Victoria selected to host Bank of Canada Economic Progress Report

VICTORIA, BC – Anticipation is building as Vancouver Island prepares to host its first Bank of Canada public address in almost five years. These events are national news and popular with everyone interested in business and the state of the economy. 

On June 8, Victoria will serve as host for the Bank of Canada’s mid-year Economic Progress Report. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce began working two years ago to book a speaker from the Bank of Canada. The demand for their time is high among chambers of commerce, boards of trade and businesses associations across the country. 

“This is a big deal for business. There’s huge anticipation ahead of the monthly rate announcement and updates such as the Economic Progress Report,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said. “To have the eyes of the national financial press focused on Victoria is a rare opportunity and something that our local businesses don’t often have the chance to experience in-person.” 

To accommodate the interest from Greater Victoria’s business community, The Chamber is hosting the event at the Victoria Conference Centre, partnering with Odlum Brown, the City of Victoria and Grant Thornton.  

Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Paul Beaudry will unveil the Progress Report speech, which will be simulcast nationally. The report will come the day after the Bank makes its next interest rate announcement on June 7. Beaudry will speak about recent developments in the Canadian economy and the implications for monetary policy, followed by questions from the audience and a media availability. 

“We don’t know any of the specifics about what the report will say, of course, but we do know that the information will be significant to many of our businesses,” said Wirk, partner with the accounting firm Dusanj + Wirk. “It’s an unprecedented time for the global economy and, I think, we’re looking forward to some insight as well as the chance to be in a room full of ambitious businesspeople to share this experience.”

Bank of Canada - Economic Progress Report Luncheon 

• Thursday, June 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 
• Victoria Conference Centre - Carson Hall 
• For more information on the event, go to 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, Camosun College, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca. 
  
  
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communication
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca