Record low unemployment in Canada was reflected in Greater Victoria as the regional rate dropped to 4.1% in March. That’s down from 4.2% a month earlier.

“We’ve had one of the lowest unemployment rates for years, which is a mixed blessing for our regional economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told the Times Colonist. “We are ­fundamentally sound and many sectors have rebounded from the ­pandemic, but the challenge facing all employers, including our members, is finding and keeping the right staff.”

Statistics Canada figures show 229,800 people in Greater Victoria were available to work in March, up 4.3% from March 2021.

“That’s welcome news as people need jobs and employers need people to achieve their economic potential. But people also need homes and our region’s population is growing faster than we’re able to add new homes,” Williams said. “The Labour Market numbers really highlight how urgently we need a concerted effort by all levels of government to increase housing supply.”

The province announced it will provide funding to keep five walk-in medical clinics from closing on southern Vancouver Island. The measures will help keep doctors and add nurses to serve Greater Victoria.

BC Health Minister Adrian Dix told CHEK News the five clinics requested funding through the South Island Primary Care Network (PCN) Walk-in Clinic Task Force.

“These five were the ones that participated in this particular task force, and we were able to find this solution in the short run as we work together for longer term solutions,” Dix said.

“Access to health care is a fundamental requirement for a community to achieve its economic potential,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We need to retain doctors and other health care professionals so that our region continues to be an attractive destination for businesses and new residents.”

The cruise ship season is expected to begin Saturday with the arrival of Holland America’s Koningsdam.

The season was initially set to kick off today, but, as we’ve come to expect over the last two years, the arrival of the Caribbean Princess has been delayed out of an abundance of precaution.

“We’re learning to live with COVID-19, and that means we can expect occasional hiccups,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We are in good place, with the vast majority of people protected through immunization against serious illness. However, The Chamber supports the work of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to put safety first as it welcomes a new cruise ship season.”

Last fall, The Chamber was part of a multi-organization effort to work with government to ensure cruise ships would be back in 2022. At the time, the GVHA estimated 759,000 passengers will visit our region aboard 350 ships from now until November.

For an up-to-date schedule of cruise ship arrivals at Ogden Point, go to gvha.ca.

“The start of cruise ship season is another sign that Greater Victoria is reconnecting with the world,” Williams said. “International visitors provide a significant boost to our region’s economic ecosystem, which truly flourishes when all sectors are able to achieve their potential. It’s exhilarating to once again show off our spectacular corner of the world to travellers. On behalf of all Chamber members, I’m thrilled to welcome the first passengers back to Greater Victoria.”

Starting Friday, businesses and event organizers will no longer be required by the province to check vaccination status. As well, businesses will only need a communicable disease plan to reduce the spread of all infectious diseases rather than a specific COVID-19 safety plan.

“We expect a few businesses will continue to require proof of immunization, much as many continue to ask that masks are worn in common areas,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We welcome the end of formal regulations and support businesses that know their customers and their staff, and who make decisions that work for their organization.”

The Chamber has lent its support to the long-standing career centre program at the Greater Victoria School District. The SD61 school board is expected to announce funding cuts as part of finalizing its budget tomorrow.

“We understand that this year’s budget process requires difficult decisions, and we do appreciate that every trustee is doing their best to make the right decision. That said, we urge the school board to continue adequately funding career centre staff positions,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams stated in a letter to trustees. “Education is about helping students grow and learn to be successful adults who contribute to making our world a better place. Students receive positive direction to fulfill their academic potential, and they deserve to also have positive direction to prepare them for working life.”

Career centre staff are able to help students learn to build connections and professional relationships. Without that assistance, there might be fewer students available to take on traditional student positions. With Greater Victoria experiencing a workforce crisis, hiring students helps employers and gives young people a chance to earn money to pursue their own dreams.