Yesterday's virtual forum for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke covered a wide range of topics, including corporate taxes, development, employment insurance premiums and immigration. Moderator and Chamber CEO Bruce Carter said despite some technical glitches and an evolving debate format, the debate was a success, with candidates able to clearly define themselves. Both today's forum with the Saanich-Gulf Islands and yesterday's Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke candidates are available online.

The three interactive virtual forums are available to interested voters via webstream, accessible free-of-charge on the web-enabled platform of their choice. The final forum is for the Victoria riding is on Thursday, October 1 from noon to 1 pm.

Leading one of the largest utilities in Canada, with 5,500 employees and over $5 billion in annual revenue, Jessica McDonald brings a unique perspective on BC Hydro's plan to address our province's growing energy needs.

BC Hydro is a provincial crown corporation, serving 95% of BC's population, delivering electricity to approximately 4 million people.

11:30 am-1 pm
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
728 Humboldt St.

According the the Province's news release, the amendments:

• clarify the terms and conditions of employment for the Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG),
• strengthen the audit council's authority to review and monitor the performance of the AGLG,
• enhance the minister's authority to review the AGLG act and the functioning of the office, and
• require that the AGLG consult with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities prior to developing the performance audit program.

The AGLG position is intended to conduct performance audits of municipalities and regional districts and recommend how those governments can become more efficient and effective.

"The performance audits performed by the AGLG, versus the financial audits by local governments, would identify best practices province-wide to facilitate the efficient use of taxpayer's money," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter.

Examples of AGLG reports, including recently released ones for West Vancouver and City of Surrey, can be found here.

FALL MARKETPLACE MIXER:
Book your Fall and Spring booths together and save $50!

Exhibitors showcase their businesses to over 300 people, including Chamber members and the public.

Book your booth early to avoid disappointment!

Full-colour Times Colonist advertising is available at a discounted rate of $100 when you book your booth.

4-7 pm
Bay Street Armoury
713 Bay St.

Register today to attend our annual Marketplace Mixer. Admission is free with business card.

As the largest and most influential business association in Greater Victoria, we are the voice of our members and the Greater Victoria business community. Our views are sought after and respected by government, business leaders and the media.

When Chamber members let us know of an issue affecting their business, we listen. We bring Greater Victoria business issues to the forefront, and - armed with facts and a credible voice - we work to shape and make positive change.

If you are a member and have a concern about something in your operating environment that is affecting your business, contact Peggy Kulmala at policy@victoriachamber.ca and 250-360-3476.

Take advantage of this member benefit - we stand up for you!

Click here to read more.

The local economy is projected to grow. The Conference Board of Canada says Greater Victoria's economy should grow this year and again in 2016. The board's autumn metropolitan outlook forecasts the region's economy to grow by 1.4% this year and 2.6% next year. Economic growth for the region in 2014, was a disappointing 0.6%.

Victoria's manufacturing sector may again be a driving force in the growth, particularly the industrial manufacturing being done on the Saanich Peninsula including Specific Mechanical, Titan Boats, and Viking Air.

Wed, Oct 21
7:30-9 am
2080 Oak Bay Ave.




SEMINARS:

Each fall the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce holds an election for new board members. This year there are 10 nominees, 6 of which will join the current directors to form the 2016-2017 Board of Directors. This influential board will work with decision-makers at all levels of government to support our region's business interests, as well as maximize the value of membership with The Chamber.

We have sent an electronic ballot to the main contact of each of our member organizations - if that is you, and you have not received your ballot, please contact Peggy Kulmala, policy@victoriachamber.ca or 250-360-3476, at your earliest opportunity.

Remember, voting ends Oct 7 at noon!

Thousands of individuals, families and seniors continue to struggle with housing affordability in Greater Victoria, according to a new housing-gap analysis.

Almost 49,000 households in the capital region, an estimated 31% of the region's households are considered to be in need - spending 30% or more of the total household income on costs for shelter.

Special offers abound on The Chamber's website, both for members - and their staff - as well as for the general public.

If you are a member and have a special offer, simply log-in to the Members Only section to share.

A sample of this week's deals:   
 

Want one The Chamber's name tags? Email us to order yours today.