Last Friday’s network disruption at Rogers Communications affected many businesses who relied on the service for financial transactions or other communication needs.

Details are still emerging about what caused the outage and Rogers has so far promised to make sure the issue doesn’t happen again and credit customers for five-days of service.

The disruption prompted the federal government to call on all communications companies to create a plan to mitigate the impact of any future outages.

An historic meeting at Songhees Nation this week brought together Canada’s provincial premiers as well as leaders from National Indigenous Organizations. The two-day meeting wrapped up with an urgent call for the federal government to fund a modernization of Canada’s health care system.

“The whole continuum of care needs to be revisited. And now is the time to do that,” BC Premier John Horgan told the Times Colonist. The discussion also needs to include Indigenous voices, which have not had a seat at the the table in the past.

“Hosting this meeting at the Songhees Wellness Centre reflects and amplifies Indigenous voices in the decision-making process,” the Songhees Nation said in a statement about the gathering.

The Chamber has been effective in our work to keep lines of communication clear between government and the business community. BC’s Attorney General David Eby responded to a letter by The Chamber, co-signed by the Surrey Board of Trade and the Alberni Valley and Campbell River and District chambers of commerce.
 
“We were clear that the Lobbyists Transparency Act as implemented is missing its intended mark,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We support open and transparent government but this is red tape that is casting a chill on many small chambers due to its heavy handed reporting requirements. Threats of fines and public shaming aimed at preventing conflicts of interest are causing collateral damage to non-profits working for the benefit of communities. This flies in the face of the work that chambers do to build connections that enable informed decisions and successful policies.”
 
The Chamber will continue to work with the AG to refine the LTA to better achieve its intended outcomes.

Housing supply is foundational to a strong economy, and The Chamber applauds progress being made on the largest housing supply project ever on Vancouver Island. The $250 million Nigel Valley development in the District of Saanich will add 800 homes to the region, including 440 non-market rental units and 255 market homes. The other units include social housing with supports.
 
“It’s amazing what can happen when multiple stakeholders, including our local community associations, take a collaborative and proactive approach to challenges like housing,” Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes said in a news release. “This project caters to a wide range of housing needs in Saanich and I look forward to seeing how it will enhance our community over the years to come.”
 
BC Housing is contributing more than $50 million, and Broadmead Care and Island Health are each providing more more than $5 million.
 
The Nigel Valley redevelopment, near Saanich’s municipal hall, is being done in three phases over the next 10 years.

Happy Canada Day from The Chamber! This Friday, check out great events around Greater Victoria and enjoy the long-awaited sunshine.

The City of Victoria is hosting a day full of activities beginning with an Indigenous traditional canoe protocol and welcoming ceremony featuring the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers. After a full day of performances, Reliance Properties will put on an extravagant fireworks display over the city.

In the District of Saanich, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic will offer food, music, markets and more for the entire family.

Out on the Westshore, the City of Langford will be hosting their first inaugural celebration at Starlight Stadium. Featuring a pancake breakfast, live music, a movie under the stars and much more, the event also coincides with Langford’s 30th anniversary.

Innovative partnerships and updated traditions will help people in Greater Victoria celebrate Canada Day, while reflecting on the values of our country and the work still needed to ensure it is inclusive for all. We hope this Canada day gives you and your family a time to reflect, and the opportunity to support the great local businesses that make up our communities and country.

The Chamber will be closed Friday, July 1.