To all of our #ChamberChangemakers, thank you. You are part of the effort that allows British Columbia to take the next step.

Starting July 1, we can begin to experience the end of the pandemic. The provincial state of emergency is over, and many of the restrictions that have defined life for the past months are no longer in place.

“Immunization is the key to stopping the spread of COVID and variants,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “However, we still need to exercise patience and kindness with each other. Some of us will take time before feeling truly safe, and we need to respect that. If a business requires you to wear a mask, it’s easy to do so and show support for each other.”

The Chamber also encourages everyone to make sure they book their second vaccination appointment. We can’t risk the work done so far by not getting fully immunized as soon as possible.

Check out this week’s Chamber Chat for more on what businesses need to know about requiring masks, and how to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

The Victoria Native Friendship Centre was bequeathed a large property in the District of Oak Bay. The house, donated by 85-year-old Marion Cumming, is one of many properties donated to Indigenous groups across Canada by Cumming and her late husband Bruce.

A decision has not yet been made on how the property will be used, but ideas include using the space for board retreats or an artist in residence.

The federal government needs to be loud and clear about how the $4.3 billion cruise industry will be able to get back to business in Canada. The Chamber is part of a coalition of industry and community leaders calling for a roadmap showing how and when cruises can resume and get back to contributing to Canada’s economy. The cruise industry employs 17,000 people in BC whose livelihoods could be at risk if government doesn’t act quickly. Cruise lines and passengers are already planning trips in 2022, and they need to know that Canada will be open for business.
 
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and The Chamber are concerned that lobbyists in the United States will succeed in removing the requirement for cruise ships to stop in Canada when travelling between Washington State and Alaska. The US government has temporary suspended the requirement during the pandemic because of Canada’s restrictions on cruise. However, the lack of a clear plan could lead to the change becoming permanent.

Interac recently released results from a Canada-wide survey seeking to “better understand trends related to the post-pandemic recovery.”
 
Half of Canadians said they were willing to pay more to support small businesses rather than an online-only retailer, and the pandemic has accelerated adoption of digital transactions.  A few highlights:

• 58% of British Columbians are shopping more at local retailers to support local businesses.
• During the pandemic, there has been a 43.2% increase year-over-year in the use of e-Transfer
• 3 in 4 British Columbians agree being in control of spending makes them feel more optimistic about their financial future.