Chamber Awareness Archives - Victoria Chamber

Keeping an eye on AI to help business adopt it safely

November 13, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Finding And Keeping Workers, Global Uncertainty, New And Established Businesses/by Jim Zeeben

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.

Ferries celebrates milestone for zero-emission ships

November 7, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

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

November 7, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

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.

Better policies key to helping small businesses grow

October 23, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Finding And Keeping Workers, New And Established Businesses/by Jim Zeeben

It’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 report also shows that businesses projecting high growth are typically between five and 19 employees, are owned by immigrants or visible minorities and have been operating between three and 10 years.

In order to grow, the biggest challenges facing businesses are access to financing and technology, as well as a supportive policy environment that provides opportunities to export.

Chamber policy resolution passes unanimously

October 23, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

Work 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 made to almost every policy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “When our work was introduced, I was happy to see it adopted unanimously. Clearly, housing is an issue across Canada and our West Coast thinking once again leads the way.”

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM was held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel and brought together “chamber of commerce executives and community business leaders to discuss the economic and political issues affecting the prosperity of Canadian business and set our policy agenda for the upcoming year.”

BC’s political future remains uncertain after tight election

October 23, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

Clarity 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 Bruce Williams said. “The Chamber hosted party leaders during their campaigns and, as an organization, we have nurtured meaningful connections with the provincial government for more than 160 years.”

Initial results of the election left the BC NDP with 46 seats, the Conservative Party of BC with 45 and the BC Green Party with two seats. However, because races were so close in many electoral areas, the initial results could change. As well as the recounts taking place, about 49,000 mail-in and absentee ballots are being counted.

In the Juan de Fuca-Malahat riding, NDP candidate Dana Lajeunesse had a 23-vote lead over BC Conservative Marina Sapozhnikov.

Elsewhere in our region, elected MLAs include:

Esquimalt-Colwood – NDP Darlene Rotchford.
Langford-Highlands – NDP Ravi Parmar.
Oak Bay-Gordon Head – NDP Diana Gibson.
Saanich North and the Islands – Green Rob Bottrell.
Saanich South – NDP Lana Popham.
Victoria-Beacon Hill – NDP Grace Lore.
Victoria-Swan Lake – NDP Nina Krieger.

Go beyond the headlines to learn about BC Ferries

October 17, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

It’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 for sailing waits, electioneering promises or plans for new vessels.

With mounting pressures on transportation and tourism, it’s vital for businesses in our region to understand the state of our primary route off Island. The Chamber is helping our community stay informed by hosting BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez on Nov. 26.

Reserve your spot now and submit your questions to hear firsthand about the future of ferries in our region.

Register now for BC Ferries Business Leader Luncheon

BC leaders exchange barbs on televised debate

October 10, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/p74SwrfQ

It’s too soon to tell whether Tuesday night’s leadership debate made a significant difference for voters. The televised discussion featured BC NDP leader David Eby, Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad and BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau.

Across Greater Victoria and the province, all candidates are officially registered in their electoral areas with final voting day set for Oct. 19. Advance polls open this week, on Oct. 10, and you can check Elections BC for specific information about voting places near you and dates and times they will be open. Voting by mail is also an option.

The Chamber is non-partisan and hosted events with all three leaders throughout the year:

Chamber data helps educate US about protectionism risks

October 10, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim Zeeben

A new report on the US election paints a stark picture of how campaign rhetoric poses real risks to Canada’s economy.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab found that protectionist practises, if enacted, would negatively affect our country as well as most US states along our border.

“When you dig into the data, you immediately see the high degree of integration between the two economies, and how much they rely on each other to make things,” states the report, titled Partners in Prosperity: Exploring the Significance of Canada-U.S. Trade. “That’s why maintaining efficient supply chains ultimately makes both countries more competitive and increases economic security and resilience to global shocks.”

The US election is set for Nov. 5, and one of the political promises being bandied is a 10% tariff on imports from Canada and other countries.

“Several U.S. state economies are surprisingly dependent on Canadian trade,” the report states, noting Canadians generally have an understanding of the importance of trade while many Americans do not realize how critical Canada is as a reliable supply chain partner for US companies and consumers. “Even as far away as Texas, trade with Canada still accounts for 4% of the state economy.”

The data from the report will help the national chamber network advocate with businesses south of the border to inform US lawmakers about the risks of following through on damaging policies for political gain.

“It’s an interesting time politically for sure, with our own BC election on Oct. 19 and the US election next month,” said Greater Victoria Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is off to Halifax next week for the annual meeting of the national chamber network.

Chamber-backed tourism corridor earns designation

October 3, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

A federal agency announced last week that the Juan de Fuca Corridor, between BC and Washington, has been named one of four key tourism corridors for future investment.

The Chamber supported the efforts of Destination Canada to select the corridor as part of a long-term tourism strategy.

“Our region has a well-developed and managed tourism industry and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has promoted the benefits of the visitor economy for generations,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in a media release. “The proposed Juan de Fuca Partnership is an exciting initiative for the coastal corridor between Canada and the United States and will benefit regions that have deep cultural and ecological connections. We owe it to future generations to work together in an open and transparent way to build an economy that works for everyone.”

The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program crosses provincial and territorial boundaries to “develop iconic new journeys for travellers to explore.”

The other tourism corridors are:

Cycle Ontario and Quebec (Ontario, Quebec)
Field to Fork: Saskatchewan Manitoba Agritourism (Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
Northern Sky Corridor (Alberta, Northwest Territories)