BC pubs get extended hours for 2023 World Cup
The FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins Nov. 20 and runs until Dec. 19.
Canada makes its first appearance in the global competition since 1986 with a game against Belgium on Nov. 23.
Greater Victoria is known as one of the most haunted places in Canada, and this spooky season is the perfect time to experience something new — if you dare!
Visit a local pub or nightclub to show off your great costume skills, or have a Halloween meal at a great restaurant before handing out handfuls of candy to trick-or-treaters.
Check out Destination Greater Victoria’s list of 20 eerie-sistable Halloween activities if you’re dying to see a ghost, and explore famously haunted sites such as Craigdarroch Castle, Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University, the Fairmont Empress, Rogers’ Chocolates, and many more.
If you’re looking to burn off that extra sugar from Halloween treats, check out a local fitness facility, and be sure to recycle your pumpkin at Pumpkin Smash 2022 in the City of Langford on Nov. 5.
Whatever you may be up too this Halloween, The Chamber hopes you have a fun (and frightening) time!
The Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with the provincial government on key issues affecting Greater Victoria. We’re also calling on the province for better budget transparency, especially if new spending is planned. Last month, BC’s Auditor General Michael Pickup raised concerns about the province’s accounting methods.
“Each year, my office is mandated to report whether government’s financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,” Pickup is reported to have said. “My job is to report what I see (and) give the opinion that I believe. So I think these things should be corrected.”
Chamber members have an opportunity to hear directly from BC’s AG next month.
“Businesses, of course, want to feel safe,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told Global News. “They want to know that they themselves and their employees are safe when they come and go from work.”
Of course, the situation is complex. The toxic drug crisis continues to cause damage throughout society, and, particularly, with people involved in street life who are at risk of homelessness. Addictions, as well as mental health challenges, are often at the root of criminal behaviour that makes the news. Any solutions need to intersect with the healthcare system, which is why organizations such as Island Health are critical to have onboard.
On Tuesday, The Chamber and Island Health hosted a gathering of about 40 people at the University Club at the University of Victoria. The discussion focused on how businesses and non-profit organizations can work with Island Health to develop innovative solutions to complex problems around mental health and addiction. Other topics included work being done to attract and retain more doctors, support workplace mental health and streamline health care delivery.
It was a good opportunity to combine the nimbleness and creativity of the private sector with the resources and gravitas of the public health authority. The spirited discussion resulted in a number of ideas that The Chamber and our members will continue to follow up on in the months ahead.
Inflation has declined from 8.1% to 6.9%, though it’s still well above the target of 2-3%.
“The Bank expects CPI inflation to ease as higher interest rates help rebalance demand and supply, price pressures from global supply disruptions fade, and the past effects of higher commodity prices dissipate,” states today’s news release. “CPI inflation is projected to move down to about 3% by the end of 2023, and then return to the 2% target by the end of 2024.”
Another increase to interest rates is expected on Dec. 7, but will depend on how much demand has slowed, and how well improving supply chains are able to keep up.
“It really was remarkable to be among the voices of business communities from across Canada and hear how many of our concerns and challenges are shared,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said of being a delegate at the meeting. “We were able to meet directly with a number of federal ministers and senior staff, who were quite keen to better understand what policies are needed to help businesses build resiliency.”
Williams also introduced a policy resolution at the AGM, highlighting the need for federal support of child care to enable parents to stay in the workforce and continue their careers. The resolution was adopted, along with a number of others supported by The Chamber that further our Advocacy Priorities.
The changes will apply to taxation years that began on or after April 7 of this year. The shift aligns BC with the federal government and will particularity benefit businesses that are capital intensive.
The latest Major City Insights report offers forecasts for 13 cities across the country.
The board says our region’s service industries will continue to be key drivers of the economy, with recovery continuing in the hospitality, entertainment and accommodation sectors.
Employers can also expect to face ongoing pressure to increase wages as Greater Victoria’s Consumer Price Index rises to 7.6% this year before dropping to 4% next year and 2.3% the year after.