Government Federal Archives - Victoria Chamber

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.”

Chamber calls on feds to focus funds on military housing

August 8, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Housing/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber’s proposed policy resolution calling for investment in military housing has successfully taken the next step to being officially adopted by the national chamber network.

After passing an initial review, the proposed resolution will be debated at the Canadian Chamber AGM in October.

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce staff worked with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to craft the policy proposal, titled: Adding to Canada’s housing supply by strengthening Canada’s military through housing on military bases.

The resolution argues that the availability of secure and affordable homes is crucial for the retention and recruitment of members of the armed forces as well as for regional economies affected by a lack of housing.

By creating new housing on available Department of National Defence lands, Canadian Armed Forces members will be less dependent on market housing, which in turn will open up more homes for residents who work outside the military.

“We’re asking the federal government to focus funding — that it’s already announced for housing — in a way we believe will provide an effective boost to our national economy,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is a member of the national Chamber Network Review Committee.

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

July 3, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Government Local, Government Provincial, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Work is getting underway on the redevelopment of Belleville Terminal, with Phase 1 Wharf Modifications starting at the Steamship Building’s water lot.

A barge with a crane derrick is on site, and work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and potentially weekends depending on scheduling. However, no work will occur over long-weekends, and should be completed by the end of August.

“Potential impacts from this work include noise from the removal of existing pilings and installation of new pilings as well as the visual impact of the crane derrick within the inner harbour,” states a memo about the project from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Projects.

The Chamber advocated for two decades to gather support for the modernization of this important international gateway that greets thousands of travellers every year.

“It’s great to see the project finally underway and we know the temporary disruption will be worth having a 21st century facility in place,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

You can stay updated on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project by visiting the project website.

Fund helps municipalities cope with changing climate

June 5, 2024/in Climate Change Solutions, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

On Monday, the federal government announced $530 million to help Canadian municipalities adapt to the changing climate. The money will help cities and towns prepare for flooding, heat domes and other impacts on residents and infrastruture caused by weather events.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will administer the fund, which is a fraction of the $10 billion the FCM estimated is needed.

“In all, there are three funding streams that will provide substantial support for municipalities to carry out climate adaptation projects. In addition to support for climate adaptation planning, municipalities can apply for up to $1 million for implementation projects and up to $70,000 for feasibility studies,” the media release said. “Municipalities that have completed climate adaptation plans and/or risk assessments are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is Aug. 14, 2024.”

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

Chamber calls on feds to focus funds on military housing

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

Fund helps municipalities cope with changing climate

Federal minister talks trade with chamber members

Federal Budget 2024 set to be unveiled on April 16

Canada needs to do better at foreign policy: letter

Feds need to ease the burden on business

Inflation down in February, Statistics Canada reports

Bank of Canada signals interest rate likely at peak

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