Sept 24 - Public-sector strike hits liquor, cannabis distribution centres

Good morning !

The restaurant industry is bracing for possible liquor shortages coming soon to a bar near you. The BCGEU strike is into its fourth week, and things have escalated. The union representing striking government workers has targeted provincial liquor distribution branch warehouses.
Also today, a familiar radio voice is echoing to empower young and emerging musicians in Victoria.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Pickets ‘shut down’ liquor distribution system as the BCGEU strike escalates

Members of the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) have escalated job action, forcing the closure of four provincial government alcohol and cannabis warehouses, including one here in Victoria.

“As of yesterday, the entire liquor distribution system in the province is shut down,” Paul Finch, BCGEU president, tells Capital Daily. 

Finch said when the union launched its strike more than three weeks ago, it tried to minimize any inconvenience to the public.

“After over three weeks of the government refusing to negotiate, we've now had to escalate the strike,” he said. The two sides have not met at the negotiating table since July. 

On Tuesday, picketing was taking place at two liquor distribution centres—one in Delta and another in Kamloops—and a cannabis warehouse in Richmond.

They also effectively closed a wholesale centre at 2219 Government that facilitates the ordering process for some 200 area bars, pubs, and restaurants.  

While it may take time for any impacts to trickle down to consumers, it’s believed the food and beverage industry likely will see the signs of the shutdown fairly quickly.

“If it goes on for a week, it’s going to have impacts,” Ian Tostenson, CEO of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, told Global News. 

“It will hurt our bottom line, for sure, because we’ll run out of product to sell.”

In a notice to customers on its website, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch said it is initiating “inventory management measures to ensure equal access and to service as many customers as possible.”

What that means is the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is placing limits on all products, “except for beer and Bordeaux wine, available via BCLIQUOR stores for all customers until the LDB’s distribution centres resume normal operations.”

Retail customers and hospitality customers will be limited to three units per product per day, it said.

More than 12,500 public service workers are now taking part in job action at 63 sites across the province, including 33 active picket lines, the BCGEU said. 

Finch said BCGEU members, including 5K+ on picket lines, plan to continue escalating until the government negotiates what it considers a fair deal.

The union is demanding wage hikes that keep up with inflation and the cost of living. The BC government says it has to be financially responsible.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Gorge Waterway flood adaptation strategy: Have your say. [Tomorrow, 2-4pm] 

All GV Public Libraries closed next Tuesday for Truth and Reconciliation Day. [GVPL]

Safety alert: baby nests and loungers may pose risks. [Health Canada]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Foundation launched in memory of The Zone’s Dylan Willows

The Dylan Willows Foundation for Music (DWFM) launched this week with a mission to empower young and emerging musicians in Victoria through mentorship and performance opportunities.

Willows, known affectionately as “Big D,” was a familiar voice to listeners of The Zone 91.3, where he hosted The Morning Show on the modern rock station for nearly two decades. 

The late DJ was also known for supporting the local music scene in Victoria, acting as the president and director of Capital Ballroom between 2016 and 2019. He led the Band of the Month program with The Zone, which helped launch the careers of several musicians, including Jesse Roper, Miina (formerly Carmanah), and Band of Rascals.

Willows passed away at the age of 45 last summer after a battle with cancer. His last show on the air was in February 2024. Before his passing, the local music community showed up for him; two sold-out tribute concerts were held in his honour to raise money for his family. 

Now, that family is giving that love back to the community. Willow’s wife, Sam Szabo, created the DWFM to keep his legacy alive. 

“We believe that music has the power to transform lives—and that every artist deserves the chance to be heard, regardless of background or circumstance,” DWFM said in a statement. 

“Whether it's helping someone record their first demo, learn the ropes of the music business, or take the stage for the first time, we exist to nurture the same community Dylan so passionately championed—and to ensure his love for music continues to echo into the future.​”

The foundation has kicked off with an online auction, which will help raise funds for DWFM’s first event: The Music Lab, happening Nov. 15-16.

At The Music Lab, emerging artists will take part in a hands-on weekend workshop, guided by leading industry producers. They’ll learn about the basics of music production, artist management, grant writing, marketing, and more to help navigate a music career. For those interested in joining the workshop, applications open Oct. 1.

The auction—which is open until Monday, at 5pm—features Dylan Willows-themed packages, including a private Jesse Roper concert, music festival passes, and gift cards to Willows’ favourite restaurants. 

Correction: A story that appeared here yesterday misidentified the location of Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, which is in London.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🛝 New Maynard Park playground is open in Cadboro Bay. [Saanich]

⚕️Health + Homecoming Gala for the Dr. Joe Haegert Community Health Centre. [Saturday at 5:30pm]

🧑‍🏫 Glenlyon Norfolk School empowers students to lead with confidence and compassion. Attend our Fall Open Houses to see how IB learning and belonging shape extraordinary futures.*

🚲 Free BC Transit for cyclists during Go By Bike Week, which kicks off on Saturday. [Info]
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🗞️ In Other News

Al Ferraby plans to plead not guilty to child luring, says his lawyer
Ferraby is charged with telecommunicating to lure a child under 16 and telecommunicating to lure a child under 18. The provincial court began hearing the case on Monday afternoon, although Ferraby was not there. The CFAX 1070 Radio host is represented by lawyer Brock Martland, the defence counsel in high-profile cases such as the 1985 Air India bombing terrorist trial and former Vancouver Canuck Jake Virtanen’s sexual assault trial in 2022. Ferraby’s trial is expected back in court on Oct. 20. [Times Colonist]

Quebec man pleads guilty to defrauding Island seniors
Saanich Police were investigating two similar cases of fraud targeting seniors, in which the fraudster posed as a family member who had been arrested and needed bail money. Richmond RCMP joined and arrested two people at YVR, preparing to fly to Quebec. Police determined the pair was also responsible for bilking four Island seniors of $43K. Both were charged with fraud over $5K. On Sept. 16, one of them pleaded guilty to four fraud charges and is in the process of paying back their victims. The other is to appear in court on Monday. [Saanich Police]

Green Party of Canada’s deputy leader began 31-day jail sentence last week
Angela “Rainbow Eyes” Davidson surrendered to police on Sept. 17, according to her lawyer, Ben Isitt. Davidson was convicted of seven counts of criminal contempt last year for involvement in the Fairy Creek blockades. Initially, she was sentenced to 60 days in jail, but that was reduced through appeals. A Supreme Court of Canada judge said this week he would not hear an additional appeal from Davidson’s legal team, which had sought to overturn the ruling. Isitt says he’ll be working with BC Corrections to get Davidson out earlier than her scheduled Oct. 19 release date. [CHEK]

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🗓️ Things To Do

⚽ Vikes Kick Cancer Weekend: Join us for an exciting double-header as we raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Centennial Stadium. Vikes vs. UNBC (women’s) Friday at 5pm. Vikes vs. UBCO (men’s) Friday at 7:15pm. Vikes vs. UNBC (women’s) Saturday at 5pm.  Vikes vs. TRU (men’s) Saturday at 7:15pm. [Info]

🏈 CJFL: Langley Rams at Westshore Rebels. End of Summer Bash. Final regular-season home game of the season. Starlight Stadium. Saturday. 4pm. [Info] 

🎃👻 Legends of Halloween: Putt your way through an 18-hole mini-golf course set in a haunted manor. Haunted Manor Victoria. Through Nov. 2. 2-11pm. [Info]

🎬 Rent Life: Short Film Screening & Community Conversation: Experience this documentary exploring renters' lives in Victoria, followed by a panel discussion and community Q&A. Fantastico bar-deli. Today. 6pm-8pm. [Info]

🌱 Landscaper Open House Social: Welcoming all landscape and nursery professionals for a social night! Meet and greet the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, eat some tacos, and have a beer. Patio Gardens. Today. 4:30-7pm. [Info]

🌳 National Tree Day Tours: Explore Victoria's urban forest with city arborists on free guided tours celebrating the ecological importance of trees. Various locations (Beacon Hill Park, Banfield Park, Spirit Garden, Ross Bay Cemetery). Today. 12pm-1pm. [Info]

📦 The Box: Two friends grapple with an unopened, promising gift that could make all their dreams come true in this thought-provoking studio production. Barbara McIntyre Studio, UVic Phoenix Building. Today-Friday. 12:45pm / 1:15pm. [Info]

🎵 Flip Night: Make beats with friends in Victoria's welcoming beat-making community, where all experience levels can learn, share techniques, and experiment with sample-based music. Today. 7pm-9:30pm. [Info]

🏫 Camosun Open House: Innovation for the Community. Featuring leading industry partners, including Hexagon and Javelin, this event will highlight the latest innovations in automation, robotics, 3D scanning, and additive manufacturing solutions. Jack White 102, Interurban Campus. Tomorrow. 2-6pm. [Info] 

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Victoria scores a ‘B’ for quality of life in Vital Signs survey; Victoria’s De Goede up for top award as Canada heads to Women’s Rugby World Cup final; BC gets 1,400+ applications from US health-care workers. [Sept. 23]

Boater talks about the rescue of an overboard BC Ferries passenger. [CHEK]

Early-childhood educators want better pay, more $10-a-day-childcare. [Times Colonist]

Operation disentangle Wiggins: Crews work to save the humpback whale in the Georgia Strait. [CHEK]

Truth and Reconciliation Day is next Tuesday. 

Meat & Bread is making a comeback downtown. [Vibrant Victoria]

Praying mantis up close: The insect was observed in Parksville, the northernmost point of its range. [Facebook photo] 

That’s it!

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