BC Transit is reporting ridership levels have recovered to about 70% of pre-pandemic levels. To ensure the service can carry on until it’s fully recovered, the federal and provincial governments announced $28 million in relief. The governments are also providing $176 million to Translink on the Lower Mainland.
“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.”
Housing affordability will be the cornerstone of the budget, according to media reports that suggest new rules will prohibit foreign buyers of real estate for the next two years. CTV also says the budget will include:
The budget is also expected to include a surtax on banks and insurance companies, and billions of dollars in new spending for the military.
The RBC analysis notes that Canada’s economic recovery has been stronger than expected, allowing the feds to announce new spending and lower deficit projections. The analysis also points out that private capital will be required to grow the economy over the long term and to begin addressing chronic labour shortages facing all sectors.
“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.
The program is aimed at supporting industrial jobs in communities across BC. The application process is open until April 29 for Emissions Performance RFPs, and May 27 for Innovation Accelerator RFPs.
“We are proud to have a long-standing partnership with The Chamber — students can make a real impact in workplaces across the region, and they are key to supporting the economic recovery in this community. This type of hiring event helps facilitate these important connections,” said Andrea Giles, Executive Director of UVic’s Co-operative Education Program and Career Services.
The recent announcement by Kenmore Air that regularly scheduled flights between Seattle and Victoria will return on April 1 is a great step forward. The Seattle area is a major source of visitors to Victoria and we know businesses here can’t wait to welcome them back. Adding flights creates more options for travellers, including the previously announced return of the Victoria Clipper on April 15, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority‘s start of a new cruise ship season on April 6.
To help spread the word, Destination BC has launched a new $6.7 million marketing campaign aimed at international visitors. The campaign, called Discover the BC Effect, aims to “drive emotional urgency” that will encourage people in Washington, California, Britain and Australia to travel to our province. The effort will complement Destination Greater Victoria‘s ongoing $2.2 million campaign.
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