Chamber News Archives - Page 53 of 72

Rule change helps schools facing fiscal challenges

February 17, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

Recognizing the challenges of continuing to offer opportunities for post-secondary education during a pandemic, the provincial government will allow schools to run deficits for the next two years. Post-secondary institutions are required to get government approval before incurring an annual deficit. A temporary change to the rule allows the schools to use available surplus to maintain operations. The University of Victoria and Camosun College are among schools pre-approved for deficits.

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.

Cruise ship season suspended until March 2022

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

The suspension of cruise ships in Canada until March 2022 is devastating news for the many businesses in Greater Victoria that served the industry. The move is necessary to protect public health, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority released a statement that is committed to being ready to welcome passengers and crews back to our region once it’s safe to do so.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams spoke with Global News after the announcement to voice concern for vulnerable businesses.

Unemployment rate drops again in Greater Victoria

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

Greater Victoria’s unemployment rate was 5% in January, down from 5.8% in December. The region’s unemployment rate was 11% last July. The number of people in the labour force was 217,000 in January. That’s down from 221,000 in January 2020.

“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.”

Film industry riding wave of optimism into 2021

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

Saanich director and co-producer Arnold Lim (centre) guides crew members before shooting a scene for the feature film All-in Madonna. The film was shot in and around Victoria and the South Island in 2019. (Photo by Patrick Coble/Blue Lake Films)

With the Victoria Film Festival in full swing, there’s some good news from the film industry. MovieMaker magazine has named Greater Victoria the fifth-best small city to live and work as a movie maker in 2021. The magazine praises our region for its locations, which can “double for everything from Central Park to English castles to the French Quarter to Napa Valley.”

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.

Micro-credential program will help fill job gaps

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

When the world changes, we all need to change with it. One of the best ways to ensure BC has a workforce with the skills needed to fill new jobs being created is through training.

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.

Thetis Cove purchase helps BC’s reconciliation efforts with Esquimalt and Songhees nations

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

The Chamber applauds Monday’s news that the province has purchased 3.4 hectares of land at Thetis Cove in View Royal for $13 million to support reconciliation with Esquimalt Nation.

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.”

Office market surprisingly stable in 2020: report

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

There was good news for Greater Victoria’s office market as the vacancy rate remains lower than expected. As with most things these days, there is still plenty of uncertainty about what will happen when government programs that have buffered the market are removed.

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.

The voice of Greater Victoria business across BC

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

The Chamber continues to advocate for focused relief to ensure all businesses have an opportunity to get through the pandemic. On Monday, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams was on a province-wide broadcast on CBC Radio speaking about what government needs to do to help specific sectors.

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.

Negative test required for crossing from US border

February 10, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

The federal government is about to make it harder for people to travel across land borders. Starting on Monday, all non-essential travellers will need to provide evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test before they get to the border. The requirement is currently in place for air travellers. Showing up without proof of a test could result in a $3,000 fine. The new enforcement is in addition to the requirement to quarantine for 14 days after arrival in Canada.

Should Build Back Victoria continue into summer?

February 3, 2021/in Chamber News/by caorda

There have been plenty of changes during the pandemic as businesses were forced to find new ways of serving their customers. In the City of Victoria, a temporary program allowed for new uses of public spaces to help businesses. Now the city wants to know what’s working, and what should be continued into the spring and summer.

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.

Rule change helps schools facing fiscal challenges

Cruise ship season suspended until March 2022

Unemployment rate drops again in Greater Victoria

Film industry riding wave of optimism into 2021

Micro-credential program will help fill job gaps

Thetis Cove purchase helps BC’s reconciliation efforts with Esquimalt and Songhees nations

Office market surprisingly stable in 2020: report

The voice of Greater Victoria business across BC

Negative test required for crossing from US border

Should Build Back Victoria continue into summer?

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