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Making strategic investments in the Indigenous tourism sector would generate an additional $684 million in tax revenue that would pay for those investments in five years, says a new report by the Conference Board of Canada.
The report found that recommendations made by the Indigenous Tourist Association of Canada would greatly increase the scale of Indigenous Tourism across the country. ITAC has proposed a $2.4 billion plan, including $1.75 billion for destination development.
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Indigenous business support is one of The Chamber's key advocacy priorities. We all stand to benefit by having First Nations participate in the economy, and that requires supporting self-determination.
The University of Victoria recently received a federal research grant that will allow a team to "design and advance a sustainability framework for decision-making in Indigenous communities that ensures their values, knowledge and concerns are at the forefront as they assess development proposals on their lands." The UVic team will build off a successful system that has been used for five years with Toquaht Nation in BC, as well as with communities in New Zealand and Indonesia. “This project is very critical to the empowerment and self-determination of Indigenous governments and peoples," said Cloy-e-iis Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and a member of the project’s Council of Senior Advisors. "Basing models on traditional knowledge and ways of knowing directs the work to be done and utilizes self-determination to its fullest. Sharing models with other Indigenous communities around the world adds to the richness of what can be contained in the models. Establishing their own indicators on what is important to each Nation is also building on governance and putting the decision making in the hands of the people.” The Songhees Nation Chief and Council have announced on LinkedIn that Rosa Horne will be their next Executive Director. "Rosa is a Member of the Stz'uminus First Nation in Ladysmith and acknowledges her gratitude to live, work, and play in the W̱SÁNEĆ territory over the last 19 years," states the post.
Rosa has a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Indigenous Business Leadership. A panel of experts has been tasked with developing a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for the City of Victoria. The goal is to address multiple complex issues such as "declining civility and social cohesion, increasing social disorder, inadequate housing supply and homelessness, poverty, inequality, addictions, mental and physical health challenges, criminal activity and other factors."
The panel will work over the next 15 months to advise Victoria council on immediate interventions as well as long-term solutions. "I’m in frequent contact with the business community throughout the downtown and beyond and I’m consistently hearing that the impact of the pandemic is far from over," Fort Properties Ltd. CEO/co-owner Suzanne Bradbury said in the city's news release. "I believe that this is the right initiative at the right time and I’m honoured to bring a small business perspective.” Along with Bradbury, the panel includes:
The Chamber promotes Indigenous economic reconciliation by listening and then acting on how to best support First Nation businesses in Greater Victoria.
To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day today, we encourage you to participate in local events and show your support for the thriving Indigenous business community. Check out the Chamber's directory for Indigenous Owned Business for a list of incredible local businesses run by Indigenous Peoples. "In Greater Victoria, we are responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action No. 92," says Chamber Vice-Chair Christina Clarke, executive director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre. "We seek to not only include Indigenous people in the economy, but to transform the economy, as we incorporate Indigenous wisdom for a sustainable future and prosperity for all." Check out the recent Chamber Chat with Christina Clarke and Chamber CEO Bruce Williams. A new Indigenous business directory was launched in Greater Victoria today with a goal to support Indigenous economic reconciliation by building new relationships and connections.
The South Island Indigenous Business Directory is the result of work of community partners, including The Chamber. "The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of our members, is honoured and humbled by the work done to establish an Indigenous Business Directory," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The Chamber is committed to taking actions towards reconciliation and inclusion and we are working to connect Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nations with the broader business community. We can all benefit from being more inclusive and incorporating the knowledge of people who have called this region home for time immemorial." The new directory provides opportunities for relationships, growth and partnership between community members and the many Indigenous-owned businesses across the South Island. From graphic design, art and web design to engineering, project management and catering, the directory currently features more than 50 Indigenous companies. View the directory at indigenousbusinessdirectoryvi.com. The provincial Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program supports Indigenous governments, communities and businesses with agriculture, food processing and food-systems planning, as well as training and skills development, technological adoption, scaling up productivity and profitability, and climate change adaptation.
Among the projects in our region, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre received $80,000. The funds will be used to work on the Oak Bay property gifted to the centre by the late Marion Cumming. The plan is to remove invasive plants, add native plants, beehives, pollinator plants and increase food security in the community by growing year round. The Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led movement standing up against violence towards women and children, is holding a Walk to End Violence on May 11, 12-1pm, starting at Thunderbird Park at Douglas and Belleville streets. Participants are encouraged to bring a drum. For more info, including how to hold a walk in your community, contact 250-882-7018 or events@moosehidecampaign.ca.
Registration is now open for organizations and individuals interested in taking part in this year's Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 11. There is also a separate registration for schools with K-12 classes looking to participate.
The Moose Hide Campaign Development Society helps promote safe communities by calling for all Canadians to speak out against violence towards women and children. Last year, more than 400,000 people took part. This year's Moose Hide Campaign Day event will be held May 11 in Victoria and livestreamed across the country. The day begins at 7 am with a sunrise ceremony and ends with a fast breaking followed by Community Feast from 6 to 7 pm. The court-imposed deadline for deciding the future of the Island rail corridor arrived yesterday, but there is still much work to be done to decide the fate of the former E&N Rail line.
"In September 2021, the British Columbia Court of Appeal asked the federal government to decide by March 14, 2023, on restoring the railway corridor or allowing a segment of lands to vest in Canada for the use and benefit of the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation," said a joint statement by the federal and provincial governments, explaining that the decision was made to return 11.4 acres to the Snaw-Naw-As. The corridor still has tremendous potential for Vancouver Island, which is expected to reach a population of more than one million people in the next decade. “To that end, we are committing $18 million to allow for future corridor planning involving affected First Nations and regional districts," BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming said. "The funding will also allow First Nations to assess identified concerns such as flooding, access, noise, or safety issues where the corridor crosses their land." The Island Corridor Foundation had been waiting for the governments to announce their intention, and will now begin reviewing options for the best use of this important transportation link. After hosting The Chamber's 160th celebration, the Royal BC Museum continues its work reinventing itself for the future. The Victoria landmark has long been an important anchor for tourism business that cater to the visitors attracted to our destination. The museum lobby is currently hosting the 17th annual Mammoth Sale, featuring props from former exhibits as well as merchandise from the gift store.
On Monday morning, the museum was the site of an inspirational moment as members of the Nuxalk people were on hand to receive a totem pole that was taken from its home near Bella Coola in 1912. The pole will make its way back to Nuxalk territory. "The museum is part of the fabric of Greater Victoria and many people feel strongly about what they want to see happen," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "I'm fully confident in the work that museum staff are doing to modernize their facility, and The Chamber is excited about helping to ensure the museum continues to serve its important role in our region for generations to come." When you're used to looking to the future, it can be a little awe-inspiring to look back and see how far we've come. On Thursday, Feb. 9, The Chamber celebrates our 160th anniversary with a special sold-out evening planned at the Royal BC Museum. The gathering is another great way for Chamber members to connect while discovering some of the fascinating stories that have shaped our region and our organization. It's the first of many opportunities planned throughout the year. Another way you can join in our celebration is with The Chamber 1863 web project, which takes a deep dive into the history of our organization and the many communities that contributed to the growth of trade and commerce in our region. It's a fascinating look at people who left a legacy, and a chance to better understand the struggles of those who overcame discriminatory social and political practices of the times. The site is live now, and is a living project that we anticipate will continue to grow as more information and content becomes available. Have a look at make sure to follow The Chamber's social platforms for ongoing updates on the project. Send your feedback to communications@victoriachamber.ca.  The Chamber supports the provincial government's effort to make National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30 a statutory holiday.
"We know statutory holidays directly impact employers but, to their immense credit, chamber members have said they believe in honouring the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of intergenerational trauma," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting the solemn tradition of wearing orange shirts on Sept. 30 has helped raise awareness of Indigenous issues. "Taking action on reconciliation is in everyone's best interest as we build a more inclusive economy." The province announced the proposed legislation yesterday, though many collective agreements in BC have recognized the federal holiday since 2021. Sooke Mountain and Discovery Island Marine provincial parks could be included in treaties with the T’Sou-ke Nation and with the Songhees Nation, the province announced Monday.
"Treaties help everyone in BC by providing better clarity for First Nations and surrounding communities and will result in better social and economic opportunities for all communities in southern Vancouver Island,” BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin said. The move is part of ongoing negotiations with the Te’mexw Treaty Association, consisting of the T'Sou-ke and Songhees, as well as the Malahat Nation, and the Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW) and Snaw-Naw-As nations. Sooke Mountain Park is being considered as part of the T’Sou-ke Treaty, while Discovery Island Park is being considered as part of the Songhees Treaty. To learn more about how the Te’mexw treaties will create jobs, promote investment and economic development, build housing, support tourism and encourage investments in infrastructure, in-person open houses are planned for:
 Changing times create disruption but also present tremendous opportunities for forward-thinking organizations. The tide of high inflation has highlighted the need to create more resilient local production and supply networks.
Groceries are a good example of the need for investment in suppliers located closer to home. The provincial government's Buy BC program and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance's Island Good shows the value of supporting innovation led by business. On Monday, BuyBC hosted an event in Victoria called Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef. Among the exhibitors was Finest at Sea Ocean Products. "There is clear evidence of the value that bring local brings to a community, but it's not always top of mind when we're at the grocery story purchasing produce for our families," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The Buy BC and Island Good programs makes it easier to remember the value in buying local, both in terms of freshness and health as well as in ensuring local farmers feel they are supported so they can take the risks needed to build their business."  Housing remains a drag on the vitality of our region, though overall quality of life in Greater Victoria has improved.
According to the 2022 Vital Signs Report, released this week, Greater Victoria's grade has moved up from a B grade last year to a B+ this year. Housing earned an F grade this year, a significant drop from a D+ last year. "Vital Signs is a great check up on our region's economy, and The Chamber was happy to contribute as a community partner this year," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The grades are a good way to illustrate concepts that contribute to our overall quality of life." It's the 19th edition of the annual report, which uses surveys as well as stories and graphics to provide snapshots of the past year. This year's theme asked What Does Community Mean To You? Respondents rated the natural environment and climate as the best things about Greater Victoria. The aforementioned Housing crisis and cost of living were the two most important issues, according to the survey. The report looks at 12 areas, with grades ranging from a B-plus for Learning and Sports and Recreation, to an F for Housing and a C- for Health and Wellness.  Friday, Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — a time to reflect on the history of residential schools and to listen with purpose to the stories of our Indigenous friends and neighbours.
"We will wear our orange shirts in support of everyone affected by the trauma that has left such a deep bruise on our society. We must acknowledge our role in this painful history and take action to change," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The Chamber will continue our work to support Indigenous owned and operated businesses as they are vital contributors to our region's economy." For information on The Chamber's Indigenous Economic Reconciliation Table, please email communications@victoriachamber.ca. What's happening on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Here's a look at some of the events happening in Greater Victoria for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Songhees Nation hosts the South Island Powwow Friday. The first-of-its-kind event is free and is "an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, we will celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency." Municipalities across Greater Victoria are hosting events to commemorate and celebrate indigenous voices. Across all 13 municipalities, flags will be flown at half-mast on Sept. 30, and events for reflection include: The City of Victoria hosts the Xe xe Smun' eem-Victoria Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters Ceremony from 10 am to 12:30 pm at Centennial Square. The event includes Indigenous performances, a minute of silence, and guest speakers sharing their personal experiences with residential schools and reconciliation. The District of Oak Bay hosts a truth and reconciliation event at the Sno’uyutth Welcome Pole at Oak Bay High School starting at 9:30 am. The pole, designed by Songhees Nation elder Butch Dick, symbolizes the beginning of a new relationship between the Oak Bay community and the Songhees and Esquimalt peoples Along with the region’s municipalities, post-secondary institutions have committed to close their campuses on Sept. 30 and are offering informative and inclusive events: The University of Victoria hosts various reconciliation events throughout the week. From informative lectures to workshops, students and faculty are invited to wear their orange shirts on Sept. 29 in the quad to witness the lighting of the Sacred Fire. The fire will burn until 3 pm that day, and visitors can listen to stories from residential school survivors, witness reflections and celebrate this year’s theme: Indigenous resurgence. Royal Roads University invites the community to join in-person and virtual events to honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. This year, Royal Roads will raise the Survivors' Flag to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation. Camosun College has created an Orange Shirt Day research guide to assist those in learning about the importance of honouring Indigenous voices. Camosun hosts an event at Na’tsa’maht: The Gathering Place, Lansdowne Campus on Sept. 29 at 1:30 pm with guest speakers Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray attending. The Chamber applauds the provincial government's initiative to seek public input on plans to rejuvenate Belleville Terminal. The facility in the Inner Harbour has served as a gateway for international visitors arriving by water since 1924. As a champion of our region's tourism industry, The Chamber has consistently advocated for the terminal and the need to modernize it with the times. "We've been calling for renovations for decades, and it's taken time to get all levels of government onboard," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Now that we've done that, there's no time to lose. The requirements to be a border crossing have changed and there's a real risk we could lose our port of entry." More than 680,000 passengers travelled through Belleville Terminal in 2019 and spent about $174 million in Greater Victoria, says the province's project plan. Belleville Terminal generates 220,000 overnight visitors and sells over 16,000 vacation packages annually to their passengers, all of which are provided by local businesses in Victoria. The province is developing a business case for the project. It's expected to cost up to $290 million and be completed by fall 2027. A temporary terminal will be built until a new facility is ready.  With a little more than one month before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, demand is high for orange shirts that are traditionally worn as a show of support. The Vancouver Island Construction Association is offering to order shirts on behalf of companies. The deadline to order is 2 pm on Aug. 18. Check out VICA's latest newsletter for info on how to order.
The provincial government appears committed to its plan to rebuild the Royal BC Museum over the next eight years at a cost of $789 million. The museum was founded in 1886 and has been in its current location since 1968.
The Chamber will work to support businesses affected by the change, including attractions that now have an opportunity to increase their profile. “You can come downtown and go to the Bateman Gallery, you can go to the Bug Zoo, you can go to the Maritime Museum — there are still a lot of attractions around and plenty of things to do,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told CHEK News. “The work to modernize the Royal BC Museum is a legacy project that will enrich, inspire and continue to benefit British Columbians and Indigenous Peoples for generations to come," RBCM CEO Alicia Dubois said in the provincial news release. There are plans for travelling exhibitions, regional displays and an interactive walking tour in Victoria while the new museum is being built. The provincial government says new legislation will make it easier for people to understand liens and protect property rights.
"Liens commonly give people the right to keep another person’s property to secure payment for services that improve the property’s value," the province said in a news release. The proposed Commercial Liens Act will apply to the following services:
The change will unify rules for repair, storage and transportation liens, which have caused confusion in the past, the province said. BC Minister of Finance Selina Robinson met with Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members today to address your questions about the province's 2022 Budget, unveiled yesterday. Minister Robinson expects economic growth even as provincial debt increases. This year's $71 billion budget is forecast to have a deficit of $5.5 billion, followed by a $4.2 billion deficit in 2023/24. Robinson said the main reasons for the deficits are the anticipated costs of rebuilding damaged transportation infrastructure to withstand future climate events. Asked whether the province planned to ease the burdens of the EHT — which took $207 million more than anticipated from BC employers last year — or paid sick days, the minister defended the government's current policies. She also acknowledged concerns about linking the minimum wage to inflation and said she will work to make the change as smooth and predictable as possible for business. Budget Notes: 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. Greater Victoria is also in line 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.  Throne speeches are typically more pomp than particulars, and yesterday's ceremonial start to a new session at the BC Legislature was no exception. However, there were a few items of interest to business in Greater Victoria.
Minimum wage, which went through a series of increases to reach $15.20/hour in BC, will now be tied to the rate of inflation. The housing market, under pressure due to a lack of supply, will soon face a regulated "cooling off period" for buyers. A new plan is being developed to train British Columbians to meet the one million job openings expected in the next 10 years. There were also mentions of modernizing the Royal BC Museum, taking action on reconciliation and improving child care by making it a function of the Ministry of Education. "What we didn't hear was an adequate plan to help business by reducing unfair costs such as the Employer Health Tax, or cutting red tape," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We're looking forward to hearing details next week about how government will help business and build resilience in our economy." Chamber Event: A conversation with BC's Finance Minister on Feb. 23 A new state-of-the-art Royal BC Museum is being planned to replace the existing facility. The news was announced by BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark.
The museum began operations 135 years ago and is a major attraction in our region. Minister Mark said the current facility doesn't meet modern safety or accessibility standards. "A new and modern museum is long overdue, for the safety of all visitors, to remove barriers so everyone can access it and to keep our irreplaceable collections safe," Mark states. "Continuing on without a major redevelopment is not an option for anyone serious about the stewardship of BC’s history and culture. Our goal is to build a state-of-the-art facility that provides an educational and cultural legacy for the province while at the same time brings significant economic and social benefits to the region." The Chamber is committed to taking action to advance the process of reconciliation, as well as investment in the growth of Greater Victoria's economy.
On Monday, City of Victoria council made an unprecedented recommendation to provide a $200,000 annual grant for the next five years to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. This year, funds will come from the city's 2021 surplus. In subsequent years, the grant will come out of revenue created by new builds on city land. The recommendation needs to be approved at a regular council meeting before it is formally added to the budget. "I think this is supportable in the fact that I think the work that will be done will benefit the city overall, so not only the nations, but the city,” Victoria Coun. Charlayne Thornton-Joe says in the Times Colonist. |
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