Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, read about the prime minister’s visit to the University of Victoria, the benefits of ethical investing, a rezoning application for Victoria’s downtown core, and South Island Prosperity Partnership’s first month with its interim CEO.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 769 words, a three-minute read.

UVic reacts to the federal budget

Reactions to the 2024 federal budget, released in full last week, vary depending on who you ask. But for researchers at the University of Victoria, the $2.6 billion in core research grant funding, scholarships, and fellowships to support researchers was welcome news.

“UVic has emerged as a national research powerhouse in areas such as clean energy transition, health, and Indigenous scholarship in law and language revitalization,” said Kevin Hall, president of the University of Victoria. “Hosting the prime minister is an honour, and we are grateful he recognizes UVic as a top-tier research-intensive university.”

Alongside Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech, the prime minister visited the University of Victoria last Friday to meet faculty and students whose research is transforming the lives of Canadians every day.

“It was great to be in the room with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he announced support for graduate students in Budget 2024. Grad students are passionate about research, so this is great news for students across Canada,” said Sophie Janke, a UVic master’s student in mechanical engineering with the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems.

UVic’s key research impact areas, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, include climate, environmental change and sustainability; health and wellness; Indigenous-led scholarship; social justice and equity; and technology and the human experience.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🤑 Straight to the bank: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams sat down with Island Savings’ Daniel Marley to chat how you can feel good about the impact of your investments — while still making money.

☁️ If I knew what you were thinking: Dallas Gislason shared his thoughts on his first month as interim CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership. Gislason touches on the threat of parochialism and the challenge of anti-development sentiments, progress with COAST and the importance of communication.

🚧 And I could change the world: Victoria City Council reviewed the first rezoning submission for Victoria’s Arts and Innovation District. Last rezoned by the City in 2020, the submission from Reliance Properties looks to redevelop nearly seven acres of land in northern downtown Victoria.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Associate Director at Camosun College

• Human Resources Manager at Carmanah Technologies Corp.

• Agile Technical Product Owner at VertiGIS North America

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

April 30 | Leading to Election - Breakfast with Premier David Eby

Start your day with insights from BC's Premier, the Hon. David Eby, on key issues shaping our province's future. Engage in a lively, moderated Q&A session focused on business and community priorities for Greater Victoria and beyond.

The event is a chance to connect with fellow community leaders over a delicious breakfast. You'll gain valuable perspectives and build relationships that help guide our community's path forward.

May 6 | Ambition 2035 Hybrid Event

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster regularly convenes its network to report on activity, share insights, and build the path to transformational growth of Canada’s ocean sector. This spring, we’re hosting two hybrid events to continue working toward Ambition 2035, a discussion paper around the 5X growth, $220 billion vision we share for Canada’s sustainable ocean economy.

Don't miss an opportunity to hear from sector leaders, learn how the ocean economy is enabling communities, engage in action planning, and make connections with like-minded peers in Canada’s ocean network.

June 4-25 | Data Management & Analytics Roadshow 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of data and analytics, this conference stands as a beacon for industry leaders, professionals, and innovators seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s information age. Discussions will unravel the paramount importance of data governance, efficient data management, and the strategic application of AI.

From understanding strategic frameworks for robust data governance to exploring the ethical implementation of AI, attendees can anticipate gaining actionable perspectives and knowledge essential for navigating the intricacies of the information age.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or a suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].