On Feb. 2, The Chamber co-signed an op-ed that ran in the National Post that called on Canada to embrace rapid testing along with contact tracing.

“This strategy involves:

• using tests that deliver results in minutes to find positive cases and isolate them quickly;
• testing high-risk and asymptomatic individuals;
• implementing effective contact tracing to quickly identify those who may have been exposed to COVID-19, so they, too, can be rapidly tested; and
• supporting a layered approach, which includes maintaining physical distancing and protective measures like masks, hand-washing and new safety protocols in stores and workplaces.

Frequent testing with antigen tests can be scaled up quickly, in order to detect contagiousness and help cut the chains of infection. Indeed, some countries have tested their entire populations in days using this approach, while others are launching campaigns to test millions daily. In contrast, Canada currently administers barely 70,000 daily PCR tests, which deliver results in days, rather than minutes.”

The City of Victoria and District of Saanich have already had their proposed bans approved by the province, which has jurisdiction over environmental matters. The Chamber was instrumental in helping Victoria and Saanich work with businesses to ensure their bylaws complimented practices in place due to consumer demand. We also worked with Esquimalt and other municipalities in the region to make sure regulations were seamless across borders.

“Our region typically has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, so it’s good to see us getting closer to where we were before the pandemic,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “On the other hand, there are people who have left the workforce who will be needed as our economy recovers. Employment flexibility and accessible childcare remain key to bringing them back.”

On Monday, the provincial government announced $4 million for micro-credentials programs to provide the education and skills required for high-demand occupations. BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training worked with post-secondary institutions — including the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Royal Roads University — to develop 24 micro-credential programs.

Half of the funding for the program comes from the federal government, with the province covering the other half. Course are designed for working people with families, and take weeks rather than months to complete.