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VICTORIA, B.C. – The provincial government unveiled its 2023 budget today with a focus on addressing many of the symptoms of unaffordability affecting British Columbians. However, there was a lack of new investment aimed at improving the province’s business climate.
B.C. Minister of Finance Katrine Conroy, who will meet with Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members tomorrow, said global inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic are contributing to systemic challenges that make life less affordable for British Columbians. The province is forecasting deficits for the next three years but has chosen to increase spending this year. The $3.6 billion surplus left over from last year needs to be spent by March 31, and will be used for a number of projects currently in the works. Details of that spending will be made available in the coming weeks. Among the highlights of BC Budget 2023 are $1 billion in new money for mental health and addiction services, new funding to improve food security and the $480 million Future Ready Plan, which will help employees gain the skills needed by employers. “The Chamber has heard from our members that they need help finding and keeping workers, and they want more done to ensure safe communities for all,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting there are also annual increases to the Carbon Tax, which will add to the cost of doing business. “This budget will help by addressing symptoms of unaffordability through the renter’s tax credit, school food programs and a significant increase to healthcare funding. It’s a start but we would have liked to see BC Budget 2023 give a higher profile to the role business plays in improving the quality of life for all British Columbians. Businesses are the ones who make the investments needed to build resilience and create real solutions to affordability.” The budget includes $119 million over three years to help cover the cost of prescription contraception, and $87 million to target repeat offenders and individuals who have an outsized responsibility for crime in our communities. “Minister Conroy promised to invest in policing and mental health and addiction treatment, which are key components to have the safe communities we all need to be our best at home and at work,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to learning more about how this money will be used in Greater Victoria.”
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Chamber celebrates its past, present and future with 160th anniversary event at Royal BC Museum2/9/2023 VICTORIA, BC – More than 300 people gathered at the Royal BC Museum tonight to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 9, 1863.
The evening included exhibits highlighting the Chambers' past, present and future. “It’s a bit awe inspiring to know we’re carrying on a tradition of effective advocacy that dates back to 1863,” Chamber chair Kris Wirk said. “Our celebration at the Royal BC Museum and all of the activities planned for our 160th are an opportunity for The Chamber to support our members by building good business and great community for all.” The Chamber was formed in the age of steamships and gold rushes when waves of new arrivals settled in the region seeking better lives for themselves and their families. The Chamber’s earliest efforts were to promote the region as a hub for culture, finance and shipping. It was a time for adventure as well as profound disruption. Many of those stories are included in The Chamber 1863 web project, a special endeavour that highlights the history of commerce and the many communities that contributed to the growth of commerce in our region. It can be experienced at Victoriachamber.ca/the-chamber-1863. “It’s important to understand where you’ve been before you plan where you’re going. Looking back helps us move forward as we strive to be the region’s most diverse and influential business association,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “By understanding our history, and the lived experiences of the communities that contributed to growing business in our region, we are creating an inclusive economy that is adding resilience to our workforce.” As part of our forward planning, the Greater Victoria Chamber 1863 Impact Award was announced in November and will provide local post-secondary students a total of $160,000 to help build the next generation of skilled workers. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca/impact-award. The anniversary evening marked the start of year-long celebrations and projects commemorating The Chamber’s 160 years of being the voice of business in Greater Victoria. 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca. Event photos will be available at: https://www.victoriachamber.ca/event-photos-2023.html#160 Media Contact: Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca |
AuthorSince 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. Archives
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