Chamber Awareness Archives - Page 3 of 5

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

August 22, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Food Security, Government Federal, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber continues to call on our region’s Members of Parliament as well as the federal government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of rail services. A strike that began Aug. 22 threatens to disrupt local economies as well as our country’s national security.

Working with our national chamber network, we have been asking the government for weeks to protect the Canadian public. Under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the federal Minister of Labour can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration and can end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution. The government can also introduce back-to-work legislation.

This is not a partisan issue. However, a steep price will be paid by families, workers and businesses if action is not taken.

“I sent a letter to all of the Members of Parliament in Greater Victoria, so they are aware of the gravity of this issue,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Our expectation is they will take up this call in Ottawa and work with the government to protect our region before we experience supply shortages that could create a real crisis here.”

Seminar at Chamber aims to help ‘get out the vote’

August 16, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is teaming up with the Democratic Engagement Exchange and Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria to offer a free elections readiness workshop on Aug. 29.
This training session will help people support a healthy democracy by providing best practices for non-partisan voter engagement. The workshop is being held in The Chamber’s seminar room and run independently by the Democratic Engagement Exchange, funded in part by Elections BC.

Aug. 29
Time: 1-4 pm
Seminar Room, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, #100-852 Fort St.

“Community-based organizations and local leaders are the backbone of our democracy,” states the Democratic Engagement Exchange. “By addressing community concerns, providing essential voting information, and fostering a culture of engagement, you can make a real impact.”

Register for the Workshop

Mustard Seed cupboards need help this summer

August 14, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Food Security/by Jim Zeeben

The Mustard Seed’s summer campaign — “Hunger Doesn’t Go on Vacation. Neither Do We.” — has raised $19,000 in monetary donations and $5,000 in canned goods so far.

However, donations have dropped off significantly in the last two weeks and the organization needs help making sure it can meet the demand of people in need.

To help, Max Furniture is stepping up to collect and purchase canned goods. Drop off your items at 3460 Quadra St. by 5 pm, Sunday.

Other ways to get involved:

Call The Mustard Seed at 778-677-1335 or email volunteer@mustardseed.ca and talk to Claudia.
Receive Materials: The Mustard Seed will drop off signage and instructions at your business.
Set Up: Place a donation box with QR Code for monetary donations at your business.
Scheduled Pick-Up: The Mustard Seed will pick up the donation box on a scheduled day.

Participating businesses will receive a sticker letting clients know that you support food security.

Read the Media Release

Chamber calls on feds to focus funds on military housing

August 8, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber’s proposed policy resolution calling for investment in military housing has successfully taken the next step to being officially adopted by the national chamber network.

After passing an initial review, the proposed resolution will be debated at the Canadian Chamber AGM in October.

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce staff worked with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to craft the policy proposal, titled: Adding to Canada’s housing supply by strengthening Canada’s military through housing on military bases.

The resolution argues that the availability of secure and affordable homes is crucial for the retention and recruitment of members of the armed forces as well as for regional economies affected by a lack of housing.

By creating new housing on available Department of National Defence lands, Canadian Armed Forces members will be less dependent on market housing, which in turn will open up more homes for residents who work outside the military.

“We’re asking the federal government to focus funding — that it’s already announced for housing — in a way we believe will provide an effective boost to our national economy,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is a member of the national Chamber Network Review Committee.

Province-wide plastics prohibition formally phased in

July 17, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

An initiative that was adopted early by Greater Victoria businesses is now in effect across the province. As of July 15, plastic shopping bags and single-use products are no longer allowed to be offered to customers anywhere in BC.

The province estimates that British Columbians threw out more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging in 2019, equal to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste per person.

Canadian Chamber names Candace Laing new CEO

July 17, 2024/in Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Candace Laing will become the new President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 1.

Laing has more than two decades of experience as a senior executive with both the private and public sectors. She spent 10 years with Nutrien and its predecessor company, PotashCorp. With Nutrien, her roles included Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations.

Laing also has extensive experience with the national chamber. She joined the Canadian Chamber’s board of directors in 2019 and served as Vice-Chair from 2021 to 2022, becoming the elected Chair of the Board of Directors in 2022.

“Candace is a next-generation leader with a strong Canadian business background,” said Penny Wise, Chair of the CEO Search Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. “She has extensive experience making decisions across complex organizations, which will help us build on our existing strengths and meet the challenges facing Canadian businesses and families.”

Current Chamber President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, officially steps down Aug. 30.

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Work is getting underway on the redevelopment of Belleville Terminal, with Phase 1 Wharf Modifications starting at the Steamship Building’s water lot.

A barge with a crane derrick is on site, and work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and potentially weekends depending on scheduling. However, no work will occur over long-weekends, and should be completed by the end of August.

“Potential impacts from this work include noise from the removal of existing pilings and installation of new pilings as well as the visual impact of the crane derrick within the inner harbour,” states a memo about the project from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Projects.

The Chamber advocated for two decades to gather support for the modernization of this important international gateway that greets thousands of travellers every year.

“It’s great to see the project finally underway and we know the temporary disruption will be worth having a 21st century facility in place,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

You can stay updated on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project by visiting the project website.

Chamber network fighting to stop Digital Service Tax

June 26, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim Zeeben

Your next online purchase, ride share, meal delivery, or vacation could soon cost even more if the Digital Service Tax is implemented.

That’s the message from the Canadian Chamber as it lobbies the federal government to not pass the DST without significant changes. The proposal will tax revenue earned by large foreign and domestic businesses on online services, including marketplaces, advertising, and social media — but its effects will be felt by consumers in the form of higher prices for products and services that rely on digital platforms.

“For example, your online purchases, takeout after a long work week, or your long weekend cottage rental could cost more starting in 2024,” the Canadian Chamber said. “And the warning isn’t without foundation — France’s DST caused an estimated 2-3% price increase in services for consumers.”

If the DST is passed, it will take effect later this year. However, because it is a retroactive tax, it will apply to revenue earned by businesses in 2022 and 2023 as well.

“That’s like having the CRA send you a letter telling you to review your last two years of tax filings and pay more now for a tax that didn’t exist back then,” the Canadian Chamber said.

Happy Canada Day!

June 26, 2024/in Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Summer is officially underway, which means it’s time to express our gratitude for living in the best place on earth. Greater Victoria is amazing throughout the year, but summer means every weekend has something to celebrate.

With the Canada Day long-weekend approaching, The Chamber is celebrating our New to Canada Program. Read more about this initiative in our BizNews story below.

Today’s issue also includes Member News about how Rifflandia and the City of Victoria are hosting a big Canada Day celebration.

Leading up to July 1, you can enjoy JazzFest, courtesy of the Victoria Jazz Society.

“Let’s support our local businesses, whether that’s going out on the town, enjoying a community event or spending time with family and friends at the beach or a backyard barbecue,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

Happy Canada Day Victoria!

The Chamber will be closed on Monday, July 1st.

BC Conservative leader speaks at Chamber election luncheon

June 19, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

A full-house enjoyed lunch today at the Sandman Hotel Victoria while listening to Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad explain how he would change the province if elected.

Rustad offered his thoughts on the economy, public safety and other issues, often weaving in small-town stories from rural constituents.

“Some people really liked what Mr. Rustad had to say, some learned about his policy ideas for the first time, but every attendee who was there came with an open mind and respect for our democratic process,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said about the event. “I want to thank everyone who has attended our Leading to Election events. We have a role as the Voice of Business to give our members a chance to hear first-hand from the people running for election this October.”

The first Leading to Election event was held in April with Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. On June 6, The Chamber hosted Kevin Falcon — the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the BC United Party. Our fourth event will feature the leader of the BC Green Party in September.

John Rustad at The Chamber’s Leading to Election Luncheon on June 19.