Chamber News Archives - Page 68 of 72

Feds announce change to CERB, extension to CECRA

August 5, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

Last week, the federal government announced plans to move Canadians off the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and onto an updated Employment Insurance system. The CERB was an early response to the pandemic to help Canadians who suddenly lost their income as the economy was shut down.

Some employers have voiced concern that the CERB has made it harder for them to get staff back to work. The new program will make it easier for people to begin earning money without having their benefit clawed back, and will better protect contract workers.

The government also announced it was extending the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program. It now covers July and August.

The Chamber continues to ask landlords, who must apply for the subsidy on behalf of their tenants, to work with their customers to ensure the long-term health of businesses.

Transportation networks vital to affordable housing

August 5, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

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.

Residency requirement a fair approach to housing

August 5, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

The Chamber supports a motion by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps for residency requirements to prioritize placement in supported housing. The 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, released this week by the Community Social Planning Council, provides a snapshot of the number of people living outdoors or in shelters on a given night.

Volunteers and staff combed the region on March 11 and reported at least 1,523 people experiencing homelessness. The survey showed that 84% of people had been living in Greater Victoria for more than a year. A further 4% weren’t able to answer or chose not to answer.

Our region has struggled for years to help people transition to more permanent housing. We do not have the capacity to become a destination for people from across the country who would be better served by accessing services in their communities.

Pandemic speeds conversion to cashless society

August 4, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the adoption of electronic payments among Canadians.

A survey by Payments Canada found that 53% of Canadians had increased their use of debit cards to pay for in-store purchases. With uncertainty about how COVID-19 was being spread, many businesses opted to play it safe and encourage electronic payments.

Freer trade within Canada would spur growth

August 3, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

The Chamber supports an initiative to lift inter-provincial trade barriers, currently being raised by our colleagues at nine of Canada’s largest chambers of commerce.

In a series of videos promoted on Twitter, the Canadian Global Cities Council showcases how Canada’s economic recovery would be helped by a freer flow of goods between provinces.

A Few Facts

More than $80 billion in economic potential is lost every year because of trade barriers between provinces.
Those barriers add nearly 7% to the costs of goods.
Free trade between provinces is supported by 90% of Canadians
GDP in Canada could increase by 4% – more than from any of our recent international trade agreements.

New on-campus housing breaks ground at UVic

July 27, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

The University of Victoria broke ground today on 800 new on-campus homes for students. The $232.4 million housing project includes $128 million in provincial funding. The new units are expected to be ready for students in time for fall 2022.

With workforce homes in short supply in our region, the addition of on-campus housing will help free up much-needed rental units in the community.

HousingHub project building 64 affordable homes

July 27, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

A new five-storey, wood-frame building on Fifth Street will provide 64 affordable homes In Greater Victoria. The project is being built with up to $17.2 in interim construction financing from BC Housing’s HousingHub program. Rent will range from $1,000 per month for a studio to $2,500 for the most expensive three-bedroom option. To qualify, renters must have household incomes between $48,000 and $100,000.

“I’m pleased that this project will provide good, affordable homes for working families that are close to their friends, work, vibrant business districts and community amenities,” Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming said in a news release.

Construction is expected to wrap up by spring. The building will include space for the Vancouver Island School of Art on the ground floor.

Province encouraging shift to e-bikes with rebates

July 27, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

If you’ve been thinking about buying an e-bike for commuting or getting around, the provincial government hopes to make your decision a little easier with an updated rebate program.

“E-bikes are a much cheaper alternative to cars and are a safe way to travel,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena said today in a news release. “We look forward to seeing more people using e-bikes for getting around.”

People can now trade in an old vehicle and get $1,050 toward the purchase of a new e-bike. The rebates, which have increased by $200 this year, are delivered by the Scrap-It program. As well, a one-year pilot program is offering a $1,700 rebate for business owners who purchase a cargo e-bike.

Check out: Greater Victoria e-bike retailers

Volunteers wanted for federal disability committees

July 27, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

The federal government is looking for 12 to 17 volunteers for two committees tasked with creating innovative standards to help people with disabilities.

Applications are being accepted until Aug. 4 for the:

The work will improve the lives of more than six million Canadians who identify as having a disability. Committees will consist of members with expertise in various backgrounds.

Tourism industry asks BC for $680 million stimulus

July 22, 2020/in Chamber News/by caorda

The devastating impact of COVID-19 on BC tourism sector was driven home on Tuesday by a request for $680 million in relief needed to survive.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC sent a proposal to the provincial government requesting almost half of the $1.5 billion set aside to restart the economy.

“Unfortunately, as the only industry almost entirely based on the discretionary movement of people, the tourism and hospitality sector has been the most severely impacted by far by COVID-19 due to business closure orders and restrictions on personal travel, as well as the closure of international borders,” TIABC’s statement says.

The best case scenario forecasts 2020 revenue to be $6.7 billion compared to $20.4 billion in 2018. To survive, the industry wants $475 million to help businesses stay solvent, $190 million to encourage innovation and accelerate recovery and $15 million to support supply chains.

READ The PROPOSAL

Feds announce change to CERB, extension to CECRA

Transportation networks vital to affordable housing

Residency requirement a fair approach to housing

Pandemic speeds conversion to cashless society

Freer trade within Canada would spur growth

New on-campus housing breaks ground at UVic

HousingHub project building 64 affordable homes

Province encouraging shift to e-bikes with rebates

Volunteers wanted for federal disability committees

Tourism industry asks BC for $680 million stimulus

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