infrastructure is vital to our region’s economic sustainability, especially in these times of global instability,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said.

Restaurant association seeks World Cup partners

January 21, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association has officially secured the foodservice contract, “Taste the Beautiful Game – BC Style,” which will run during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“The province-wide program aims to help restaurants host watch parties, drive traffic, celebrate BC-grown food and drink, and share in the economic benefits of this once-in-a-generation moment,” the BCRFA newsletter said this week.
Businesses need to register and spaces will be limited. Participating businesses receive free toolkits to help activate event traffic and boost visibility, step-by-step support to host high-energy fan experiences and curated concepts to showcase BC flavours during the tournament. The program also provides easy-to-follow guides to provincial requirements and provincewide promotion.

Cultural District plan would transform downtown

January 15, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Local, New And Established Businesses, Safe Communities

A proposal that reimagines a section of downtown Victoria has been approved to move to the next step. Victoria council voted unanimously to approve the plans that Reliance Properties have for a new Capital Culture District.

The development would transform the area between 530 Chatham St. and the 1800 to 2000 block of Store St. into a neighbourhood supporting industry, arts and innovation.

The Chamber lent its support to the proposal through a video and letter to council.

“The proposal to build a Capital Culture District aligns with our mandate and we believe will help revitalize and reconnect this vital area of Downtown Victoria,” The Chamber’s letter stated. “Adding vibrancy and livability to downtown will help solve challenges around housing supply and safe communities … The proposal includes much needed parking, and preserve light industrial activities near our historic working harbour.”

Final approval for the development will be made at a yet to be determined date.

WorkSafeBC’s average base premium rate unchanged

January 7, 2026/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Inflation And Rising Costs

WorkSafeBC announced this week that its average base premium will remain the same as the agency uses a $570-million surplus to subsidize costs this year.

The average base rate is $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. That’s 15% less than the average cost rate of $1.83, with the difference funded by surplus.

In 2026, 39% of employers in BC will experience a decrease in their industry base rate, 47% will see their industry base rate increase, and 14% will see no change.

“Looking at the year ahead, WorkSafeBC is continuing to see upward claim-cost pressures and a continued reduction in the surplus. If these trends continue, it could lead to a moderate increase in premium rates in the near future,” the agency said in a media release. “The preliminary rates for 2027 will be announced in July of this year.”

The workers’ compensation system is independently funded by employer premiums and investment returns. WorkSafeBC does not receive any funding from the provincial government.

Interested in exporting to US states near the border?

December 3, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, New And Established Businesses

Trade and Invest British Columbia, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle, is planning an educational mission for BC food and beverage companies on Feb. 3-5, in Seattle.

The New Exporters to Border States mission provides an opportunity for BC companies with limited or no international trade experience to be introduced to exporting, and to explore the potential of the US Pacific Northwest market firsthand. Experienced exporters are welcome to join and may find the content valuable.

There is a $50 fee to participate in the mission. Return bus transportation between Vancouver-Seattle will be provided. Companies are responsible for paying for all other travel expenses including, but not limited to, accommodation, meals and incidentals.

Apply now until Dec. 17