Greater Victoria continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. September’s numbers from Statistics Canada show our region has an unemployment rate of 4.2%. That’s the same as August, and second only to Quebec City’s rate of 4.1%. The national rate is 6.9% and BC’s rate is 5.9%.
 
“Women, who have been disproportionally impacted by this pandemic, led BC’s increase in employment for the month of September,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation said in a news release.
 
Kahlon, who will be the guest speaker at The Chamber’s AGM next week, noted that BC’s average hourly wage has risen to $30.74 an hour, a bigger increase in the past five years than any other province.

Thank you to all of our members who voted for The Chamber’s 2022 Board of Directors. It was a very competitive election this year, with 11 excellent candidates vying for four seats.
 
Jessica Stigant, Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships for Ocean Networks Canada, and James Gatsi, founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., have been elected to two-year terms on The Chamber Board. Incumbent candidates Rose Arsenault, Agilus Work Solutions and Tom Plumb, Kinetic Construction were also re-elected.
 
The Chamber holds staggered elections every fall, so we can maintain continuity while ensuring fresh voices are able to join the table.
 
Jessica, James, Rose and Tom will join John Wilson, Kris Wirk, Christina Clarke, Moira Hauk, Judith Ethier, Pedro Marquez, Richard Michaels, Ann Squires Ferguson as well as past chair Dan Dagg as members of the 2022 board when its term begins on Jan. 1.
 
“The Chamber is also pleased to announce we will have two other new faces on the board,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We maintain a seat at the table for whoever is the current Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt. So, when Capt. (N) Sam Sader was re-assigned to a new post in Ottawa, we welcomed new Base Commander, Capt. (N) J. Jeffery Hutchinson to the table. As well, the incoming chair of The Chamber’s Prodigy committee, Paul van Koll, will join the board starting Jan. 1, 2022.”

News that the US will open its land borders to fully vaccinated Canadians within a few weeks is being welcomed by businesses who depend on the flow of goods and people between countries.
 
In Greater Victoria, the move helps create certainty for marine passenger services Clipper Navigation Ltd. and Black Ball Ferry Line and helps them plan for a successful return to service.
 
“We know COVID will remain a concern for some time but we also know how to safely reduce our risks,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Businesses in Greater Victoria have had more than their share of challenges during the pandemic. They’re
poised and ready to help our region’s economy take flight. As the world begins to re-open and opportunities for economic growth return, we will continue to call on government to take measured steps based on science that allow us to welcome more of the world back to Greater Victoria.”

The cost of housing remains a sore spot for Greater Victoria, but the quality of life, economy and other factors helped the region earn a B grade from the Victoria Foundation‘s 2021 Vital Signs report.
 
“The Chamber was happy to sponsor the section of the report that looked at Greater Victoria’s economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The grades helps us understand the state of our region, where we’re doing well and how we can improve going forward.”
 
The 18th edition of the annual report measures our region’s wellbeing through qualitative data as well as stories and graphics to provide snapshots of the year that was.
 
This year’s theme explores equity and inclusion. The pandemic has emphasized that we might be in the storm, but we’re not all in the same boat.
 
The report looks at 12 areas, with grades ranging from a B-plus for Learning and Sports and Recreation, to a D-plus for Housing and Getting Started. The Economy rated a B-minus.
 
As well as The Chamber, other Vitals Signs sponsors include Coast Capital, CHEK News, Page One, Black Press, Tecnet, Maycock Eyecare, Urban Sytsems, Oakcrest Park Estates and CIBC.

One of the innovations that helped business weather the uncertain days of the pandemic was the expansion of outdoor service areas. The ability to enjoy a beverage or bite to eat outside was so well-received, the District of Saanich is extending the initiative until June 2022. Businesses are able to add patio service in their parking lots, allowing them to increase customer capacity and meet public demand.
 
“This patio (rule change) came out and it was a godsend, and it has since turned out to be a remarkable success story,” Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery owner Graeme Macaloney told the Saanich News.
 
In the same article, Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes said the rules have helped business hang on to valuable members of their team. To hear more from Mayor Haynes, including his announcement that he is seeking re-election in 2022, make sure to check out his recent Chamber Chat with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams.
 
Click here for a list of Chamber members who offered patio service during the pandemic.