More people working as jobless rate drops in June

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There are more people working in Greater Victoria than before the pandemic, with 212,200 people employed in June. That compares to 194,200 in June 2019 and 187,400 last year. One explanation for the increase could be migration into Greater Victoria.
 
The unemployment rate was 5.4% in June, still higher than it was before COVID-19, but BC didn’t enter Step 3 of the province’s Restart Plan until July 1. With visitors from across Canada now welcome, the expectation is for the numbers to improve in July. However, until international travellers return, the recovery will continue to be difficult for many businesses in the tourism sector. The Chamber has been working with our national network and our community partners to ensure government has a plan to safely open borders and support the return of cruise ships.

Federal funds move BC closer to $10/day child care

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The pandemic has made it clear that affordable and accessible child care is needed to ensure employers can access the talents and skill sets of parents. Last week, the federal government announced that BC will receive $3.2 billion over five years to improve access to child care for kids under six years old. The provincial and federal governments say they are working toward $10 per day child care, with BC also committing another $2.5 billion over three years. The agreement is expected to lead to 40,000 new child care spaces in the next seven years.
 
“Studies show that for every dollar invested in early childhood education, the broader economy receives between $1.50 and $2.80 in return,” states the federal government news release.

Applications open for digital adoption funding

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Applications are now being accepted for the first stream of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, initially announced in the federal government’s 2021 budget.
 
The $4 billion fund is comprised of two streams. The first provides funding of up to $336.8 million for not-for-profit organizations to support small businesses as they adopt digital technologies such as digital storefronts and e-commerce platforms, and expand their digital presence. The deadline for applications is Aug. 6.
 
The second stream will provide $2.6 billion in zero-interest loans to help businesses in Canada adopt new technologies.

Compulsory trades training raises more questions

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The Chamber is hearing concerns from the construction industry about the provincial government’s introduction of compulsory trades training. The goals and intent of the plan raise more questions than answers.
 
BC’s construction industry is critical to our economic recovery, and we call on the province to do better at consulting with key stakeholders. We also agree with our partners in the industry that there has been a lack of evidence showing how the proposal will work. Construction employers, as with all industries, are already struggling to find workers and we can’t risk red tape impeding the creation of jobs or the work being done to increase housing in our region.
 
“You don’t attract more people to the trades by closing the door to get into them and forcing contractors to navigate a sea of red tape,” Chris Gardner, president of the Independent Contractors and Business Association of BC, told the Vancouver Sun.

Chamber voice part of BC Budget consultations

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The Chamber has submitted a request to speak to BC’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. The annual process helps the provincial government plan for its next budget.
 
As our economy takes flight and the pandemic recedes from view, we need government to focus on being fiscally responsible and enable growth to be led by the private sector. Government has tools to encourage an increase in housing supply and more efficient transportation options for our region. We need to attract more workers and keep them here. Immigration will be key. And we need to do better at including Indigenous businesses and workers.
 
Another focus will be on investing in economic opportunities that create jobs and improve food security as one way to mitigate climate change through innovation.
 
Do you have questions or concerns about the next provincial budget? Send us your thoughts at communications@victoriachamber.ca.

Take The Chamber’s Membership Survey!

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In less than 10 minutes, you can share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.
 
Your Chamber Membership provides you with discounts on our benefit programs, opportunities to connect with the business community and supports your business through its advocacy efforts. Are you getting your full membership value?
 
Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet. by completing the survey. Early bird prize, get your answers in by July 26th and you could win free membership & 150 free driving minutes from EVO Car Share.

City’s renewed vibrancy reflects business recovery

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The move to Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan has renewed optimism among the many businesses that had been stifled by pandemic restrictions.
 
“We’re gradually expanding our capacity to move a little closer to whatever normal is going to be,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told CFAX’s Al Ferraby. The two also discussed the need for Canada to open its border to international travellers.
 
Getting back to business is not without its challenges. Employers continue to struggle finding people to fill available jobs, and supply chains are still working through some of the bumps caused by extended shutdowns. The Chamber and our community partners also continue to urge the provincial government to return its workforce to downtown offices.
 
Williams also spoke to CFAX about The Chamber’s effort to support Indigenous business and follow through on calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The Chamber Board recently approved the creation of a new task-force committed to listening and working alongside First Nations’ businesses and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Another way we’re supporting economic reconciliation is through a new membership program created for Indigenous-owned business.

Scotch industry issue with local distillery puzzling

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A Greater Victoria craft whiskey maker is in the news after raising the ire of the Scotch industry. Lawyers have told Victoria Caledonian Distillery owner Graeme Macaloney that he has to change the name of his award-winning whiskey brand.

“It’s nonsense,” Macaloney said to the CBC. “It’s really a frivolous, quite damaging lawsuit, to be honest.”

The industry says Macaloney’s name and the words “Island” and “Caledonian” will confuse consumers. Trade rules prohibit whiskey not made in Scotland from being called Scotch, which Macaloney has been careful not to do. Craft producers play a vital role in our region’s tourism economy. Hopefully the courts see this suit to be as silly as it sounds to us.

Saanich asked to support car-sharing services

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The future of transportation will include a blend of public and private options, with more convenient transit and car-sharing playing roles. A recently formed citizens’ group, Better Mobility Saanich, has reached out to the District of Saanich to encourage adoption of services such as Evo, which currently has a fleet available in the City of Victoria. With Evo, members are able find cars parked within a “home zone” and pay a small fee that lets you drive as needed. When you’re done, you park the car back in the home zone.

Message from the CEO: Chamber launching program to include more Indigenous-owned businesses

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On the cusp of Canada Day, I would like to share news with you. As of our Board Meeting yesterday, The Chamber has a plan in place to craft next steps in Economic Reconciliation. There was an acknowledgement that our mission of “working together to build good business and great community” isn’t possible until it is true for all.

One of the roles of The Chamber is building relationships between businesses, between communities and across governments. First Nations have not had full access to the economic prosperity we have created in their traditional territories. It is beyond time for this to change.

We have a multi-pronged approach to provide Indigenous-owned businesses with a voice and support through The Chamber. Over the next several months we plan to:

  • strike a Task Force with a focus on Indigenous inclusion and participation in The Chamber community. We are fortunate to have a strong Indigenous leader already on our Board and Executive in Christina Clarke, but we need a diversity of voices and guidance to direct us on what is most needed to assist business in the Nations; 
  • work with the Canadian Chamber on issues that create an unfair regulatory environment, such as barriers to access working capital; and,
  • provide a five-year program of reduced rates – beginning with a free first year – to make it easier for any business with 51% Indigenous ownership to be a part of The Chamber. The program will be fully rolling out in September.

As an organization founded in 1863, we are part of the history of our community. Regrettably, we need to acknowledge that means we share responsibility for the suppression of Indigenous peoples. Our next steps are to move forward together in a positive direction.

We will be putting together the Task Force in the next month or so. If you are interested or would like to recommend someone, please reach out to me.

We thank you for being part of The Chamber and for being part of a change for the better.

Sincerely,

Bruce Williams, Chief Executive Officer

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