Sept 20 - Canadian Medical Association in Victoria to apologize

Good morning !

Today, we have a long-awaited mea culpa from the Canadian Medical Association, which this week came to Victoria to apologize to Indigenous Peoples for years of neglect.

And have you ever heard of a Victoria dog named Muggins who made the rounds for charity in the 1910s? He’s the subject of our second main story.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 7 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 18 / 10

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 19 / 10

Sunday: 🌦️ 20 / 13

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NEWS

CMA comes to Victoria to make nationwide apology to Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous leaders and Elders from across Canada gathered in Victoria this week to witness a historic apology from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Wednesday’s public expiation acknowledged a long history of human rights abuses against Indigenous Peoples across regions throughout the country.

“To Indigenous Peoples living in Canada, we apologize to you. We are sorry,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, CMA president. “We are sorry we have lost your trust and for the harms that you, your ancestors, your families, and your communities have experienced, we acknowledge there are ripple effects on future generations.”

The apology spotlighted systemic injustices, including forced sterilizations and medical experimentation in residential schools, rooted in colonial and racist practices prioritizing physicians' interests over Indigenous health.

Dr. Alika Lafontaine, the CMA’s first Indigenous president, said the 157-year-old organization will focus on three principles: improving Indigenous health, supporting reconciliation efforts, and fostering internal understanding of human rights and treaties. 

The CMA also pledged to adopt Joyce's Principle, which advocates equitable access to health and social services.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Traffic disruptions downtown today for a climate protest, organized by a local high school student. [11am-4pm]

Shelbourne Improvements Project Phase 3 begins.

Whooping cough resurgence prompts Island Health to put out vaccine reminder.

Air quality: Low-risk today (2/10). Current smoke forecast.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

A 111-year-old dog was just re-homed—and you can meet him today

The Trafalgar / Pro Patria Legion Hall has a new dog. He’s a fluffy white Spitz, a silent film star, a US naval officer, and a celebrity philanthropist. Not bad for a dog that’s been dead for more than a century.

During the First World War, little Muggins went out on Victoria’s streets and collected for the Red Cross and other charities in boxes on his back. One of downtown’s most popular residents, the dog raised what would be $300K+ in today’s currency. The people at the dog pound caught an earful the one time they dared to pick him up.

His fundraising fame wasn’t limited to Victoria; he got a visit from the Prince of Wales, a medal from France, and an officer's rank from the US navy. 

Not even his death in 1920 could relieve this working dog from his duties. Muggins was taxidermied and displayed for more fundraising.

Then he disappeared.

Missing dog found in shed after 60+ years

As compiled by Muggins biographer Grant Hayter-Menzies, here’s what happened:

When an army-navy veterans’ building on Wharf was renovated, a couple took him home to their living room. After they moved, he languished in an attic until their son and a friend found him while cleaning. That friend kept him in their View Royal shed until his wife saw a story in the Muggins biography book. She contacted the expert from it, Paul Jenkins of the Red Cross’s Victoria History Project, and arranged to donate the dog to his old employer: the Red Cross.

The 111-year-old body (that’s 777 in dog years) was restored on the Mainland and was on display this summer at the Government House’s small museum. The Legion Hall’s deal with the Red Cross to house the dog began in Aug.

The Legion branch 292 (411 Gorge Rd. E) is hosting the public today at noon to see Muggins and to watch a short movie about him. 

See a quick clip of the local star below:

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🛩️ Harbour Air puts on wheels for new Vic-Van flights. [YYJ to YVR]

😎 Step into your future with confidence! Advance your career with bite-sized professional development programs from Continuing Studies at UVic.*

🎡🎵 Performers wanted for Lights of Wonder. [DVBA]

🎭 Early Music Society of the Islands celebrates its 40th season with a unique dinner-and-opera event. Step back in time with Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo. Find out more.*

🕷️ Spider vs. spider: See one male arachnid risk it all for a mate. [Facebook video]

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🗞️ In Other News

Since Canada Day, VicPD has responded to 20 fake gun calls
These were for people publicly possessing, pointing, or holding faux firearms that looked real but were lighters or torches, the police department said. They’re not illegal but can cause unnecessary concern for officers “who must make split-second, life or death decisions on how they respond,” VicPD said in a release. “For officer safety, we treat all firearms as real until proven otherwise.” [VicPD]

UBCM: let’s allow teens to ride BC Transit for free
That was the resolution passed yesterday at the annual meeting of municipalities, submitted by Saanich, Langford, Metchosin, and others. It asks the province to make transit gratis for youth through Grade 12. TransLink says it would cost $30M a year and the company already is facing a $600M funding gap. The idea is to get young people used to public transit so they can continue to be customers in the future, but some suggest it should be free to those who financially need it. [CTV]

Kiosks removed but harm-reduction supplies are still available at hospitals
The dispensers—containing such items as needles, crack pipes, and drug-snorting straws—were placed in hospitals for those who wouldn’t seek in-person services due to stigma or their work hours. Three recently were removed—including one at Vic General, because of spacing issues. Detractors to the pilot program which began last fall, say the vending machines enabled drug use. At the premier’s request, the province is reviewing the program. [Times Colonist]

Shawnigan Lake coffee shop apologizes for shaming breastfeeding mother
The coffee shop’s owner was in hot water earlier this week for her response to an online review in which a patron said she was told to hide while breastfeeding her baby. In her response, the owner compared breastfeeding to public urination, telling the mother to practise “a little decorum” leading the review and response to go viral on social media. The coffee shop posted an apology yesterday. [CHEK]

SPONSORED BY PATIO GARDENS

Pumpkin centrepiece workshop at Patio Gardens

Feeling crafty? Design and build the perfect fall centrepiece that lasts long past Thanksgiving. Patio Gardens invites you on Oct. 5, from 1:30 to 3:30pm, to design your own stunning pumpkin centrepiece with fresh mini pumpkins, gourds, live succulents, and flowers on a rustic wood base. Add some sweet seasonal charm to your home.

Register today!

🗓️ Things to do

🍺🥩 Brewery & the Beast: A festival featuring meat-focused dishes & refreshing craft beverages, created by 50+ of Vancouver Island’s best restaurants and purveyors of delicious liquids. Starlight Stadium. Sun. 2-5pm. [Waitlist]

🥘🪕 The Station Food Truck & Music Fest: Dance, magic, henna, origami, 20 food vendors, and 2 stages with music from The County Line, Posh Coat, Kuba Oms & more. 720 Station Ave. & Veterans Memorial Park. Today. 4-8pm. Tomorrow. 12-7pm. [Info]

🍺 Smalltoberfest: Join the third annual Oktoberfest weekend with delicious German-inspired treats, and an incredible beer list. Through Sun. [Info]

🎵 Miguelito Valdes Latin Summer: Enjoy live music by the ocean, enjoy some delicious tacos while you listen to some salsa music by the water. Fisherman’s Wharf. Today. 5-8pm. [Info]

🎨 Art Battle Victoria: Watch as talented artists battle it out in three rounds of 20-minute masterpieces, all created with open materials. The pieces will be auctioned. Victoria Event Centre. Today. 6-9:30pm. [Info]

🌱 Indoor Plant Swap: Leave a plant. Take a plant. Bring a healthy, pest-free plant you want to trade, whether it’s potted or bare root. VI Plant Shop. Tomorrow. 12-3pm. [Info]

📚 Esquimalt Story Fest: Fabulous fairytales and fables. Help celebrate 19 years of great storytelling. Esquimalt Town Square. Today. 10:30am-1pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Next steps on Vic-Saanich Amalgamation starts tomorrow; Charity cleans up with new home; Trestle to be torn down; And more. [Sept. 19]

It pays for police to be aided by mental-health teams: UVic study. [Capital Daily] 

Power back on in Sooke to 6K homes, after car crash. [CHEK]

BC and First Nations team to sell Van condos 40% below cost. [CTV / CP]

Share your thoughts on the proposed Vic-Saanich amalgamation via Citizens’ Assembly submissions process.

National Seniors Day is Oct. 1. [Info]

Vision Zero safety grants are open for applications.

That’s it!

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