Feb 29 - Protesters shut down Lockheed Martin in Esquimalt

Good morning !

Just when you thought February was over, another day is tacked on. Today is Leap Day and for a small group of people its their once-every-four-years birthday. If today’s your birthday, you beat the odds (1 in 1,500 to be specific).

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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Day after: 🌧️ 8 / 2

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NEWS

Protesters shut down Lockheed Martin Esquimalt office over weapons supply to Israel

Protesters staged a picket lockout at Lockheed Martin's offices in Esquimalt on Wednesday, highlighting a coordinated movement across Canada, demanding an arms embargo and to call out Canada's involvement in the conflict in Gaza. Organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement and Labour4Palestine, the protest aimed to disrupt business as usual and draw attention to the role of arms manufacturing companies in supplying weaponry to Israel.

Lockheed Martin, a significant supplier of military equipment, particularly fighter jets, to Israel, was the focal point of the demonstration. The protesters aimed to shed light on the company's complicity in providing the means for military operations in Gaza, where extensive civilian casualties have been reported.

Similar protests recently took place in several other Canadian cities, indicating a widespread concern over Canada's arms exports and their potential contribution to human rights violations.

The protest underscores the recent UN warning regarding the transfer of weapons to Israel, that implicates the U.S. and Canada, among other countries. This warning aligns with the protesters' demands for an arms embargo and reflects the international scrutiny on arms exports to Israel.

The protesters' goal extends beyond mere disruption; they aim to disrupt war profiteering and hold companies like Lockheed Martin accountable for their alleged role in perpetuating violence and contributing to the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Read the full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Hazardous tree removal happening at Elk/Beaver Lake today. Parking may be affected, but the 10km loop trail remains open.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

CRD facing criticism for pushing forward with Water Supply Plan

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is pressing forward with its Water Supply Master Plan despite significant opposition, particularly from city councillors in Colwood. The plan, which involves billions of dollars in infrastructure spending, aims to address concerns about climate change and access to potable water by investing in major water projects over the next decade. 

The CRD wants buy-in from several municipalities, including Langford, Sooke, View Royal, and plans to offset costs through Development Cost Charges (DCCs). DCC fees are regulated by the province and are collected from developers on a user-pay basis to subsidize the cost of growth-related infrastructure. 

However, critics, including Colwood councillors, question the timing and necessity of such a costly endeavour, especially amidst other pressing priorities, such as affordable housing and poverty reduction. Concerns have been raised about the lack of comprehensive, economic and environmental impact assessments and the cost of the proposed projects.

Additionally, skepticism surrounds the CRD's presentation of data, with accusations of misleading information to promote the need for the water filtration plant at the Sooke Reservoir, the most expensive component of the plan. Despite pressure from the CRD to expedite approval, Colwood councillors insist on reviewing all available information before they make a decision.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story in The Westshore here.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🦭 Battle at the shore: See orcas hunt sea lions near Qualicum Beach. [Facebook video] 

🌱 Gain skills for your career or start fresh with Continuing Studies at UVic. Deepen your perspective with our micro-credential, certificate and diploma programs.*

🌸 February flowers: See blossoms by the water in Oak Bay. [Facebook Photo] 

🤝 Now hiring: Payroll Clerk at The Butchart Gardens.

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🗞️ In Other News

Province not effectively managing hazardous spills: BC AG
Michael Pickup says BC’s response plans are 10 years old and need updating, one of his nine recommendations. The AG’s report says the government didn’t consistently make First Nations communities aware of hazardous spills, and the province is too slow to recover millions of dollars owed by those responsible for the spills. [CHEK]
Capital Daily has written extensively about Canada’s national response capabilities. Read here about Canada’s largest spill response ship docked at Ogden Point. And for more on Canada’s response organization, read here.

Saanich ‘grandparent scam’ claims 20K in two days
The scam was used three times to swindle that amount from elderly people who are told a relative is in trouble. Saanich Police encourage anyone receiving such a call to not send money and to contact their family. Police are looking for a Caucasian female in her twenties, using a rented 2023 White Kia Sportage SUV, with BC plates TR906N. [Details]

BC running ads in UK enticing doctors with double the pay
The ads are being seen in Tube stations and on buses, and they’re for nurses, too. They include links to a recruitment website that shows a float plane soaring over forested BC mountains and a kite surfer on the water. The ads appear the same time thousands of physicians have gone on strike, looking for higher wages. [Times Colonist]

Island fishers to be honoured for sea rescue
The crew of five people found a mariner adrift, having spent two weeks on a life raft after his fishing ship and coworker went missing. Sooke residents Ryan and John Planes will receive Silver Medals for Merit from the Lifesaving Society for their efforts in rescuing the man. [Victoria News]

🗓️ Things to do

🐶🤣 Big Dog Energy Comedy: Bring your pups to this dog-friendly comedy show at Ollie Quinn Optometry tonight at 7pm.

🤝 Meetup Socials: Head to KWENCH to socialize and enjoy local wines and beers tonight at 6:30pm. 

🎭 Something Rotten: See the SMUS performance of the musical comedy at McPherson Playhouse, running tonight to Sat. at 7:30pm.

🎶 The Smokestacks: The six-piece band will perform old-school blues and soul at Hermann’s tonight at 7pm. 

🍻 Victoria Beer Week: The craft beer festival is back for its 10th year, starting tomorrow, with plenty of brews to try and breweries to tour.

🎶 Ocie Elliot: The local Juno-nominated folk duo will perform a two-night stint at the Royal tomorrow and Saturday at 8pm.

🏃Victoria Women’s Expo: Check out 100+ vendors at this women’s expo. Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. [Info] 

📽️ What’s Your Story: See short films about community members at the Star Cinema in Sidney. Sunday at 1pm.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Gangs trying to recruit near schools, says VicPD; Teen seriously injured in Saanich intersection; ‘Rolex Killer’ gets no time out; and more. [Feb. 28] 

Victoria Beer Week turns 10. [Tasting Victoria] 

Boob tubes at the Jube to be fixed. [Times Colonist]

Poly poly, aka Pin-cushion sunburst lichens, in vibrant colour and minute detail. [Photos]

Teen seriously injured after being hit by an SUV at a Saanich crosswalk. [Saanich News]

That’s it!

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