Economic Development and Trade

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Growing concerns over closing businesses, particularly with store-front locations. Although this issue is most visible in the downtown, it is an issue across the Capital region. It is important to find opportunities for local business to be developed or expanded. In addition, business retention strategies as well as local opportunities for business succession need to be a focus.

Target Contacts

Employment and Training

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Over the past year the region has experienced unemployment rates in the 5 per cent range with a rapidly improving economy. Continually, sector leaders and businesses cite challenges in hiring qualified staff as a barrier to growth. In order to meet our needs as a community, we will have to increase our labour supply while replacing workers that are leaving the workforce. In addition to the supply of labour being limited, the region is further challenged by an extremely high cost of housing. Working to retain the labour we have and adding to the ranks of the workforce is key.

Target Contacts

Environment

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Establishment and enforcement of marine conservation areas affects both marine and terrestrial activities. There are growing number of privately owned docks that make use of public land (below high tide mark) In addition, there are activities that require water lot leases from the government to operate including scientific research, marinas and transportation activities.

Target Contacts

Finances and Budgets

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

Municipal governments often have the largest effects on businesses. The Chamber advocates for municipal governments to provide services in the most efficient and effective way. In addition, we need to hold elected officials accountable for all aspects of municipal financing. This includes revenue sources, taxation, user fees, capital expenditures as well as concerted efforts to reduce costs.

Target Contacts

Municipal Affairs

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

The Chamber believes that improved efficiencies, a unified long-term regional vision and planning are vital to economic prosperity. With overwhelming overall support at 75 per cent for the 2014 non-binding referendum question, it is important for the region to examine governance models that will best fit the needs of our community for now and into the future.

Target Contacts

Municipal Affairs

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

The Chamber believes that many of our local services could be more efficiently delivered. The regionalization and integration models that have worked include the Regional Water System and Oak Bay–Saanich Police integration. There are many other opportunities to achieve community gains through regionalization and we will work to develop greater knowledge in this area.

Target Contacts

Transportation

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

The region requires long-term improvement in transportation to facilitate growth. The region needs to improve overall transportation coordination and ideally better connect land-use planning to transportation strategies. Additionally, better accommodation of all modes of transportation will result in improved efficiency in moving goods and people within the region.

Target Contacts

Economic Development and Trade

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Growing concerns over closing businesses, particularly with store-front locations. Although this issue is most visible in the downtown, it is an issue across the Capital region. It is important to find opportunities for local business to be developed or expanded. In addition, business retention strategies as well as local opportunities for business succession need to be a focus.

Target Contacts

Employment and Training

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Over the past year the region has experienced unemployment rates in the 5 per cent range with a rapidly improving economy. Continually, sector leaders and businesses cite challenges in hiring qualified staff as a barrier to growth. In order to meet our needs as a community, we will have to increase our labour supply while replacing workers that are leaving the workforce. In addition to the supply of labour being limited, the region is further challenged by an extremely high cost of housing. Working to retain the labour we have and adding to the ranks of the workforce is key.

Target Contacts

Environment

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Establishment and enforcement of marine conservation areas affects both marine and terrestrial activities. There are growing number of privately owned docks that make use of public land (below high tide mark) In addition, there are activities that require water lot leases from the government to operate including scientific research, marinas and transportation activities.

Target Contacts

Finances and Budgets

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

Municipal governments often have the largest effects on businesses. The Chamber advocates for municipal governments to provide services in the most efficient and effective way. In addition, we need to hold elected officials accountable for all aspects of municipal financing. This includes revenue sources, taxation, user fees, capital expenditures as well as concerted efforts to reduce costs.

Target Contacts

Municipal Affairs

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

The Chamber believes that improved efficiencies, a unified long-term regional vision and planning are vital to economic prosperity. With overwhelming overall support at 75 per cent for the 2014 non-binding referendum question, it is important for the region to examine governance models that will best fit the needs of our community for now and into the future.

Target Contacts

Municipal Affairs

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

The Chamber believes that many of our local services could be more efficiently delivered. The regionalization and integration models that have worked include the Regional Water System and Oak Bay–Saanich Police integration. There are many other opportunities to achieve community gains through regionalization and we will work to develop greater knowledge in this area.

Target Contacts

Transportation

Arranging meeting between an individual and a public office holder for purpose of lobbying

Introduction, modification or repeal of legislation, a bill or regulation

The region requires long-term improvement in transportation to facilitate growth. The region needs to improve overall transportation coordination and ideally better connect land-use planning to transportation strategies. Additionally, better accommodation of all modes of transportation will result in improved efficiency in moving goods and people within the region.

Target Contacts