How will you recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? For the first time, Canadians will officially join together tomorrow to honour Indigenous children who experienced traumatic abuse under the residential school system.
 
For the business community, a starting point could be the specific call to action by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
 
Meaningful consultation, respectful relationships and ensuring consent of Indigenous peoples are among the ways businesses can help the reconciliation process. Other ways include ensuring access to jobs and training needed to benefit from economic development, as well as making sure all of us better understand the history of residential schools and ongoing challenges facing Indigenous people.
 
This summer, The Chamber took steps to address this call to action by creating an Indigenous Business Task Force. If you are interested in contributing to this initiative, or know someone who would be good addition, please contact us at communications@victoriachamber.ca.

A new online portal will streamline the approval process for special event liquor permitting, the province announced Sept. 21.
 
Application requirements are unchanged, but must now be made through the new portal. Processing is expected to be quicker, or even immediate.
 
“Applicants who have approved but unpaid special event permits as of Sept. 21, 2021, must pay for and download their permits through the LDB’s online system before it is decommissioned Oct. 4, 2021,” states the news release. “Applicants with applications still under review as of Sept. 21 will receive notification of the outcome of their application from the LDB system soon after. They, too, must pay for and download their permits within the LDB system before Oct. 4, 2021.”

How does your business plan to mark Canada’s first National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30?
 
Canada’s civil service will take the day off with pay. As well, the province and numerous institutions such as the University of Victoria, Camosun College and the Greater Victoria School District are also giving staff the day off.
 
“The Chamber has also made the decision to close our office on Sept. 30. We felt it was the right thing to do for our organization and reflects the decision we made, earlier in the summer, to create a new task force to help Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nation businesses fully participate in Greater Victoria’s business community,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that the day is not a statutory holiday according to BC’s Employment Standards Act. “Every organization will make their own decisions based on their business and sector.”
 
The Chamber will be using our Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter channels to reflect on the importance of this day as well as ongoing efforts to support the reconciliation process. Please follow and share, and let us know if you’re planning anything to mark the day by emailing members@victoriachamber.ca.
 
For more resources to help your organization, click here.

The campaigning is over, the results are in, and now we need the federal government to renew its focus on investing in economic growth led by business.
 
“It’s time for the federal government to take the steps needed to enable the private sector to create jobs and wealth that we need to move away from deficits and reduce public debt,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says.

The Chamber and our national network are calling on parliament to:

• work with business to ensure we have a 21st century workforce
• extend the wage and rent subsidy programs to ensure support for our hardest hit sectors
• accelerate the deployment of a harmonized system of digital health credentials and provide legal certainty for companies on their rights and obligations
• refocus efforts with the United States to defend Canada’s trade interests; and
• create a genuine partnership with businesses to reach Net Zero 2050.

 
If you want to see where Greater Victoria’s newly re-elected MPs stand on these and other issues, check out our online sessions with candidates.

Today is the first day of fall! Put away your white shoes and celebrate the beginning of cooler, cozier times while supporting your fellow Chamber members.

• Discover new inside attractions and activities across Greater Victoria
• Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea at a local café, and a freshly baked pastry at a bakery
• Pick up a new rainy-day book from a bookstore
• Make sure your fall wardrobe is complete. From sweaters to rain jackets, make sure your cozy clothes keep you warm and dry
• Ensure your trees are trimmed and roof and gutters are clear for the rainy season
• Cook savory meals with local groceries, or enjoy a fall feast at a Chamber member restaurant​​
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious candy and chocolates. 

​As the weather gets cooler, take a moment to think about those in Greater Victoria who may not have warm clothes or a place to stay. View Chamber member non-profits here to learn how you can give back this autumn.