Vic-Beacon Hill MLA with cancer scare
UVic becomes Taylor-U, celebrity cat dies in Oak Bay, and more
Good morning !
Politicians take a lot of heat and sometimes even abuse from us in the peanut gallery but it’s at times like this we need to stop to remember they’re as human and susceptible to life’s challenges as any of us. That’s what was going through my mind when I read our first story.
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NEWS
Victoria MLA Grace Lore stepping away as minister after cancer diagnosis
Lore says doctors surprised her last month when they told her she has colorectal cancer. The Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA says she’ll remain in caucus but will temporarily leave her role as children and family development minister. She wrote on X/Twitter that the “file is so important and requires the full attention of someone to make changes we need because kids need us to get it right.”
The ministry has a second MLA as minister of state for child care: Jodie Wickens of Coquitlam. Lore held that role before being promoted in Jan.
Troubled ministry loses a local MLA for the second time this year
Lore replaced fellow local MLA Mitzi Dean of Esquimalt-Colwood, whose ouster had been called for by multiple First Nations groups following the abuse and death of a foster child. A key report this summer flagged continuing problems, particularly about staffing.
Dean did not run in this fall's BC election, withdrawing just 50 days prior, citing her own health.
Diagnosis comes just weeks after region re-elected Lore—and lost Horgan
In Oct., Lore held an NDP stronghold against a challenge from Green leader Sonia Furstenau. Lore told Capital Daily on election night that it “wasn’t the fight I wanted to have, but I wasn’t going to be outworked.” After what was at times seen as a close race, Lore pulled away to win by 3,909 votes.
Lore's announcement comes just 10 days before the public memorial for John Horgan, who died from cancer after recovering from it twice during his career.
Absence would mean 46 NDP votes, down from 47
Yesterday, Eby said Lore is “going to take this on just as she’s taken on some of the most challenging issues she’s had to face in our government.” He told the media Lore is projected for six months of treatment and recovery, overlapping at least one legislative sitting.
If Lore is absent, the governing New Democrats would not overcome opposition from both Greens and Conservatives who combined, would have the same number of seats as the NDP. Lore said she’ll still take part in important votes to preserve her party’s slight majority.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Sign the book of condolences for John Horgan in person. [Or online]
Traffic advisories and road work notices for Saanich. [Details]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
UVic encourages Swiftness in the classroom with new Taylor-made music course
As Vancouver begins the happy-sad task of bringing down the curtain of the most successful—$1B+ in revenue—world tour in pop culture history, those not able to take in the Swift sounds this weekend can take note that the Taylor train will be making an academic stop on the Island.
UVic has joined a growing list of universities by introducing English 240—Major Author: Taylor Swift, offering a deep diva dive into the most googled person on the planet.
About the only ones not aaaaall aboard the Swiftexpress these days it seems are the folks at Billboard Magazine who earlier this week bypassed Taylor for Beyonce when they named the world’s greatest pop star of the 21st century.
UVic Prof. Stephen Ross will teach the course—and he would probably give Billboard an F for slighting Swift.
“She has outperformed everybody, including the Beatles, in sales, No. 1 hits, weeks at No. 1, consecutive albums that debut at No. 1,” Ross says.
The Beatles were one of the first entertainment groups to soar so high, to transcend so many cultural boundaries as to warrant a course taught about them. So surely, producing one-third more material and remaining on stage three times as long as the Fab Four puts Swift in that same rarified air.
The UVic course begins a month from tomorrow and runs once a week for three hours until April. Naturally, it got booked in no time, with 50+ still holding onto hope on a waiting list.
⭐️ Capital Picks
⚓ HMCS Vancouver returns from a 6-month deployment.
🎁 Every child remembers that one special toy. Visit the Virtual Tree of Wishes and help a local child enjoy Christmas today! It's a click away.*
🪸 Under the sea: The water surrounding Greater Victoria is teeming with wildlife in these underwater photos. [Facebook photos]
🎄 Wine & Wreath Workshop! Sip wine and craft stunning wreaths at Patio Gardens. Dec. 12 and Dec. 14, 6–8 PM. Cheers!*
🪼 Spineless drifter shot snapped by James MacDonald a few days ago off Dallas.
❄ The 43rd annual Dickens Fair is one of Victoria’s oldest Winter Craft Fairs! Come down to the James Bay Community Centre (140 Oswego Street) on Dec. 7 from 10-4. Find out more here!*
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Victoria school board to launch review after First Nations criticize lack of communication
The chair of SD61’s board says communications policies will be reviewed after Esquimalt and Songhees chiefs said they were left out of consultations to end the school liaison officer program. The board had reached out for feedback about ending the program but said deadlines impacted the depth of communication. The chiefs say the board has repeatedly failed to listen to the nations, violating government protocols. [CHEK]
Oak Bay Ave.’s celebrity cat dies after being hit by car
Smokey, who frequented various shops, was found with numerous injuries on Monday after being struck overnight by a driver who didn't stick around, his owner said. The community raised $5K for the cat's care, but after further vet assessment, she chose to euthanize him. His last moments had “lots of loved ones [and] lots of cuddles,” she told Oak Bay News.
Theatre society seeks funding for arts hub in ex-Tomley Market building downtown
In 2022, the Other Guise Theatre Society got a $1.8M loan to buy the building from a benefactor who has now fallen ill and is recalling the money. The group just got $400K from the Thrive Impact Fund to help pay off the loan and is seeking another $250K from Victoria. [Times Colonist] The city bought Hermann's Upstairs arts & events space this year, and just yesterday, announced its new operator.
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🗓️ Things to do
🍪🧑🎄 Cookie decorating at Mayfair: This is an event by donation, with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. Mayfair Shopping Centre, near the guest service kiosk Tomorrow. 11am-3pm. [Info]
☕ Thrift Sale and Community Coffee: Shop second-hand treasures and enjoy a coffee with neighbours at Oak Bay United Church. Today. 9am-1pm. [Info]
🎶 Love Me Jeje: An Afro-R&B Experience: Dance the night away to Afrobeats and R&B tunes at Medusa Shot House. Tonight. 9pm. [Info]
🎵 Cool Nights, Warm Hearts: Listen to heart-warming choral tunes at Holy Trinity Church in Sooke. Tonight. 7pm. Sun. in Victoria. JDF 55+ Seniors Rec Centre. 2pm. [Info]
❄️ Langford Station's Winter Village Market: Get ready for a magical evening, featuring photo opportunities with Santa, hot dogs and hot drinks, and live music. Tomorrow. 3-8pm. [Info]
⛸️ Skate with Santa: Enjoy a free Christmas skate with Santa at the Archie Browning Centre. Tomorrow. 2:30-4pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Thursday’s headlines: New live music venue The Coda to open in former Hermann’s Upstairs location; MP Randall Garrison announces retirement; VPD officers shoot and kill suspect in Vancouver 7-Eleven; And more. [Dec. 5]
Pamela brand cucumbers recalled due to salmonella scare. [Details]
A wetter, cooler winter is expected for the Island. [Times Colonist]
Decriminalization is a ‘failed experiment’, say BC police chiefs. [CHEK]
Fairy Lake leaves found raised on mini mud platforms, likely caused by changing water levels—not the lake’s eponymous mythical creatures. [Facebook photos]
Whale of a video: A diver dunks a camera near Barkley Sound and accidentally captures a humpback hunting.