Opinion

Our spring has already given us some great weather for being outdoors in the region’s parks, and of course the pandemic is increasing the numbers of people who are getting outside rather than pursuing indoor activities.

I read with great interest the article on supportive housing for seniors, people with disabilities, people who are employed but aren’t housed, or people who are working through mental health concerns and/or substance abuse, planned for Central Saanich.

I suffer from chronic back pain. Drugs from one of Sidney’s five drug stores work but have many side effects including addiction. Liquor works from one of Sidney’s five liquor stores but can cause addiction and violence and other medical problems.

I was delighted to read in the April 15 Peninsula News Review that the District of North Saanich has issued an order to the owner of the agglomeration of poorly maintained floating structures off Lillian Hoffar Park to vacate by April 28.

Since we arrived in Oak Bay six years ago, my wife and I have enjoyed having a mid-week supper at the Penny Farthing Pub.

While the words “By the people, for the people,” spoken by Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, were related to the cause of democracy, they sprang to my mind as I considered the international COVID-19 crisis.

With reference to letter to Karen Nelson’s letter to the editor Oak Bay News April 15, I would like support her comments about the District of Oak Bay imposing excessive property taxes.

On walks along Cadboro Beach I have been assaulted by dogs on numerous occasions. These usually take the form of dogs jumping and placing their paws on my person, walking besides me whilst barking threateningly or both. I will recount the last two events which occurred over the past 10 days.

I’ve worked from home, washed my hands, masked up and got my first jab. I’ve followed each and every health order in this ongoing provincial pandemic emergency.

Alistair MacGregor is MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford