BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins will speak at a
luncheon
with Chamber members Apr 26.
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Influx of Infrastructure Dollars
"BC Ferries had difficulty accessing Government of Canada public capital infrastructure programs, which we saw as exerting upward pressure on fares," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "Federal government investment in BC Ferries' capital program would reduce cost pressures as BC Ferries renews its fleet, develops terminals and faces other capital costs. Given the Government of Canada's obligation to provide ferry services to coastal British Columbia, we felt it only made sense that BC Ferries' capital infrastructure requirements should be eligible for federal investment."
"We were pleased to hear that
the federal government decided that BC Ferries is eligible, providing $60 million for various upgrades, including new ferries and improved terminals," Catherine added.
On Wed, Apr 26 at the next Business Leaders Luncheon hear from
new
BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins on his vision for one of the largest ferry operators in the world.
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Hear, hear!
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Jack Knox |
"Were this anywhere but the capital region, where every neighbourhood fr
om Southwest Saanich to tent city gets to incorporate its own
municip
ality, complete with its own police force, fire department and novel/experimental/delightfully iconoclastic approach to bike lanes/pot shops/speed limits, the
numbers [of police officers per 100,000 people] would be different, " wrote
Jack Knox in
Wed. Times Colonist
.
"We wholeheartedly agree with Jack - something has to give," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt
. "Dividing police resources along municipal borders makes no sense."
The Chamber is leading the BC Chamber of Commerce's effort to advocate that the Provincial Government, "ensure the provision of effective and adequately resourced police services in the Province of BC by creating a common governance and funding model to ensure effective, sustainable, equitable police services within and between BC communities."
More on The Chamber's position on municipal policing in
the 2017 policy resolution, "Safe Communities and Strong Economies - Supporting Policing in B.C."
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Enhancing Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion
95% of newly arrived refugees speak a low level of English equivalent to
Level 1 of
the Canadian Language Benchmark for literacy.
Familiarity with the Google Translate App helps establish a common platform for communication while English language skills develop.
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA)
and Google Translate
have partnered to create We Speak Translate, a project that will engage community stakeholders, businesses, community agencies, institutions, and the public sector in Google Translate training. The training will also be provided to newcomer immigrants and refugees through ICA English language classes and other avenues.
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ICA of Greater Victoria: member since 1996
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Reaching New Heights in Security
Paladin Security has acquired American company Criterion Security, forming security super-company, PalAmerican Security. The marriage between organizations will immediately increase both service offerings and company reach as one of North America's largest independent security firms. The company will continue to operate as Paladin Security in Canada.
"We could not be more thrilled about the creation of PalAmerican Security," said Ashley Cooper, CEO of Paladin Security and PalAmerican Security. "What makes us different is that we are not a private equity backed company that is in this for the short term. We are employee owned and operated with all of our owners working full time in the business to ensure we make long term decisions for the betterment of our clients and our people."
Paladin Security has been a leader in the Canadian security market for over 40 years.
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Paladin Security: member since 2006
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Regional Benefits from the Trade and Investment Program
As of March 31, The Chamber successfully concluded its three-year contract with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to build international business activity and foreign investment in our region. Since its launch on April 14, 2014, The Chamber has worked closely with WD and stakeholders throughout the region, supported by $640,000 in WD funding and $640,000 in local matching funds. Programming included: export expansion, air route expansion, growing our education assets, region-wide marketing programs, and investment attraction.
"The Chamber's long-term vision for regional economic development was the genesis of the Trade and Investment Program," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "The influx of funding has been catalytic for Greater Victoria. It created an unprecedented level of collaboration among regional organizations and resulted in a new economic development organization: the South Island Prosperity Project."
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Innovating Junk Removal
Atlas Junk Removal has upgraded its trucks with
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The control panel for the weighted scale |
new on board weigh scales certified by Measurement Canada. The new model will make Atlas Junk Removal the first company on Vancouver Island to offer junk removal based on weight. "We are always looking at ways to innovate our business model and this seemed like the next logical step," said Director of Atlas Junk Removal Aaron Lawson. "These scales can weigh material by the pound with over 99% accuracy, allowing us to charge clients directly at their home or business by the pound as opposed to a guesstimate based on volume. This will save the most money on bulky items such as couches, mattresses and other larger furniture items."
Atlas Junk Removal: member since 2015
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"Non-Partisan" - Defined
The Chamber is a non-partisan advocate for the Greater Victoria business community. It is involved in politics to the extent that it advocates for public policy in the interests of its members.
"We express support for government decisions consistent with our interests, and express criticism for decisions that are not," said Chamber Chair Al Hasham. "Especially now with the provincial election underway, we want to reassure our members that The Chamber will not endorse any candidate or political party.
"
To access The Chamber's non-partisan policy, click here.
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Welcome to Our Newest Members!
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Chamber Name Tags
Need to get one of the snazzy new Chamber Name tags?
Email Reception to order yours today.
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