Business

Skilled trades workers are needed at the site of the new Cowichan District Hospital on Bell McKinnon Road. (Citizen file photo)

Qualified trades workers needed at new $1.45B Cowichan hospital site

Work is ramping up as more than 300 people expected to be working on site

Skilled trades workers are needed at the site of the new Cowichan District Hospital on Bell McKinnon Road. (Citizen file photo)
Andy Fillion, left, and his grandson Nicholas Fillion, 9, watch the movie Trolls World Tour at Caprice Cinemas, in Surrey, B.C., on Sunday, June 28, 2020. The B.C. film indutry may be past COVID and two Hollywood strikes, but a rebound has yet to arrive. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Cameras gone cold for B.C.’s Hollywood North film industry

Hollywood strikes might be over but it could be some time before B.C. industry rebounds

Andy Fillion, left, and his grandson Nicholas Fillion, 9, watch the movie Trolls World Tour at Caprice Cinemas, in Surrey, B.C., on Sunday, June 28, 2020. The B.C. film indutry may be past COVID and two Hollywood strikes, but a rebound has yet to arrive. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Danielle Vaughan and Benny Dornan are teaching Kelowna all about the benefits of mushrooms at their shop Essence Wellness. (Brittany Webster/Capital News)

Discover the magic of mushrooms at Kelowna’s Essence Wellness

The shroom shop has been open since Canada Day weekend

  • Nov 15, 2023
Danielle Vaughan and Benny Dornan are teaching Kelowna all about the benefits of mushrooms at their shop Essence Wellness. (Brittany Webster/Capital News)
A view of the TikTok app logo, in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 28, 2020. The European Union ratcheted up its scrutiny of Big Tech companies on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, with demands for Meta and TikTok to detail their efforts on curbing illegal content and disinformation amid the Israel-Hamas war. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

Nepal bans TikTok and says it disrupts social harmony

Nepal’s government decided to ban the popular social media app TikTok on…

A view of the TikTok app logo, in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 28, 2020. The European Union ratcheted up its scrutiny of Big Tech companies on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, with demands for Meta and TikTok to detail their efforts on curbing illegal content and disinformation amid the Israel-Hamas war. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
<div>Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says more competition is needed in Canada’s grocery sector as consumers grapple with the rising cost of living. A person wears a face mask in a grocery store in Montreal, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes</div>

More competition crucial in stabilizing grocery prices, Freeland says

Pair of major Canadian grocers reported higher profits and sales in most recent quarter

<div>Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says more competition is needed in Canada’s grocery sector as consumers grapple with the rising cost of living. A person wears a face mask in a grocery store in Montreal, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes</div>
Shannon Whissell, director of development with Threshold Housing Society, offers information during a community event. (Courtesy Threshold Housing Society)

Tea, candles shine a light on youth homelessness in Greater Victoria

Threshold Housing Society expands winter campaign to include Cowichan company

Shannon Whissell, director of development with Threshold Housing Society, offers information during a community event. (Courtesy Threshold Housing Society)
Stu Dancey discusses the features of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe on his YouTube channel, Driving With Stu. The Woodgrove Chrysler sales and finance manager’s video won first place in a national Jeep Canada contest. (YouTube/Driving With Stu image)

Nanaimo auto salesperson wins national Jeep video contest

Woodgrove Chrysler’s Stu Dancey always working on his next ‘Driving With Stu’ video

Stu Dancey discusses the features of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe on his YouTube channel, Driving With Stu. The Woodgrove Chrysler sales and finance manager’s video won first place in a national Jeep Canada contest. (YouTube/Driving With Stu image)
FILE - This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the YouTube app on an iPad in Baltimore. YouTube is rolling out new rules for AI content, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, including requiring creators to reveal whether they’ve used generative artificial intelligence to make realistic looking videos. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

YouTube creators will soon have to disclose use of gen AI in videos or risk suspension

YouTube is rolling out new rules for AI content, including a requirement…

FILE - This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the YouTube app on an iPad in Baltimore. YouTube is rolling out new rules for AI content, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, including requiring creators to reveal whether they’ve used generative artificial intelligence to make realistic looking videos. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
A group representing Canada’s engineers is urging Alberta’s premier to reconsider a proposal the province recently tabled that aims to loosen restrictions around who can use the “engineer” title. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to party faithful at the United Conservative Party annual general meeting in Calgary, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
A group representing Canada’s engineers is urging Alberta’s premier to reconsider a proposal the province recently tabled that aims to loosen restrictions around who can use the “engineer” title. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to party faithful at the United Conservative Party annual general meeting in Calgary, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Carolyn Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor at the Bank of Canada waits to appear as a witness before the Senate of Canada Standing Commitee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy in Ottawa, on Thursday, April 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Canadians should not expect interest rates to drop back to previous lows

Bank of Canada official says don’t count on pre-pandemic rates returning

Carolyn Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor at the Bank of Canada waits to appear as a witness before the Senate of Canada Standing Commitee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy in Ottawa, on Thursday, April 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
Buildings are reflected in the windows of the new IKEA store on its opening day in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

New Ikea Canada CEO leaning into efficiency as he works to improve back end

Company leaning on automation as it overhauls fulfilment network

Buildings are reflected in the windows of the new IKEA store on its opening day in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
FILE - The Airbnb app icon is displayed on an iPad screen in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2021. Airbnb reports earnings on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Airbnb set to play favourites with listings in bid to improve reliability

Airbnb said that it will roll out what it calls ‘Guest Favorites’ ranking system this week

FILE - The Airbnb app icon is displayed on an iPad screen in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2021. Airbnb reports earnings on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Yeezy shoes made by Adidas are displayed at Laced Up, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J., on Oct. 25, 2022. Adidas is releasing a second batch of high-end Yeezy sneakers after cutting ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the shoemaker seeks to unload the unsold shoes while donating to groups fighting antisemitism. The online sale, to start Wednesday Aug. 2, 2023 through the Confirmed app, Adidas app and adidas.com, follows an earlier batch of sales in May. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Adidas says it may write off remaining unsold Yeezy shoes after breakup with Ye

Adidas said it might have to write off the remaining 300 million…

FILE - Yeezy shoes made by Adidas are displayed at Laced Up, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J., on Oct. 25, 2022. Adidas is releasing a second batch of high-end Yeezy sneakers after cutting ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the shoemaker seeks to unload the unsold shoes while donating to groups fighting antisemitism. The online sale, to start Wednesday Aug. 2, 2023 through the Confirmed app, Adidas app and adidas.com, follows an earlier batch of sales in May. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
Jason Goldsworthy, executive director of the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies, was one of three panelists speaking about the future of ocean and marine industries on the Island at the Vancouver Island Economic Summit on Wednesday, Oct 25. (Bailey Seymour/News Bulletin)

Island’s aquaculture industry leaders see wave of opportunity for the sector

State of the Island Economic Summit in Nanaimo includes discussion of region’s ‘blue economy’

Jason Goldsworthy, executive director of the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies, was one of three panelists speaking about the future of ocean and marine industries on the Island at the Vancouver Island Economic Summit on Wednesday, Oct 25. (Bailey Seymour/News Bulletin)
File - The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone in Boston, USA, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Facebook and Instagram users in Europe are getting the option to pay for ad-free versions of the social media platforms as a way to comply with the continent’s strict data privacy rules. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Former Meta engineering leader to testify before Congress on Instagram’s harms to teens

On the same day whistleblower Frances Haugen was testifying before Congress about…

File - The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone in Boston, USA, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Facebook and Instagram users in Europe are getting the option to pay for ad-free versions of the social media platforms as a way to comply with the continent’s strict data privacy rules. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
As the deadline to repay pandemic loans and receive partial forgiveness approaches, small businesses are still hoping the federal government will reverse course and extend it for another year. The Peace Tower is pictured from the roof of the Centre Block during a media tour of the Centre Block restoration project on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, June 22, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Small businesses still pleading for federal pandemic loan extension

$49.2 billion CEBA program scheduled to come due early in the new year

As the deadline to repay pandemic loans and receive partial forgiveness approaches, small businesses are still hoping the federal government will reverse course and extend it for another year. The Peace Tower is pictured from the roof of the Centre Block during a media tour of the Centre Block restoration project on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, June 22, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Hullo has announced the launch of a shuttle bus to bring people to and from the fast ferry terminal on Nanaimo’s waterfront. (Submitted photo)

Hullo launches shuttle bus to get passengers to and from Nanaimo terminal

Shuttle will connect foot ferry dock with public transit exchange and Coast Bastion Hotel

Hullo has announced the launch of a shuttle bus to bring people to and from the fast ferry terminal on Nanaimo’s waterfront. (Submitted photo)
Noel Erickson, James Garry and David Wong battle rats in Victoria. (Photo by Tim Collins)

Company committed to keeping rats from making themselves at home in Victoria

Victoria named the fourth rattiest city in the province

  • Nov 5, 2023
Noel Erickson, James Garry and David Wong battle rats in Victoria. (Photo by Tim Collins)
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to complete your holiday traditions or something to put under the tree for someone special, you’ll likely find it at a craft fair in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

Craft Fair Roundup: Get a jump on the holidays at a Greater Victoria event

Support local businesses while finding something for everyone on your list

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to complete your holiday traditions or something to put under the tree for someone special, you’ll likely find it at a craft fair in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
FILE - People pass through Salt Lake City International Airport, June 27, 2022, in Salt Lake City. The cost of travel has fluctuated sharply in recent years, but travelers expecting high prices now might be in for a pleasant surprise. Data show that many travel expenses, including airfare, have decreased recently. Domestic flights in particular have been less expensive, and while international airfare remains elevated, it too is coming down as airlines slowly add more capacity. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)

Complicated market dealing travellers a mixed hand

Some travel costs flying against general inflation trends

FILE - People pass through Salt Lake City International Airport, June 27, 2022, in Salt Lake City. The cost of travel has fluctuated sharply in recent years, but travelers expecting high prices now might be in for a pleasant surprise. Data show that many travel expenses, including airfare, have decreased recently. Domestic flights in particular have been less expensive, and while international airfare remains elevated, it too is coming down as airlines slowly add more capacity. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)