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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Municipal Candidates Give Mixed Reviews of Chamber’s Pillars of Good Governance November 8, 2011 – Victoria, BC – Municipal candidates from four municipalities (Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich and Oak Bay) took part last week in a unique briefing on business issues that resulted in some strong debate. Candidates were invited to the Chamber offices where the four pillars which make up Our Vibrant Community were presented and candidates had the opportunity to ask questions furthering their understanding of business issues. The discussion around the pillar of affordability was particularly spirited as the Chamber views the trend to increase property taxes at rates in excess of incomes and economic growth as unsustainable. The Chamber has called for a cap on municipal budget increases at the rate of real GDP growth plus a factor for population growth and inflation. “We were pleased to see that so many municipal candidates understand the fiscal challenges facing residents of the region.” Said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “On the other hand, we were surprised by the varying definitions of affordability, indicating that there is still a great deal of work ahead.” Candidates have also provided their comments on the pillars of good governance on the Chamber website, where some have clearly endorsed the Chamber’s pillars of good governance. To see how candidates have responded to the four pillars click here. The pillars of good governance are described in further detail in the September issue of the Chamber’s Business Matters magazine and, and were developed as part of a Chamber-led initiative to get Victorians talking about ways to make our region even better. As we approach a municipal election, Our Vibrant Community is a campaign that highlights and aims to encourage discussion of the big picture, set priorities as a community and encourage debate. As the Voice of Business for the region, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has close to 1,500 members and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. -30- For more information contact: Ellen Henry Bruce Carter Manager of Member Communications Chief Executive Officer Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email: bcarter@gvcc.org Cell: 250-812-0510
MEDIA RELEASE
Municipal Candidates Give Mixed Reviews of Chamber’s Pillars of Good Governance
November 8, 2011 – Victoria, BC – Municipal candidates from four municipalities (Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich and Oak Bay) took part last week in a unique briefing on business issues that resulted in some strong debate. Candidates were invited to the Chamber offices where the four pillars which make up Our Vibrant Community were presented and candidates had the opportunity to ask questions furthering their understanding of business issues.
The discussion around the pillar of affordability was particularly spirited as the Chamber views the trend to increase property taxes at rates in excess of incomes and economic growth as unsustainable. The Chamber has called for a cap on municipal budget increases at the rate of real GDP growth plus a factor for population growth and inflation.
“We were pleased to see that so many municipal candidates understand the fiscal challenges facing residents of the region.” Said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “On the other hand, we were surprised by the varying definitions of affordability, indicating that there is still a great deal of work ahead.”
Candidates have also provided their comments on the pillars of good governance on the Chamber website, where some have clearly endorsed the Chamber’s pillars of good governance. To see how candidates have responded to the four pillars click here.
The pillars of good governance are described in further detail in the September issue of the Chamber’s Business Matters magazine and, and were developed as part of a Chamber-led initiative to get Victorians talking about ways to make our region even better. As we approach a municipal election, Our Vibrant Community is a campaign that highlights and aims to encourage discussion of the big picture, set priorities as a community and encourage debate.
As the Voice of Business for the region, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has close to 1,500 members and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
-30-
For more information contact:
Ellen Henry Bruce Carter
Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email: bcarter@gvcc.org
Cell: 250-812-0510