B.C’S FUTURE AND IMMIGRATION
CELEBRATING CHAMBER CEO'S
THE SHARED ECONOMY: MORE THAN JUST AN APP
BUSINESS MATTERS
July 2016 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
OUR NEW CEO
Catherine
Holt
BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
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MLS Award Winner 2014 MLS Award Winner 2015
B.C.’s Future & Immigration pg 7
CONTENTS BUSINESS MATTERS July 2016 Business Matters is a bi-monthly publication of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a key business resource targeted to 2,000 business leaders in our community. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a progressive, inclusive and dynamic community leader. It is a supportive resource for business people who wish to learn, grow and create a stronger business and a more robust and sustainable community.
To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 100-852 Fort St. Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 250-383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca
Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319
Photo courtesy of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
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Our New CEO – Catherine Holt
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B.C.’s Future and Immigration
For this edition of Business Matters, we asked Catherine a series of questions to offer readers insights into our new CEO. Which person, alive or dead, do you think our new CEO would want to have dinner with? With certain skillsets often scarce domestically, highly skilled foreign workers, international students, and refugees are shaping Canada’s economic and social landscape.
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Member News
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Chamber Events: Something for Everyone!
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Celebrating 12 Years as CEO
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The Shared Economy: More Than Just an App
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Introducing Our New Members!
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New appointments, openings, partnerships and awards. Keep up to date with what is happening in our community. Nothing can duplicate the moment when you meet face-to-face the connections you need to do business. On June 7 we celebrated Bruce Carter's achievements over the last 12 years. Is the shared economy the next fad? Or is this a symptom of something deeper, perhaps even darker that needs to come to light? Welcome to those who’ve decided to join the people who get things done. Membership—it's about the company we keep.
Advocacy in Action
As the largest and most influential business association in Greater Victoria, The Chamber is the voice of its members and the business community. Stay up-to-date on The Chamber’s advocacy work.
BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
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OUR NEW CEO
Catherine
Holt
"I’m looking forward to getting to know the members of The Chamber and to providing them with great service,” said Catherine Holt. “Member involvement is essential, and it allows The Chamber to do its part to make Victoria a great place to live and do business.”
After a thorough and rigorous search process, The Chamber’s Board selected Catherine Holt as its incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Catherine started her new role June 2 and is now settling into the diverse duties her role as CEO demands. For those who have not yet met Catherine, she has a comprehensive work background, from private to public that spans numerous sectors. For example, she was a producer for CBC/RadioCanada, communications advisor for the Yukon Government, owner of/ principle consultant with Sage Group Management Consultants, associate faculty with Royal Roads Masters of Business Administration program, and an assistant deputy minister of intergovernmental relations with the Government of B.C. Catherine is very active within her community, leading the charge—and change—when needed. She was Founding Chair of the Vancouver Island School of Art as well as founding board member of the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada as well as Victoria 4
BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
Top: Catherine at Victoria Inner Harbour. Middle: Catherine biking in Greater Victoria. Below: Chase, her Australian Terrier.
Cycling Adventures. Catherine also chaired the Victoria Police Board’s finance committee and served on the BC Gaming Commission’s Board. For this edition of Business Matters, we asked Catherine a series of questions to offer readers insights into our new CEO. If you didn’t do what you did for a living, what would you be? I would be a contemporary visual artist. Good contemporary art can be thought-provoking, moving and change your perspective. As an amateur, I have spent many absorbing hours at the Vancouver Island School of Art, which I highly recommend.
What’s the best thing about living in Greater Victoria? There are so many great things ... but if I have to pick the best one it would be the many spectacular options for long bike rides all year round, especially on the Saanich Peninsula. What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do? Well, I haven't been the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of
Commerce before and I'm looking forward to that adventure. I've worked in the Middle East and South Africa, which was fascinating, challenging and expanded my view of the world. So I would like to live and work for a longer period in a country that is very different from Canada (although, there are limits, maybe not North Korea for example). If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be? I have been working on living in any of Eckhart Tolle's books for some time now. He builds a compelling case for the many benefits of living in, and appreciating, the moment rather than carrying around burdens from the past or worrying about the future. If you can get there, even once in a while, it’s a great place to hang out. If you could play one instrument you aren’t able to now, what would it be and why? Flamenco guitar. I love the amazing variety of sounds and rhythms (and it's easier to take with you than a piano). What are your words to live by? "Problems cannot be solved by the level of awareness that created them." - Albert Einstein “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill Which person, alive or dead, would you have dinner with? Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany. She is an unusual and fascinating political leader given her scientific background, low-key style and ability to manage the most daunting issues imaginable, including Vladimir Putin and the refugee crisis. If she'd be willing to talk over a good meal and a nice bottle of German wine, she would have amazing stories. Fast Facts about Catherine: • Mother of two children as well as an owner of an Australian Terrier. • Dedicated cyclist, having completed the Tour de Victoria (2012, 2013, 2014) Ride to Conquer Cancer (2012) as well as competed in the World Masters’ Games in Turin, Italy (2013). • An aspiring artist with a Certificate of Visual Art from the Vancouver Island School of Art. • Raised in Coquitlam, moved to Victoria in 1981, leaving in 1984 for Ontario and the Yukon. She returned to Victoria in 1997, and now lives in Oak Bay.
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BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
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Federal Ministers John McCallum (center) and Mélanie Joly (centre right) welcome new citizens at a Canadian citizenship ceremony.
B.C’S FUTURE AND IMMIGRATION In Greater Victoria, businesses are already citing challenges in hiring and retaining skilled workers as a barrier to growth. This is not just an issue within our region—B.C. presently has the highest job vacancy rate in Canada, at 2.8 percent. As B.C continues to lead Canada in economic growth, it only makes sense that these challenges will intensify. “We see both ends of the employment spectrum, those looking for work and to hire,” said Christine Willow, a partner with Chemistry Consulting Group Inc. and its subsidiary, GT Hiring Solutions. “Currently, the unemployment rate in Victoria is under six percent, and while there are certainly still qualified people to fill some of the demand, that is not true across all industries or all types of positions.” Some of these challenges can be tied to affordable housing—it is simply not worth their while to move here, especially for entry-level and lowskilled positions. Others are related to our increasingly knowledgebased economy, where we have emerging skillsets that are simply 6
BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
scarce domestically. Consequently, businesses are seeking ways to fill labour gaps by tapping into every available source of talent, including the opportunities available through Canada’s inclusive immigration policy. “Immigration is potentially a great opportunity for Greater Victoria businesses,” said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. “Immigrants possess new thoughts and ideas on innovation and entrepreneurship and often have the connections and perspectives that allow us to act locally, think globally.” Chamber Chair Al Hasham was 10 when he left Uganda for an Austrian refugee camp, escaping the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin. He then came to Canada where he was reunited with his parents. Al’s parents set up a hardware business in Kitsilano, a family business that kept Al and his sibling busy and learning. Al eventually moved to Victoria and founded his first businesses. He is now the owner of Maximum Express, a local courier, freight and logistics company as well as Max
Furniture, a local furniture business. As a community leader, founder of multiple businesses, and an employer of more than 40 people in Victoria and Vancouver, Al has a message on immigration. “The idea that immigration takes employment away from Canadians is simply wrong,” said Al. “We often start businesses that create jobs.” The Canadian government is seeking a record number of newcomers this year. On March 8, 2016, the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Canada will admit between 280,000 and 305,000 new permanent residents this year. This is the highest projected level in decades. Canada will see a dramatic boost in the number of refugees it plans to resettle this year to 55,800, up from a target of 24,800 in 2015. The majority of new refugees will be Syrian, with the government committing to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February, and thousands more throughout the year.
Number of Syrian Refugees in Canada Government-Assisted Refugee
15,412
Blended Visa-Office Referred Refugee
2,405
Privately Sponsored Refugee
9,763
How It Works Every foreign worker must obtain a work permit to legally work in Canada. The process by which a work permit is issued involves a complex employment confirmation scheme involving Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
TOTAL: 27,580 Syrian refugees who have arrived in Canada between November 4, 2015 and May 29, 2016
In a recent interview with Canadian Business Journal, Minister McCallum outlined a number of ways the federal government plans to help businesses tap into the global workforce to fill today’s vacancies and meet tomorrow’s growth, such as providing a more flexible and responsive system. “Immigration policies need to recognize that a broad brush stroke, one size fits all does not meet the needs of employers or those seeking jobs,” said Christine, herself an immigrant and an employer of over 130 people. “To grow businesses, employers need to be able to recruit for engineers, cooks and chefs or any If and you’re other position needed to maintain grow their business.” Banking
As a general rule, an IRCC visa and immigration officer is not authorized to issue a work permit to a foreign worker unless, in the opinion of the officer, there are insufficient Canadians or permanent residents who can fill the potential position. Involvement of ESDC is a convenient way for visa and immigration officers to determine whether the employment of the foreign worker is justified given current labour market conditions. With a confirmation of a valid job offer and a favourable opinion known as the "labour market impact assessment" (LMIA) from ESDC— provided security and medical qualifications have been met—the visa and immigration officer will then issue a work permit to the foreign worker. The process generally requires consultation with the employer and ESDC, national advertising and/or recruitment efforts, substantial documentary support and the possible involvement of other government agencies. Without a positive LMIA assessment, a foreign candidate with a job offer often will not qualify for entry. Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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Raging Against Red Tape Highly skilled and mobile people are often courted by other countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and are not willing or able to wait upwards of a year for Canada to make a decision. “To attract the best and the brightest, we need to provide a more flexible system. Decision-making is simply taking too long, and can have unpredictable outcomes,” said Catherine. “To compete for global talent, our immigration system needs to be both efficient and decisive.” The Chamber and others are calling the federal government to increase the program’s efficiency and flexibility, specifically the LMIA process, which determines whether the vacancy can be filled by a Canadian. LMIA critics 1
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claim that the LMIA requirement makes the application process for permanent residency onerous, increases overall application costs, and unnecessarily complicates the continued employment of recent graduates and the many skilled workers for whom companies have invested time and money training.
International Students—The Labour Force of Tomorrow Our population is aging, and the proportion of younger people is in decline. One fastest growing immigration classes is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which allows skilled foreign workers who have been working in Canada on a temporary basis and foreign graduates of Canadian postsecondary institutions with work experience to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country. It is being able to stay in Canada during the application process that helps make Canada even more attractive to international students, which ultimately helps to fill stubborn vacancies as well as “reduce our demographic”. “By 2041, we are projected to have more seniors than working-aged people,” said Catherine, referring to a Urban Futures report, People and Jobs in British Columbia’s Future. “Without the addition of a significant number of young immigrants, we will not only have increased job vacancies, but an eroding tax base and increasing heath care costs.” Did you know? According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, 51 percent of international students plan to apply for permanent residence from within Canada and 30 percent of the international students plan to remain in Canada for further study.
B.C. is uniquely positioned to attract international students. “Currently, almost one-half of international students come from Asia and will form the largest segment of those who will become residents,” said David Aujla, a local immigration lawyer with over 42 years of experience. When looking at foreign talent, international students are an option well-worth considering—they have Canadian credentials, they have
already integrated to some extent into Canada, and they have shown adaptability. “One of the benefits of this change will be the strong international business links Canada will develop in future commerce with such a large foreignborn population,” adds David.
Conclusion With the federal government’s move to provide a more flexible and responsive immigration system, businesses be better able to tap into the global workforce to fill today’s vacancies as well as meet tomorrow’s growth—a winwin for Canada, B.C. and for business.
International BC Students: (FY2014) $2.3 billion • spent by international students provincewide. $1.63 billion • contributed to B.C.'s economy. 25,500 • jobs generated as a result of international education. “Being able to hire as needed and when needed is what businesses need to stay viable," concludes Christine.
BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
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MEMBER NEWS Vancouver Island Motor Sport Circuit David Foster and members of his family were in attendance to celebrate GAIN Dealer Group’s grand opening of their Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in the Cowichan Valley. Construction of GAIN’s 19-hectare automotive resort began last March and is billed as Canada’s first motorsport-themed country club. The Victoria-based car dealer group’s year-round resort boasts a 15,000-square-foot, two-storey building that houses a clubhouse, presentation centre, observation deck and four pit garages. The facility features a 2.3-kilometre road course, a dynamic driving area and a 1-kilometre off-road proving ground. GAIN Dealer Group: member since 2012
Contributing to Better Society At the Spring Convocation ceremonies this past June, Royal Roads University graduates shared the stage with leading contributors to Indigenous
An aerial shot of GAIN Dealer Group’s Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in the Cowichan Valley.
language revitalization, civil society and human rights at the Royal Theatre June 14. Lekwungen (Songhees) Elder Elmer Seniemten George will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his role upholding and revitalizing the Lekwungen language and culture. The Honourable Jack Austin will receive an honorary Doctor
of Laws degree in recognition of his leadership in Canadian politics, law and business. The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) will receive the Chancellor’s Community Recognition Award for creating welcoming communities for immigrant and refugee newcomers for more than 45 years and for modelling and fostering engaged citizenship in Canada.
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MEMBER NEWS “The honorees commitment to the preservation of traditional knowledge, civil society, international engagement and values associated with inclusion and diversity relate to the ideals we endorse as B.C.’s most innovative research university,” said Royal Roads University President and ViceChancellor Allan Cahoon. Royal Roads University: member since 1996 Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: member since 1996
HarbourCats Ready for the Season The Victoria HarbourCats bats and pitching came alive for their 2016 home opener as they played the visiting Wenatchee AppleSox, winning 11-1 in front of 4,544 fans. “Having led the league in attendance for two years, our players talk all the time about how the size of our crowds motivate them to play hard and to win for Victoria,” said Jim Swanson, managing partner of the HarbourCats. “We are gaining a great reputation!” The big win was the culmination
of a vibrant opening night for the HarbourCats, with pre-game ceremonies that included parachutists, a tribute to the Mann Cup-winning Victoria Shamrocks Lacrosse Club and the antics of Krazy George, a wellknown professional cheerleader, who kept the crowd entertained all evening. Victoria HarbourCats: member since 2012
John Wilson of Wilson's Transportation throws the first pitch at the HarbourCats home opener June 7.
$2.5 million Up for Grabs at Bear Mountain The 2016 Pacific Links Championship, originally set to be contested in Tianjin, China, has moved to Bear Mountain Resort. The tournament dates will remain September 19 to 25, with the field increasing from 60 players to 81 players, and the purse remains at $2.5 million. The tournament is part of the Champions Tour where the golfers who compete are 50 and older. Some of the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, participate regularly. Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa: member since 2003
Photo by Christian J. Stewart
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MEMBER NEWS Walking for a Purpose Nine Victoria hotels participated in a recent workplace wellness initiative through the Canadian Cancer Society’s WellnessFits program. 466 employees representing the nine hotels participated in the three-week challenge and walked a combined 92,605,847 steps. The Victoria Marriot Inner Harbour won the Golden Shoe trophy for taking the most steps overall and Bernard Schedler of the Victoria Marriot took the most steps with a whopping 707,482 steps. Canadian Cancer Society: member since 2009 Victoria Marriot Inner Harbour: member since 2004
A Hip New Empress The Faimont Empress renovations continue to evolve the offering of this grande dame of the downtown. Work begins on the Bengal Lounge as the Fairmont Empress has opened its freshly renovated tea room for the summer. With its return to the lobby lounge, tea service starts at 11 a.m. and
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BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
Victoria Marriot Inner Harbour staff with the Golden Shoe trophy.
the last seating is at 5:30 p.m. The 138seat lounge remains open for guests in the evenings when they can order classic drinks. The adjacent balcony opened in June with 55 seats. Not your cup of tea? You'll find a more casual and hip atmosphere at the Q bar and the Q dining room, which are filled with natural light. Food menus
feature plates to share, and not a crumpet to be found! The Fairmont Empress: member since 1962
Victoria Based Software in Israel Victoria-based Redbrick launched
MEMBER NEWS a new version of its software analytics technology, DeskMetrics, June 8 in Israel, where the software developer does 60 percent of its international business. The software helps developers better understand their data and user engagement. Michael Foucher, director of product at Redbrick, said it’s a simple solution that provides detailed data advertising sources, installations, downloads, customer engagement and sales. RedBrick Media: member since 2012
Supporting Female Professionals Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC) have awarded seven Island-based organizations grants in order to help them support the professional advancement of women as part of the Catalyst for Growth project. The project aims to increase the impact of women on the B.C. economy by supporting women in senior leadership roles, as entrepreneurs and in trades and emerging sectors. WEC said 19 projects in B.C. will receive a portion of the $50,000 Catalyst for Growth Fund, which
provides grants to help organizations take action to support female professionals in the province. Women’s Enterprise Centre: member since 2015
Origami Boats @ Ship Point Origami boats will soon make their way to Ship Point to create Victoria’s newest summer hot spot. ‘Pop-Up Ships’ has been selected as the winning submission in the Ship Point Pop-Up Design Competition put on by the City of Victoria. The proposal comes from a team of two architects, Peter Carter and MarieClaude Fares, who recently worked on the new Camosun College Centre
for Trades Education and Innovation in Victoria. Their past work also includes public space installations and activations in Vancouver. Playing on the theme of Victoria’s dynamic harbour, ‘Pop-Up Ships’ will feature seating inspired by origami paper boats to create a welcoming community place. The ‘Beacon’, an oversized sculptural element, will attract passersby to explore the new plaza. Colour will be added to the ground to bring vibrancy to the space. Installation is expected to be complete by late July for the community to enjoy throughout the summer. City of Victoria: member since 1962
An artisits rendering of the interactive art display 'Pop-Up Ships'
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Board Election Information Session July 12 | 12 to 1 p.m. The Chamber, 852 Fort St. Prodigy Group July Mingle July 14 | 5 to 7 p.m. Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina, 146 Kingston St. July Business Mixer July 21 | 5 to 7 p.m. Van Isle Windows Ltd. 404 Hillside Av.
Beer on the Barge August 4 | 5:30 to 8 p.m. Ogden Point Barge - Pier A 199 Dallas Rd.
August Business Mixer August 18 | 5 to 7 p.m. Robert Bateman Centre 4th Fl-470 Belleville St.
Prodigy Group August Mingle August 11 | 5 to 7 p.m. Passion and Performance 202-3301 Douglas St.
Business Leaders Luncheon: Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary September 13 | 11:30 am to 1 p.m. The Union Club of British Columbia 805 Gordon St
Office Closures Canada Day | July 1 B.C. Day | August 1
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BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
Celebrating
12
YEARS AS
CEO
On June 2, 2016, Bruce Carter turned over the helm of The Chamber to Catherine Holt, with his farewell event June 7. “Bruce has worked tirelessly over the past 12 years as an advocate for Victoria’s business community, providing advice, connections and guidance where needed,” said Chamber Chair Al Hasham to the crowd of over 200 attendees. “He ensured our voices were heard by the government on issues that were important to our business community and local economy.” At the event, Al presented Bruce with a gift to commemorate his time with The Chamber. “When we looked at traditional 12 year anniversary gifts, it was very fitting that jade came up. Not only is it a provincial gem—it is a symbol of friendship and good luck,” said Al. “And we wish you that on your journey. Once again Bruce, you are leading the way. This Inukshuk marks the path you have carved out—a signpost to make the way easier and safer for those who follow.”
See more photos at victoriachamber.ca
BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
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THE SHARED ECONOMY:
More Than Just an App Over a 30-day period last fall, more than 25,000 different people opened the Uber mobile app in B.C., with a noteworthy number located in and around Greater Victoria. Airbnb’s website currently lists over 300 “short-term rental” accommodation units available within Greater Victoria. Is the shared economy the next fad? Or is this a symptom of something deeper, perhaps even darker that needs to come to light?
the tip of greater change, where we no longer need help to monetize our assets, where we no longer want an intermediary. Someone may just find a way to integrate the same functionality into an existing platform, or even offer it open-source for the world to use—for free. Times are changing for sure!
The “Upstarts”
Airbnb, which matches renter with rentee, is already in Greater Victoria. Going away for the weekend? Why not rent out your house? Give your guests a homey, unique The Shared Economy experience—they may even water your The shared economy began to plants during their stay! In May, chambers appear in the early 2000s, when new and boards of trade throughout B.C. had business structures began to emerge a lively debate on this issue—eventually and social technologies started to coming together at the BC Chamber become commonplace. Shared General Meeting and Conference to call economy businesses in essence help for taxes to ensure a fair and competitive people monetize their assets, with business environment. frontrunners such as Uber reinforced by Uber, although not (yet) in B.C., is hard at strong business models and slick user work advocating for specific legislation interfaces. to allow for its entry. Uber, which The future of the shared economy allows the average driver to use their Airbnb listings in Greater Victoria. personal vehicle to connect with riders 16.VictoriaChamberAd2 2016-05-26 2:49 PM Pageis 1 uncertain—some argue we are on via a smartphone, offers lower pricing, flexible employment, as well as a suite O DLU MB R OWN.COM of digital-enabled services, such as GPS ridetracking. Each are convenient. Often offering lower Odlum Brown clients benefit from independent, unbiased advice. prices and unique experiences. Plus cool apps. These business models are 1 OB Model Portfolio vs S&P/TSX Total Return Index (June 2008 - May 2016) modern, progressive and some might say—unstoppable. Odlum Brown Model Portfolio S&P/TSX Total Return Index Such business models are disruptive 95% innovators: upending traditional industries, upsetting regulatory More frameworks—and very well resourced. Shared economy innovators are getting funding that can allow it to penetrate any market it wants. According to a June 2 Returns are from June 15, 2008 to May 15, 2016. The Odlum Brown Model Portfolio was established by the Research Department in December 1994, with a hypothetical investment of $250,000. Trades are made using the closing price on the day a change is announced. These are gross figures before Business News Network article, Uber fees. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. recently raised US$3.5 billion from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which If you invested $1 million in the stocks held in the hypothetical Odlum Brown Model Portfolio1 immediately was part of Uber's most recent financing prior to the credit crisis beginning June 2008, as of May 15, 2016 your holdings would be $2.13 million. Your round that valued the company at $62.5 $1 million investment in a portfolio that replicated the performance of the S&P/TSX Total Return Index would be billion. This reportedly makes Uber worth only $1.18 million. the most highly valued venture capitalbacked company in the world. For over 90 years, Odlum Brown Limited has been one of BC’s most respected investment firms, thanks to the vision of our founders, the passion and dedication of our employees, and the trust and loyalty of our valued clients. By their very existence, they beg Contact Branch Manager Peter Jando at 250-952-7777 to learn more. Visit odlumbrown.com for more information. the question—what would happen if traditional service providers could effectively compete with these emerging upstarts? To some extent, this is starting to happen. Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund Hotels are seeking to provide the “at-
113%
1
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BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
18%
home experience”. Taxi companies are moving to mobile dispatching. With our current regulatory systems; however, traditional providers’ ability to respond will be slowed, if not gridlocked—there simply isn’t a levelplaying field. A hotel won’t be able to give the same at-home experience as a short-term rental if municipal zoning prevents them from setting up in a quiet residential neighborhood. A taxi service can’t compete on pricing with Uber-esque ridesharing services when they have to pay for their medallions, licensing, inspections, and related overhead. There is a cost to all of us and our communities. For short-term rentals, conservative estimates suggest more than $16 million dollars in general tax revenue and upwards of $3 million in the Municipal and Regional Destination Tax (MRDT) is being lost. This impacts both the province as a whole and specifically, those communities such as Greater Victoria that look to MRDT marketing dollars to support tourism. Further, recent research found 53 percent of Airbnb hosts in Vancouver are commercial in nature, i.e. not a principal residence, which means if the service was no longer offered, Vancouver’s rental vacancy rate would double from 0.8 to up to 2 percent. With Victoria’s rental vacancy at .06 percent, this is certainly an area of interest locally as well! In the end, do we care whether we are staying in a hotel room or someone’s house, provided it is clean, comfortable and affordable? Do we care who drives us where we need to go provided we are safe, the service is convenient, and we arrive on time without “breaking our bank”? Let’s grab the opportunity before us— embrace the disruption, deregulate where we are comfortable, strengthen regulation where we are not, to build a fair and competitive economy that creates jobs, supports business, and builds our economy. “Service providers such as Airbnb and Uber have emerged in response to public demand for more convenience and lower prices,” said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. “We need to respect what current accommodation and commercial passenger providers have invested in our communities, while also respecting the public’s need for what shared economy providers are providing that they can't. The answer may not be to build legislative infrastructure around each, but instead seek to integrate both under a new regulatory umbrella.”
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ing things, take charge of HEARING LOSS IN THE WORKPLACE HEARING LOSS IN your health and give us a
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In my job as an Audiologist, I help The good news is that today’s people manage their hearing. high tech hearing aids are SixtyIn percent of as Canadians with extremely effective Institute at mitigating my job an Audiologist, Better Hearing hearing loss are in the workforce or completely eliminating the I help people manage their showed that unaddressed and it’s often the onespercent closest to hearing. Sixty of issue. hearing loss can pose sigus, who notice thewith presence of lossWhy Canadians hearing nificant Wait?barriers to producareloss. in the workforce and it’s tivity, performance, career hearing oftenand waitlifelong too longearnthemissing? ones closest to us,People success Whatoften are you address this issue, until is it that who notice the presence of to ings. The good news One hearing of my favourite becomes for the loss. quotes is today’sproblematic high tech hearing “hearing loss is more visible than people around them. If aids are extremely you effective What are you missing? any hearing aid”. It’s difficult to suspect you are missing things, at mitigating or completely myare favourite quotes take knowOne whatof you missing in charge of your health and eliminating the issue. is “hearing more visi-give us a call for a comprehensive the workplace andloss howisoften Why Wait? ble than anytohearing you don’t respond a name aid”. hearing assessment. It’s covered difficult tofrom know what under call. AIt’s recent study Better your Chambers Insurance People often wait too long youInstitute are missing inthat the work-benefits. Hearing showed Your benefits mayuntil also it to address this issue, place and how often you unaddressed hearing loss can help with the problematic cost of a hearing becomes for respond to atoname aid. the them. If posedon’t significant barriers If apeople hearingaround loss is workplace call. A performance, recent studycareer from you suspect youhearing are missproductivity, related, testing and aids success and lifelong earnings. are fully covered by WCB.
call for a comprehensive hearing assessment. It’s covered under your Chambers Insurance benefits. Your benefits may also help with the cost of a hearing aid. If a hearing loss is workplace related, testing and hearing aids are fully covered by WCB.
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April 1 to May 31 3 Point Recovery Our executive team has over 25 years of deeply rooted industry experience in finance, insurance, government and commercial products in all phases of recovery. We pride ourselves in providing specialized solutions to meet our client’s needs. 888-508-9107 www.3pointrecovery.com Black & White Event Rentals Black & White has been helping to create special moments throughout Vancouver Island for over 23 years! Our professional staff is pleased to work with you and help turn your creative vision into exquisite reality. 250-954-1401 www.bwparty.com Brown Henderson Melbye Family law, from traditional representation in negotiations and Court, to recent innovations such as collaborative law, mediation, arbitration, child interviews and parenting coordination. 250-595-2220 www.bhmlawyers.ca
NEW MEMBERS
BSL Security Services We offer industry special security solutions to companies and organizations; no matter if they are small. medium or large enterprises. 250-661-9551 www.bslsecurityservices.com Canadian Mental Health Association We are a nation-wide, volunteer organization, promoting the mental health of all and supporting the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. CMHA accomplishes this through advocacy, education, community-based research and services. 250-858-1505 victoria.cmha.bc.ca D Gislason Consulting Associates Co. D Gislason Consulting Associates Co. helps clients in local/regional government and their affiliates with strategy development and project management to achieve their economic development mandate. 250-812-0510 deFrias Management Group Professional sport and business services with a key emphasis on empowering clients to achieve their objectives effectively. 778-676-4183 www.defriasconsulting.com
Fairfield Auto Repair Ltd Fairfield Auto Repair Ltd. is a complete domestic and import automotive repair shop and full-service carwash. 250-385-6371 Genesis Integration Inc Specializing in collaboration and audiovisual technologies for business, government and education. 604-875-6301 www.genint.com Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers We are a community, media, and police cooperative program designed to involve the public in the fight against crime. 250-475-4260 www.victoriacrimestoppers.com Human Architecture Helping individuals and organizations avoid conflict and uncover potential landmines to prevent the standstill required to pick up the pieces from a meltdown. 250-668-0205
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NEW MEMBERS April 1 to May 31 HYAS Infosec Inc. Founded by a team of world-renowned security researchers, analysts, and entrepreneurs, HYAS is a highly skilled information security firm developing the next generation of information security technology for the enterprise, SMB and consumer markets. 250-618-0895 www.hyas.com
Iris Optometrists and Opticians We provide our customers with the highest quality products and professional services in the world of eyecare. 250-953-8000 iris.ca Kanadian Bit Supplies Kanadian Bit Supplies is a drilling equipment company that specializes in the distribution of new and used tricones, PDC, blade, and coring bits. 250-590-4654 triconebitsales.com
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Keep What You Love Whether you are moving, downsizing or starting over, I can provide you with the professional space planning services that enables you to keep what you love. 250-391-4490 www.keepwhatyoulove.ca Leo Piciacchia Consulting Over 30 years of experience managing development projects, stakeholder consultations, First Nations benefits agreements, and regulatory applications. 778-676-2355 Monocle Bookkeeping & Consulting Monocle is focused on cloud accounting software and integration with other SaaS apps, which drastically reduces paperwork and increases efficiency. 250-800-0770 www.monoclebooks.ca Moon Underwater Brewery & Pub The Moon Under Water is an award-winning brewery and pub in Victoria, focusing on European-inspired craft beer with a West Coast creative twist. 250-380-0706 moonunderwater.ca Nicala Hicks Design For ten years, Nicala Hicks Design has been immersed in the business of kitchen and bath design, building incredible spaces and features for clientele on Vancouver Island. 250-885-2610 nicalahicksdesign.com Ocean Rain Arts & Education Inc Founded in 2008, we offer classes in traditional Chinese dance, ballet, vocal music, creative drawing, and drama. 250-889-7914 www.oceanrain.ca Rainbow Health Co-op Rainbow Health Co-operative is a community owned organization with the mandate to provide healthcare, livelihood and related services to underserved communities. 888-241-9992 xqq.ca/rainbowhealth-story Real English Victoria Language Co-op Real English Victoria (REV) promises unique learning from high quality, experienced teachers with many years of successful language teaching. REV offers citizenship, pronunciation, academic and daily English classes, as well as IELTS training. REV up your English with us! 778-265-9825
April 1 to May 31 Sierra Club of BC Foundation Inspiring generations to defend nature and confront climate change, so families, communities and the natural world can prosper together. 250-386-5255 sierraclub.bc.ca Soulful Sister Aromatherapy Ltd Soulful Sister Aromatherapy provides you with only the purest aromatherapy products for your soulful self. So go ahead and shop for the products that indulge your soul. 250-590-1350 soulfulsister.com Tara Hearn Personal Real Estate Corp My priority is to understand your specific needs to make your home purchasing or selling experience successful and positive. 250-588-2852 www.tarahearn.com U-Haul Company of Canada U-Haul serves more than 11 million do-ityourself household moving customers annually. Our primary service objective is to provide a better and better product and service to more and more people at a lower and lower cost. 604-343-2044 www.uhaul.com
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Urban Solar Corp We design & manufacture solar powered LED lighting solutions for various applications including pathways, parking lot illumination and for the public transit and outdoor advertising industries. 778-430-5516 www.urbansolarcorp.com Vic City Barbers Known for our old-school barber shop vibe and classic shave and cut styling, we make the city look good. 778-432-2099 www.viccitybarbers.com WCG Services WCG Services is a leader in delivering employment and training services in diverse communities across Canada. We can help you foster a healthy workplace that empowers your organization to thrive. 250-389-0699 www.wcgservices.com
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION 2016 BC Chamber of Commerce General Meeting & Conference
KELOWNA | MAY 29 TO 31 This annual event is the forum for chamber members to gather and debate policies that will provide the blueprint for the BC Chamber’s advocacy efforts the following year. This year, The Chamber sent Chair Al Hasham, outgoing CEO Bruce Carter, Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Bruce Carter at the BC Chamber of Commerce General Meeting & Conference
22 BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016
Peggy Kulmala, and Events Manager Christine Lewis. “As my first time at the BC Chamber’s conference, it was very interesting to see such advocacy in action. These influential people—many of them business leaders in their home communities—come together annually to decide where best to focus the power of the chamber network,” said Al. “I look forward to next year’s conference, which we will be hosting in Victoria.” The high-profile conference was jammed packed with events and opportunities for chambers and boards of trade to best represent their members as the voice of business in their communities. For example, there were presentations such as The Membership Economy by Robbie Baxter and The Economy of the Future by Jesse Hirsh, keynotes by provincial ministers, panel discussions with industry leaders, and more. And of course, there were policy discussions. Not the dry policy you might remember from school, but the kind of dynamic policy discussions that
help communities to build an even better province. The BC Chamber’s unique grassroots policy-building forum brought together approximately 200 Chamber delegates from across B.C. to vote on new business/economic policies. Over the three-day conference, delegates voted on 55 proposed policies, of which 49 were endorsed, becoming part of the BC Chamber’s advocacy agenda. Of the policies brought forward by delegates, the Greater Victoria Chamber spearheaded three, which were based on local chamber members’ input and received unanimous support: 1. Public Investment in BC Ferries Infrastructure, which calls for the federal government to ensure BC Ferries is eligible for infrastructure funding so as to help keep fares affordable. 2. Filling the Gap Through Economic Immigration, which calls for the federal government to streamline its permanent residency application processes to ensure businesses can compete for global talent. 3. Proposed Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, which calls for the federal government to enact a specific piece of legislation to address the unique nature of the southern Strait of Georgia and its considerable contribution to the provincial—if not national—economy. “Having B.C.’s network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade united on these issues is important news for Greater Victoria,” said Bruce. “We collectively have agreed to engage all levels of government on issues of importance to Greater Victoria and our province. With B.C. leading Canada's economy, we will need to access global talent, contribute to Canada's competitiveness, and show leadership in areas of interest to Canada and Canadians." Filling the Gap Through Economic Immigration and the Proposed Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve have been submitted to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, for discussion and endorsement at the upcoming Canadian Chambers General Meeting and Conference this fall.
Building Healthy Communities. One Y at a Time.
The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island recently welcomed two new facilities to our region. The Westhills YMCAYWCA/Langford Aquatic Centre and the Eagle Creek YMCA-YWCA in View Royal. The recent expansion to the communities of Langford and View Royal are just the first stage in the long-term expansion strategy to deliver outcome-based growth through partnership development and innovation. The Westhills YMCA-YWCA/Langford Aquatic Centre offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility, fitness studios, multi-
purpose space, teen centre, licensed child care services and a remarkable Aquatic Centre with a lazy river, pool slide, lap pool, warm water therapy pool and wave pool. The Eagle Creek Y, View Royal will provide licensed child care with designated infant and toddler spaces as well as a health and fitness centre. The Y remains committed to its flagship Downtown Victoria location and will continue to offer the same extensive programs and services including Health, Fitness & Aquatics, Child Care, Youth and Young Mom’s Programs.
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24 BUSINESSMATTERS | JULY 2016