Government Federal Archives - Victoria Chamber

Chamber advocacy efforts underway with feds

May 29, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

Tuesday’s historic Speech from the Throne read by King Charles III included some promising policy shifts to address Canada’s housing supply.

Acting as the current embodiment of Canada’s sovereignty, the King read a script prepared by the governing Liberal Party. The ritual was a not too subtle reminder to the US administration that Canadians are fed up with annexation rhetoric.

For business, the start of a new government session is a chance to see how campaign promises will be delivered. Housing is a major concern in Greater Victoria, and the Speech from the Throne included a promise to cut the GST for home valued at $1 million or less, saving buyers up to $50,000. The speech also promised to lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million — a sweet spot for single family homes in the region.

“As a Chamber, we advocate for housing solutions to address fundamental challenges in Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We need housing supply to help attract people who contribute in all sectors of the economy, but specifically for folks who are required to staff our hospitality and retail industries. And we need homes for people struggling to stay housed. Simply put, housing is at the core of allowing employers to operate at their full potential and helping keep our communities safe for everyone.”

To encourage the new government to stay focused on business needs, the Canadian Chamber has sent the new cabinet “Mandate Letters.” Getting these to new ministers early in their terms is part of the strategic advocacy done to build good relationships that allow the business community to have its voice heard by government.

Chamber CEO held meeting with new Prime Minister

May 8, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

Good business requires good relationships, and the same holds true for making sure your voice is heard by government.

The Chamber has earned a seat at the table with decision-makers in all levels of government, including newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney’s staff recently approached Chamber CEO Bruce Williams for a one-on-one conversation to learn more about challenges facing Greater Victoria’s business community.

“I was surprised and grateful for the chance to speak up on behalf of Chamber members in Greater Victoria,” Williams said. “We are a region that punches above our weight economically and The Chamber has a long tradition of making sure our government knows what our private sector is asking for to help it thrive.”

Carney met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to begin rebuilding Canada’s relationship with its southern neighbour. The US administration’s threat of additional tariffs has created economic uncertainty in Canada and around the world.

Federal election shifts local political landscape

April 30, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria’s federal landscape is a little more colourful after Monday’s election saw the Liberal Party of Canada return to power.

Our region elected two members who will be part of the new government. In Victoria, Liberal candidate Will Greaves picked up 54.3% of ballots to beat the NDP incumbent Laurel Collins, who earned 24.9% of votes. In Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, Stephanie McLean won the riding for the Liberals with 49.2% of votes.

“We look forward to working with these new members of government to bring investment to Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We also congratulate Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May for her re-election in Saanich-Gulf Islands, and we welcome Conservative Party candidate Jeff Kibble, who was elected in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.”

With red, blue and green ridings, our region promises to be a dynamic representation of the country. Currently, the Liberals have a minority government with 169 seats with the Conservatives forming the opposition with 144 seats. May represents the Greens only seat.

The NDP, who represented six of the seven Island before the election, were reduced to one on Monday.

Nationwide, the Liberals are three seats shy of a majority and will likely need to reach a deal with another party to form a minority government.

Low unemployment rate reflects recruiting challenges

April 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Finding And Keeping Workers, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

It might be uncertain times, especially for global trading and the stock markets but we can count on Greater Victoria having a low unemployment rate.

Our region has the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 3.6%, behind only Saguenay, Quebec, which is at 3.4%.

Finding and keeping workers has been a challenge for Greater Victoria employers for at least 10 years. It’s an area that Chamber members continue to ask us to prioritize in our advocacy.

“We have the reality of living with a double-edged sword. Our region is one of the most desirable places in the world, but that also makes us an expensive area to call home,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We need investment in infrastructure — housing supply, transportation and affordable childcare — to attract working people and families.”

To hear more about how The Chamber and our partner organizations are working together to build good business and great community for all, register for an upcoming advocacy event.

On April 15, The Chamber’s AGM and panel discussion will look at how the Canada-US relationship affects our region’s economy. And on April 16, The Chamber and partners host Canada Votes 2025, a Listening Session for Federal Election candidates.

Find out where parties stand on local issues at listening session for federal candidates

April 9, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is organizing Canada Votes 2025 on April 16, from 5-7 pm, at the Spectrum Community School theatre in SD61.

The format will feature a panel of four candidates from our region representing the major political parties, including Elizabeth May for the Green Party and Laurel Collins for the NDP, Will Greaves from the Liberal Party and a local candidate the Conservative Party. The latter will be confirmed shortly.

The candidates will hear about an issue facing Greater Victoria and will then discuss potential solutions based on their party’s platforms.

Each of the issues will be presented by a representative from the following organizations:

Destination Greater Victoria, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Vancouver Island Construction Association, the Downtown Victoria Business Association and The Chamber.

The federal election is set for April 28, and the Canada Votes 2025 Listening Session is free. However, space is limited so register early.

Listening session planned for federal candidates

April 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is planning a federal election event for Greater Victoria.

“We’re going to hold a ‘Listening Session,’ which has worked well at focusing discussion on specific challenges facing our region,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

The event, called Canada Votes 2025, is scheduled for April 16, from 5-7 pm. The format will feature a panel of four candidates representing our region’s four ridings as well as the major political parties. They’ll be introduced to local issues facing various business sectors and asked to discuss potential solutions based on their party’s platforms.

Community partners joining The Chamber include Destination Greater Victoria, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Vancouver Island Construction Association, and the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

With the federal election set for April 28, a listening session allows for a focused discussion on local issues that will complement general campaign information already widely available.

The Canada Votes 2025 Listening Session is free but space is limited so we encourage everyone to register early.

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.

Canada escapes crosshairs as US takes aim at foreign trade

April 2, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

Businesses watching today’s tariff announcements from the US administration can be forgiven for feeling more confused than ever. Canadians have been coping with economic anxiety for months due to threats of broad-based tariffs and other measures.

However, on the day that US President Donald Trump promised to unveil his master economic plan for world trade, Canada was barely mentioned.

“At this point, I don’t think anyone is surprised that today’s announcement did not provide a lot of clarity,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We’ll take some time to analyze what official information is available and what it means for Greater Victoria.”

The initial impression is that Canadian goods under CUSMA will not face tariffs, while goods not covered will have a 10% tariff. It’s also not clear how Canada’s auto industry will actually be affected by a tariff on foreign auto makers.

Greater Victoria’s economy is among the least exposed Canadian cities when it comes to exporting. However, the sabre rattling that comes with talk of a tradewar creates uncertainty, which can bog down business.

“We will get through this, as we have every other crisis in the past, by supporting each other and our communities any way we can,” Williams said. “If there is a silver lining, we do have certainty that we have work to do to build the nation we want. We need an economy that is resilient and sustainable.”

To hear more about how the Canada-US relationship affects our region’s economy, register now for The Chamber’s AGM and panel discussion on April 15.

Tight timeline as federal election set for April 28

March 26, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

With the writ dropped on a federal election set for April 28, voters have a tight timeline to learn who their local candidates are and what their parties are promising.

How can the Chamber help our members, the community and democracy? Let us know your thoughts on what information you want before going to the ballot box.

Send your suggestions to communications@victoriachamber.ca.

On a national level, the Canadian Chamber has issued a statement on how the next government can help business, including following up on free trade between provinces, getting on with tax reform and investing in infrastructure.

“Canadians are privileged to live and work in an open, vibrant and democratic country. … The ongoing tensions with the US have created a volatile environment, making it harder for businesses and families to plan ahead. Strong public programs, like healthcare, retirement benefits, and a robust military, rely on a thriving business sector and tax revenue from Canadian individuals and businesses. Right now, that foundation is at risk,” Canadian Chamber CEO Candace Laing said. “Regardless of who wins, Canada needs a united strategy to reduce dependence on US trade and build a resilient, future-ready economy where all Canadians can thrive and be optimistic about the future. The next federal government needs to hit the ground running, ready to pursue a mandate that will guarantee Canada’s economic sovereignty and security, ensuring we are never left this vulnerable again.

Consumers get break as BC eliminating carbon tax April 1

March 26, 2025/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions, Global Uncertainty, Government Federal, Government Provincial, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim Zeeben

Energy costs are set to go down starting April 1 as the province announced yesterday it will make good on its promise to eliminate the consumer carbon tax after the federal government promised to do the same.

BC’s tax adds about 17 cents per litre at the gas pump, and 15 cents per cubic metre of natural gas.

“The Province will continue to act on the commitment to battle climate change by ensuring people in British Columbia have affordable options to make sustainable choices and by encouraging industry to innovate,” the BC Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

Eliminating the tax will help businesses and individuals facing increasing costs and economic uncertainty due to the threats of tariffs and tradewar with the US.

The latest news on the tradewar is a 25% tariff on the auto industry imposed today. The action is expected to increase the cost of vehicles and cause generational chaos to automakers on both sides of the border.

The national Chamber network continues to work on mitigating the threat of tariffs. This week, the Canadian Chamber released a report on US cities that are the most export-dependent on Canada.