However, mandating vaccination for BC employers requires taking care to ensure human rights are respected. Unlike the US, where the Department of Justice has opined that employers can require employees be vaccinated, BC’s Human Rights Commission has issued general advice for treating people differently based on their vaccination status.

Essentially, the commission says workplaces must balance the need to be safe with avoiding discrimination against people who have adequate alternative means for preventing COVID-19 transmission.

The lack of clarity means the issue will be front and centre with HR departments for the foreseeable future.

Hotels and attractions are also reporting an influx of tourists even as businesses continue to struggle finding and keeping workers. We expect this double-edged blend of increased vibrancy and staffing challenges will only increase after Canada re-opens the border on Aug. 9 to fully vaccinated travellers from the US.

The end of restrictions is welcome news but also comes as concerns grow over the Delta variant. It’s now the most common strain of COVID and spreads quickly among unvaccinated populations. Fortunately, Greater Victoria has some of the highest immunization rates on the planet, with almost 90% of people 12 and up having had a first dose and almost 70% fully vaccinated. To ensure that trend continues, the province has launched a new campaign, Vax for BC, with initiatives such as today’s Walk In Wednesday, where anyone in need of a first or second shot can show up without an appointment.

The Chamber applauds all of our members who are immunized, and we encourage everyone to share their vaccine photos. Don’t forget to tag us and be a #ChamberChangeMaker!

“Give credit to the federal government for listening to concerns that recovery continues to be uneven and many businesses, specifically in tourism and travel, will need more time,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “An extra month is helpful, but these businesses will need support until they can fully participate in the recovery.”

As well as the extension, the maximum rate for the wage and rent subsidies is 40% for the period between Aug. 29 and Sept. 25. instead of being reduced to 20%, as announced in Budget 2021.

“Eligible employers would still also be able to apply for the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program instead of the wage subsidy if they so choose,” states the federal announcement.

The hiring program helps employers hire staff, and increase workers’ hours or wages, as their business picks up. The program is available from June 6 until Nov. 20, and is designed to help employers move away from subsidies at their own pace.

“Historically, this weekend sees the highest traffic volumes of the year. The most popular travel times are Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning,” states a news release from BC Ferries.

You can reserve a sailing ahead of time, or try a new feature that allows passengers to use their phones to check-in. 

“These devices will provide terminal staff with an additional option to check-in customers, which will speed up the check-in process overall,” BC Ferries says. “Follow traffic control flaggers and have your booking reference number ready upon arrival at the ticket booth to speed up the check-in process if you have an advanced booking.”

The City of Victoria has been at the forefront of the move to ban single-use plastics, and worked closely with The Chamber to ensure its regulation aligned with ongoing business practices. Consumers have asked for alternatives to plastics for years, and it was vital that regulations match the innovations businesses already had in place.

The Chamber also worked with the District of Saanich, the Township of Esquimalt, and the City of Colwood to ensure regulations are the same for businesses and consumers throughout Greater Victoria.