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

“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.

The foundation of our daily lives depends on feeling safe in our homes, our cities and our workplaces. This includes feeling safe to seek support, utilize resources and speak openly regarding mental health concerns.

​Through the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Arive®, you and your employees can access confidential, professional counselling services. Counselling from Chamber members is also available, and can provide a variety of services for specialized help.

If you’re not sure which resource is most helpful for you, take the anonymous Mental Health Check-In Assessment from the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The Chamber has focused on the importance of mental health before and during the COVID pandemic, and we will continue to advocate on behalf of our members for the creation and implementation of support networks into the future.

This Thursday, Bell Let’s Talk will return for its eleventh consecutive year to support mental health initiatives across Canada. Created to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness, the campaign has seen more than 1.1 billion interactions on social media. 

The Victoria Fire Department agreed to terms with Esquimalt, and, in a separate agreement with Saanich and Oak Bay.

These integrated efforts are welcomed by The Chamber, which advocates for better regional services in Greater Victoria. Businesses and residents in the region need to know their communities are safe, and taxes are being wisely spent. We look forward to municipalities continuing to work together to ensure efficiencies in other regional services.

Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available, while an additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism businesses.

The province lowered barriers to the program on Dec. 18, but it still has had less uptake than expected. Businesses that sent in applications before the change will be reevaluated under the new criteria.

If you haven’t applied, find out if you’re eligible and submit an application here.