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Greater Victoria News

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
2/21/2018 Media Release

Finance Minister addresses Chamber Business Leaders Luncheon

Finance Minister speaks at Chamber Business Leaders Luncheon in first address after B.C. Budget


Hon. Carole James addressed government’s plans to help workforce housing affordability as well as concerns over unexpected payroll tax

VICTORIA, B.C. – In her first public address after Tuesday’s Budget Speech, B.C.’s Finance Minister spoke today at The Chamber’s Business Leaders Luncheon inside the Fairmont Empress ballroom.

The 2018 Provincial Budget shows that government is listening to business. In her budget speech, James noted the work done by B.C.’s Chambers of Commerce to urge the Province to improve access to affordable child care.

Minister James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, announced major investments that will make it easier for working families to find affordable child care. The budget also offered a multi-faceted plan to make housing more affordable as well as the two-cent fuel tax increase that local governments and The Chamber asked for to expand bus service in our region.

“The Chamber has been a vocal advocate for employers in Greater Victoria who are having a difficult time attracting and retaining workers due to our region’s high cost of living,” said Catherine Holt, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Having a better chance to purchase or rent a house in our region and turn it into a home will go a long way to making Greater Victoria more attractive to the types of workers we need.” However, the 2018 Budget also includes an unwelcome surprise for business.

“In a budget that goes some distance to make working life more affordable, the unexpected tax on payrolls is a move in the wrong direction,” Holt said. “The plan to introduce a Health Tax creates a burden for many employers and hurts their ability to hire or promote staff and grow their business.”

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with more than 1,400 member organizations. Founded on Feb. 9, 1863, The Chamber is celebrating its 155th birthday in 2018. It works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, advocacy, professional development activities and many other member services.

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  • Membership
    • Why Join?
    • Job Board
    • Member to Member Offers
    • Benefits, Discounts & Savings >
      • Chamber Store
    • Chamber Local
    • Questions & Answers
    • Join Now
    • Member Login
  • Member Directory
    • All Categories
  • Events
    • Signature Events >
      • Annual Auction
      • Business Hall of Fame
      • Business Awards >
        • 2022 Business Awards Winners and Finalists
      • Picnic in the Park
      • Business Leaders Series
    • Picnics & Patios Campaign
    • Event Calendar >
      • Chamber Events
      • Community Events
    • Event Photos 2022
    • Sponsorship
  • News & Advocacy
    • Weekly BizNews >
      • BizNews-articles
    • Advocacy / Wins for Business >
      • Advocacy Wins
      • Business Property Taxes
      • Advocacy Priorities
    • Chamber Chats
    • In the News >
      • Published Op-Eds
      • Media Releases
    • Non-market housing
    • Find and keep workers
    • Business Matters Magazine
    • COVID-19
  • Prodigy Group
    • Mentorship Program
    • Prodigy Group Committee
    • Prodigy Events
    • Contact the Prodigy Group
  • About Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Board & Governance >
      • Board Elections 2023-2024
      • Governors
      • By-Laws, Plans & Reports
      • Committees
    • Chamber History
    • Partners & Sponsors
    • About Victoria >
      • Starting a Business
      • Moving Here
      • Visiting Victoria, BC
    • Contact Us