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- Oct 17 - Gov't workers' strike escalates (again)
Oct 17 - Gov't workers' strike escalates (again)
The fall colours are amazing (again)
Capital Daily Team
October 17, 2025
Good morning !
The government workers’ strike is getting bigger, with no talks at the moment.
We’re now into its seventh week, and negotiations are a no-go; neither side appears to be budging.
On a more pleasurable note, the fall colours are spectacular. I think I hear a hike calling my name.
Way to go, Jays.
— Mark
What's your take on the government employees' strike? |
Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
1,700 licensed professionals walk off the job as BC government workers’ strike intensifies
Professional Employees Association members, with executive director Melissa Moroz clapping on the right. Photo: PEA / Flickr
The union representing licensed professionals stepped up its job action yesterday, after it said talks broke down on Tuesday.
“We tabled a revised monetary proposal for the employer to consider, and they came back and didn't move at all,” Melissa Moroz, executive director of the Professional Employees Association (PEA), tells Capital Daily.
The bulk of the 26K+ public sector workers on strike are with the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which took job action on Sept. 2.
A handful of PEA members were there that day. Now, save for about 100 essential workers—including some psychologists and pharmacists, and the people who monitor for flood risk—all are off the job.
The union said that will lead to slowdowns at major projects across the province, including the expansion of the Red Chris copper and gold mine in northwestern BC.
It’s one of a handful of national-interest projects the federal government has fast-tracked as it pivots its trading strategy in the new era of US-imposed tariffs.
“Certainly, projects like the Red Chris mine would involve work that our members perform,“ Moroz tells Capital Daily.
“Mine inspectors, mine safety engineers, geoscientists—they're not doing any of that work, any of that permitting that would be required for the mine to proceed forward.”
Moroz said that should get some people in Victoria and Ottawa talking.
“I hope that there is pressure on the provincial government from the federal government and from industry and from community groups across the province to say, ‘get back to the bargaining table and get a deal here.’”
Moroz said the province met its offer this week with the same counter from July—a 3.5% increase over two years.
“That really showed us a lack of willingness on their part to engage in meaningful bargaining,” she said.
The BCGEU, which sent 370 additional workers to picket lines yesterday, wants a 4% annual wage increase for two years. The province has countered with 2% each year for two years.
“The government has the power to end this strike today—by coming back to the table with a fair offer that respects the workers who keep this province running,” BCGEU president Paul Finch said in a release.
The two sides haven’t met to negotiate since Sept. 29.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
CCTV deployment and traffic disruptions downtown tomorrow, 2-4pm.
Saanich Peninsula Hospital: Some service changes expected during ventilation upgrade; Emergency Department operations to continue as normal. Today until Oct. 27. [Island Health]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
Where to see the fabulous fall colours in Greater Victoria
Photo: Royal Oak Burial Park
The fall season is well underway, and the city’s colour palette has changed with it.
A walk outdoors will get you a wonderful view of vivid pops of red, yellow, orange, and brown dotting the treetops. While you can catch these changes in all CRD neighbourhoods right now, there are some key spots around town where you can fully immerse yourself in nature’s eye-catching show.
From PKOLs and the Galloping Goose to university campuses, there are some seriously beautiful spots to explore
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In a city where the cost of living can push parents to the breaking point, 1Up offers a lifeline. With community support, that lifeline can be stronger than ever.
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⭐️ Capital Picks
📸 Nanaimo photographer Shane Gross honoured in Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest. See his winning shot from the “Animals in their Environment” category. Gross won the top prize, “Portrait of the Year,” in 2024.
🌲 Cat-face scar: See the curling patterns, which happen when a tree heals itself from trauma. [Facebook photos]
👻 Looking for an eerie event to get you in the Halloween spirit? See The Turn of the Screw—Oct. 22nd to 28th at the Royal.*
✈️ Ucluelet makes the top 10 list of best destinations for 2026 by Expedia.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Record $7.5M donation to fund enhanced cancer care, more robotic surgery
The anonymous donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, which raises money for the Royal Jubilee and Vic General, is the largest sum received in its 36-year history. The donor will match contributions up to $7.5M. The foundation has its eye on two robotic devices: one for gynecological procedures, the other for neurosurgeries. These less-invasive procedures are not currently available for Island residents, who must travel to the mainland for treatment. [Times Colonist]
Marathoners left behind a ‘disheartening’ amount of litter
Surfrider Foundation Canada is urging Royal Victoria Marathon organizers to improve their waste management for future events, after staff found dozens of discarded gel packs in gutters, grass, and storm drains days after the marathon (which drew a record 15K participants). RVM organizers say a litter-collection event was scheduled for after the race, but volunteers cancelled at the last minute. Organizers also say that despite their best efforts to reduce single-use plastic at the event, energy and hydration gels are typically sold in single-use containers. [CHEK]
Federal government returns 80 ha of land to First Nation
As part of a claim settlement that dates back 171 years, three parcels of land totalling 80 ha in Nanaimo are being turned over by DND. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse released a joint statement announcing the settlement of a dispute that goes back to 1854, when the federal government failed to set aside village land for the First Nation as agreed to in a treaty. The Snuneymuxw will also receive $42M in compensation. [CTV / CP]
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🗓️ Things To Do
👻 Curiosities of Craigdarroch—the After-Hours Tour. Join an unforgettable journey into the shadows of history to discover the darker side of the 19th century. Craigdarroch Castle. Multiple dates until Nov. 2. [Info]
🎃 Halloween Special: A Green Magic Night: Design your own living terrarium with Halloween-inspired containers, crystals, and more at Kanteen @ KWENCH today. Doors 6:30pm. [Info]
🎲 Caffe Fantastico Unplugged (with a special SCRABBLE table): Take a break from devices and reconnect through games, crafts, letter writing, and conversation at Caffe Fantastico (Kings) tonight. 6:30-9pm. [Info]
🎸 Valley Porno People with A Recorded Dawn and Numbskull: Catch LA's Valley Porno People alongside local legends A Recorded Dawn at The Coda tonight. Doors 6pm, show 6:30-8:30pm. [Info]
🎭 Dance with the Devil: Descend through the nine circles of Hell in this immersive cabaret blending burlesque, drag, pole, and dance with full bar service at the Maple Leaf School of Russian Ballet. Today and tomorrow. Doors 6:30pm, show 7:30pm. [Info]
💼 Cold Beach Club: Victoria: Connect with creatives over candid conversations about building businesses without sacrificing wellbeing at The Lab Victoria tonight. 8-10pm. [Info]
🎸 Canadian Beauty Presents: Ragged Glory, A Neil Young Tribute: Celebrate 25+ years of Victoria's premier Neil Young tribute at The Coda tonight. Doors 9pm, show 9:30pm-1am. [Info]
🍂 Fall Harvest Market: Browse 20+ local vendors offering handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, fresh baking, and preserves at this cozy autumn celebration at Patio Gardens tomorrow. 9am-5pm. [Info]
🎻 What Do YOU Play?: Conductor Vern Griffiths leads a fun exploration of musical instruments, including some you don't often find in a symphony, in this engaging kids’ concert at the Farquhar at UVic tomorrow. 3pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Thursday’s headlines: YYJ PA system hijacked by pro-Hamas hackers; UVic researchers develop groundbreaking microscope technology; Woman accused of attempting to abduct a child in Quadra Village. [Oct. 16]
Man found guilty of harassment for sending a ‘remarkable’ amount of online messages to ex-partner. [Times Colonist]
Central Saanich selects controversial site for new municipal facilities. [CHEK]
Politics and prices are at play for Blue Jays fans looking to go to Seattle. [CTV]
Did you take part? The Great BC Shake Out was yesterday at 10:16am.
Langford Ideas Fair is tomorrow, 11am-2pm.
Gingerbread Showcase ambassador volunteers wanted.
Men Without Hats—which includes Victoria resident Ivan Doroschuk—release new single, announce upcoming album.
That’s it!
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