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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
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.
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VICTORIA, BC – To celebrate another year of businesses rising to meet every challenge, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for The Chamber’s 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards.
The finalists, listed below, have distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including excellent customer service, sustainable business practices, young entrepreneurship and business leadership. The Chamber’s 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, businesspeople and community leaders. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. “We’re proud to provide some positive news that gives the business community a welcome boost right now,” said Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “The finalists announced today are a true inspiration to all businesses looking to grow and prosper in the months and years ahead. To be named a finalist means they have gone above and beyond as an exceptional organization or entrepreneur.” The Chamber previously announced that Josh Handysides will receive the Chamber’s Award of Distinction, while Mary Lou Newbold is The Chamber’s 2022 Member of the Year. The Award of Distinction is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, business, and the overall community, signifying the achievement, resourcefulness and determination they have shown. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate, and committed individual who has taken an active role with the Chamber Board or a committee, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business. The Chamber's 2022 Business Awards will be held on May 7 at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV on May 8. Last year’s broadcast reached 80,000 viewers. 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 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards Finalists Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by City of Victoria
Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings
Community Builder; sponsored by Canadian Tire
Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business
New Business; sponsored by Futurpreneur
Non-Profit of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.
Outstanding Workplace of the Year sponsored by Ralmax Group of Companies
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 |
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