Negative test required for crossing from US border

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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?

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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.

Combining K9 units makes sense for Saanich and Victoria

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In another move that will improve the efficient delivery of protective services in Greater Victoria, the Saanich and Victoria police departments announced they have combined K9 units. The Integrated Canine Service will operate out of VicPD’s Esquimalt headquarters and brings together two units that have served their communities for many years. The new unit will use @ics_k9 on Instagram and Twitter.

Joining forces makes sense as the communities are interdependent on each other. Last week, the Victoria fire department announced mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities.

Victoria gets $4 million for safer drug pilot project

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The opioid crisis has been exacerbated by the pandemic, with overdose deaths creating a worsening crisis in our community. A federal/provincial pilot project announced yesterday will help by providing alternatives to the dangerous street drugs at the root of suffering. In Victoria, $4 million has been allotted for a medically validated supply for people with addictions.

“This medication option will provide a life-saving alternative to the contaminated drug supply that is driving our drug poisoning crisis,” Dr. Richard Stanwick, Chief Medical Health Officer for Island Health said in a news release. “The recent increase in overdose deaths in communities within Island Health shows a clear need for better access to a safer drug supply.”

This crisis affects all corners of society, and we know safe communities are fundamental for all of us to be able to function well at work and at home.

Provincial program helps businesses get online

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On Wednesday afternoon, the province announced the Launch Online Grant program to help small businesses market products on the internet.

“This program will provide business owners with the ability to expand their online presence and create a customized e-commerce site that will give them the boost they need to keep moving forward,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, in a news release.

Businesses must have fewer than 150 employees and generated more than $30,000 in sales in 2019 or 2020. The program is administered by Alacrity Canada.

​“We launched an online shop within 48 hours after the lockdown,” David Nicholls, general manager of Vancouver Island Brewing said in the news release. “While we were happy to get it off the ground, we soon realized that the online store could not meet all of our needs and the uniqueness of shipping beer. “

Grants of up to $7,500 are available for online-related expenses, including pictures, creating an online inventory system, advertising costs, subscription costs of an e-commerce platform and training staff to manage the website.

No parties, no problem. But businesses need to plan beyond the weekend

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There is uncertainty beyond anyone’s control, and then there is uncertainty caused by surprise shifts in government policies. It’s the latter that causes concern for many businesses, especially after operators in the food and beverage industry lost thousands of dollars when the province suddenly banned alcohol sales after 8 pm on New Year’s Eve.

Businesses need to plan for their future, regardless of their sector, and it shouldn’t be up to industry associations to get clarity on rules as it was this week ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.

The Chamber will continue to work with the provincial government to ensure better transparency around public health restrictions that affect business operations.

“We’ve heard from Dr. Henry that businesses are doing the right thing and have not been problematic,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “We need to work together with government to make sure businesses can do the type of long-range planning they need to stay viable and get through this pandemic.”

Training subsidy, cultural awareness programs help employers find and keep workers

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An updated wage subsidy program is available for employers to help cover costs of hiring or training staff. The WorkBC Employer Wage Subsidy covers a percentage of employees wages for up to 24 weeks.

WorkBC has opened the program up recently to make it accessible to more people looking for work. The hope is that it can help people get the training needed to take on roles that employers are having a difficult time filling. The Chamber continues to advocate for programs that help employers find and keep workers, and we know that this is an underlying concern for our region’s economy.

To find out more about the program, an info session is planned for Feb. 10, starting at noon.

WorkBC is also hosting an info session on cultural awareness on Feb. 8, from 9 to 11 am. Inclusion is another advocacy priority for The Chamber, allowing employers to successfully widen their talent pool and contribute to the community.

Delays devastating for transportation and tourism

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The reality is stark for tourism and transportation businesses, and without immediate help many vital services and experiences will disappear before the pandemic ends. On Monday, Wilson’s Transportation announced it cannot afford to resume bus service to Tofino on Feb. 12, as previously planned.

Wilson has asked the province for help ensuring its essential service could continue.

“There is a similar subsidy model in place to ensure public safety along the Highway of Tears in Northern BC,” said John Wilson, President and CEO of Wilson’s Group of Companies in a news release. “We know how important our services are to island First Nations and other communities and we also know the devastating effects the loss of a service like ours can have.”

The Times Colonist reports that Transportation Minister Rob Fleming acknowledged, in a statement, that some inter-city bus providers, like other businesses, are struggling. “I recognize how dire the situation is, and am fully committed to working with this sector in the recovery from pandemic-induced financial challenges.”

According to the latest industry statistics from Chemistry Consulting, the number of buses using BC Ferries was down almost 90% in 2020 from 2019. The situation is also dire for accommodation providers who saw revenue per available room drop by almost $85 per night in 2020 compared to the year before.

Wilson’s has also started an online petition to try and collect as many signatures as possible to show support for keeping the service. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/SaveTofinoBus

Fed loan program for hard-hit sectors launched

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There was some good news yesterday for businesses that have been the hardest hit by the pandemic as the federal government launched the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program. Up to $1 million in low-interest, government guaranteed loans are now available for businesses. Businesses with multiple locations can receive up to $6.2 million.

“We’ve been calling for help for the tourism and transportation sectors, which have been devastated,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “This program is a lifeline, but we have concerns about adding more debt to businesses that have lost their revenue sources. Instead of loans, these businesses need relief to stay afloat until restrictions are lifted and they can start to make a living again.”

To qualify, businesses need to show year-over-year revenue decline of at least 50% in three months, within the eight months prior to their application. The Business Development Bank of Canada will work with participating Canadian financial institutions to provide the loans.

Time to talk seriously about regional restrictions

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In the fall, the province acknowledged that Fraser Health is where most of the cases of COVID-19 in BC are occurring and imposed further restrictions on that region. However, as the pandemic’s second wave grew larger, all British Columbians were asked to take a step back and limit activities through the holidays.

“We now need to talk about going back to regional restrictions, even though it’s not an easy conversation,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “Re-opening of businesses and ensuring economic activity is vital to public health. Restrictions are taking a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of people in our community.”

Throughout the pandemic, Vancouver Island has consistently had much lower case counts than other health regions in BC. Clearly, Islanders are overwhelmingly abiding by restrictions that slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We can do this. Better times are coming. As entrepreneurs and business leaders, our members know how to deal with adversity while keeping a healthy sense of cautious optimism,” Williams says. “They deserve to be recognized for their efforts by being allowed to get back to business with restrictions that reflect what’s happening in our region.”

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