Understanding democracy is vital to our future

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Democracy, as Winston Churchill famously said, is the worst form of government other than every other system ever attempted.
 
With civic elections set for this October, many people are considering running for election. To help give potential candidates the info they need to understand what’s possible — and what isn’t — if they’re elected, The Chamber hosted a virtual seminar with municipal governance expert Allison Habkirk. She has more than 30-years experience in local government as an employee, an elected official and as an educator.
 
Municipal councils make decisions that literally affect the street we live on. They can play a huge role in the success of your neighbourhood’s businesses so investing in providing them the right info to make them successful needs to be a priority.

Red tape chills voice of business for small chambers

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The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce added our voice to calls from the Surrey Board of Trade, Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce to rethink new rules that are casting a chill on the traditional role of business as a trusted voice for decision makers. The new rules require communication with government officials to be logged monthly using a multi-step process.
 
“Chambers of commerce and boards of trade are embedded in the fabric of our communities,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Our mandate is to give voice to business. In healthy communities, the public sector and private sector co-exist in a balance that creates employment and healthy economies and enables sound policies. This isn’t new, but it is being threatened by onerous requirements that miss their target. We are putting historic relationships at risk with this paternalistic red tape that is effectively censuring important conversations.”
 
The organizations co-authored a letter to Attorney General David Eby requesting that chambers and boards of trade be exempt from the BC Lobbyists Transparency Act.
 
In 2020, significant changes to BC’s lobbyist registration regime came into effect creating confusion and concern for every business or organization whose role includes communicating with BC government officials.
 
Read the letter here: Letter: Re: Exempting Chambers and Boards of Trade from BC Lobbyists Transparency Act

Business groups part of planning for new economy

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British Columbia will be among the first provinces to engage in consultations with the federal government on planning for a new economy based on renewable energy.
 
The Regional Energy and Resource Tables will include representatives from municipalities, First Nations, universities, industry and business groups. The discussion will look at opportunities that come with investing in a net-zero economy.
 
“It’s about actually doing the manufacturing of batteries and electric vehicles and a range of other products that utilize critical minerals in this country,” Minister of Natural Resources Jonathon Wilkinson told Glacier Media. “I see this as actually a generational opportunity for Canada.”

Thoughts are with officers injured in Tuesday incident

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The Chamber shares the community’s concern for everyone affected by the traumatic incident that happened in Saanich on Tuesday. The scenes of violence have shaken everyone.
 
“Our thoughts are with those police officers who bravely faced extreme danger to protect the many civilians in the area,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We know that safe communities are a foundation all of us need so we can function in our homes and workplaces. Witnessing violence is not something anyone expects to do while going about their business, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by being nearby as this tragic scene unfolded.”

Showing Pride across Greater Victoria

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Join The Chamber in celebrating Pride June 23-July 2!

Pride Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and there are many great ways to show your support throughout the week. From the Big Gay Dog Walk to the highly anticipated Pride Parade, check out engaging events, performances and exhibits from across the region.

Looking for more aways to celebrate Pride? Make sure to visit Destination Greater Victoria’s Guide to Pride 2022 for a list of more exciting events.

Join us as we take the time to celebrate diversity and inclusion across the region. Happy Pride Week from The Chamber!

Province hits pause on Royal BC Museum project

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BC Premier John Horgan has admitted the province failed to properly explain plans to replace the Royal BC Museum, and has put the project on hold.
 
“I always try to act in the best interests of British Columbians,” Horgan said in a news release. “That involves listening. That also means taking responsibility when you make the wrong call.”
 
The museum is no longer scheduled to close this fall, and a new round of public consultation will begin to hear what British Columbians want to do with the institution.
 
“Kudos to the province for hearing what we, and many others, told them we didn’t like about the initial announcement,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The Royal BC Museum is a pillar of Greater Victoria’s tourism industry so, first and foremost, we need it to stay in our region. The museum is deeply connected to our economy and benefits many of our members. What we want to see is the province make an investment in this asset that drives visitation, excites the intellect and creates revenue for our region and the province.”
 
The Chamber also fully supports a more inclusive narrative about our province that shares the story of Indigenous people as well as all of the diverse communities that make up the fabric of who we are today.
 
Construction continues on a new Collections and Research Building in Colwood. It will house museum artifacts once completed.

Memorial planned for tourism industry leader

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Greater Victoria lost a stalwart of our tourism industry with the passing last week of Black Ball Ferry Line co-owner Ryan Malane. He was 48-years-old.
 
Malane was highly regarded as a marketer, and played a pivotal role in helping the company steer through the pandemic and re-launch its iconic Coho ferry last fall.
 
“The Chamber extends our condolences to all of Ryan’s family and friends, as well as everyone who worked with him,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “I saw firsthand the value of the MV Coho as part of the ceremony marking its return to service. It’s part of the fabric of our region and Ryan will always be a part of that.”
 
A memorial will be held in mid-July in Port Angeles.

Canada’s Premiers gathering in Victoria this July

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As Chair of the Council of the Federation, BC Premier John Horgan will host his counterparts from across the country in Victoria on July 11-12.
 
Premiers from every province and territory in Canada are expected to debate in style at the Fairmont Empress. The premiers will discuss national issues, including a call for the federal government to increase health care funding.
 
“Canada’s public health-care system began as a 50/50 partnership, but the federal government’s contribution has shrunk to just 22%,” Horgan said in a news release. “This is not sustainable for our health-care system and we cannot afford to wait. Today, I renew my call to the federal government to provide their fair share and cover 35% of the costs.”
 


National Indigenous Peoples Day

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June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day – a time to celebrate Indigenous culture and learn more about ways to support Indigenous business across the region.

The Chamber is proud to work with local Nations and a diverse membership as we continue to support Indigenous businesses in our community. Find a list of Indigenous-owned Chamber members here.

There are many different ways to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Royal Roads University will be hosting a canoe challenge, nature walks, and field games on the 21st. Visitors will be able to experience Indigenous art and music while joining a craft table or purchasing goods from an Indigenous vendor.

Now is the time to listen with purpose as we all move towards the path to reconciliation. The Chamber encourages our members to take a moment this Tuesday to acknowledge and respect the people whose land we call home.

Have a fan-stache-tic Father’s Day

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Make sure dad feels special this Father’s Day! Whether you are relaxing in the backyard or visiting a great local restaurant, bar or pub to celebrate the day, show your appreciation.

Need a gift suggestion? You can’t go wrong with tried-and-true favorites:

  • A tasty meal or even a grill to spice up your next BBQ
  • A high-tech gift from a local electronics store. Perhaps a new camera to snap precious memories?
  • Get a little more creative than the standard tie — find new design options from local clothing retailers.
  • A case of wine or beer to enjoy in the backyard
  • Check out local catering options to have pre-made, delicious meals
  • Go camping in a BC Park (or your backyard) with supplies from local retailers.
  • Father’s Day Open House at Point Hope Maritime, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm at 345 Harbour Rd. Tours, music, art and more!

Whether you’re taking the day to celebrate in-person with your dad, or if you’re celebrating from afar, we hope you have a fun and relaxing Father’s Day!

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