Last week, the federal government announced new paid sick-leave and care-giver programs as well as a two-year freeze to the Employment Insurance premium rate paid by employers. The EI rate will remain at $1.58 per $100 in insurable earnings for employees and $2.21 per $100 in insurable earning for employers.
 
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, effective Sept. 27, provides $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick or need to self-isolate because of COVID-19. The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household to help people who can’t work because they need to care for a dependent due to COVID-19.
 
Government also provided more details on its plan to move workers off the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The new Canada Recovery Benefit provides $400 per week for up to 26 weeks for people who are self-employed or not eligible for EI. Under this program, people will be able earn some income and still collect the benefit. The CERB was extended until the end of September, and will then be phased out by a modified EI system announced earlier.

​The time is now for governments to invest in mental health and addiction services that can better address growing concerns around homelessness and street crime in Greater Victoria. Unstable mental health is the root cause of many addictions as individuals chose to self-medicate.

Our region, especially downtown Victoria, needs a chance to recover after the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. We can’t afford to have residents, businesses and employees feeling unsafe in their community.
 
The Chamber understands the complexity of the issue — it doesn’t help to label all homeless as either criminals or lost lambs, as Jack Knox notes in the Times Colonist.

Fortunately, there are success stories in other jurisdictions that we can look to for guidance. We also know that Therapeutic Recovery Communities have had success, though helping people stick to treatment can be difficult.
 
“We can all agree that it’s not acceptable to have people sleeping on our streets and in our parks. We can also agree it’s not acceptable for people to feel unsafe due to property crime and violent behaviour in their neighbourhoods,” says Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who spoke about the issue on CFAX this morning.

“Unstable mental health is the root cause of many addictions as individuals chose to self-medicate,” Williams says. “Prolonged drug use can impair the ability for rational and respectful behavior. A thorough plan to help create balanced mental health in our most vulnerable citizens is long overdue. The time to act is now.”

People deserve a home, and our most vulnerable people need services that keep them from ending up homeless. Housing is vital, but it’s not enough without mental health and addiction treatment.

​A new date for a by-election in the City of Victoria should be known by next month, after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the one planned for earlier this year.

City staff are reviewing guidelines released by the provincial government and are expected to report to council in September. Victoria, one of 14 municipalities in BC that needs to hold a by-election, has been down one councillor since Laurel Collins resigned after winning the Victoria riding in the last federal election.

Candidates will need to seek a new nomination to be on the ballot in the re-scheduled by-election. The Chamber will keep an eye on candidates and we plan to engage with them with a series of questions that will help inform voters.

Chamber members who have a question for candidates can email Jim Zeeben at communications@victoriachamber.ca and we add to our list.

This summer, take care of your physical, mental, social and nutritional health as we enjoy warmer weather. For the month of August, The Chamber will be suggesting ways to take healthier steps during a truly unique summer.
 
Your mental health is as important as your physical health, but is often overlooked. Ensure you take time for yourself and focus on things that give you joy.
 
Stay connected with friends or family by ordering takeout and enjoying a physically distanced picnic. While the weather is still nice, enjoy food and drinks at a Chamber Member Patio with a close friend. If they live in different city, chatting on the phone or through a video chat is a great way to stay connected to a loved one.
 
Take time to relax. From yoga classes to enjoying a park or beach in the CRD, give yourself a moment to catch your breath and unwind. If you have a furry friend, pick up some pet toys and have a fun time together.
 
Minimize your stress by taking time for yourself. Whether that’s discovering a new hobby or taking a weekend trip to explore Vancouver Island, make sure your happiness is a priority in your life.
 
The BC CDC has provided mental health resources that include information for children, post-secondary students and heath-care workers. If you’re not sure what resource is most helpful for you, take the anonymous Mental Health Check-In Assessment from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
 
Dr. Bonnie Henry has highlighted the importance of mental health, and how staying connected is extremely important during this time. While continuing to follow provincial health protocols, take a moment to breathe our fresh Vancouver Island air and remember to keep your mental health in mind.

As parts of Greater Victoria’s economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be good news from the construction and real estate sectors.

The Vancouver island Construction Association says the value of building permits is on the rise after an initial slowdown caused by the outbreak of the pandemic.

“Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association, said in a news release.

“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery”

As well, a report by Colliers International shows that commercial vacancy in downtown Victoria has increased slightly to 5.9% from 5.1% for the first three months of 2020. The difference is attributed to two provincial ministries moving their offices to a new complex in James Bay. The impact of COVID-19 has been nominal, the report found. However, the rate could increase as more leases are up for renewal in the months ahead.

Housing starts have also been strong, with more homes being built this July than the same month last year. The numbers announced Tuesday by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reflect the fact the construction industry has been able to keep working safely throughout the pandemic.