Business

Air-to-air heat pump system installation at an Alaska home using oil for heating. B.C. Hydro is increasing subsidies to make the switch from oil and natural gas to electric heat pumps. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

B.C. Hydro adds $260 million in 5-year electric conversion plan

Electric car charging stations, heat pumps, hydrogen trucks

A photo of Unifor Local 2301 members picketing outside of the Rio Tinto smelter in Kitimat BC, in July . (Jacob Lubberts photo)

Tentative deal reached in 2-month-old Kitimat aluminum strike

Rio Tinto and Unifor Local 2301 reach collective labour agreement for Kitimat BC Works smelter

B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North. (James Smith/North Delta Reporter file photo)

B.C. doubles grants for new technology jobs, eases degree rules

$29M program redirected to under-represented groups

Coast Bastion Hotel workers rally outside the hotel on Friday, Sept. 24. (Greg Sakaki/News Bulletin)

Nanaimo’s Coast Bastion Hotel workers express frustration with contract talks

Hotel says it is making ‘sincere attempt’ to reach an agreement

Coast Bastion Hotel workers rally outside the hotel on Friday, Sept. 24. (Greg Sakaki/News Bulletin)
In this May 7, 2019 photo, a machine that produces plastic pellets is seen in operation at a GDB International warehouse in New Brunswick, N.J. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Seth Wenig

Plastic resin emerges as tiniest example of enduring COVID-19 supply chain crunch

Experts say plastic prices are one a factor pushing up the cost of materials and contributing to inflation

In this May 7, 2019 photo, a machine that produces plastic pellets is seen in operation at a GDB International warehouse in New Brunswick, N.J. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Seth Wenig
Sooke bed-and-breakfast owner Gerry Esselink was surprised to learn he was awarded top prize for the most hospitable hosts in B.C. by Airbnb. (Contributed - Gerry Esselink)

Sooke Airbnb host top in B.C.

Sooke Cedar House received the most positive reviews of any Airbnb in Canada

Sooke bed-and-breakfast owner Gerry Esselink was surprised to learn he was awarded top prize for the most hospitable hosts in B.C. by Airbnb. (Contributed - Gerry Esselink)
A woman holds a sign while attending a rally and march organized by people opposed to COVID-19 vaccination passports and public health measures, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Small businesses face threats, backlash as vaccine passports take effect

Some flooded with bad reviews on Google or negative comments on social media

A woman holds a sign while attending a rally and march organized by people opposed to COVID-19 vaccination passports and public health measures, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C.’s carbon tax is the highest in Canada, and the low-carbon fuel standard is increasing. (Black Press Media)

B.C. fuel price monitor a waste of money, finance critic says

Taxpayers billed $641K for ‘a copy of Gasbuddy’ website

B.C.’s carbon tax is the highest in Canada, and the low-carbon fuel standard is increasing. (Black Press Media)
Al Smith, executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, says the recent sale of Central Saanich’s Redlen Technologies to Canon marks another chapter in the ongoing success stories for Peninsula-based tech companies. (Photo courtesy of Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce)

Chamber CEO calls purchase of Redlen by Canon a success for Saanich Peninsula

Al Smith says sales puts spotlight on region

Al Smith, executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, says the recent sale of Central Saanich’s Redlen Technologies to Canon marks another chapter in the ongoing success stories for Peninsula-based tech companies. (Photo courtesy of Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce)
Potts Pilsner, crafted by Victoria brewery Moon Under Water, scored gold at the 2021 Canadian Brewing Awards. (Courtesy Moon Under Water Brewery)

Moon Under Water doubles up as Greater Victoria breweries named among the best in Canada

B.C. brewers score 40 wins in national competition

Potts Pilsner, crafted by Victoria brewery Moon Under Water, scored gold at the 2021 Canadian Brewing Awards. (Courtesy Moon Under Water Brewery)
Average fuel prices for B.C., Alberta and Canada by component factors, including taxes, for July and August, 2021. (B.C. Utilities Commission)

B.C.’s high gasoline prices ease as pipeline shortage continues

Refining, retail margins tracked in independent price monitor

Average fuel prices for B.C., Alberta and Canada by component factors, including taxes, for July and August, 2021. (B.C. Utilities Commission)
Condo and office towers fill the downtown skyline in Vancouver on March 30, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canadian office vacancy rate hits highest level since 1994

Vancouver has lowest vacancy rate as COVID-19 fourth wave slows expected return to work

Condo and office towers fill the downtown skyline in Vancouver on March 30, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer David Shoemaker in Toronto on Monday July 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Lululemon to outfit Canadian Olympic, Paralympic athletes through 2028 Games

Lululemon will provide Team Canada with clothing and accessories from 2022 until 2028

Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer David Shoemaker in Toronto on Monday July 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards operates within the federally-owned Esquimalt Graving Dock. (Seaspan)

B.C. appoints experts to grow shipbuilding, repair industry

Battery tugboats, hydrogen power in future, minister says

Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards operates within the federally-owned Esquimalt Graving Dock. (Seaspan)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, arrives with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland as she prepares to table the federal budget in the House of Commons in Ottawa, on Monday, April 19, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Liberals to face pressure to move quickly on fiscal plan as fourth wave hits economy

Analyst: Liberals are unlikely to start reining in spending with the pandemic ongoing

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, arrives with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland as she prepares to table the federal budget in the House of Commons in Ottawa, on Monday, April 19, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains. (Hansard TV)

B.C. seeks more input on paid sick leave in COVID-19 pandemic

Temporary three-day leave expires at end of 2021

B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains. (Hansard TV)
8408 Lawrence Road sold for the record-breaking asking price of $22.75 million. Amenities include a full gym, tennis courts and a mechanical boat launch. (Engel & Volkers)

Sale of Saanich Peninsula estate breaks Greater Victoria price record

Agent says sale of the $22.75 million estate shows an increased demand in luxury properties

8408 Lawrence Road sold for the record-breaking asking price of $22.75 million. Amenities include a full gym, tennis courts and a mechanical boat launch. (Engel & Volkers)
The UBC sign is pictured at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

UBC Investment Management Trust invests $120M in reduced carbon investment fund

Assets represent about five per cent of UBC’s endowment

The UBC sign is pictured at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce has published results of an online survey of local business owners and consumers on their thoughts on the use and implementation of the province’s vaccine passport system. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)

Sooke chamber gets mixed opinions in survey on vaccine passports

Online poll finds businesses, consumers see issue of implementation slightly differently

The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce has published results of an online survey of local business owners and consumers on their thoughts on the use and implementation of the province’s vaccine passport system. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)
A real estate sign is pictured in Vancouver on June 12, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Homes listed for sale in Metro Vancouver have fallen to lows not seen since 2016

New home built during the pandemic, with a specific focus on projects for the rental market

A real estate sign is pictured in Vancouver on June 12, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward