Healthy job growth as more workers back to full-time

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A notable increase in full-time work helped drive job numbers for May, Statistics Canada said. The figures also show that absences from work due to illness or disability are back to pre-pandemic levels. Statistics Canada also said that wages grew by 3.9% ($1.18) in May compared to the same month last year.
 
Though work still needs to be done to close the gender wage gap, salaries among women have grown by 17.8% since January 2018, compared to 14.9% for men. Students are also experiencing higher wages, with average hourly wages up 5.7% year over year.
 
Other trends include one in five Canadians working exclusively from home, the same as the previous month, while slightly more (6.3%, up 0.5%) employees reported splitting time between home and office.
 
Greater Victoria had an unemployment rate of 4% in May, down from 4.4% in April.

Call goes out for feds and province to save Island rail

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A renewed call to protect the Island Rail Corridor is being made to the Capital Regional District today, June 15.
 
The Town of View Royal voted last week to ask the provincial and federal governments to commit to maintaining the corridor. In a 2021 ruling, the BC Court of Appeal gave the federal government until March 2023 to clarify its intentions for the future of the corridor. The Island Corridor Foundation has released a business case for restoring rail service. All that’s needed is the political will to make it happen.
 
“We want to bring real focus to this problem that we need to solve, and we need the upper levels of government to solve it with us,” View Royal Mayor David Screech told the Goldstream News Gazette.

Survey reveals milestone for Interac e-transfers

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More than one billion Interac e-transfers were conducted by Canadians between April 2021 and April 2022, setting a new milestone, the company said.
 
It’s the first time that number was reached in the 20 years the service has existed. Almost 90% of Canadians have sent cash by e-transfer, sharing $338 billion over the 12 month period. The numbers are from a recent survey by Interac about how different demographics are using the service.
 
“Each generation is navigating the changing economic conditions, and we see the rising trend in Canadians, especially younger ones, using their own money for the simple joys of shared experiences with friends and family,” Interac spokesperson William Keliehor said in a statement.

Feds suspend vaccination mandate for air and rail

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Starting June 20, travellers will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination when boarding a plane or train in Canada. Federally regulated workers will also no longer need to reveal their vaccination status.
 
The federal government has opted to suspend the requirements, which could be reinstated if the COVID-19 situation changes.
 
The change does not affect the steps that need to be taken by Canadians returning from international travel. As well, travelling to other countries requires following their entry rules, including proof of vaccination to enter the US.
 
Federal vaccine mandates for travel were put in place on Oct. 30, 2021.
 
Meanwhile, long lineups continue at Service Canada centres caused by people seeking to renew their passport. An additional 600 workers were hired this month to help alleviate the backlog as passport applications jumped.
 
The federal government expects as many as 4.3 million applications over the next two years. Almost 1.3 million passports applications were processed between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. That compares to 363,000 the previous year.

Alerts will help the public prepare for heat domes

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Last June’s heat dome caused major disruption across the province, shutting down a number of businesses because of uncomfortable or even unsafe conditions. The weather event was especially damaging because it caught people off guard. Tragically, the extreme heat was also linked to the deaths of 619 British Columbians. The province has now launched a Heat Alert and Response System to identify and support people at risk during extreme heat. The system will categorize extreme heat events as warnings or emergenices, with thresholds varying across regions.
As well, prevention and mitigation strategies can help the public better prepare for future climate events.
 
With cooler than seasonal temperatures so far this spring, experts are continuing to watch their long-range forecasts for any indication of a summer heat wave.

Chamber presenting to province on budget priorities

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The Chamber is meeting with the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services on Monday to offer guidance on the next provincial budget.
 
Chambers have a long history of being the effective voice of business in their communities. We’ve worked hard to earn the trust of decision makers as we advocate to make a real difference in policies that help business thrive.
 
“I’m available to our members any time they want to reach out and discuss concerns or seek support,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We don’t always see eye to eye with government officials but we’re always respectful and do the work needed to show why policies need to be implemented or changed. A robust and vibrant economy is good for business and everyone in our community.”
 
Individuals can also share their views with the committee by filling out an online survey or sending in written comments by 3 pm, June 24.

BC Bid system opens to buyers, suppliers, public

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The provincial government has launched a new BC Bid portal, making it easier for businesses to participate in procurement opportunities offered by hundreds of public sector organizations.
 
The single-point of access is used by school districts, municipalities, health authorities, Crown corporations and other government agencies to post contracts for goods and services across industries.

Tourism indicators point to banner summer

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Tourism businesses are back in a big way, as pent-up demand has operators planning for a boom this summer season.
 
According to Chemistry Consulting, BC Ferries recorded massive increases in the number of vehicles, passengers and buses between April 2022 and April 2021.
 
Greater Victoria hotels are also reporting hotel vacancy and room rates that are back to or surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
 
“It’s heartening to see our tourism members getting back on their feet after enduring exceptionally challenging circumstances during the pandemic,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We’ll be continuing to work with our community partners to encourage local support for tourism and hospitality business throughout the summer.”

Chamber celebrates National AccessAbility Week

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From May 29 to June 4, join us in celebrating National AccessAbility Week — a week dedicated to disability inclusion and accessibility in Canada. Join the conversation and ask yourself: how can I champion disability inclusion in my everyday life?

During National AccessAbility Week, recognize an individual or an organization that improves accessibility in your community. Visit The Chamber’s Member Directory for a list of our members that strive to promote inclusivity in Greater Victoria.

Through The Chamber’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee, our engaged committee members offer advice and guidance to The Chamber to create a more inclusive and welcoming business community that truly represents the diversity of the Greater Victoria.

Watch our Chamber Chat ​featuring Joanne Neubauer of the Action Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and IDEA Committee member Wendy Cox of the Victoria Disability Resource Centre to learn more about how the pandemic has highlighted the need for accessibility and inclusion.

New workforce housing in James Bay breaks ground

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A new housing project in James Bay is a good example of how all levels of government can work to address affordability concerns in our region. The Michigan Square project will create almost 100 homes for people with moderate and low incomes. The majority of units will provide housing that helps much needed workers afford to live in our community.
 
The new buildings at 330-336 Michigan St. will provide 97 new units and replace three aging buildings rendered uninhabitable by water damage. The project includes 24 units at the provincial shelter rate as well as 22 units with rent geared to income and 51 units aimed at moderate income earners and rented at market rates.
 
The Capital Region Housing Corporation will own and operate the new buildings, with the Capital Regional District contributing $1.1 million and the City of Victoria providing $620,000. BC Housing is providing $11.7 million in low-cost financing through the HousingHub and $4.6 million through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund. A further $4.5 million is being funded through a partnership between CRHC, the province and the federal government.

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