Greater Victoria consumers still like using cash
We’ve been using cash to pay for three in 10 purchases at local businesses over the past year during the pandemic, says a report from payments company Square.
That’s higher than any Canadian city and far more than the national average of one in five.
Saskatoon consumers use the least cash with only one in 10 transactions using bills and coins, followed by Edmonton, Regina, Halifax, Ottawa and Vancouver.
At the other end with Victoria, it’s Winnipeg, Surrey and Hamilton consumers who still like to use cash.
UVic scientist heads national group
The New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization has elected Randall Sobie of the University of Victoria to head its researcher council this year.
The organization plays a key role in helping to establish a digital infrastructure ecosystem for Canadian researchers.
A research scientist with the Institute of Particle Physics at UVic, Sobie’s research focus is the study of fundamental particles as a tool to understanding the universe. He’s worked on international experiments at the European Council for Nuclear Research Laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland, and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization laboratory in Tsukuba, Japan.
Marine company offers scholarships
Atlantic Towing Limited, a major player in marine services with headquarters in the Maritimes and growing operations in Victoria, is continuing its scholarships for Indigenous students enrolled in Camosun College’s navigational and culinary programs. The awards provide financial assistance on tuition and living expenses, work placement opportunities and full-time employment with Atlantic Towing after graduation.
The announcement follows a $700,000 commitment to support a new, state-of-the-art marine simulator for Camosun College last March, a joint endeavour by Atlantic Towing and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. The simulator was installed last winter and allows Camosun to offer a wider range of programs for marine professionals entering the industry.
Atlantic Towing is establishing a presence on the West Coast. The Canadian Coast Guard awarded the company a three-year contract for two emergency offshore towing vessels that operate in B.C. waters. The Eagle and Raven can tow large commercial ships, help to prevent marine pollution incidents and assist with search and rescue operations.
In 2019, Atlantic Towing partnered with Songhees Events and Catering and ESS-Compass Group Canada, signed a contract with Salish Sea Industrial Services, and helped to start training programs at Camosun College.
