Business benefits from mentally healthy workplaces

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An enthusiastic roomful of Chamber members enjoyed a heartfelt and engaging presentation by Jonathon Morris, CEO of the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
 
The event, part of The Chamber’s Business Leaders Luncheons series, was held at the Parkside Hotel & Spa on Tuesday afternoon. Morris spoke about the benefits of better understanding the psychological health of our workplaces. Many employers in the room noted ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness and promote safer and more productive organizational cultures.
 
Morris and Chamber CEO Bruce Williams discussed how businesses can improve their bottom line by taking steps to ensure staff feel safe and supported.
 
Special thanks to event sponsors Coastal Community Credit Union.
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Jonathan Morris, CEO of the BC Division of the CMHA, speaking yesterday about the importance of mental health in the workplace. The Chamber’s Business Leaders Luncheon was sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union.

Strong summer for tourism and hospitality

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As we mark the start of fall, tourism and hospitality businesses can look back on a successful summer.
 
A return of customers kept many restaurants operating at capacity, though they did face other constraints. A lack of staff and a public sector strike that made stocking liquor a challenge cast a shadow on a season that many businesses rely on to make it through slower seasons.
 
Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association told CHEK News that many Victoria restaurants operated with 80% of their staff.
 
The accommodation sector also enjoyed strong season. The latest Victoria Tourism Bulletin from Chemistry Consulting reports that occupancy rates in July were up from 2021 and close to 2018 levels. The average rate for a room was $305 in July, up from $230 in July 2021 and $250 in July 2019.
 
BC Ferries also reported a return to pre-pandemic levels in vehicles, though there were fewer passengers and buses onboard in July.
 
The Victoria International Airport welcomed 162,000 passengers, which is getting closer to the 185,000 in July 2019. And the Victoria Conference Centre saw a big increase this year with 8,211 delegate days in July compared to 3,633 in July 2019.

Condolences for passing of the Queen, but holiday will hurt many businesses

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The death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8 has led to a tremendous response from people around the world.

“On behalf of our Chamber members, Board of Directors and Staff we offer sincere condolences to all who are feeling grief and sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in a statement last week. “These historic events bring us together in conversations about the impact the Royal Family and Her Majesty have had on our world and our lives. Her years of service are an inspiration to all who offer their lives to service of others.”

Yesterday, the federal government announced it would mark the Queen’s death with a national day of mourning on Sept. 19. BC Premier John Horgan followed suit a few hours later noting that the province has “advised provincial public-sector employers to honour this day in recognition of the obligations around federal holidays in the vast majority of provincial collective agreements.”

The unplanned closure of schools and public offices will have an impact on many businesses. Staffing could be challenging as parents scramble to arrange child care. People who had appointments booked will also face disruption as they need to reschedule for a later date.

In Greater Victoria, the province is planning to host a procession on Sept. 19, starting at 10:15 am, and travelling from the BC Legislature to Christ Church Cathedral.

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Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to BC in 1983. Photo courtesy of CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum

Let’s celebrate democracy by voting this October

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There’s truth to the saying you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. We all experienced this during the pandemic as the loss of routines gave us a new perspective on the value of many things we took for granted.

It’s a lesson we can apply to our approach to democracy. Let’s not make going to the ballot sound like a chore. There is no burden on election day. The ability to vote is an exceptional thing. With civic elections coming up fast on Oct. 15, we are encouraging Chamber members to lead the way. Let’s remind our communities to celebrate democratic values so they can continue to thrive.

Get involved, know who your candidates are and learn what they stand for. A well-informed electorate is the best way to ensure good governance.

Who is running in your municipality?
Central Saanich
Colwood
CRD Electoral Areas
Esquimalt
Highlands
Langford
Metchosin
North Saanich
Oak Bay
Saanich
Sidney
Sooke
Victoria
View Royal
School District 61
School District 62
School District 63

How to find out more information on candidates?
In 2022, a quick search online is an easy way to see how individuals and organizations present themselves in their own words. However, The Chamber suggests turning to local media for a more objective analysis of candidates and what they stand for.

We’re lucky in Greater Victoria to have a number of sources of great journalism committed to keeping democracy healthy. Over the course of the election campaign, The Chamber will highlight key election coverage and we will actively encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right on Oct. 15.

Local Media Municipal Election coverage

Thursday party planned to celebrate 55+ Games

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Staying active is key to a long and healthy life, and this week Greater Victoria welcomes 2,500 older athletes competing in the 55+ BC Games. It’s the first time the multi-sport event has been held in the region.

The Games kicked off on Sept. 13 and run until Sept. 17. The annual competition features 22 sports and activities at facilities in the City of Victoria, District of Saanich, City of Langford, District of Oak Bay and Township of Esquimalt.

Age categories range up to 100+ for some Track and Field events. Athletes come from 12 Zones across the province, and a special party is planned for tomorrow. The Thursday Night on the Town festival will feature music, First Nations cultural performances and activities from 5 to 8 pm on Government Street between Humboldt and View streets.

The 55+ BC Games are the largest annual multi-sport event in the province, and the first to be held in Greater Victoria since the North American Indigenous Games in 1997.

Bank of Canada hikes rate to keep inflation at bay

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The belief that prices will keep rising can become self fulfilling as markets react to public expectation. To try and put an end to that, the Bank of Canada increased interest rates by 75 basis points Wednesday.

“Surveys suggest that short-term inflation expectations remain high,” the Bank of Canada stated in its news release. “The longer this continues, the greater the risk that elevated inflation becomes entrenched.”

Rising inflation has been the story of the summer, with fuel costs and global supply chain disruption causing the Consumer Price Index to reach 8.1% in June. Since then, the CPI has dropped though other indicators remain concerning.

To help understand what inflation and interest rates mean for Greater Victoria businesses, check out our special expert panel facilitated by Chamber CEO Bruce Williams.

Businesses rejoice, restock as strike called off

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People in BC’s hospitality industry could be forgiven for stopping to say “cheers” yesterday (Aug. 30), as word spread that government workers were standing down from job action that had threatened vital supply chains.
 
“The Chamber applauds this decision to let workers stay working in our restaurants, craft breweries and all businesses that depend on the government for access to goods,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Last week, The Chamber was part of a coalition calling for a quick end to this strike and we’re happy our voice has been heard.”
 
BC’s hospitality and tourism sector brings in more than $22.3 billion in annual revenue. The strike, which began Aug. 15, was affecting the viability of many people whose livelihoods depend on the accommodation, liquor and cannabis retail industries.
 
The Liquor Distribution Branch Wholesale Operations division has posted an update on plans to meet outstanding orders and get the service back to speed.

Uber Canada asking to operate in Greater Victoria

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People in Greater Victoria could soon have access to the ride-sharing brand that is ubiquitous in most of the rest of the world.
 
Uber Canada announced today that it has asked the province’s Passenger Transportation Board to allow the company to operate in Greater Victoria and Kelowna. Uber was rejected by the board last year, which was concerned about allowing competition affecting business hurt by pandemic restrictions. However, the new request is for a transfer of licence from a company that was already approved by the board but is not operational.
 
The Chamber supports Uber’s efforts as the company is a recognized global leader in the provision of ridesharing. Their international experience would be a welcome addition to Greater Victoria, particularly as international visitors return to our destination.

Celebrate September with savings!

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Make the most out of your Labour Day long weekend by supporting your fellow Chamber members. Celebrate by enjoying a bite out, a night away from home, or plan an action-packed weekend at these local treasures.
 
After you enjoy the long weekend, you may be getting ready for the return of the school year and your fall routine. Take advantage of The Chamber’s exclusive member-only deals and discounts on quality school and office supplies.
 
Chamber members can save:

  • 10% at Monk Office supplies,
  • 30% when Chamber Members update laptops and PCs through Lenovo
  • Up to 85% off at Grand & Toy office supplies.

 
Discover more discounts and savings here.

Economic growth surpasses forecasts for province

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BC is back in the black as the province is reporting a $1.3 billion surplus for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The economy outperformed most forecasts that were expecting deficits for years to come as businesses recover from the pandemic.
 
“While others might have chosen cuts and austerity, our investments in people have helped our economy rebound faster than anyone in the public or private sector predicted,” BC Finance Minister Selina Robinson said. “Looking ahead, the Province will keep using this economic strength to support British Columbians, including bringing in new measures in September to help those who are struggling the most with global inflation.”
 
The Canadian economy was also up, with national GDP rising by 3.3% in the second quarter. The jump is the largest since 1974. The increase was driven by strong consumer spending and investments by businesses, Statistics Canada said.

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