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Minimum Wage to Increase Today, the BC government announced two minimum wage increases - an increase of $0.40 in Sept 2016 and another $0.40 in Sept 2017. Premier Clark simultaneously announced some measures to offset the impact on small businesses, notably the reduction of BC's small business tax to 1.5% from 2.5% in 2017. In 2015, BC Chamber's membership passed a policy arguing for the need for predictability in minimum wage increases, and calling for no minimum wage increases beyond those tied to CPI. "For our businesses, the bottom line is the need for certainty and predictability," said BC Chamber Interim CEO Maureen Kirkbride. "Quite simply, we need to take the politics out of minimum wage increases."
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Opportunities and connections
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Cuts to Film Credits
BC Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced Monday that the basic production services tax credit would drop from 33% to 28% when it is implemented on Oct 1, while the digital animation or visual effects tax credit will be lowered to 16% from 17.5%.
Filming and TV production in Greater Victoria reached a new high in 2015, with nearly $20 million in direct spending from 28 productions. They include The Boy, Monkey Up, Pupstar, The Girl in the Photographs, Stranger in the House, Signed Sealed Delivered 3, Perfect High and Just in Time for Christmas.
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The 2016 Census is Here!
And we're excited! In the mad rush to be counted,  Canadians brought down the StatsCan site for 45 minutes on Monday. Whether by phone, mail or online - long form or short form - make sure that you're standing up and being counted. You should have received a letter at this point with a 16-digit secure access code that you enter online to begin your census. The information that is collected by the census is used by local, provincial and federal governments, businesses and various social service and ethno-cultural organizations for planning. Looking to have a little fun and unleashing your inner census nerd - you're not alone as census selfies are all the rage.
For more information, visit www.census.gc.ca or call 1-855-700-2016. In the spirit of better data to provide better support, The Chamber is conducting a mini-census of its own. Please email us the number of your current full-time and part-time employees.
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BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON: Hear Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps reflect on her first year in  office. Find out what's ahead for the City of Victoria over the next three years and how this will impact your business. Tues, May 10 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
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Disruptive Innovation
Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains recently expressed his concern over how disruptive innovation may displace millions of people in the labour market.
Companies like AirBnB and Uber are famous examples of companies who are forcing elected officials and policy-makers hands, driving the overhaul of entrenched regulatory regimes to ensure level playing fields for all. "We agree that disruptive innovation provides massive social and economic opportunity," said Chamber policy manager Peggy Kulmala. "We need to work together to build a fair and competitive business environment, one that serves a sustainable and healthy economy."
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Tradition With an Edge: Victoria
This Globe and Mail piece outlines even more reasons why Victoria is the place to visit. "Long-vacant heritage buildings now play home to condos, tech startups, trendy cocktail and tapas bars and boutiques full of locally-made jewellery and sundries, and Canadian and international designer clothes. If you've stereotyped Victoria as sleepy and staid, you're in for a surprise."With over 1,400 members, it's not surprising that the businesses mentioned in the Victoria section are Chamber members!
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SEMINAR:
50 Ways to Grow Your ListIn this fast-paced session, you will gain list-building ideas  to help your organization rock email marketing and still comply with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). Developing an interested and qualified list of contacts who have opted-in to hear from you is vital to accelerating your business forward. Wed, May 25 | 1:30-4 pm The Chamber, 852 Fort St.
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Governments and Tent City BC Housing Minister, Rich Coleman and Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps co-authored a letter published in the April 29 Times Colonist expressing the government's commitment to a "tent-city solution", recognizing not only the fire, health and other safety risks facing tent-city residents but the frustration of neighbours and local businesses.
"There is no question that the tent city at the courthouse is having a significant effect on our economy," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter in a April 19 communique to members. "Publicity around homelessness is bad for business, particularly in a region dependent on tourism."
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Good "Chemistry" with TallSkyTallSky Consulting has joined Chemistry Consulting to form the largest human resources services business on the Island. The expanded HR practice will provide an even greater and more comprehensive range of HR and recruitment services for Vancouver Island. 
| Chemistry Consulting Group: member since 2006 | 
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BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON:  The BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris is responsible for policing in BC, security industry licensing, emergency services, road safety and more. Join Minister Morris for lunch and discuss the Province's strategy to improve community safety in British Columbia.
Tues, May 17 | 11:30 am-1 pm
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
345 Quebec St.
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Omicron Achieves Platinum Status
Omicron has achieved Platinum Club member status with Canada's Best Managed Companies program by retaining its Best Managed designation for six consecutive years. The program recognizes Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million demonstrating strategy, capability and commitment to achieve sustainable growth.
"We are proud to be recognized as a Platinum Club member level through the Best Managed program. This is a testament of Omicron's dedication to our clients, our partners and our team members," said Bill Tucker, CEO of Omicron.
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Omicron: member since 2015
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Welcome to Our Newest Members!
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