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.

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

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.