Chamber Awareness Archives - Victoria Chamber

Chamber hosts series of meetings with fed leaders

August 28, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

It’s another productive week at The Chamber as staff have been busy hosting federal leaders in our new Garry Oak Boardroom.

On Tuesday, The Chamber invited members to participate in pre-budget consultations with Parliamentary Secretary Ryan Turnbull.

The meeting was one of the final stops for Turnbull, who listened attentively to suggestions on how government can better invest in the economic growth of our region.

Topics included using Department of Defence land for housing, improving infrastructure to add capacity to our marine economy and urgent legal reforms to stem property crimes by keeping repeat offenders behind bars.

On Wednesday, The Chamber hosted Senator Andrew Cardozo for a discussion about government advocacy and policy priorities. Senator Cardozo spoke about the positive change that has happened by appointing Senators as independents rather than partisans.

On Thursday, our Boardroom is again sold out for a meeting with the Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).

The event is an opportunity to hear directly about the federal government’s plans to support tourism and small business, as well as ongoing work to advance diversity, equality and inclusion in Canada.

Last week, The Chamber hosted Rajiv Gupta, Head of the Canadian Centre of Cyber Security.

Curious how LNG could impact Greater Victoria?

August 20, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions, Global Uncertainty, Housing, Indigenous Business Support And Reconciliation, Inflation And Rising Costs, New And Established Businesses, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Natural gas has a long history as a game-changing source of energy. From the old slogan, “Now you’re cooking with gas” to recent proposals aimed at boosting BC’s economy and helping wean the world off coal, LNG has made plenty of headlines.

Chamber members have a chance to dig deeper into those stories and others when we host FortisBC President and CEO Roger Dall’Antonia. The event, sponsored by ColdStar Solutions, runs Sept. 9, from 11:30am to 1 pm, at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

Dall’Antonia will speak about the latest efforts to grow the industry, the impact investing in natural gas will have on provincial revenue and the opportunities available in Greater Victoria.

If you have questions about FortisBC and our province’s energy sector, please send them to communications@victoriachamber.ca. We’ll select those that help inform conversations about our region and get the answers at the event directly from one of the province’s foremost experts.

Reserve your seat now for the Chamber’s next Business Leaders Luncheon, and make the most of this chance to connect with top movers and shakers in our business community.

Reserve Your Seat

Boardroom meeting with fed Minister open to members

August 20, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery, New And Established Businesses/by Jim Zeeben

Being a Chamber member means being part of the unapologetic Voice of Business for our region. That means opportunities to speak directly to top decision-makers, such as the Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), who will be visiting The Chamber’s boardroom next week.

The event is open to members, providing a chance to hear directly about the federal government’s plans to support tourism and small business, as well as ongoing work to advance diversity, equality and inclusion in Canada.

The event will begin with small-group networking, followed by remarks from Minister Valdez.

A moderated Q&A will follow, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing tourism and business in our region, and how we can work together to build an inclusive, welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot.

Reserve Your Seat

BC Ferries needs political will to ensure sustainability

August 13, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Sometimes it takes making headlines to get government’s attention. That seems to be the case for BC Ferries, which recently announced plans to procure four desperately needed new vessels.

The Chamber has spoken up for the Island’s vital link to the Mainland, pointing out that new vessels are required now. The announcement caused ripples across various levels of government as well as introspection about Canada’s current ship-building industry.

On Aug. 1, BC Ferries President and CEO Nicolas Jimenez appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Jimenez explained the essential service that BC Ferries provides. The fleet is running at full capacity and needs new investment in aging infrastructure.

“Last summer, our major route sailings ran at an average 92% capacity, and we left a quarter of a million people behind because we were full,” Jimenez said. “Only one of our 25 routes can cover its own costs without government subsidy. Travel demand is projected to rise by 15% – outpacing our capacity even with four new vessels.”

With mounting pressure on passenger fares, BC Ferries held an extensive procurement process in line with international best practices. With no Canadian bids, the result was a “choice between a foreign bid or no new ferries.”

The Chamber will continue to support BC Ferries’s efforts to keep their services sustainable. We call on the federal government to better support this vital transportation link — as they do ferry services in Atlantic provinces.

Groundbreaking signals start of major new housing project

August 13, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Local, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

One of our region’s largest new housing developments broke ground today, starting construction on a project that will eventually add 1,500 homes in Harris Green.

The housing, being developed by Starlight Investments, will include a mix of townhomes, studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The Chamber was an early supporter of the project.

Harris Green Village is the largest multi-family housing project in Victoria’s history, the developer said. The three-phase project will also add 100,000 square feet of modern commercial and retail space.

“The Harris Green Village development is a demonstration of Victoria’s forward-thinking approach to driving purpose-built rental housing,” City of Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said. “This is exactly the kind of vibrant, community-driven growth we can expect as the City continues to create more opportunities for housing and community spaces in the downtown core.”

The first phase underway now will create 526 rental suites in the downtown Victoria neighbourhood

Chamber network continues to call for red tape reduction

July 23, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber continues to call for reduced red tape across all levels of government.

According to the latest update from the Business Conditions Terminal for Greater Victoria, conditions remain challenging with the number of active businesses at 11,300, a slight increase (0.5%) from a year ago.

Businesses are encouraged to help shape Chamber advocacy efforts through tools such as the Red Tape Review. This survey seeks specific feedback on regulatory irritants. The results will be used in direct consultation with federal ministries as they work to streamline government.

Provincially, there was good news as BC signed agreements to ease interprovincial trade with Ontario, Manitoba and the Yukon. The Chamber has been calling for reduced restrictions for east-west trade for years. The move helps Canada’s economy overall and lessens the over-reliance on southern trade routes with American states.

The agreement will make it easier for regulated trades and professions to work in any of the jurisdictions. The deal with Ontario also improves the ability for alcohol producers to access either market.

The agreements were signed during a gathering of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers at the Council of the Federation meeting this week.

Tiresome tariff talk compounds flagging confidence

July 17, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Summer is traditionally a time to slow down and reenergize, but the trade talk coming out of the Whitehouse feels like spam through a faulty email filter.

“Like most copy-and-paste chain-letters, this latest tariff threat from the US promises disaster if its warnings and predictions aren’t taken seriously. But it’s the senselessness of this tradewar that is the real tragedy,” Canadian Chamber President and CEO Candace Laing said. “Having spent months under on-again, off-again tariffs and threats, Canadians already know just how damaging this can be — both to our economy and the relationship we’ve enjoyed with our southern neighbour for decades.”

In Greater Victoria, Chamber Past Chair Kris Wirk told CHEK News that many members are already pivoting their business to other markets or services that avoid the US.

“The fact that there’s moving goal posts and moving deadlines makes it difficult for businesses,” Wirk said, noting many people are making changes to help weather the length of the current US administration’s time in office. “I think the past is a good indicator of the future so we may be in for a long four (or three-and-a-half) years.”

According to the Conference Board of Canada, the uncertainty is making businesses cautious during a season that typically sees growth. The Index of Business Confidence decreased by 1.5 points this quarter, falling to its lowest level outside of the pandemic.

“Over 40% of respondents cited weak market demand and government policies as the two leading factors holding back planned investment,” the Board said. “Until these challenges ease, business investment is expected to remain restrained.”

Jo Campbell remembered as legendary philanthropist

July 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

One of Greater Victoria’s most legendary philanthropists has died at the age of 85.

Jo Campbell was co-founder of Thrifty Foods along with her husband Alex Campbell, who was named Chamber Lifetime Achievement winner in 2009 and inducted into The Chamber Business Hall of Fame in 2022.

“Jo and Alex were a team working together to create and grow Thrifty Foods into the business and community giants that they sold to Sobeys in 2007,” Bruce Williams said in his last week as Chamber CEO. “I have had the privilege of knowing them both and their children and admired their endless dedication to supporting important causes and organizations.”

Jo Campbell was as major supporter of the Victoria Cancer Centre and Camosun College, which named a wing of their campus the Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness.

Chamber hosting CUSMA workshop in Victoria

July 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

Nominations open for 2026-27 Chamber Board

July 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Every fall, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce holds an election for new board members. Each board member is elected for a two-year term with staggered renewal dates. Our influential board works with decision-makers to support our region’s businesses and maximize the value of membership with The Chamber.

This year, four (4) board positions are up for election and nominations to the Board will be open from now until Thursday, Aug. 28 at 12 pm. Visit our website for information on the nomination process and key dates. Download the nomination package to begin the process of nominating yourself for consideration.

Join us for the Board Information Session on July 15, from 10 – 11:30am at the Chamber office or via Teams, if you are interested in learning more about the election process or the commitment and responsibilities of being on The Chamber Board.

The main contact of each Chamber member business is the voting representative and will receive information on voting in September. Please ensure the main contact for your business is correct by visiting your Member Directory Listing or Member Portal.

Additional questions can be directed to strategy@victoriachamber.ca.