• increase price on carbon pollution to meet or exceed the federal benchmark, with supports for people and businesses;
• require new industry projects to have enforceable plans to reach legislated targets and net zero by 2050;
• stronger regulations to nearly eliminate industrial methane emissions by 2035;
• comprehensive review of oil and gas royalty system, with outcomes released in February 2022;
• require all new buildings to be zero-carbon by 2030;
• 90% of passenger vehicles sold must be zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2035;
• develop 10,000 ZEV targets for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles;
• accelerate shift toward active transportation and public transit;
• increase clean fuel and energy efficiency requirements; and

support innovation in areas like clean hydrogen, the forest-based bioeconomy and negative emissions technology.

• The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program provides wage and rent support to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.
• The Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program provides support for other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent.

The Community E-bike Incentive Pilot Program launched Oct. 12. It’s aim is to provide 300 people with between $1,600 and $350 toward the purchase of an e-bike. As expected, the $200,000 allocated for the program is being claimed quickly. After the funds run out, the municipality will review the program to see how it fits with future climate programs.

On Sunday, everyone over the age of 12 will need to present their BC Vaccine Card to show they are fully immunized against COVID-19. And then on Monday, the province is lifting restrictions on capacity limits in specific situations. This will allow more people who are fully immunized to gather together on Vancouver Island and other areas of BC with high vaccination rates.

“The provincial health officer order restricting capacity limits to 50% for inside organized events and gatherings will be revised to allow 100% capacity in those settings where the BC Vaccine Card is in place and proof of vaccination status is checked,” BC’s Ministry of Health said in a news release. “In addition, the requirement to remain seated at a table in restaurants and pubs will be lifted. Indoor mask requirements remain in effect for all indoor gatherings and events.”

The changes mean that many theatres, stadiums and events such as weddings can return to full capacity.

“Minister Kahlon is very accessible to The Chamber and I believe he truly wants to hear from our members about challenges facing business in Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We’re looking forward to offering more in-person events for our members to build relationships with each other, and to speak directly with decision makers in government.”

The AGM also saw members unanimously approve a by-law change allowing the Board of Directors to extend the term of the board chair in dire circumstances, such as natural disaster, pandemic or an extreme financial situation.