Nov 7 - Higher wages won't solve Victoria's child-care crisis

Good morning !

It feels like Halloween just wrapped up and I’m already seeing winter holiday items for sale around town. It’s a bit jarring, but also a good reminder to start my shopping early.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛅ 13 / 5

Tomorrow: ⛅ 11 / 6

Day after: 🌧️ 10 / 6

7-day forecast

NEWS

Wage announcement won’t fix Victoria child-care desert

BC recently signed an agreement with the federal government: In return for funding, the province was tasked with creating 30K daycare openings.

So far, only 1,200 have been created. 

Last week, the province announced a $2-raise for early childhood workers (ECEs), who at the top end, will now earn $28/hour.

While the pay bump and federal funding represent important pieces in how to improve access to affordable child care for families in the CRD, underlying structural issues still plague them both. 

And as Sidney Coles explains, Victoria remains, as the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives puts it, a child-care “desert”. Read the full story.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Missing teen: Rohan Baptiste, 15, left home in Nanaimo Sunday evening and hasn’t been heard from since.

Complimentary travel for veterans on Remembrance Day with BC Ferries, BC Transit and Translink.

Area closures at Island View Beach start tomorrow, running until mid-December.

NEWS

Oak Bay mayor and school fundraise to power two Ukraine schools

Oak Bay High’s principal Shawn Boulding and Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch have challenged students and community members to raise money to buy generators for two high schools in Ukraine affected by the ongoing Russian invasion. 

Calling it “school to shkola”—the Ukrainian word for school—the goal is to raise $20K for the generators that will allow students in Kamin-Kashyrsk, a Ukrainian town near the Belarusian border, to remain in school during frequent power outages related to the war. The generators also would be used  to light bomb shelters during air raids. 

In a release, Murdoch said the generators will make “a tangible difference” to the lives of students trying to survive war.

“We live in a community blessed with peace, financial stability, and trustworthy infrastructure where we don’t have to worry about things as simple as power and heat on a daily basis,” Murdoch said.

The Oak Bay High’s Student Leadership team will assist with fundraising efforts as well as a newly created GoFundMe page.

SPONSORED BY THE BAY CENTRE

Clothing swap brings new purpose to over 2,500 lbs. of clothing

This past month, the Bay Centre in partnership with Used.ca hosted their annual fall clothing swap. The free event saw attendees swap clothing for up to 10 new-to-them items giving new purpose to over 2,500 lbs. of clothing.

From the first clothing swap in September 2020 to date, over 14,000 lbs. of clothing items have been given a new purpose through the Bay Centre’s Clothing Swaps. All remaining items from the clothing swaps are donated to the Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative – providing essential programs for women, trans, non-binary and Two Spirit people that deliver practical and empowering support along their own journey between crisis, financial self-sufficiency and wellness.

The Bay Centre’s clothing swaps in partnership with Used.ca were created during the height of the pandemic as an avenue to give back to our community while keeping sustainability in mind.

⭐️ Capital Picks

📸 Photo: Yellow fall leaves at Cowichan River in Duncan.

🚀 Don’t be afraid to jump in! Stay current with career-focused training. Micro-credentials, diplomas and certificates. Gain a fresh perspective with Continuing Studies at UVic.*

⚾ HarbourCats release 2024 West Coast League schedule: With added exhibition games, the ‘Cats will play 32 home games this summer, beginning with the lid-lifter on June 7 vs. the Wenatchee AppleSox.

🖼️ Today is your last chance to win a Shelley Davies Jigsaw by Cobble Hill Puzzles. See her new prints and fabrics and sign up for her newsletter to enter.*

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🗞️ In Other News

VIU’s board reappoints leadership duo
The university is reinstalling Deborah Saucier for a second five-year term as president and vice-chancellor, and Judith Sayers, for a second three-year term as chancellor.

Salmon spawn in full go at Goldstream
Thousands of Coho and Chum salmon are swimming upstream ready to spawn and then die in this annual two-month odyssey. A female can lay as many as 4K eggs, with on average, only four making it back to the river to reproduce. [CTV]

Man, 26, arrested after alleged sexual assault in Saanich mall
A female youth says a man started to talk to her and asked for a hug, which allegedly turned into touching. The youth called mall security which tracked the man down in the shopping centre on Tillicum Road, police said.

Former BC AG, composer to get honorary degrees from UVic
Andrew Petter was a minister six times and served as auditor general during a 10-year political career. Linda Catlin Smith’s music has been featured in concerts around the world. They’ll receive UVic’s highest academic honour at Nov. 14-15 convocation ceremonies.

Royals fire coach Price, bring in former NHLer Patrick 
Dan Price was let go yesterday after seven years behind the Vic bench. Former NY Ranger James Patrick, who most recently coached the Winnipeg ICE, has been named his replacement. The Royals (7-8-0-1) sit sixth in the WHL’s Western division standings, seven points back of Prince George.

SPONSORED BY HEAT SAVERS

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Visit our showroom to view our wide selection of brands and styles.

🗓️ Things to do

🎪 Greatest Show on Earth: This circus-themed sculpture show takes on the subject of the homelessness crisis at the Gage Gallery, today 11am-5pm. [Info]

🤣 Ashwyn Singh: The comedian will show off his comedic chops as part of his Audacity Tour, tonight at 6:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

A stunning overhead shot of paddleboarders off Cattle Point by Capital Daily contributor James MacDonald.

The best local beers: These 9 Greater Victoria breweries picked up wins at the recent BC Beer Awards. [Tasting Victoria]

Victoria & Saanich amalgamation: With the latest news that 48 citizens will be selected to look into a possible amalgamation, we look back at the frustrating pros and cons of the plan. [Capital Daily]

Re-imaging healthcare for you and your family. We offer a personalized experience, connecting you to a team of best-in-class health care practitioners. Learn More Today.*

Soup season: Check out this roundup of the best soups in Victoria. [Tasting Victoria]

*Sponsored Listing

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