IN THE KNOW:
Indigenous Prosperity Centre announces new leadership
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) has announced the appointment of Tarrin Sam as Acting Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC), a key SIPP initiative.
Sam succeeds Christina Clarke, the organization’s inaugural Executive Director.
A member of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees) First Nation, Sam has led IPC’s communications and engagement since 2022, a role that included managing the first Indigenous Youth Conference, held this year, and the Blue Economy Day Camp for Indigenous Youth, now in its second year. Before this, she served as communications coordinator for the Songhees Nation.
“Tarrin’s passion for Indigenous economic development, amplifying Indigenous voices and strengthening pathways to shared prosperity, will ensure IPC continues to grow its impact for First Nations and Indigenous people on Southern Vancouver Island and beyond,” says Aaron Stone, CEO of SIPP. “We are very grateful for the outstanding work of Christina Clarke, whose expertise, energy and wisdom have taken the IPC from a dream to an exciting reality.”
“It is an honour to serve the Indigenous Prosperity Centre in this capacity,” says Sam. “I am eager to build on the incredible foundation our team has created together and to work with our partners to create meaningful change for Indigenous people in the region.”
Christina Clarke will continue her volunteer work with the University of Victoria’s Board of Governors, the Ocean Networks Canada Board of Directors and as Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, as well as focusing on creative projects.
Victoria restaurants named to Air Canada’s top eateries list
Rabbit Rabbit and Janevca are the only Vancouver Island finalists named to Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2025 list, which celebrates Canada’s most exciting newcomers to the culinary scene.
Rabbit Rabbit, located in a Chinatown heritage storefront, has quickly become a destination for inventive dining paired with an exceptional beverage program. Under the stewardship of owner Sydney Cooper and chef Billy Nguyen, Rabbit Rabbit’s whimsical, globally inspired menu is matched by a thoughtful, award-winning wine list.
In June 2025, Rabbit Rabbit received YAM Magazine’s Best Sommelier and/or Wine Program award, recognizing the establishment’s standout wine curation and innovative cocktails.
Janevca, housed in Esquimalt’s historic Rosemead House, is lauded for its wood-fired fusion, a reflection of chef Andrea Alridge’s Filipino and Jamaican heritage. Janevca was named YAM Magazine’s Best New Restaurant of 2025, emphasizing its unique ambiance, meticulous restoration, and dynamic culinary offerings.
The restaurant is praised for both its remarkable setting and sharply executed dishes, blending storytelling, local ingredients, and artful technique.
National budget to be tabled in November
The federal government will table the next budget on November 4, 2025, marking the first budget under Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
Both leaders have described the upcoming budget as a “generational investment,” combining ambitious spending on defence, infrastructure, and programs to shield Canadian workers and industries in the face of ongoing international trade disruptions, notably with the United States.
Traditionally released in the spring, this year’s budget has been delayed to the fall, with government officials promising a balanced approach of reducing operational spending while ramping up capital investments.
Ottawa has already introduced a personal tax cut in the lowest bracket and stressed the need for difficult cost-saving measures in public services. Major analysts and government sources alike expect these investments will lead to a higher deficit in the short term, but Carney and Champagne insist the plan will lay the groundwork for stronger long-term economic growth.
Premier makes his case in Ottawa
Premier David Eby is in Ottawa this week, leading a delegation to secure greater federal investment in major infrastructure projects across the province.
Over meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal cabinet ministers, Eby will highlight that 40% of the federal government’s “nation-building” projects are located in B.C. while advocating for provincial priorities like LNG Canada Phase 2 and the Red Chris Mine expansion—both recognized by Ottawa as nationally significant. He has said that expanding these projects will create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive prosperity for all Canadians.
The mission also hopes to advance dozens of other B.C. initiatives and seeks necessary federal funding to push them forward. Eby, joined by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon, and Forests Minister Ravi Parmar, will also raise urgent issues including public safety, immigration, and the province’s housing crisis.
The trip follows B.C.’s recent outreach in Asia and Europe and is framed as part of a broader effort to showcase the province’s leadership in critical minerals, technology, low-carbon energy, and other innovation sectors.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
SEPTEMBER
September 18: VIATEC AI Meetup: Business Track
OCTOBER
October 2 – 3: 2025 4VI Vancouver Island Stewardship Summit
October 9: Victoria Chamber Business Leader Series (ICBC)
October 26 – 29: Ocean Floor Explore Conference
October 28 – 30: VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
NOVEMBER
November 15: Colourful Business Expo
November 18: Chamber Marketplace Mixer
Douglas Weekly brings local business news, insights and community spotlights to keep Victoria and Vancouver Island In the Know. Got a story tip? Email us.
