VICTORIA, BC – Finding and keeping workers starts with connections. On March 28, the University of Victoria, the UVic Students’ Society and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce are hosting Hiring Day to help thousands of students apply for work with more than 60 employers in the region.

• What: Hiring Day 2022
• When: March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Michèle Pujol Room, Student Union Building, University of Victoria

About two-thirds of all students at UVic typically work while undertaking their studies. This has traditionally been a key addition to Greater Victoria’s labour force, especially as the region has one of the highest employment rates in the country. The Chamber continues to advocate for initiatives and investments that help employers attract and retain the workforce needed for the regional economy to reach its potential. 

At Hiring Day, 63 employers have tables set up to welcome students looking for employment opportunities. Organizations range from financial institutions to tourism and hospitality businesses. While some employers might collect resumes, others plan to interview and potentially hire on the spot.

Quotes:
“After two years of pandemic interruptions, we look forward to kick starting the relationship between businesses and university students. Having a job helps with the cost of education and offers a bit of an outlet away from the pressure of school,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Victoria has great employers in every sector, and they need workers to fill seasonal and part-time jobs as well as full-time positions.”

“UVic supports students through every stage of their experience, including connecting their studies and interest to work opportunities,” says Andrea Giles, Executive Director of UVic’s Co-operative Education Program and Career Services. ”We are proud to have a long-standing partnership with The Chamber — students can make a real impact in workplaces across the region, and they are key to supporting the economic recovery in this community. This type of hiring event helps facilitate these important connections.”

“We’re proud to host this event for all UVic students in partnership with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and UVic offices,” said Mariel Hernández, UVSS Director of Student Affairs. “We’re excited to connect students with job prospects that help support their studies and flourishing careers. We know how talented and hardworking UVic students are; local businesses will benefit from what students have to offer.”

“Discover your passions, grow your skills and receive mentorship every step of the way,” said Sophia Pugh, District Vice President, Vancouver Island, Scotiabank “At Scotiabank, we provide our early talent with vast opportunities for every future. Learn more at Scotiabank.com/careers. We look forward to meeting you!”

“Development and construction provide excellent opportunities for students and recent graduates,” Mike Geric Construction COO Niall Paltiel said. “Our organization strives to create inclusive workplaces that offer competitive wages and flexibility for students who want to earn money while going to school, or who are looking to get started on a rewarding career in the industry.”

“RBC values providing job opportunities for students; we encourage diverse perspectives and live it by fostering a culture of innovation that believes how we do business is just as important as the business we do,” said Annette Sabourin, RBC’s Regional Vice President Vancouver Island. “Our culture is built on strong values of integrity, inclusiveness, agility and collaboration — career experience founded on these core principals will remain relevant and powerful throughout one’s career.”
 
About the University of Victoria
UVic is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, offering life-changing, hands-on learning experiences to more than 21,000 students on the edge of the spectacular BC coast. As a hub of transformational research, UVic faculty, staff and students make a critical difference on issues that matter to people, places and the planet. UVic consistently publishes a higher proportion of research based on international collaborations than any other university in North America, and our community and organizational partnerships play a key role in generating vital impact, from scientific and business breakthroughs to achievements in culture and creativity. Find out more at uvic.ca. Territory acknowledgement

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at https://victoriachamber.ca.  
 
Media Contacts:
Michelle Oussoren
Stakeholder Communications Officer
University Communications + Marketing
University of Victoria
250-217-6473 
lmoussoren@uvic.ca
 
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

VICTORIA, B.C. – The provincial government unveiled its 2022 budget today with a focus on child care, and investments to make communities safer from toxic drugs and devastating climate events. Other highlights include a renewed commitment to act on Indigenous reconciliation and high-level support for businesses that still face challenges due to the uneven economic recovery from the pandemic.

B.C. Minister of Finance Selina Robinson, who will meet with Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members tomorrow, was clear that the province is expecting economic growth even as the provincial debt increases. The $71 billion budget for 2022/23 is expected to have a deficit of $5.5 billion, followed by a $4.2 billion deficit in 2023/24. Robinson told reporters that the province needs to rebuild damaged transportation infrastructure so it can withstand future climate events.

“Today’s budget provided more of a compass than a roadmap for businesses in terms of our ongoing economic recovery. But we’re happy the province is not looking to increase taxes to cover its shortfalls,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “There was some good high-level news about infrastructure investments and complex care for our region, and we hope to hear details soon.”

Greater Victoria is getting two complex care facilities, though specific locations were not announced. The budget also includes $84 million over three years for planning and capital funding for upgrading the Belleville Terminal.

The tourism sector has been allocated $25 million to help with recovery efforts, though a further $915 million was set aside for potential pandemic-related expenses, including health care costs or economic recovery funding.

The budget did not offer any insight into the province’s plan to link the minimum wage to the rate of inflation. Staff from the health and finance ministries told The Chamber that details are still being worked out and will be made public in the coming months. There was also no mention of the newly mandated five-days of paid sick leave, or softening of the Employer Health Tax, which took $207 million more than anticipated from B.C. employers last year.

Greater Victoria is also inline for numerous “bus and shoulder” expansions to improve regional transit, and money has been earmarked for the transit hub at Uptown in Saanich.

“The Chamber has long advocated for child care as an investment in our economy, and we applaud the province’s commitment to adding 40,000 new spaces within seven years. We also are encouraged by some of the steps to address our lack of housing supply,” Williams said. “I look forward to speaking with Minister Robinson tomorrow for more details on these and other plans.”
 
To arrange an interview with The Chamber, or to register as media for tomorrow’s event with Minister Robinson, email communications@victoriachamber.ca.
 
Conversation with Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance  

• Wednesday, Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

• Virtual via Airmeet Link available upon request 
• This is a paid event, so media interested in hearing the conversation can email communications@victoriachamber.ca to access the feed.   
• For more information on the event, go to victoriachamber.ca. 

Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes news from the federal and provincial governments that will boost business in our region.

“I’m not much of a dancer. However, I think many of us are doing a little jig — either in our mind or literally — upon hearing this news,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “The sun is shining a little brighter and the birds are singing a little sweeter today. We are all ready to soar after a long winter of doing what we needed to keep each other safe. Let’s keep moving forward and respect each other as we find our footing and our own pace as we begin to step a little lighter.”

The federal government’s announcement this morning will make it easier for visitors to travel to our destination and enjoy all of the attractions, goods and experiences we have to offer. Starting Feb. 28, fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada from any country will face easier testing requirements. As well, Transport Canada will allow international flights to return to more Canadian airports starting Feb. 28. 

Also today, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer has updated the timeline for easing restrictions in British Columbia. This is great news for the events industry, fitness centres, dance clubs and organizations such as sports teams that depend on ticket sales.

The province is lifting capacity restrictions on gatherings and events; exercise and fitness; and bars, clubs and restaurants as of 11:59 p.m., Feb. 16.

For now, business will still be required to have COVID-19 Safety Plans.

As well, masks and the BC Vaccine Card will continue to be required in indoor public spaces.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca. 
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

VICTORIA – Mary Lou Newbold has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2022 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.    

“Mary Lou cares deeply about our community and her enthusiasm is absolutely infectious,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “She truly enjoys connecting businesses with each other and is often one of the first people to reach out to welcome new members at Chamber events.”

Newbold and her partner, Dr. Stephen Taylor, own Mayfair Optometric Clinic, which was named Business of the Year (11-25 employees) in 2016. Newbold is dedicated to improving Greater Victoria’s business community. She serves tirelessly on The Chamber’s Ambassador Committee and is a regular at Chamber events.

“During the pandemic, we rose to the many challenges by reminding ourselves that we were in this together. Mary Lou lived that and has been a steady voice of optimism and support,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “As our economy continues to recover and grow, Mary Lou is a shining example of how we can work together to build good business and great community for all.”

The Chamber Member of the Year award, sponsored by Air Canada, recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.

The winner of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, which honours a Chamber member for outstanding leadership and innovation, will be announced in January. Winners are chosen for inspiring others and adding resilience to Greater Victoria’s economy.

Give the Gift of Recognition this holiday season by nominating a business or business leader for the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 24, 2022. From innovation to sustainability to being an outstanding workplace, nominating a business you love, own or work for is fast and easy. For more information, go to victoriachamber.ca/business-awards.

Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                                        
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

Five community builders will join 15 former Lifetime Achievement winners 

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the first group of inductees into the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC.

“This is the inaugural cohort selected for the Hall of Fame, and it’s an excellent reflection of the diversity of Greater Victoria’s business community,” Dan Dagg, Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Governors, said. “Their stories are unique and inspirational, and their induction into the hall will be something we want to celebrate.”

The selection committee chose five people to be the inaugural inductees (Backgrounder follows):

•     Helen Beirnes
•     Clare Copeland
•     Ron Lou-Poy
•     Ian Maxwell
•     Chief Robert Sam.

 
The Chamber Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, celebrates the legacy of pioneers and leaders who have played a role in the region’s economic growth and prosperity. A gala ceremony will officially honour inductees on Feb. 3, 2022.

“We’re excited to be part of a celebration of business leaders who have contributed so much to our region,” Jack Leung, RBC’s Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island said. “Supporting business supports community and RBC truly is focused on helping future entrepreneurs who will one day become leaders themselves.”

Every year, the Hall will induct new recipients to recognize positive role models in the business community who have shown regional leadership, insightful vision, and a sustained and significant commitment to the prosperity of our region. The process to select inductees recognizes and respects the diversity of leaders who helped build business in Greater Victoria over the decades.
 
“The Chamber has always been the voice of business in Greater Victoria, and we want to make sure the stories of our region’s champions are recognized,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This first group represents people who were innovators, who broke through barriers and helped our community become the truly extraordinary place it is today.”

The five inductees for 2022 will be joined by previous winners of The Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Business Award: Bill McCreadie, Gordy Dodd, Eric Charman, Mel Cooper, Murray and Lynda Farmer, Naz Rayani, Bob Skene, Keith Dagg, Terry Farmer, Cedric Steele, Gordon Denford, Alex A. Campbell, Robert H. Wright and John Chew.

Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca
 
Backgrounder

Helen Beirnes
Helen Beirnes, who passed away on May 14, 2013, was a trail blazer for women at the executive level in business, large organizations, and the media.

Known as a tireless advocate for restoring Victoria’s historic character and bringing greater tourism numbers to the region, Beirnes travelled across Canada and the U.S. promoting tourism and investment in Greater Victoria.

Beirnes established the National Charm and Modeling School and managed it as a self-development program for young women. She extended the reach of her business across Vancouver Island by offering courses through local department stores.

Beirnes also wrote a weekly column for The Victorian and hosted television shows on Channel 6 and on Channel 10.

Besides being a role model for women by breaking glass ceilings in business and community work she was also active in charities and community projects:

• Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Advisory Board for the Princess Marguerite
• Supporter of the BC Cancer Society
• Crystal Garden Investigative Committee for Restoration.
• Founder of the Women in Tourism and Hospitality network group.
• She was the first woman elected in 16 years to Victoria City Council (1976-1977).
• First woman president of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (1971-1972) and first woman president of a Canadian chamber in a major Canadian City.
• Chairwoman of Victoria Day Festival committee.

 
Clare Copeland
Clare Copeland, who passed away on May 14, 2010, was instrumental in developing CFAX radio into a regional presence by boosting its transmission power and making it a 24-hour station. He recruited unique radio talent that helped make CFAX the No. 1 station on Vancouver Island.

After selling the station, he established Copeland Communications in 1980. The agency served businesses on Vancouver Island and British Columbia for more than three decades.

Copeland was well-known as a willing mentor to business, political and community leaders and was actively involved with many organizations, including:

• Serving as president of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce from 1968-1970
• On the Board of Directors at St. Michael’s University School.

The Copeland Lecture Theatre at SMUS is named in his honour.
 
 
Ron Lou-Poy
Ron Lou-Poy has had a distinguished law career, and received the legal distinction of Queen’s Council. A graduate of Victoria College — which became the University of Victoria — Lou-Poy is a senior partner in the Victoria law firm of Crease Harman and Company.

Lou-Poy was deeply involved in the reconstruction of the Gate of Harmonious Interest in Victoria’s Chinatown cultural area — the symbolic entrance to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. He is an avid promoter of education and culture through the Chinese Heritage Foundation, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the McPherson Foundation.
 
He has had extensive involvement with the university, including two terms on the UVic Board of Governors (1972-74 and 1992-95) and as an original director of the UVic Innovation and Development Corporation. Members of the University of Victoria convocation — including alumni and faculty — elected Ron as the university’s ninth chancellor in 2004. The Ronald Lou-Poy Scholarship supports future generations studying at UVic. The Lou-Poy family supported construction of the Harry Lou-Poy Infant and Toddler Child Care Centre at UVic, named for Ronald Lou-Poy’s father. The family also created the May and Ron Lou-Poy Fund of Excellence in the Faculty of Law.
 
Lou-Poy has been active with a number of non-profits including the Kiwanis Club, United Way and Crimestoppers. He is a past board member of the B.C. Achievement Foundation, which recognizes the accomplishments of B.C.’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers.
 
Lou-Poy has received numerous awards, including:

• The Order of Canada in 2004
• Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal
• Honorary Doctor of Laws from UVic
• Honorary Citizen of Victoria
• Freeman of Saanich
• Leadership Victoria Lifetime Achievement Award.

 
Ian Maxwell
Ian Maxwell, owner of Ralmax Group of Companies, is known as a hardhat visionary who champions the protection and preservation of industrial lands and the jobs they provide in Greater Victoria.

Ralmax has evolved into a diversified group of businesses focused in and around Victoria’s working harbour.

In 2003, Maxwell led the rescue of Point Hope Shipyard from bankruptcy. It marked the first major investment in a shipbuilding facility in Victoria’s harbour in 50 years. In 2019, Ralmax purchased the Esquimalt Drydock Company in a deal that helped create more job security for workers and enabled the sharing of knowledge with Point Hope Shipyard.

In 2020, Maxwell’s companies took part in one of the largest fabrication projects on Vancouver Island. A massive stacker-reclaimer was assembled and then shipped to the Lower Mainland. That same year, Ralmax acquired a majority stake in the Harbour Ferry Service to keep the operation running.

Maxwell has also actively engaged and supported Indigenous businesses. In 2012 he co-founded Salish Sea Industrial Services with Esquimalt First Nation Chief Andrew Thomas and Songhees First Nation Chief Robert Sam.

Chief Robert Sam
Chief Robert Sam, who died on July 9, 2012, was progressive and innovative in his negotiations to build a safe, inclusive and sustainable future for Songhees Nation. Chief Sam led the negotiation processes to create a settlement with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia over dispossessed land now occupied by the BC Legislature Buildings. He also played a key role on behalf of Songhees Nation within the Te’meux Treaty Association (a collaboration among five Nations living on South Vancouver Island).

Education was important for Chief Sam, and he crafted an agreement with the Greater Victoria School District and Camosun College to enhance access to education for Indigenous students. He was also a mentor to all young people, helping their understanding of traditional Indigenous culture and customs.

Chief Sam led the negotiation to advance Songhees Nation into Stage 4 of a complex treaty process, crafting bylaws for Songhees Nation, including Fire Protection Services and Property Tax.
He was also a founding member of the First Nations Finance Authority, a Board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and a member of the Association of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Treaties.