Rule change helps schools facing fiscal challenges
Having a trained workforce will be key to economic recovery, and The Chamber supports this initiative to help post-secondary schools continue with their missions.
Having a trained workforce will be key to economic recovery, and The Chamber supports this initiative to help post-secondary schools continue with their missions.
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams spoke with Global News after the announcement to voice concern for vulnerable businesses.
“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.”
The Chamber continues to work with the Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission as well as Malahat Film Studios, Camosun College, the District of Saanich and all of our partners working on bringing production facilities to Greater Victoria.
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.
Working with First Nations is vital for the long-term resilience of Greater Victoria’s economy. Indigenous communities can help regional employers fill job vacancies without having to hope for migration from other parts of Canada. Local populations are also key to innovations that will allow businesses to provide solutions to climate change.
The province will hold the property during negotiations with Esquimalt Nation, which are expected to take up to five years.
“While we are at the beginning of our discussions with Esquimalt Nation and the broader community about the land, we see its significant potential for supporting Esquimalt Nation to thrive and prosper, which benefits everyone who lives in the region,” BC’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin said in a news release.
The deal will also support treaty discussions with the Songhees Nation, as well as providing new opportunities for View Royal.
“We are looking forward to working with Esquimalt Nation and the Province in a collaborative way that considers all of our interests as the future plans for Thetis Cove are developed,” said View Royal Mayor David Screech. “As neighbours, Esquimalt Nation and View Royal have much to gain from working together.”
According to Colliers International‘s latest Victoria Office Market Report, the overall vacancy rate was 6.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020. That’s up from 5.9% the previous quarter. The report credits the relatively stable numbers to the public sector and tech businesses, which account for a large portion of office inventory in Greater Victoria.
Businesses that have lost revenue because of the pandemic are depending on a successful immunization rollout so the economy can begin a full recovery and allow government to end subsidies.
The report forecasts that demand for quality office space in good locations will continue to be strong after the pandemic.
As well, on our national Chamber network, Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty interviewed Arlene Dickinson, a noted investor and former cast member on Dragons’ Den, about the opportunities awaiting businesses that pull together on a local level and embrace innovation.
Beatty was also a recent guest of The Chamber’s Business Restart Series, discussing what’s in store for Canada-US relations under the Biden administration.
A survey is live asking for feedback on Build Back Victoria, which allowed for new commercial activities such as temporary patios, business in parks and street closures.