A new federal program is offering up to $75,000 for small businesses through the CanExport SMEs program. Before the pandemic, the program had helped cover the cost of travel but has a new focus now. Business can access funding to:

• develop and expand e-commerce presence by covering partial costs associated with online sales platforms and digital strategy consulting, as well as advertising and search engine optimization
• attend virtual trade shows and other business-to-business events
• navigate new COVID-19-related trade barriers by helping pay for new international market certifications and requirements.

 
For more information, go to tradecommissioner.gc.ca.
 
And if you’re looking to improve your international e-commerce reach, join The Chamber and the World Trade Centre’s ICE program this December.

The Chamber welcomes the federal government’s latest effort to provide relief for businesses continuing to struggle due to the pandemic. Bill C-9 was tabled on Monday after the national Chamber network outlined a number of concerns raised by our members.
 
The Chamber is happy the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy will be extended until June 30, 2021, but we are disappointed the new legislation will reduce the subsidy to 65% from 75%, where we would like to see it remain.
 
The redesign of the commercial rent subsidy is also good news. More tenants will be able to access the program. However, a few details are still not ideal. We share the Canadian Chamber’s concerns about the corporate entity cap of $300,000.
 
“This punishes businesses that have several locations, especially those in expensive downtown cores. Businesses in the hardest hit sectors, such as the food service and travel industries, that have several locations have compounded challenges by operating several locations, and need fair and equal access to the program.”
 
With restrictions expected to be in place for many months to come, government programs need to reflect the reality that businesses are facing.

Business Restart Series
Register for our Nov. 24 COVID-19 Government Measures for Business and Individuals event to learn about these programs and more.

The John Howard Society will own and operate a new affordable housing development at 736 Princess Ave., after Victoria council approved a total of 72 new housing units for low-income and vulnerable residents.

The Princess Avenue location will provide 28 new units, as well as amenities such as a coffee shop and art gallery that will facilitate an employment readiness program.

Council’s decision, made last Thursday, also includes 44 new units at 330 Michigan St. The Capital Regional Housing Corporation will retain an existing heritage building on the site and demolish three other buildings to create room for two four-storey multi-familiy buildings. The new buildings will increase the number of affordable units from 62 to 106 on the site.

After a spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 in Surrey, all regions of BC are being asked to take extra precautions.
 
Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a new order on Monday, limiting gatherings within private homes and urging businesses to review their COVID-19 safety plans. Our understanding of this disease has changed since many plans were implemented in the summer, and, as we enter flu and cold season, it’s timely to update protocols.
 
Dr. Henry also says she expects British Columbians to wear masks in indoor public spaces when around people outside your bubble.

The Chamber strongly supports Greater Victoria mayors who are calling on the new provincial government to do better to improve regional transportation on southern Vancouver Island. Specifically, we have been calling for a regional approach to how transportation is governed. We need to think broadly to address transportation issues and take advantage of opportunities to create 21st century solutions.
 
The mayors of Saanich, Victoria, Colwood and View Royal were among the group that co-authored a letter to the province.