Nov 14 - MLAs sworn into 43rd parliament

Good morning !

Today we have stories on the WSÁNEĆ Nation calling for a pause on commercial herring fishing and a rundown on the MLAs being sworn into parliament this week.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

WSÁNEĆ chiefs call for immediate moratorium on herring fishing in the Salish Sea

For the first time in 40 years WSÁNEĆ hereditary chiefs from four nations gathered in regalia to call on the DFO to put an immediate stop to the upcoming commercial Food and Bait fishery, set to begin its season Nov. 24.

The chiefs gathered at Tulista Park in Sidney yesterday to read their declaration of territorial rights and sign a formal call to the DFO for the protection of herring. The signed declaration will be presented to the federal government.

Herring—once abundant throughout the Salish Sea—have significantly declined in population since the 1930s due to the introduction of commercial fishing in the region.

The WSÁNEĆ chiefs are concerned about the high quota the DFO has laid out for the Food and Bait season within the Strait of Georgia. Up to 10% of herring can be fished in the area with a maximum of 8K tons this year, according to the federal government’s website. 

“Halting the herring fishery is essential to allow populations to recover,” said Tsawout Chief SXÁLIYE (Vernon Harry) in a release. “Pacific herring are part of the circle of life, vital to the health of our people. Our cultural survival and the survival of our relatives, such as the Chinook and Southern Resident killer whales, depend on the herring.”

Read more about yesterday’s declaration here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Survey on Aging from the Senior’s Advocate of BC. [Take part] 

Crystal Pool and pool area closed due to mechanical issue. Fitness areas remain open. [City of Victoria]

Oak Bay Half Marathon registration is now open.

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NEWS

New and returning MLAs sworn in at the BC Legislature

The swearing-in of new and returning MLAs who will serve in the 43rd parliament began Tues. at the BC Legislature. 

The two Green MLAs, lawyer Rob Botterell who represents Saanich North and the Islands, and geological engineer Jeremy Valeriote, of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky took their oaths of office at 3pm while Conservatives who captured 44 seats in last month’s election did so at 6pm. 

“I, [A.B.], swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God”, is the oath each MLA must swear. 

"We're in discussions with the NDP and right now we're putting together our plan for the next four years,” Botterell said at a news gathering following the ceremony, remaining purposefully vague on party strategy. 

Following what was a razor-thin electoral race, the two Greens could play a key role in a government led by David Eby, where the NDP holds a one-seat majority of 47 in the 93-seat legislature. 

Returning MLA Grace Lore, the incumbent NDP and former children’s minister, who held off Furstenau in Victoria-Beacon Hill spoke about how different this post-election was to last.

“It was COVID. When we got to the other side of the election, we didn't have a chance to connect with colleagues, to be out in the community,” she said 

“It's even more special the second time around, you know the magnitude of the job, the importance of what you can do in this place,” Lore said.

Read more about the swearing in ceremonies at the Leg this week.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🎤 Tennessee crooner Jelly Roll kicks off his ‘Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour of Canada’ in Victoria. [March 6]

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🗝 GVPL offers free family ebook / audiobook mystery: Montgomery & the Case of the Golden Key is available free worldwide until next Thu.

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🗞️ In Other News

CRD to consider hiring consultant to look at funding options for arts venues
Right now, the City of Victoria is the lone municipality that kicks money—$750K each year—into the McPherson Playhouse and it wants an Act ll to the story. The Royal, for example, is funded by Vic, Saanich and Oak Bay. The CRD was slated yesterday to consider a performing arts facilities select committee recommendation to hire a consultant to conduct a study of options for funding regional arts facilities, including the McPherson. [Times Colonist]

Cyclist dragged 20 metres by large truck on Pat Bay Hwy
The man, in his 60s, had to be pulled from underneath the truck after he was struck shortly after noon on Tue., in Central Saanich. Police say the man had been dragged for possibly 20 metres by the big, dump truck-like vehicle which allegedly hit the cyclist as both were turning left at Island View. Paramedics provided advanced care to the man before transporting him to hospital where he remained in serious condition. [CHEK]

VicPD deems bicycle beat pilot program a success: will return next summer
When call volume allowed, two officers patrolled downtown Vic and Esquimalt on mountain bikes. A small group of officers was trained and rapidly responded to calls, VicPD says, sometimes arriving before officers in cars. VicPD reports increased visibility and community connection with both the public and business owners, and a strengthened rapport. VicPD says not only will the patrol be back, but the force is considering buying E-bikes. [VicPD]

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🗓️ Things to do

🖼️ Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: Winter Small Works 2024/25 opening reception. Don’t miss one of Victoria’s favourite annual art shows. AGGV. Today. 5pm-8pm. Show & sale run until Jan. 25. [Info]

🏰 Curiosities of Craigdarroch: The After-Hours Tour: Your last chance to delve into the darker stories surrounding the Dunsmuir family at Craigdarroch Castle. 4pm-5:30pm. Ends Sunday. [Info]

🎵 John Wort Hannam: See the Albertan singer at Upstairs Lounge at Oak Bay Recreation Centre tonight. 7:30-10pm. [Info] 

🥁 Steel Cut Oats: Join the psychedelic sparkle party at Lucky Bar tomorrow. Doors 7pm. [Info]

🎤 Anna Akana: It Gets Darker. The actress and comedian is back with a plethora of new stories to tell at Capital Ballroom tomorrow. Doors 7pm. [Info] 

🎶 Ria Mae: The three-time JUNO nominee will perform at McPherson Playhouse tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎁 A Child’s Christmas in Wales: Vox Humana Chamber Choir presents its 16th annual performance of Dylan Thomas’s Christmastime story, read by local Welshman Melville Jones at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. Dec. 23 & 24. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: BC teen with bird flu now in critical condition, says Bonnie Henry; Oak Bay creek may have coho; 102-year-old Langford man recalls his 35 bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe; And more. [Nov. 13]

Former BC premier John Horgan dead at 65. [Capital Daily]

Cargo ships collect in Juan de Fuca: striking dock workers ordered back. [Capital Daily]

Stopping the music: Rock Bay club closes as a live venue. [Capital Daily] 

Langford war bride turns 100, recalls enduring relationship with husband who died at 104. [Black Press]

The twentyman family of Victoria grieves brother Bruce. [GoFundMe]

Stars in Saanich: Actress Gabrielle Union and former NBA player Dwyane Wade climb PKOLS (Mt. Douglas) while exploring Victoria. [Instagram]

That’s it!

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