12-Month Lobbying Summary - Organization

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce / Bruce Williams, Chief Executive Officer

Registration Summary

Currently active - Last Updated: 2024-01-26

Who is lobbying?

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (Address & business activities)

Bruce Williams, Chief Executive Officer

Government Funding

Did Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce request or receive government funding within the last 12 months? Yes

Coalition Members Information

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is not a coalition member.

Direct Interests of the Lobbying Activity

Affiliates

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce does not have any affiliates that could have a direct interest in the outcome of the lobbying activities

Other Affiliates

The activities of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce are not controlled or directed by another person or organization with a direct interest in the outcome of this undertaking

Contributors with a Direct Interest in the Outcome

No person or organization contributed over $1000CDN, within the preceding 12 months, toward the lobbying activity on behalf of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce:

What is being lobbied?

Subject Matter of the Lobbying Activities

Details Regarding the Identified Subject Matter

Will any of the lobbyists listed within this registration arrange a meeting between a public office holder and any other individual for the purpose of attempting to influence any of the matters listed below:

Yes

Subject matters added through an Lobbying Activity Report:
Specific Topics of Lobbying Communications	Intended Outcomes	Associated Subject Matters
Advocacy around ongoing economic recovery and support for businesses, specifically sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. Minister was guest speaker at Chamber AGM.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Agriculture, COVID-19, Colleges & Universities, Finances and Budgets, Housing, Industry, Labour/Labour Relations, Tourism
A letter requesting the ministry consider the Greater Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society for funding under the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Arts and Culture, Economic Development and Trade, Tourism
A letter supporting Northwest Deuce Days application to the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Tourism
A phone call suggesting temporary repurposing of office space in Greater Victoria that is leased to the Provincial government but is vacant due to the Public Sector's shift to remote work. Rather than sit empty, the space could be used by non-profits and small businesses to add vibrancy to the area.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Non-Profit Organization, Small Business
A request for ensuring non-profits have access to government relief programs, specifically the BC Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant. Non-profit organizations make significant contributions to our economy and have faced challenges similar to all business during the pandemic.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	COVID-19, Economic Development and Trade, Non-Profit Organization, Small Business
As an additional element to our Indigenous engagement initiatives, we hope to add a multimedia component to a project celebrating the Chamber’s 160th anniversary. The Chamber was founded on Feb. 9, 1863, and we marked the date with a special gathering at the Royal BC Museum. At that time, we unveiled a website dedicated to the history of business and commerce on Vancouver Island through the perspectives of the diverse communities that call our region home. The project abides by the protocol of “nothing about us without us.” This is especially key to information about Indigenous communities, which requires working extensively with Indigenous knowledge keepers, including offering honorariums for elders and scholars to gain their perspective on traditions of commerce in our region. We are asking for help funding these proposed economic reconciliation initiatives.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
As BC enters Phase 3, we will meet with provincial officials including the Finance Minister and Tourism Minister to ask for details about BC's $1.5 billion fund to restart the economy. Working with other community organizations in Greater Victoria, The Chamber would like to see specific funding made available for tourism organizations directly affected by the pandemic.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly Introduction, amendment, passage or defeat of any Bill or resolution in or before the Legislative Assembly Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation	COVID-19, Small Business, Tourism
Assistance in restoring bus service on Vancouver Island that is a vital connection for residents of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island especially those who reside in Indigenous communities.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	COVID-19, Transportation
BC recognize the need for responsible public health orders and guidelines that prioritizes the health of the public through a regional approach to further re-opening or restrictions taking into consideration the fact that we are a massive province with significant variations in population density and rate of transmission of COVID-19.	Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	COVID-19, Economic Development and Trade, Health
British Columbia’s Lobbyists Transparency Act (2020) (LTA) has placed a considerable burden on the not-for-profit sector and smaller organizations, including Chambers of Commerce. This legislation adds administrative constraints to our ability to perform our traditional roles in our communities. We request the definition of "small organization" be amended to 25 employees or less and the act provide a full exemption for all small organizations and only require registration of actual acts of lobbying upon completion, increasing the 50-hour threshold to 200 hours for charities and non-profits and eliminate the requirement for Chambers of Commerce altogether. In addition, establish a more streamlined lobbying tracking report form and process and remove accumulated lobbying reporting requirements when working with other organizations.	Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation	Freedom of Information
Conversation about housing proposed by Bayview in Victoria to discuss challenges and opportunities with the process.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Housing
Discussion about economic and community development potential of using office space leased by the provincial government that is not being fully used.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Economic Development and Trade, Small Business
Discussion about Indigenous businesses in Greater Victoria and opportunities to work together to connect them with regional business community.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Discussion about innovative housing solution based on model in use in Atlantic Canada.	Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation	Housing
Discussion about ongoing work on Indigenous economic reconciliation.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
In light of the pronounced role addiction and mental health issues plays in homeless populations, and the ongoing Opioid crisis, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce actively supports the creation and enhancement of supports for mental health services and addiction recovery treatment.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	COVID-19, Housing, Mental Health and Addictions
Letter in support of the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society’s application for the Tourism Events Program (TEP) to host the annual Dragon Boat Festival.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Arts and Culture, Economic Development and Trade, Small Business, Sports and Recreation, Tourism
Letter urging Deputy Minister to the Premier on behalf of Greater Victoria employers and business community to fully consider the potentially catastrophic domino effect that changing the nature of public sector work could have on the economy of our provincial capital, relating to the proposal by the BC Public Service to disrupt its hiring practices and reduce the number of workers in downtown Victoria and in our region as a whole.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Economic Development and Trade, Small Business, Tourism
Met with Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries Josie Osborne at the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit and discussed economic issues affecting Vancouver Island.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly	Economic Development and Trade, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Small Business, Tourism
Ongoing conversation about request for funding for The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's Indigenous Economic Reconciliation Initiative.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Reminder about request to improve the Lobbyist Transparency Act, and request to discuss with ministry staff why doing so will benefit British Columbia communities.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Economic Development and Trade, Freedom of Information, Small Business
Request for consultation with business groups to facilitate implementation of vaccine passport	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	COVID-19, Health, Small Business
Request for letter of support for the nomination of Gordon Planes to Senate.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly	Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Request for meeting and help arranging meeting with Minister of Housing to discuss challenges and opportunities for adding housing supply to Greater Victoria through the Bayview development.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Housing
Request for meeting with Minister Popham to discuss ongoing concerns for business and safe community in Downtown Victoria.	Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Justice and Law Enforcement, Small Business, Tourism
Request to talk about ideas and innovations regarding affordable, temporary housing for people at risk.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Government Procurement, Housing, Non-Profit Organization, Poverty
Support for directional and informational signage on Highway 17 on behalf of a member organization of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Agriculture, Economic Development and Trade, Tourism, Transportation
Support for the continued redevelopment of Phase 3 of Belleville Terminal as a key international gateway between B.C. and external market and allow for improved customs and border services.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Economic Development and Trade, Tourism, Transportation
The acceleration of investment in non-market housing that meets the needs of people who require homes but are not able to participate in the private real estate market.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Housing, Mental Health and Addictions
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce co-signed a request asking: 1. The provincial Police Services Division ensures Victoria adequately funds the Victoria Police Department; 2. The Attorney General works with Prosecution Services to prevent repeat and habitual offenders from being released back into the community while awaiting trial; 3. That the Province expedites the building of complex care facilities to house and treat the most marginalized, to establish their safety and to enhance community well-being. 4. The Province works with the District of Saanich and City of Victoria to ensure the prompt continuation of the Citizens’ Assembly examining the benefits and challenges of merging the municipalities including their respective police departments.	Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Housing, Justice and Law Enforcement, Mental Health and Addictions, Municipal Affairs
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce sent a letter supporting the proposal put forward by the Líl̓wat (Lil’wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) to lead an Indigenous bid to host the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Arts and Culture, Economic Development and Trade, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Sports and Recreation, Tourism
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce supports the Victoria Arts Council and its annual LOOK community art showcase and asked the minister to consider the Victoria Arts Council’s grant application in order to show support for local artists in our region.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Arts and Culture
Virtual event with Minister Robinson speaking about BC Budget 2022. The minister was asked questions about government programs and plans for growing the economy, making changes to the payroll tax and consulting with the business community on issues such as paid sick days and investment in innovations.	Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Advanced Education, Agriculture, Economic Development and Trade, Finances and Budgets, Municipal Affairs, Taxation and Finance, Tourism, Transportation
Subject matters added through an Lobbying Activity Report:
Invitation to Premier Eby to speak to Greater Victoria business community at a chamber luncheon.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Economic Development and Trade, Finances and Budgets, Health, Housing, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Mental Health and Addictions, Small Business
Request for Minister Kahlon to speak to Greater Victoria business community at a chamber luncheon.	Development, establishment, amendment or termination of any program, policy, directive or guideline of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Housing
The Greater Victoria Chamber and our 1,400 members would appreciate Minister Bailey's consideration to be included in ongoing conversations to offer our perspective on the Ministry’s priorities and policies, specifically the government's rebate programs to help businesses deal with costs related to vandalism.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly	Justice and Law Enforcement, Small Business

Subject matter details in previous versions

Specific Topics of Lobbying Communications	Intended Outcomes	Associated Subject Matters
Support for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Indigenous Economic Reconciliation Initiative.	Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity	Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce supports work being done to take effective actions needed to decarbonize air transportation in Canada. Our organization formally supported a Canadian Chamber policy resolution (appendix) that recommends a path forward to ensure industry maintains its sustainability during the transition process.	Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly Development or enactment of any regulation, including the enactment of a regulation for the purposes of amending or repealing a regulation	Energy, Environment, Transportation

Gifts or benefits provided by the organization

Gifts or Benefits Provided to Public Officer Holders
Name	Gift or Benefit Description	Circumstance	Date Promised	Value Promised	Date Given	Value Given
No Records

Who is being lobbied?

Ministries/Provincial Entities

Advanced Education and Skills Training
BC Transit
British Columbia Housing Management Commission
Camosun College
Children and Family Development
Education and Child Care
Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Finance
Health
Housing
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Labour
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly
Mental Health and Addictions
Minister of State for Child Care
Municipal Affairs
Office of the Premier
Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity
Public Safety and Solicitor General
Royal Roads University
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Transportation and Infrastructure
University of Victoria

Who are the lobbyists?

In-house Lobbyists

Lobbyist

Contributions

Bruce Williams
Subscribes to a Code of Conduct: No
Former Public Office Holder in BC: No

Lobbied or plans to lobby a member of the Legislative Assembly, including a Minister or Premier, on behalf of this organization, on or after 2020-09-21: Yes

Political: No
Sponsorship: No
Recall: No

Registration number: 6753-1628
View all registrations versions

Lobbying Activity Reports

What lobbying activities have taken place in the last 12 months?

What lobbying activities have taken place in the last 12 months?
Date	Arranging a Meeting	Lobbyists	Senior Public Office Holder, Position Title \| Ministry/Provincial Entity	Subject Matters
2024-03-10	Yes	Bruce Williams	Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation \| Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation	View
2024-02-12	Yes	Bruce Williams	Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly Rob Fleming, Minister \| Transportation and Infrastructure Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly Lana Popham, MLA \| Sannich South, Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation \| Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation	View
2024-02-12	Yes	Bruce Williams	Shannon Salter, Deputy Minister \| Office of the Premier	View
2024-01-25	No	Bruce Williams	Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek \| Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Debbie Smollett, Executive Director \| Small Business Branch, Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation	View
2024-01-08	Yes	Bruce Williams	Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation \| Minister's Office, Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation	View
2023-11-08	Yes	Bruce Williams	Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly	View
2023-11-07	No	Bruce Williams	Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure \| Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, Transportation and Infrastructure George Heyman, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly Josie Osbourne, Minister \| Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly	View
2023-10-24	No	Bruce Williams	Mark Hosak, Senior Ministerial Advisor \| Minister's Office, Housing	View
2023-09-25	Yes	Bruce Williams	Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly	View
2023-07-25	Yes	Bruce Williams	Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care \| Education and Child Care	View
2023-06-14	No	Bruce Williams	Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly	View
2023-06-06	Yes	Bruce Williams	Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South \| Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly	View

View all Lobbying Activity Reports

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce - Address & business activities

Address:

100-852 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
Canada

Telephone number: 250-383-7191

Contact information in previous versions
- 100-852 Fort St
  
  Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
  Canada
  
  Telephone number: 250-383-7191
  
  Fax number: 250-385-3552
- 100 - 852 Fort Street
  
  Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
  Canada
  
  Telephone number: 250-360-3470
  
  Fax number: 250-385-3552
- 100 - 852 Fort Street
  
  Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
  Canada
  
  Telephone number: 250-383-7191
  
  Fax number: 250-385-3552

Description of Activities:
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was created as a result of the Federal Board of Trade Act. The Chamber, like other Chambers of Commerce in Canada, is not a part of government but is affiliated with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. It has a membership of more than 1,400 members, and is one of largest chambers in the Province of British Columbia.

Descriptions of the organization's activity in previous versions:
- The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was created as a result of the Federal Board of Trade Act. The Chamber, like other Chambers of Commerce in Canada, is not a part of government but is affiliated with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. It has a membership of more than 1,400 members, and is one of largest chambers in the Province of British Columbia.
- The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was created as a result of the Federal Board of Trade Act. The Chamber, like other Chambers of Commerce in Canada, is not a part of government but is affiliated with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce. It has a membership of more than 1,400 members, and is one of largest chambers in the Province of British Columbia.
- The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was created as a result of the Federal Board of Trade Act.The Chamber, like other Chambers of Commerce in Canada, is not a part of government but is affiliated with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce. It has a membership of more than 1,400 members, and is one of largest chambers in the Province of British Columbia.
- The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1863, only two years after the City of Victoria was founded and has played a significant role in the Victoria region ever since. Over the years the Chamber has initiated or been involved with so many of the developments in the region's business community including encouraging Canadian Pacific to build the landmark Empress Hotel, to establishing both the Victoria Film Commission and Tourism Victoria, which first started as committees of the Chamber. Today, with a membership of more than 1,500 members, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the second largest of the 131 chambers in the Province of BC. Our membership reflects the diversity of the business community. We represent the interests of small, medium and large businesses across all sectors as well as members from the not-for-profit sector. Reflective of the character of businesses in Greater Victoria, approximately 60% of our membership is from organizations with 5 employees or less and the majority of the remainder has less than 50 employees.

Requested Government Funding

Funding Request made to:	Funding Requested	Date Requested
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation	$67,139.00	2023-02-14

View all requested government funding history

Date Modified:: 2024-01-29

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