Jan 3 - Diversity in Victoria not at BC level

Good morning !

2024 is officially underway and I hope the transition back to reality has gone smoothly for all of you returning to work this week.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

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Today: 🌦️ 9 / 6

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 8 / 5

Day after: 🌧️ 8 / 3

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NEWS

Ethnic diversity increasing in Greater Victoria, but still lags behind the rest of BC

Greater Victoria has seen a demographic shift as more visible minorities choose to settle on the Island, according to the latest federal statistics.

Data recently extrapolated from the 2021 Census population profile shows that more than 64K people identified as members of a visible minority group in Greater Victoria, and now comprise 16.7% of the total population of 388K—a sharp increase from the 50K recorded in 2016.

Still, Victoria has less ethnic diversity than the rest of BC. Across the province, 34.4% of people identified as members of a visible minority group in 2021; in Greater Victoria, the number is less than half of that.

“The visible minorities are primarily new immigrants. They most likely came to Canada via a work or study permit,” said Quinton Gordon, manager of strategic engagement at Greater Victoria’s Inter-Cultural Association.

Read more on the story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing Victoria teen located.

BC needs 1,500 blood donations by next week, Canadian Blood Services says.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

BC Legislature hosts annual youth parliament

The Legislature may have adjourned for the holidays, but parliament is still sitting—although the members are looking a little younger than usual.

The British Columbia Youth Parliament, or BCYP, just hosted the annual December session. Now in its 95th year, the BCYP is a youth-led, nonpartisan organization where people aged 16-21 participate in a five-day parliament. The 100 or so participants act as regional reps and cabinet members, just like in the actual legislature.

The annual session is not just a simulation for its own sake, though. It sets the course for the next year of the organization’s activities, which focus on providing youth services and inspiring political participation in young people across BC.

Last year Capital Daily profiled the event and some of the young people involved, while last week CHEK spoke with the Premier of the most recent session. 

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⭐️ Capital Picks

❄️ Photo: Winter wonderland in Strathcona Park.

🐶 Local lost & found pets for this week via ROAM.

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🗞️ In Other News

Oak Bay remembers murdered sisters six years on
A memorial was left at Willows Beach including flowers, snacks and a sign with their name. Willows was a favourite play place for Chloe, 6, and Aubrey, 4, who were murdered by their father on Christmas Day, 2017. [Oak Bay News]

Nanaimo explosion caused by fuel thrown on bonfire
RCMP said a flurry of calls came in before 2am on Saturday after residents in the area felt the blast. Fire crews say it was likely a jerry can thrown into the flames. Nobody was injured from the incident. [Times Colonist]

Mother asks for info about missing Parksville daughter, suspects foul play
After a podcast recently examined Carmel Gilmour’s 2017 disappearance, her mother is hoping to revive her case. Gilmour’s mother says she received information that Gilmour was assaulted and murdered, though Oceanside RCMP say it’s still a missing persons case. [CHEK]

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🗓️ Things to do

Jesus Christ Superstar: The classic musical celebrates its 50th anniversary with performances at the Royal Theatre until Jan. 7. Tonight at 7:30pm.

Lego Exhibit: Lego displays will fill the Sidney Museum until April 1.

Dracula: Part 1: See the first part of this trilogy series, performing a dramatic reading of Bram Stoker’s classic at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre, tonight at 7pm. 

Maria Ho: With her soulful singing voice, Ho will perform classics from the golden era of music at Hermann’s, tonight at 7pm. 

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: New plastic bans, data on health risks of alcohol, and New Year’s resolutions. [Newsletter]

New BC Assessment values now out, with more info coming later this week.

“Fireworks” of the sea—feather duster worms seen underwater near Pender Island. [Photo]

New changes to CPP deductions, as of Jan. 1, will see higher contributions for middle incomes. [Yahoo / CP]

That’s it!

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