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Workforce challenges reflected in low unemployment
Every year, The Chamber conducts a survey of our membership to help us stay on top of issues affecting your business. One of the challenges that has been near the top of list for more than a decade is finding and keeping workers.
The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show that, at 4.3%, Greater Victoria has third lowest unemployment rate in the country. The solution is complex and involves addressing the cost of living for working families. We need fewer regulatory burdens so that we can attract investment in housing, child care and transportation — three of the highest costs families face when considering where they will live and work.
The Chamber has called for regional exemptions to immigration policies, such as Temporary Foreign Workers, that many organizations in our region have relied on. We want the federal and provincial governments to acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach is flawed, and that our region should not be punished because of the actions of bad actors in other jurisdictions.
WorkSafeBC’s average base premium rate unchanged
WorkSafeBC announced this week that its average base premium will remain the same as the agency uses a $570-million surplus to subsidize costs this year.
The average base rate is $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. That’s 15% less than the average cost rate of $1.83, with the difference funded by surplus.
In 2026, 39% of employers in BC will experience a decrease in their industry base rate, 47% will see their industry base rate increase, and 14% will see no change.
“Looking at the year ahead, WorkSafeBC is continuing to see upward claim-cost pressures and a continued reduction in the surplus. If these trends continue, it could lead to a moderate increase in premium rates in the near future,” the agency said in a media release. “The preliminary rates for 2027 will be announced in July of this year.”
The workers’ compensation system is independently funded by employer premiums and investment returns. WorkSafeBC does not receive any funding from the provincial government.
Chamber welcomes renewed focus on industry
The Chamber applauds the recent launch of Look West, a provincial strategy to invest in the economy through major projects and a focus on industry. The aim is to build off recent announcements by the federal government to prioritize projects that will grow Canada’s economy and increase future revenue.
“As important as the specific projects are, even more encouraging is the acknowledgment that government needs to invest in ways that grow revenue and build resilience in our economy,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “The recent announcements come as The Chamber is beginning work with industrial partners in Greater Victoria, such as the Ralmax Group of Companies. One initiative that could make a big difference is the idea of an Industrial Land Reserve modelled after BC’s existing Agricultural Land Reserve.”
It makes sense to preserve spaces that have incubated successful industry and the good-paying jobs that come with it. There is a lot of pressure on land due to things such as BC Assessment’s highest-and-best-use policy. There’s a real risk that once the usage of the land changes, the jobs and revenue streams that had been in place will never return.
The Chamber will continue to work for all of its members, and hopes to continue to provide insight from a business perspective for decision makers in the provincial government.
BC promises to double funding for trades training
Twice as much money is being allocated to train British Columbians in needed trades, the provincial government announced last week.
Over the next three years, trades-training programs in BC will receive $241 million.
This money will:
- increase per-seat funding for apprentice programs
- address waiting lists for industrial trades
- advance skilled-trades certification, beginning with crane operators
- ensure workers can move between industries.
The province said it will work with unions, industry and post-secondary partners to build out workforce programs.
New rules on sick notes effective immediately
The province’s rules limiting when employers can ask for sick notes are now in effect. Under the employment standards regulations, employers can’t ask for a sick note for a worker’s first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year.
The province said it consulted health-care providers, who pointed to scientific evidence that shows most minor illnesses for adults, such as a cold and influenza, have symptoms that typically resolve within five days.
These changes are meant to reduce time spent on paperwork by physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and midwives.
Chamber is the unapologetic voice of business in our region
The Chamber recently issued a media release outlining our shift in advocacy priorities.
“We know our members have been hearing about these changes and we want to spread the word to the wider community, as well any businesses that might be unaware their voice is represented by The Chamber,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “We want businesses to know their calls for urgent action are being heard, and we have the ear of decision makers in all levels of government.”
The people who make up Greater Victoria’s business community care deeply about our region. They want a safe and sustainable life for everyone who lives here now, as well as for future generations.
As a member-based organization, The Chamber listens to its members and Board of Directors, who represent organizations of all sizes and industries, including the non-profit sector. They understand the current state of business in the region and have been clear about the direction needed.
“Our board has full confidence in John’s experience as a business leader and community-minded entrepreneur,” Chamber Board Chair Christina Clarke said.
How can we help your business? Please share your advocacy priorities with us at communications@victoriachamber.ca.
| Read the Media Release |
Fall stats show uptick in region’s real estate sector
Greater Victoria’s housing market is showing renewed activity as sales and prices ticked up in October.
A total of 617 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this October, 11.4% more than in September.
“The local real estate market remains reasonably balanced,” VREB Chair Dirk VanderWal said in a media release. “Single family homes are currently seeing the strongest demand, and this month we saw the highest number of October sales since 2020. However, condo sales were slightly more restrained than single family and townhome sales over the past month. We have not seen a significant decrease in prices as a result, but those shopping for condos will find a good variety to choose from with time to make decisions.”
The benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in October was $1,276,500, down from September’s value of $1,294,800. The benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area was $551,000 in October, up from the September value of $547,500.
Construction begins on 500 new homes in Victoria
Construction has started on more than 500 new rental homes, retail spaces and a public plaza at the corner of Douglas and Caledonia streets.
“We’re excited to continue providing much-needed housing to Victoria in partnership with BC Housing on this mixed-use project at Douglas and Caledonia,” Chard Development president and CEO Byron Chard said in a media release. “This project reflects our shared commitment to expanding housing options and delivering new community amenities to meet the needs of this growing area.”
The new build is on the site of the former Capital City Centre Hotel at 1961 Douglas St. and 710 Caledonia Ave. It features three concrete high-rise towers and a community plaza on the southeastern corner, which includes office space, child care and a grocery store.
“This development marks another significant step forward in the city’s priority to increase housing choices for Victoria residents,” City of Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said.
One tower will be owned by the Province, with 20% of its 133 units offered at below-market rental rates. This tower received $73 million in construction financing and a grant of $8 million through BC Housing’s BC Builds program.
The development’s remaining homes will be owned and managed by Chard at market rates.
Change gives sick or hurt staff up to six-months leave
The BC government is proposing an amendment to the Employment Standards Act that would give employees up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illness or injury.
The province says the change is in line with other jurisdictions and will protect people who can’t work for at least one week because they need treatment or are debilitated by disease.
Employees must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner stating that the person is unable to work and how much time off is required.