Since the first Black pioneers arrived, Greater Victoria has benefited from countless Black entrepreneurs who’ve immigrated to Vancouver Island from the Canadian mainland, Africa, the Caribbean, and the rest of the world.

Through their perseverance, creativity, and ambition, the Black community continues to play an important role in the business community of Greater Victoria. Individuals, such as Emma Stark, have achieved great things in their time.

Emma Stark and her family arrived in Greater Victoria from the United States during the Cariboo Gold Rush. The family lived on Salt Spring Island before moving to Nanaimo. Emma would briefly return to Salt Spring Island before settling in Nanaimo to live with her father and receive an education.

Eventually, Emma would pass on her knowledge and experiences to future generations. She became a school teacher and was hired in 1874 to teach at Cranberry-Cedar school.

As the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island, Emma Stark led the way for future trades and business people. She was a trailblazer and an inspiration for Black women looking to enter the teaching profession.

The Consumer Price Index rose 6.3% year over year in December, down from a 6.8% increase in November. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 5.3% on a yearly basis in December, compared to 5.4% in November.

Canadian Chamber Economist Mahmoud Khairy said the drop might not be enough to keep the Bank of Canada from one more increase to interest rates later this month. Khairy expects rates to rise by a quarter point, to 4.5%, and end the tightening cycle which began last March.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada released its latest Business Outlook Survey on Monday. It found that the rise in interest has dampened sales forecasts as customers have less spending money available after paying for necessities. The Bank also released its survey of Consumer Expectations on Monday, showing that many people still fear a recession despite stronger than expected job numbers.

• Improve workplace resilience and individual safety related to toxic drugs
• Improve youth resilience.

 
Details on the grants, including how to apply are available at: New Resilience and Safety Grants – Island Health

The resilience and leadership shown by our business community continues to inspire me as we seek solutions to the challenges of our times. Our mission remains relevant. We Work Together to Build Good Business and Great Community for All.

In 2023, The Chamber celebrates our 160th anniversary and we are committed to creating connections through events and other initiatives. We are grateful for the leadership and compassion of our Chamber Champions. We are ready to roll up our sleeves to make life a little better in Greater Victoria. And we promise to do more to ensure we are inclusive and provide space for people who may not have felt welcomed in the past.

There is work to do, and we are eager to get started. But for the next few weeks, I hope all of you can join us in taking some time to reflect, recharge and reset for the year ahead.

This is our final newsletter for 2022. We’ll be back in January with a full list of upcoming events and the latest news about Chamber members and information important to business.
 
Take care of yourself and your families.

Wishing all peace on earth these holidays.

Bruce Williams
CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Please note that The Chamber will be taking a break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!