Fair Rules Archives - Victoria Chamber

Region’s ‘living wage’ jumps 5.4% from one year ago

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

Even with inflation tamed, there is a noticeable increase in the cost of living in Greater Victoria. The shift is evident in the latest report from the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria.

The report says the living wage in our region is $26.78 — 5.4% more than last year.

The Greater Victoria living wage calculation is based on the needs of two-parent families with young children. However, it is also meant to support all workers, so young adults are not discouraged from having children due to low wages, and older workers have additional income as they age.

“Some preliminary estimates we have produced suggest that the living wage may not be sufficient to support single parents and single individuals in Greater Victoria. In other communities, this is not the case, and we want to explore this in more detail in the future,” CSPC Executive Director Shelley Cook said in a media release.

Trump takes to social media to threaten huge tariffs

November 27, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

There’s the economy, and then there’s the attention economy. The incoming US President has seized the spotlight with his comments on his Truth Social platform calling for a 25% tariff on products from Canada.

The damage such a move would do to the Canadian and US economies makes this pronouncement shocking, which is likely what Donald Trump intended.

Chamber Board Chair Kris Wirk spoke to CFAX this morning about the issue, noting that the uncertainty is not helpful regardless of whether any tariffs are introduced.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said it’s easy for Trump to be loud on social media, but there has already been a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to mitigate the damage tariffs would cause.

“We need to remember that this is a public relations tactic and probably much different than what will occur in reality,” Williams said. “Our national Chamber network has built strong relationships with states along Canada’s border. Their leaders understand the trade relationship with Canada and its importance to American jobs, factories and consumers. They’ll bring a strong voice to any negotiations.”

Speaking of the Canadian Chamber, new President and CEO Candace Laing has issued a statement condemning any attempt to hurt Canada’s economy.

“Being America’s ‘nice neighbour’ won’t get us anywhere in this situation. President-elect Trump’s intention to impose 25% tariffs signals that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is no longer about mutual benefit. To him, it’s about winners and losers—with Canada on the losing end,” Laing said. “We’re facing a significant shift in the relationship between long-standing allies. Canada’s signature approach needs to evolve: we must be prepared to take a couple of punches if we’re going to stake out our position. It’s time to trade ‘sorry’ for ‘sorry, not sorry.’”

Feds step in to end labour disputes at Canadian ports

November 13, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Food Security, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal, Inflation And Rising Costs, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber was part of advocacy efforts that succeeded in ending the recent labour disputes that had shut down vital ports across Canada.

The Chamber was a signatory to a letter that went directly to federal Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon. That effort helped push the Canada Industrial Relations Board to announce on Tuesday that it will impose final binding arbitration to resolve labour disputes at ports in British Columbia, Montreal and Quebec.

This decision will swiftly end disruptions and resume port operations, while extending current collective agreements until new ones are finalized.

“As an Island economy, we need our supply chains to operate efficiently,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Any disruptions can have critical impacts on businesses ability to plan with certainty.”

Canada Post could face labour disruption this week

November 13, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Canada Post are preparing for labour action as early as this Friday. The consequences could impact businesses ability to use the postal service to deliver documents and goods.

Last week, a solidarity rally was held outside the Canada Post facility in Saanich to send a message that employees are united in their demands. Meanwhile, Canada Post said it intends to continue operations regardless of what happens, though a strike would likely delay deliveries.

“Businesses need certainty so they can plan for expenses needed to provide services or goods. Any disruption that adds uncertainty creates risk and can be especially stressful for many small businesses operating with tight margins,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said in a statement to Black Press. “We’re hoping the two sides can continue negotiations to achieve a fair agreement that allows this national institution to continue to serve Canadians while keeping good jobs in our region.”

Business in Greater Victoria impacted by a strike can turn to local delivery services.

Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics announced this week it’s offering to deliver mail for $6 per delivery to help reassure businesses in case a postal strike happens.

Chamber data helps educate US about protectionism risks

October 10, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim Zeeben

A new report on the US election paints a stark picture of how campaign rhetoric poses real risks to Canada’s economy.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab found that protectionist practises, if enacted, would negatively affect our country as well as most US states along our border.

“When you dig into the data, you immediately see the high degree of integration between the two economies, and how much they rely on each other to make things,” states the report, titled Partners in Prosperity: Exploring the Significance of Canada-U.S. Trade. “That’s why maintaining efficient supply chains ultimately makes both countries more competitive and increases economic security and resilience to global shocks.”

The US election is set for Nov. 5, and one of the political promises being bandied is a 10% tariff on imports from Canada and other countries.

“Several U.S. state economies are surprisingly dependent on Canadian trade,” the report states, noting Canadians generally have an understanding of the importance of trade while many Americans do not realize how critical Canada is as a reliable supply chain partner for US companies and consumers. “Even as far away as Texas, trade with Canada still accounts for 4% of the state economy.”

The data from the report will help the national chamber network advocate with businesses south of the border to inform US lawmakers about the risks of following through on damaging policies for political gain.

“It’s an interesting time politically for sure, with our own BC election on Oct. 19 and the US election next month,” said Greater Victoria Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is off to Halifax next week for the annual meeting of the national chamber network.

Vital Signs Report gives housing failing grade, again

September 26, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria has earned a “B” from this year’s Vital Signs Report, released yesterday by the Victoria Foundation. It’s the same score as last year.

“For nearly 20 years, Vital Signs has been helping the community identify and respond to the greatest challenges facing our region,” Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson said in a media release. “This year, the survey found cost of living, housing, and healthcare to be among the most important issues in Greater Victoria.”

The report looks at 12 areas and grades them based on data from a survey completed by more than 6,500 people as well as from sources curated by a local researcher

In the 2024 report, housing rated a D-, down from the D the area received last year. Health and wellness also fell from a B- to a C+ — as did the grade given to our standard of living.

Environmental sustainability earned a B, which is the same as last year.

On the positive side, sports and recreation increased from a B last year to a B+ this year. Belonging and engagement, arts and culture, and economy all stayed the same from last year.

The Vital Signs Report is available online at victoriavitalsigns.ca, as well as in print at various locations throughout the region.

Tech sector’s economic impact continues to grow: report

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria’s diversified economy plays an important role in helping our region sustain downturns in the global economy. A great example is the tech industry, which thrived during the pandemic and now creates an economic impact of $7.9 billion.

The latest figures were announced last week in a report commissioned by the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC).

The sector has grown by 51% since 2017 and now supports more than 20,000 employees.

The report found that lifestyle was the top advantage for being located in Greater Victoria, followed by our climate and short commute times. The biggest challenges facing tech businesses are a lack of affordable housing for staff, our region’s high cost of living in general and our limited talent pool.

VIATEC started as The Chamber’s Advanced Technology subcommittee before becoming its own organization in 1989.

Chamber network fighting to stop Digital Service Tax

June 26, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim Zeeben

Your next online purchase, ride share, meal delivery, or vacation could soon cost even more if the Digital Service Tax is implemented.

That’s the message from the Canadian Chamber as it lobbies the federal government to not pass the DST without significant changes. The proposal will tax revenue earned by large foreign and domestic businesses on online services, including marketplaces, advertising, and social media — but its effects will be felt by consumers in the form of higher prices for products and services that rely on digital platforms.

“For example, your online purchases, takeout after a long work week, or your long weekend cottage rental could cost more starting in 2024,” the Canadian Chamber said. “And the warning isn’t without foundation — France’s DST caused an estimated 2-3% price increase in services for consumers.”

If the DST is passed, it will take effect later this year. However, because it is a retroactive tax, it will apply to revenue earned by businesses in 2022 and 2023 as well.

“That’s like having the CRA send you a letter telling you to review your last two years of tax filings and pay more now for a tax that didn’t exist back then,” the Canadian Chamber said.

Two tales emerging about downtown: DVBA report

June 12, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Fair Rules, Government Local, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

There are two stories being told about downtown Victoria, says a new analysis released this morning by the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

With 5% more business licences issued, and tourism and industry thriving, the DVBA’s 2024 Annual Report says the numbers show the region’s downtown is enjoying economic growth. However, there is also a growing sense of unease — a survey found almost 20% of businesses believe downtown is failing.

“That is the highest percentage since we began surveying members,” the DVBA report states. “It is alarming.”

More than two thirds of all people who patronize downtown come from within Greater Victoria, which means that the entire region has a role to play in the narrative of this important neighbourhood.

“The Chamber strongly supports downtown and the work of the DVBA and the City of Victoria to make the area vibrant and safe,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We are a regional chamber but we will continue to call on all levels of government to invest in the infrastructure and services needed in downtown Victoria.”

Measuring gender pay rates helping close the gap

June 12, 2024/in Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers/by Jim Zeeben

Pay equity is one of the keys to unlocking productivity in our workforce, and vital for helping employers find and keep workers.

In 2023, British Columbia introduced the Pay Transparency Act to formalize a system for employers to ensure employee compensation was not being influenced by gender.

Women in BC earn 17% less than men, based on median hourly wages. The disparity is higher for Indigenous, racialized and newcomer women.

The province recently launched an online reporting tool for BC employers to prepare pay transparency reports, which are a legal requirement. By Nov. 1, all B.C. employers with 1,000 or more employees are required to prepare and post reports about their gender-pay gaps.

The requirement has been introduced in stages to give employers time to prepare.

Nov. 1, 2023: BC Public Service and the six largest Crown corporations (ICBC, BC Hydro, WorkSafeBC, BC Housing, BC Lottery Corporation and BC Transit)
Nov. 1, 2024: all employers with 1,000 employees or more
Nov. 1, 2025: all employers with 300 employees or more
Nov. 1, 2026: all employers with 50 employees or more

All employers in BC are required to include salary or wage information on all publicly posted jobs.

Drawing on data from Statistics Canada and pay transparency reports posted by employers last year, the province’s first annual report provides an overview of the gender pay gap in BC by sector, employment type and intersectional identities.