The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted its ideas to the federal government for driving the economy forward as the country emerges from COVID-19 restrictions.

In a pre-Budget submission, the Canadian Chamber has listed recommendations that reduce regulatory burden, rethink taxes, encourage innovation and get Canadians back to work.

A total of 33 recommendations aimed at promoting private-sector growth and competitiveness are being presented to the federal government to consider ahead of its critical 2021 Budget.

The federal government announced today that it has set a minimum unemployment rate across the country in an effort to help people move from the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit onto Employment Insurance. This means that people in areas such as Greater Victoria, which recorded an 11.1% unemployment rate in July, will receive EI benefits for a minimum of 26 weeks based on a 13.1% baseline rate.
 
Normally, the number of weeks that someone can claim EI is based on the regional unemployment rate. However, the pandemic has made labour conditions unpredictable. At the same time, the federal government recognizes the need to end CERB, which was brought in as a stopgap.

A provincial rebate program is helping businesses transition to electric vehicles. The CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive is offering $2 million in new rebates.
 
“Eligible specialty-use vehicles include electric passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles, motorcycles, low-speed utility trucks and heavy-duty transport trucks. Rebates range from $1,700 to $50,000 per vehicle and are available for businesses, local and regional governments, and non-profit organizations that are purchasing five or fewer vehicles,” says a statement from the BC government.
 
HarbourAir used the rebate program to purchase a fully electric shuttle for passengers travelling between Vancouver’s harbour and the Vancouver International Airport.

Greater Victoria businesses are renowned for their generosity, and have always gone out of their way to help people in our community in need. However, our region is facing a crisis caused by failed policies and political posturing that has left too many neighbourhoods feeling unsafe.
 
From encampments in Beacon Hill Park and other public spaces, to temporary housing in former hotels, there is a growing concern that we are losing the safe community all of us depend on.
 
So what can we do to make a difference? As The Chamber, we will continue to advocate to all levels of government to invest in long-term solutions that go beyond temporary fixes. Housing alone is not the answer. There also needs to be readily available mental health and addiction services. The Chamber would like to see an expansion of the number of therapeutic recovery communities, which have the highest measurable success rates for treating people who want to end their dependence on drugs and alcohol.
 
As individuals, you can help by learning as much as you can about the issues that lead to homelessness and getting out to vote in coming elections. The City of Victoria is planning a new date for a by-election that was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. If you’re not happy with decisions made by a council majority, make sure you know which councillors vote as a slate and who your alternatives are.
 
The Chamber has spoken out in the past about the dangers of populist politics, and will continue encouraging people to get out and vote to ensure better representation of our entire community.

The Capital Regional District has released a report that sheds some light on the connection between affordable housing and transportation networks.
 
One of The Chamber’s main advocacy priorities continues to be the need for fundamental infrastructure that allows people to live and work in our region. Transportation and affordable housing are key.
 
The CRD study shows the value of a regional approach to transportation planning. By expanding transit, reducing commute times and improving active transportation networks, we can make sure our region’s limited geography is used wisely.