Opinion

‘In a community with a relatively small number of Black residents, it would be easy to let Black History Month pass without pausing’

I read the l etter to the editor alleging an incident of racial profiling by an Oak Bay Police Department member during an investigation.

In the 2019 election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to introduce a Just Transition Act, “ensuring that workers have access to the training and support they need to succeed in the new clean economy.” But, he’s barely mentioned it since.

In the recent provincial election, the BC NDP included free prescription contraception in their platform. With the provincial budget around the corner, it’s important that Premier Horgan fulfills this pledge.

The local business community is suffering through tough times due to the reduced customer base caused by the pandemic. Lately a new challenge has arisen, one of break-ins and theft.

Being recognized by someone is often an enjoyable experience if it’s an old high school friend, or someone that thinks they’ve seen you on TV. It is less enjoyable when it is the Oak Bay Police accusing you of committing a crime.

It was known in March last year how this pandemic would establish itself all over the world. The virologists knew and the politicians knew. Our health officers should have known and pushed for opening factories to produce enough vaccines.

A few years ago the federal government transferred responsibility for the Beacon Avenue wharf to the Town of Sidney after concluding the dock was no longer serving a legitimate federal purpose. The Town of Sidney acquired the wharf because the price was right and council wanted to ensure this iconic part of the town’s history was preserved.

The idea that people are somehow still of a the mind that raising chickens in their backyards in an urban setting is a good thing just plows my mind.

On Jan. 25, Central Saanich council endorsed a COVID-19 non-profit grant program and application process presented by Central Saanich staff. The total amount available from the Canada-BC Safe Restart fund is set at $50,000, with a maximum grant of $7,500 for any one group. Applications will be received and reviewed by staff; approval by the CAO will depend on the application meeting set criteria.