Chamber Awareness Archives - Page 4 of 5

Access to help key to making community safe for all

June 19, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Housing, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

Feeling safe at home and at work is a fundamental requirement for good business and great community. The Chamber supports initiatives such as two recent announcements about investments in housing and support programs to help people reintegrate into society.

Access Hub for Street Community
The City of Victoria has agreed to provide up to $1.8 million for the operations of a new access hub facility at 2155 Dowler Pl. that reduces the risk and impacts of homelessness. Funds come from the Financial Stability Reserve, which can be used in situations related to public safety.

The 5,264 square-foot property will include community space for people to have immediate access to supports aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. The property will be fenced and security will be on site to address any impacts on neighbouring properties

Transitional Housing for Fresh Start
On Tuesday, the province announced plans for 28 transitional homes with supports for people leaving the correctional system. Located at 736 Princess Ave., the six-storey building will be owned and operated by the John Howard Society of Victoria, which is dedicated to helping people with programs and services focused on employment, housing, mentorship and restorative justice.

The building will be the John Howard Society’s new headquarters. The upper floors of the building will have 28 studio apartments, each with a private washroom and kitchenette.

Chamber initiative will help people New to Canada

June 19, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Immigration And Integration/by Jim Zeeben

A new Chamber initiative that will formally launch in August is already helping make Greater Victoria a great community.

The New to Canada Program aims to empower newcomer business owners in our region. To qualify, business owners must hold a valid business license and have been in Canada for three or less years. Black Press recently reached out to The Chamber to ask about the program and interview one of the first participants.

Alejandra Chacon Gallardo is from Mexico and founded Regenerative Futures Consulting Corp. in Greater Victoria because she believes Canada is at the forefront of climate action leadership. Gallardo connected with The Chamber, and recognized the value of being a member.

“If there is a possibility of helping you, (The Chamber) will be there,” Gallardo told Black Press. “It’s nice that they are building community.”

The New to Canada program includes two years of membership with The Chamber and is designed to help newcomers successfully integrate into the business community in Greater Victoria.

This program is funded through sponsorship from Air Canada, the Victoria Airport Authority, the Victoria Foundation, and Western Design + Build.

“Currently, we are making a few more connections to prepare for a promotional campaign to raise wider awareness of the program,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Watch for our official launch and more coverage in August.”

Canadian business optimism improving, survey finds

June 12, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty/by Jim Zeeben

The Business Expectations Index has moved into positive territory for the first time in a year. The index rose 2.7 points in the second quarter of 2024 from the first quarter, led by an improved outlook for sales.

Some of the key findings include:

Businesses expect employment to grow as labour market conditions continue to find a balance between supply and demand.
Eleven of 16 sectors are improving with finance and insurance leading the pack, followed by construction.
However, agriculture, information and culture, and transportation are contracting.
Firms with 1 to 4 employees say they are are stabilizing, though medium- and large-sized firms (100 or more employees) continue to be much more optimistic.
Among underrepresented groups, visible minorities are the most optimistic, while LGBTQ2+ and women business owners are more pessimistic.

Access to help key to making community safe for all

Chamber initiative will help people New to Canada

Canadian business optimism improving, survey finds

Perrin Beatty leaving Canadian Chamber on Aug. 31

Snowy start for Scotiabank Hockey Day In Canada

New year, new board takes on Chamber leadership

Frightening fun this weekend ahead of Halloween

Chamber contributes to national policy resolutions

Canadian Chamber releases proposed policies

Support local for Labour Day before return of routine

Our Partners

Get in touch –

The Chamber