Tough rules designed to save endangered chinook stocks will force many Island communities to make painful adjustments to ensure they remain economically viable.

 

"On March 15, The Chamber hosted a Business Leaders Luncheon with the federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard ," said Catherine Holt, CEO of The Chamber , "so our members knew the department was working with data that would likely show bad news about Chinook stocks. What we want to know now is how the federal government plans to help support our Island's coastal communities that will bear the brunt of yesterday's announcement."

 

The new regulations require that, until mid-July, any Chinook salmon that are caught be released back into the ocean. After that, there will be limits on the number of Chinook that can be kept - one or two depending on the fishing grounds and month.

Residents of the City of Victoria and District of Saanich gave an enthusiastic yes when asked, "Are you in favour of spending up to $250,000 for establishing a Citizens' Assembly to explore the costs, benefits and disadvantages of the amalgamation between the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria?"

The Chamber is looking forward to a Citizen's Assembly examining the benefits for business resulting from amalgamation.

Hear how Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps and Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes plan to encourage this and other historic collaborations between the two municipalities.

Sponsored by:

Tue, May 7 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm 

Not sure what to do for the Easter long-weekend? Why not plan a brunch with family or friends? There is still time to get a chocolate bunny and eggs for an Easter Egg hunt!

 

This weekend is hopping with egg-cellent festivities around town for people of all ages:

Please note The Chamber office will be closed from April 19-22. Hoppy Easter every-bunny!

The provincial government's Fair Wages Commission is now seeking input on the gap between the minimum wage and a "living wage." The Chamber, with your input, will present to the commission. But before we do, we want to know what the province intends to do with the input it receives.  

 

The commission is stopping in eight BC cities, with Victoria the final destination on May 31. This is also the deadline for feedback.

 

The Chamber is concerned about any attempt by government to impose costs on businesses. There are many variables that go into wage considerations and we know that many businesses in Greater Victoria pay much higher than minimum wage in order to retain workers. A better approach for government would be to continue to focus on making living in Victoria more affordable. Government can create conditions for affordable housing, better public transit and more accessible child care - to help address three of the biggest costs facing employees.  

 

We'll have more coverage of this, and opportunities for our members to add their own input to the commission, in the next few weeks. If you have any questions or suggestions on this or any other advocacy effort, contact Jim Zeeben at [email protected].

Trade Accelerator Program

This is a four-day course held over a six-week period. Victoria course dates are June 18, June 19, June 26 and July 24. Click here for more details.

BC's real estate industry is taking an active role in cleaning up money laundering in the province.

 

Professional associations representing real estate agents, mortgage brokers, appraisers, and notaries public are teaming up with government to prevent criminal transactions. The industry group presented five recommendations, which have been embraced by BC Attorney General David Eby.

 

Eby spoke about problems with money laundering in BC during his speech at The Chamber's Business Leaders Luncheon on Nov. 7, 2018.

Businesses need to adapt to climate change or face extinction says Forbes Magazine. Going green is good for business - think less waste, less resource use and smarter choices. Take advantage of funding and incentive programs offered by the Government of Canada for greening your business. There are local options too - The Chamber is proud to be Vancouver Island Green Business Certified.

 

In honour of Earth Day, join our members in celebrating:

Being green is good for everyone: people, planet, profit. Let's try to make every day earth day!