Food Security Archives - Victoria Chamber

Chamber championing ferries’ future resonates with Island communities

April 30, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions, Finding And Keeping Workers, Food Security, Global Uncertainty, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber’s efforts to bring a business perspective to the future of our most vital transportation link has captured the attention of policy makers and business associations on the Island and across BC.

A letter penned by The Chamber on behalf of 20 organizations was sent to BC Premier David Eby last week. The letter makes the case for revisiting the recent decision by the BC Ferries commissioner to only approve four new vessels instead of the five required to meet demand.

The request was picked up by media during an interview with the Premier, who agreed that the vessels are needed.

“I think we need boats that are going to be able to serve the public well into the future here in British Columbia,” Eby told reporters. “It’s critical for commerce, for tourism and as the Island Highway for so many families and businesses.”

The Chamber supports efforts to reduce costs faced by taxpayers, and is grateful the provincial government has heard our calls to invest in ways that grow the economy for everyone. The attention on the issue has also raised the potential for federal funding to be part of the solution.

“Affordability is about more than just fares and yet there’s nothing that requires the commissioner to apply that lens,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams wrote in the letter about the need for infrastructure that drives business, industry and tourism.

Read The Chamber’s column

Savings at the fuel pump welcomed by business

April 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Food Security, Government Federal, Government Provincial, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

The cost of fueling up at the pump has plummeted after the provincial government removed the carbon tax. Gas prices dropped below $1.60/litre yesterday — about 19 cents lower than they were the day before the tax was removed.

The lower fuel costs are welcome news to businesses that move goods and people.

“We hear from many struggling businesses and families so anything that unburdens them is needed right now,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that The Chamber offers members many benefits, including fuel discounts.

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.”

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

August 22, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Food Security, Government Federal, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber continues to call on our region’s Members of Parliament as well as the federal government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of rail services. A strike that began Aug. 22 threatens to disrupt local economies as well as our country’s national security.

Working with our national chamber network, we have been asking the government for weeks to protect the Canadian public. Under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the federal Minister of Labour can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration and can end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution. The government can also introduce back-to-work legislation.

This is not a partisan issue. However, a steep price will be paid by families, workers and businesses if action is not taken.

“I sent a letter to all of the Members of Parliament in Greater Victoria, so they are aware of the gravity of this issue,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Our expectation is they will take up this call in Ottawa and work with the government to protect our region before we experience supply shortages that could create a real crisis here.”

Mustard Seed cupboards need help this summer

August 14, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Food Security/by Jim Zeeben

The Mustard Seed’s summer campaign — “Hunger Doesn’t Go on Vacation. Neither Do We.” — has raised $19,000 in monetary donations and $5,000 in canned goods so far.

However, donations have dropped off significantly in the last two weeks and the organization needs help making sure it can meet the demand of people in need.

To help, Max Furniture is stepping up to collect and purchase canned goods. Drop off your items at 3460 Quadra St. by 5 pm, Sunday.

Other ways to get involved:

Call The Mustard Seed at 778-677-1335 or email volunteer@mustardseed.ca and talk to Claudia.
Receive Materials: The Mustard Seed will drop off signage and instructions at your business.
Set Up: Place a donation box with QR Code for monetary donations at your business.
Scheduled Pick-Up: The Mustard Seed will pick up the donation box on a scheduled day.

Participating businesses will receive a sticker letting clients know that you support food security.

Read the Media Release

Chamber championing ferries’ future resonates with Island communities

Savings at the fuel pump welcomed by business

Feds step in to end labour disputes at Canadian ports

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

Mustard Seed cupboards need help this summer

Buy BC open to help market local agri-products

Mustard Seed seeks help after fire damages building

Inflation in Canada cooling faster than expected

Supply Chain Task Force needs to set clear priorities

Supply chain relief as cargo ship congestion easing

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