Chamber statement on lifting of mask mandate

VICTORIA, BC – The BC Government has announced that as of midnight tonight, masks will no longer be required in low-risk public indoor spaces. Vaccine cards will no longer be required while entering certain businesses as of April 8.

The Chamber will continue to work with and listen to the business community to advocate on behalf of our members. We applaud our health authorities for keeping us safe and welcome the news that it is time to lift restrictions. With the lifting of restrictions, The Chamber will adapt our requirements for in-person events, starting with our Member Networking Breakfast on March 24 and the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards on May 7.

“I look forward to seeing unmasked smiling faces, and I think we need to recognize that one of the major reasons we are at this stage is thanks to the incredible efforts of businesses,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “They’ve gone above and beyond to keep customers and staff safe, allowing our health care system to stay sustainable while finding innovative ways to continue providing goods and services.”

Lifting the mask and vaccine mandates will help many businesses who abided by the spirit of the rules but faced challenges due to their workplace’s physical locations or staffing constraints.

“Our region is safer today because we embraced health science and a high percentage of our population is immunized,” Williams said. “Those efforts will now allow us the freedom to relax and enjoy each other’s company as we prepare for an incredible spring and summer.”
 
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
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca