Douglas Weekly 2025

Douglas Weekly – Feb 17

February 17, 2025

The Norwegian Sun cruise ship, docked at Ogden Point. Photo: Getty Images.

IN THE KNOW:

Minimum wage increases June 1

On June 1, 2025, B.C.’s lowest-paid workers will see a 2.6% wage increase to keep pace with inflation.

The general minimum wage will rise from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, as a result of a 2024 amendment to the Employment Standards Act, mandating annual wage increases.

Living Wage of BC says while it applauds the wage increase, it comes nowhere near to filling the gap between minimum wage and living wage. The organization defines a living wage as “the hourly amount that someone needs to earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, food and transportation) once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies are taken into account.”

In Victoria, that living wage is $26.78.

Harbour Authority looks to a greener future

Last week, the federal government announced up to $35.5 million in funding for three projects based in B.C. to invest in commercially available clean technology and infrastructure for ports. Up to $22.5 million is earmarked for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, to implement shore power equipment at the Ogden Point cruise terminal.

The Ministry of Transport and Internal Trade says this is part of its goal to achieve decarbonization of the marine sector by advancing green shipping initiatives along the province’s coastline.

The funding will increase the use of clean energy and transportation infrastructure at ports and terminals, invest in shore power technology to reduce emissions from idling ships, and prioritize low-emission and low-noise vessels to minimize environmental impact in port areas.

Mark Mawhinney, Board Chair of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, said in a media release: “Shore Power is a catalyst for the electrification of our deep-water port, and [this] funding will support future economic growth and development in Greater Victoria. Renewable energy options will further establish a Green Shipping corridor across the Pacific Northwest and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Rising Economy announces sold out conference; virtual tickets still available

Rising Economy, the annual business conference produced by South Island Prosperity Partnership, says its in person days (March 4 and 5) are sold out. Free tickets are available for its March 6 virtual day, with sessions covering crisis control, accelerating innovation, our energy future, leveraging AI and more.

Business Data Lab assesses regional impact of US tariffs

As Canada braces for 25% tariffs likely to be imposed by the US, Business Data Lab has released its assessment of cities and regions most and least likely to be affected by its impacts.

It says “Trump’s tariff would cause significant economic problems for Canadians and Americans — potentially even causing a recession,” adding “this work revealed particular vulnerabilities for Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick. This is because these provinces are highly trade-intensive and the vast majority of their exports go to the U.S. market.”

The organization utilized localized trade data from Statistics Canada covering the 41 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with populations over 100,000 to deduce likely impacts.

Out of a list of 41 cities, Victoria ranked 36 and Nanaimo 39, landing near the bottom and therefore least likely to be exposed to the negative impact of tariffs; likely, says the report “because they trade less intensively with the U.S. and/or have more diversified trade patterns.”

“Amidst evolving U.S. trade dynamics, the lower exposure in the South Island offers us a strategic edge,” said South Island Prosperity Partnership CEO Aaron Stone in response to the report. “This is our moment to double down on collaboration across sectors to diversify and expand our economic relationships locally, nationally and globally.

By embracing innovation and proactive strategies, we can transform these challenges into growth opportunities. The current climate isn’t just a test – it’s a catalyst for bold visionaries to build tomorrow’s success.”

Victoria organizations named among BC’s Top Employers

The BC’s Top Employers competition has named several Victoria-based organizations to their 2025 list recognizing British Columbia employers “leading their industries in creating exceptional workplaces.”

The annual competition highlights companies and organizations that set the standard for innovation, employee well-being, and sustainability in the province’s fast-growing economy.

It lauds Advanced Solutions, AME Consulting Group, Camosun College, the University of Victoria, Victoria Airport Authority, PBC Solutions Ltd, Redbrick Technologies Ltd, Island Health, the District of Saanich and the Saanich Police Department.

The full list can be found here.

Beloved Victoria business closes its doors

After 22 years in business, Charelli’s Cheese Shop & Delicatessen says it will close forever on May 24. The Oak Bay deli and store was a popular stop for specialty foods.

In a post shared to the business’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, owner Carmen Lassooij wrote “the memories we’ve shared with you will stay with us forever.

From the very beginning, you have welcomed us into your lives. We’ve watched families grow, shared in your celebrations, and been part of your everyday moments—helping you find the perfect cheese for a dinner party, the best picnic treats, or just something special for yourself. We’ve laughed with you, cried with you, and cherished every visit, every story, every smile.

To our incredible customers and our amazing, amazing staff, past and present—Charelli’s wouldn’t have been Charelli’s without you. Thank you for making this place so much more than a cheese shop.”