Good morning {{First name}}!

I spent the better part of my day yesterday checking to see if a snap provincial election would be called, with some political leaders speculating that an announcement would come this weekend. There was still no word as of 6pm yesterday.

While Premier David Eby skirted election questions at a Friday press conference, the BC NDP has hired campaign advisors, and a list of possible election dates was uploaded to the Elections BC website. 

The soonest date—and most likely, according to some pundits—for a snap provincial election is Oct. 24, just one week after the municipal election on Oct. 17.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 8 minutes

Today: ☀ 23 / 10

Tomorrow: ☀ 22 / 10

Day after: ☀ 19 / 12

For newcomers to Canada, getting settled can be a daunting task—finding work and housing, potentially learning a new language, and fitting into an unfamiliar place doesn’t leave much space for fun and creative expression.

When Fabiola Arias arrived in Victoria from Mexico 23 years ago, she felt like her creative pursuits had to be put on the back burner. 

Throughout her life, she had participated in theatre and musicals, from elementary school to university, but as a new immigrant, finding a job, paying the bills, and fitting in with a new culture and community became her top priority. 

Looking back, she said, she realized that making time for creative expression may have helped ease the stress of immigrating.

“Expression just felt like a luxury that I wasn't really entitled to at the time,” Arias told Capital Daily. “But you know, today more than ever, I'm really convinced that access to art expression, just like nature, is not a luxury, but it's a basic human need.”

For years now, Arias has been thinking about the importance of artistic access to those experiencing challenging life transitions. 

“Art can really rewire your brain and pull you out of those hard spots,” she said.

Now, she and a small group of volunteers are set to launch the pilot of VOICES—an acronym for Voices of Inclusion, Community Expression, and Storytelling—a grassroots arts program for racialized immigrants and refugees who are seeking a safe space to build community and express themselves creatively.

Over the span of 13 weeks, participants will learn skills in theatre, storytelling, improvisation, writing, singing, clowning, and more. Participants don’t need to have any experience in a creative field—just the willingness to try something new. 

The first session takes place today, but registration is still open for those who are interested.

Learn more about the program here.

Traffic alerts for today’s Terry Fox Run: [VicPD]

Road closure: Wascana between Obed and Maddock West, through Oct. 16, 9am-3:30pm.

Single-lane, alternating traffic/lane deviation: 

Fall Fairfield: The harvest festival is happening today at Robert Porter Park and Fairfield Community Place. [12-4pm]

Planning your busy social life? Check our list of events happening in Greater Victoria in September.

Running Wild: Return to the River has opened at RBCM IMAX.

BC Gov’t delays Provincial Sales Tax expansion. [Details]