We are supposed to rejoice as debt keep growing

250424

Housing tops final all-candidate forum

Housing was a major focus for Nanaimo-Ladysmith candidates at the final all-candidates forum on Wednesday. Nanaimo is one fastest-growing areas making housing a challenge for many. The forum was staged by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association and the Chambers of Commerce for Nanaimo and Ladysmith. All five candidates addressed a range of questions including economic growth, homelessness and more, but one of the primary topics of discussion was housing. See the full report HERE.

Accused in highway death has died

Michael Allison Rennie who was charged in the highway crash that killed Reid Davidson has died in custody. Rennie, 60, was arrested in 2024, the B.C. Coroners Service. He was charged with failing to stop after an accident, criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a vehicle after a crash on the Nanaimo Parkway in July 2023. MORE

B.C. had million-plus advance vote turnout

More than one million British Columbians voted in the four-day advance poll. We cast 1,104,151 votes, the second-highest increase from 2021 with 291,025 more votes cast. Across Canada, 7.3 million Canadians voted. The count was up in all provinces with Ontario having the biggest jump compared to four years ago, with 563,539 more votes cast. Polls will be open on Monday for 12 hours, with the hours varying depending on your time zone. Polls in B.C. on Monday are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Pacific time zone. MORE

Impaired father caught doing 210 km/h

A Nanaimo man sped past an unmarked patrol car, clocked going 210 km on the Parkway on April 14. That’s more than twice the speed limit. The driver claimed he was going to pick up his child. The driver provided two breath samples and both showed a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit. The 31-year-old driver was issued a $483 excessive speeding ticket, a 90-day driving prohibition and his car was impounded for 30 days. MORE

$11 million to boost timber sector

The province will put up to $11 million into four projects to boost the mass-timber manufacturing sector. Economic Development Minister Diana Gibson says the funding comes when government investment is needed to strengthen homegrown B.C. companies in the forestry sector that provide value-added manufacturing for the province’s lumber supply. It will create more than 100 jobs in several regions, while securing employment for hundreds more in the industry. None of the four projects are on Vancouver Island. MORE

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250423

Transit rides are free on election day

Who says there’s no free ride? Nanaimo people heading to the polls on election day will ride free on B.C. Transit. The bus company is partnering with local governments to make it easier for residents to get to the polls and cast their ballots. It’s free on all Nanaimo routes but not on the Nanaimo-Cowichan Express. This websitefor more information about each transit system.

Cats seized from filthy conditions

Stories we never like to report. A local breeder has surrendered eight cats to the SPCA after a buyer reported terrible conditions. Four ragdoll kittens and four cats were taken. Eileen Drever of the SPCA said the breeder had denied the buyer entry to the breeding area and the kitten they brought out smelled strongly of urine and had fleas crawling into its mouth and eyes. An SPCA officer visited the property and noticed a strong ammonia odour, full litter boxes and scattered cat feces on the floor. There was no visible food for the remaining eight-week-old kittens. MORE

Less talk and all action

Hats off to the volunteers who spent Earth Day removing invasive plants from Bowen Park. Some who volunteer with Nanaimo and Area Land Trust and Broombusters, spent much of Tuesday around the duck pond pulling up English ivy, daphne, Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberries and holly, which all compete with plant species native to the Island. MORE

Direct flights resuming to Toronto

Seasonal direct flights between Nanaimo and Toronto are back on schedule. Air Canada has a non-stop flight between Nanaimo Airport and Toronto departing every Friday and Saturday night from June 6 to the end of August. The inbound flight will leave Toronto at 8:15 p.m. Eastern time, arriving in Nanaimo at 10:30 p.m. Pacific. Nanaimo departures at 11:30 p.m. MORE

A Nanaimo man who punched a woman during a protest in front of City Hall in 2023 avoided a criminal record if he behaves for the next year. Nicholas James Matear, 34, was charged with assault in an incidentwhere he punched 54-year-old Meadow Tatiana Makovkin in the face during an anti-SOGI demonstration and counter protest. He must keep the peace during his conditional sentence, have no contact with the victim, complete 50 hours of community service, not possess any weapons, complete any programs ordered by his probation officer, and pay a victim surcharge of $1,500. MORE

Advance voting sets records

Voters turned out in record numbers for the advance polls for next Monday’s federal election. Preliminary figures from Elections Canada show an estimated 7.3 million ballots were cast over the four days which overlapped the Easter holiday weekend and ended Monday. That’s a 25-per-cent increase from the 2021 election. Final numbers will include breakdowns by province and territory. MORE

Later date for fair proves popular

Pushing the Vancouver Island Exhibition back by a month has been a hit, says Michelle Solloway of the VIEx. Speaking to Island Radio, she said they’re excited to return with a Sept. 19-21, event at Beban Park Fairgrounds after last year’s popular switch. Moving it back has attracted more families looking for events after the school summer holidays. Freestyle motocross riding, superdogs and Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling are all returning, as is barrel racing along with country music. Full report.

Colwood set to hire two more doctors

The idea of a municipality hiring doctors is bearing fruit. Colwood is close to hiring two more physicians, and its mayor believes it will eventually exceed its goal of hiring eight. Mayor Doug Kobayashi said the city-owned clinic has one doctor, and employment contracts are soon to be inked with two more. Kobayashi said other cities are continuing to inquire about replicating its model, a first in Canada attempt to attract doctors by signing them on as city employees. They’re recruiting out-of-province to avoid poaching physicians with active practices in other B.C. communities. MORE

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250422

Nanaimo-Ladysmith close race to the finish

Here we sprint into the final days of the federal election campaign and it remains a four-way run to the finish line in Nanaimo-Ladysmith. At this point, projections and polls mean very little and can change at the drop of a promise. Those projections show Conservative Tamara Kronis ahead and favored to win but don’t bet the mortgage on it. City Councillor Paul Manly of the Greens is running a solid race with incumbent NDP Lisa Marie Barron and Liberal Michelle Corfield. Voter turnout could tip the scales for the campaigns. Advance polls saw high voter turnout, but will that hold up on Monday?

Breakdown cancels sailings during rush

B.C. Ferries continues to experience rough sailing with its old vessels. The Queen of Coquitlam had to be assisted to Horseshoe Bay by a tugboat after a mechanical failure took it out of service for about three hours near the end of the holiday weekend. The problem with a pitch control was repaired and tested before returning to service Monday afternoon. Two round-trips between Langdale and Horseshoe Bay were cancelled. The 49-year-old Queen of Coquitlam can hold 314 vehicles. MORE

Snowbirds winging back to Nanaimo in fall

The Snowbirds are returning to Nanaimo. The 2025 tour has been announced with the Canadian Forces jets dazzling audiences here on Aug. 15-16. They hit the sky over B.C. beginning in Fort St. John, followed by Penticton and Abbotsford prior to the Nanaimo show.

Recalls issued for numerous food products

Finding food you can afford may not be the biggest challenge. Health Canada has issued a recall of various foods due to possible salmonella, undeclared milk or peanuts, wood pieces, insects or stones found in products. Captain’s Choice Shredded Coconutwas recalled April 17 due to salmonella contamination. It may not look or smell spoiled, but can still make people sick. See the rest of the recalls HERE

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250421

Record advance polls open until 9 p.m.

You have until 9 p.m. tonight if you want to vote in the advance polls. Early voting has been at record levels across the country, but does that portend a massive turnout for the election?

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is slated to make an announcement in Nanaimo today and will also visit Comox and Port Moody.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is the Greater Toronto Area following a weekend in B.C.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney is starting the final week of the campaign in Prince Edward Island.

First ship docks to launch cruise season

The Europa 2 docked in Nanaimo this morning with approximately 500 passengers. The ship is on an 18-day circular route to and from Los Angeles, and will stop in Vancouver for two nights beginning this evening, before heading south through the rest of April. MORE

Wildfire season begins near Chetwynd

We’re been hearing lots of warnings about this year’s wildfire season, and now it’s here. A wildfire broke out Friday and quickly grew before being brought under control. The grass fire near Chetwynd. Warm weather and 60 km/h winds pushed the fire which by Saturday afternoon was classified as being held after growing to 46.6 hectares, thanks to cooler temperatures. MORE

Saskatoon battles more drug poisoning

We’re not alone when it comes to drug problems. Saskatoon’s emergency operation centre reports firefighters have gone to 901 drug-poisoning calls since January, more than half of them in March. That’s almost triple what it was at this time last year when they went to 352. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service has reported seven confirmed overdose deaths in the city this year. Across Saskatchewan, there have been 16 confirmed deaths and 76 suspected to be overdose-related. MORE

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250420

Rally to save Loudon Park trees

They were not the traditional tree huggers, it was refreshing to see more than 100 folks showing up at Loudon Park on Saturday to pressure city council to reconsider the scope of a redevelopment of the park. Council voted 5-4 earlier this month for a 10,000-square-foot boat storage building, washroom and community meeting space at the park beside Long Lake. At issue would be the removal of 29 mature trees. They want city council to take a second look at the project and they need only one councillor to change his/her vote. MORE

This could be Jagmeet Singh’s last stand

Polls show the NDP is in danger of being wiped off the electoral map. That has leader Jagmeet Singh making a last-gasp drive to bring back his party’s supporters in time for the election. His message is consistent, but polls show that the messaging may not be resonating. Singh is a smart man but he may have outsmarted himself with his coalition to Justin Trudeau. Voters may conclude they might as well vote Liberal in the first place. MORE

No conspiracy, pen or pencil are fine

Some voters suspect subterfuge in choice of marking devices to mark your ballot, pencil or pen. Elections Canada assures it perfectly okay to use the marking device of your choice. Social media posts claim voters have to use a pencil to mark their ballot, claiming pencil markings can be erased or altered. So, go ahead, use a pen if you like. MORE

Latest news and views on the election

Election day is fast approaching and we're being inundated with pronouncements left and right . . . and centre. There have been record turnouts at the advance polls.I've been keeping readers up to date with links to headlines of the top stories of the day from across the nation. See the column at the right on this page.

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Make sure you cast your ballot

250419 – I voted today and I voted in fear and self defence. There is so much at stake over the next four years and we need the best possible government. You decide what that means for you and which party and candidate you trust. Just make sure you vote.

Weekend ferry travel only half over

It’s Saturday and we’re over most of the ferry fiasco but remember all those who rode in one direction now have to do it all over again Sunday-Monday. Long lineups and hours of waiting in cars. Compounding the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo route on Friday was heavy traffic bound for Whistler. Those folks are also coming back after the weekend. Make sure you have a lot of fluids on hand while you wait and wait and wait.

Not in their back yard

The idea of a vocational training school, including people moving from homelessness and the corrections system, has Nanoose Bay residents steaming. Close to 200 attended a meeting about a Kaye Road property owned by the Delancey Street B.C. charity. It’s website states that the property would not be a rehab centre nor a corrections facility. It would operate as a farm with training programs including regenerative agriculture, hospitality and tourism, trades, and catering and food processing. Kevin Bent of the charity said "any future activities at the site will follow the appropriate legal channels and processes." MORE

Pro women’s hockey coming to Vancouver

The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s first expansion team will be in Vancouver. A formal announcement scheduled for next week. Seattle is being considered as a possible second expansion city. The new team is expected to play at the Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the NHL Canucks. MORE

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Disorder cleanup adds to tax bill

250418 – Cleaning up after squatters and social disorder has pushed up the city’s budget by one tenth of a per cent. Council okayed hiring a full-time superintendent in September, as well as more immediate on-call contractor support for larger jobs – $30,000 this year and $75,000 in 2026. That brought the property tax rate up to 7.8 per cent from 7.7 per cent. A typical single-family home will get a tax bill of about $3,000 plus $1,000 for water, sewer and garbage collection. MORE

Woman needs stiches after dog attack

A woman needed several stiches to close a wound suffered in attack by a dog Wednesday.She told police she was walking at Superior Road near Island Highway North, past an unknown woman who was walking a large dog on a leash. As she passed them, the dog appeared to get spooked and turned toward the victim. The dog walker was dragged a short distance before the dog bit the victim on the arm. It was a large dog with grey wiry hair like an Irish Wolfhound. If you have any information about who owns the dog or of the incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

To lock up or not lock up – the drug debate

Involuntary treatment is one of the major bones of contention in addressing the drug crisis. Kim Goldberg and Tina Hein host a community discussion May 7 about forced psychiatric detention and treatment, led by Rob Wipond, author of Your Consent is Not Required, and Ann Livingston of local drug user groups. The question is topical in light of the 94 drug-related deaths in Nanaimo last year. Politicians and the public are calling for this approach to address social disorder resulting from the toxic drug crisis on our cities.But does it work, is it ethical?Doors open 6:30 p.m. at 324 Terminal Ave.

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Waterfront Japanese memorial planned

250417 – A memorial garden on the waterfront and upgrades to the Beban Park Social Centre will shine the spotlight on Nanaimo’s Japanese history. The two projects got the blessing of the city’s finance committee with $741,000. The Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Society will contribute the majority of the funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. The memorial garden will create a B.C. heritage site on the downtown waterfront. The Beban Park project will include an outdoor performance space, seating and a pagoda commemorating Japanese-Canadians who lived in Nanaimo before 1942. MORE

Accused in murder denied bail

Ronald Joseph Campbell, 42, has been denied bail on a first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of a man in Nanaimo in 2021. Justice Andrew Majawa denied the bail request Wednesday in B.C. Supreme Court, saying the accused is innocent until proven guilty, but thresholds related to public safety and confidence in the justice system were not met. Evidence from the hearing are under a publication ban. MORE

Nothing beats on-the-job training

Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district is looking for businesses to partner in training for students. The district got $50,000 from Ministry of Education to help students progress from high school to post-secondary training programs. The program lets students trying out potential careers. MORE

Warm weather heightens criminal activity

The change in seasons are a welcome arrival, but with them comes a criminal element. RCMP have issued a reminder that there are lots of prowlers making off with bikes and garden tools and break-ins to vehicles. R/Const. Gary O’Brien says he best we can do is target-harden our homes and property by being alert, reporting suspicious behaviour and incorporating solid crime prevention practices. Gary has a list of crime prevention methods HERE.

Ottawa pays Snuneymuxw $42 million

Snuneymuxw has reach a $42 million settlement with the federal government over a land dispute dating back to the 1854 treaty. Chief Michael Wyse confirmed the settlement connected to 58.3 acres known as Teytexen Village along the Nanaimo River in Cedar. He said the government wrongfully took the Nation’s villages and marine areas. He said it is more than financial compensation, it is recognition of our truth. MORE

Look at the candidates and their answers

About a dozen more sleeps before we get to choose a new government in Ottawa. The common campaign theme appears to be the cost of living. Nanaimo-Ladysmith voters have the opportunity to attend an all-candidate meeting next Wednesday at the Coast Bastion Hotel. If you can’t make it, CHEK News asked each candidate in our riding about their background and the most pressing issues they believe their riding is facing. See the response from all the candidates HERE.

Air Traffic Control shortage disrupts flights

Allow yourself a little more time than usual if you flying out of Vancouver Airport in the next little while, adding passengers should check their flight status before they head to the airport. NavCan said earlier this year that there was a severe shortage of air traffic controllers and a temporary traffic management Initiative is in effect. Airport management says travellers can expect delays, cancellations or changes in their flights, including connecting flights. MORE

Second driver’s test being eliminated

New drivers will no longer have to take a second driving test to get a full driver’s licence in B.C. under new legislation. One road test is required now to move from a learner’s licence to a novice licence and another to move to a Class 5 full licence. Instead of a second test, the government will create a new 12-month restriction period. The change will reduce wait times for those seeking a road test to earn their novice licence. If the legislation passes, the changes will come into effect in 2026. MORE

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Get ready for busy ferry weekend

250416 – The Easter long weekend is upon us and that means crowded conditions as B.C. Ferries operates with two ships out of service. The vessel shortage comes after some annual maintenance got pushed back as a result of mechanical issues with some ships. The Queen of Surrey remains offline for its annual refit, having been delayed due to repairs to the Queen of New West and the Queen of Oak Bay. MORE

Man seriously injured in downtown stabbing

A man was seriously injured in a stabbing in downtown on Monday afternoon in the TD Bank parking lot. Officers located the victim a short distance away and he was transported by BCEHS for medical treatment. The suspect fled and was not found. He was riding a multi-colored bike. If anyone has information on the suspect, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Courthouse getting a new/old look

The courthouse is getting exterior alterations and repairs. City council approved a heritage alteration permit that allows the upgrade of windows and roofing to the old and newer portions of the building. The older portion facing Front Street will have slate roofing replaced with new slate tiles matching the colour, texture and pattern of the originals. The stained glass windows on the front will be refurbished to preserve their structural integrity. Aluminum window frames that were installed in the 1970s will be replaced with wood frames similar to the building’s originals. MORE

Protest set over Loudon tree removal

The trees in Loudon Park on Long Lake will not just quietly disappear without a whimper. A demonstration is set for the park on Saturday at 2 p.m. City Council approved the removal 29 mature fir trees to build an $11-million boathouse in the waterfront green space. Coun. Ben Geselbracht and Kim Goldberg are listed as the organizers on a Facebook page.

Bank of Canada’s interest rate unchanged

The Bank of Canada kept the key interest rate unchanged in the shadow of how global trade uncertainty is going to impact the Canadian economy. The rate held steady at 2.75 per cent, following seven consecutive cuts since June. Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem made clear that the disruption from south of the border was the clear focus of Wednesday’s decision. “The future is no clearer. We still do not know what tariffs will be imposed, whether they’ll be reduced or escalated, or how long all of this will last,” he added. MORE

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The age of vinyl music returns to Nanaimo

250415 – I got a reminder from Jack Tielman about the Nanaimo Record Show returning April 27. Yes, vinyl is making a comeback and you’ll want to be there to get the needle on some treasures. The show has become the premier event in the record world on the Island with more than 400 vinyl enthusiasts joining the party last year. Jack says it’s a wide range, kids with parents, young people building a collection, older folks rebuilding a collection and those who have never stopped buying records. It's at Bowen Park auditorium FULL STORY HERE

MLAs freeze their own pay increase

Here’s a rarity, B.C. MLAs have agreed to forgo a scheduled 2.6 per cent cost of living raise. That’s about $3,000 on their base salary of $119,533. All parties agreed to support the issue. NDP house leader Mike Farnworth pointed to significant economic issues with the tariffs and impact it’s going to have on British Columbia and our country. Many people are struggling, they felt it was the appropriate thing to do, he added. MORE

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Major change hinted for North Town Centre

250414 – Good things could be in store for North Town Centre with some major developments, including housing. The owners of the former Rutherford Mall have a sketchy over view on their website. Shape Properties suggests open-air retail and new community spaces for the 61-acre property. Plans have not reached the application stage but Mayor Leonard Krog says more housing on that site as better utilization of the land. MORE

April Fools damage floral emblem parkland

Multiple vehicles damaged Lotus Pinnatus Park on April 1. ATVs and any motorized vehicle are not permitted on any parkland due to the damage they can cause to sensitive ecosystems. The park covers more than 15 hectares along the city’s southern border. The land was acquired to preserve these sensitive ecosystems and contribute to the area's ecological and recreational value. The park is named after Nanaimo's floral emblem, the Lotus pinnatus which is extremely rare. MORE

City about to begin catch basin clean out

City Public Works staff and contractors will begin cleaning the City's stormwater catch basins beginning April 22. They’ll start at Duke Point and work north through the various city corridors. It involves large equipment and staff working on the road. So keep an eye out and obey traffic control. It is expected to be complete by the end August. MORE

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Warrants issued for Robert Honeyman

The Nanaimo RCMP seeks public assistance in locating 49-year-old Robert Honeyman, who is wanted for failing to comply with three probation orders. Investigators have been unable to locate him sp warrants were issued for his arrest. Honeyman is 6 ft. 3” 220 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes, and a beard and moustache. The picture is recent. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Robert Honeyman, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Summer drought looms but it will be warm

250413 – Good morning, we’re off to another fabulous day and there’s more to come in the long run. The spectre of summer drought after a low snowpack has a bright side too – above-normal temperatures through to June. The average snowpack was sitting at just 45 per cent of normal along the central coast. MORE

BMX track reopening set for May 4

The big day is set, the new and improved Marie Davidson BMX Bike Park is ready to stage local, provincial, national and international events. The Nanaimo BMX Club and the City welcome the public to a grand opening event on Sunday, May 4 at 11 a.m. The new track has a five-metre start hill and hydraulic start gate and about 4,000 square metres of new track. It has a recycled concrete and asphalt foundation, sealed with a dust suppressant and soil stabilizer. MORE

Delegates back smaller housing plan

Smaller houses could be in our future as a partial solution to the housing crisis. Delegates to the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities conference in the city supported a call from our Regional District to have tiny homes classified differently from RVs and change to regulations. Errington-Coombs director Leanne Salter, said there are three barriers to tiny homes – political, financial and cultural. MORE

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Data centre plan clears another hurdle

250412 – A proposed large data centre on East Wellington Road, next to Cavallotti Lodge has cleared the Design Advisory Panel. Plans call for a nearly 200,000 square feet industrial data centre. Scott Mack of Townsite Planning said area appears rural, but it is likely to transition significantly. The surrounding land is designated for industrial development in City Plan, some of which is already zoned for industrial. MORE

Nanaimo real estate market heats up

A total of 80 single-family homes hit the Nanaimo market in the last seven days, the highest number listed in a seven-day period in the past two years. Realtor John Cooper says sales are holding steady with 23 homes selling in the same period. Despite the record number of new listings, it’s still balanced market conditions. The May statistics will be a better indicator of which direction the market will be trending. See the full report HERE.

Time to shine up that old jewelry

Every one has some old jewelry lying around. Well, a group of dedicated local women are looking to take your old jewelry off your hands and use it to help women in need. The Nanaimo Women Helping Women are holding their gold and silver jewelry collection fundraiser starting Monday until May 5, with all money raised going toward their programs. Last year they raised $7,200 to help women who are in crisis take the next step. You can even get something in return – a short-term hotel stay, a storage locker, gift cards, groceries, fast-food cards. MORE

Vancouver cops set on fire by suspect

Where and when is this going to end. Two Vancouver police officers were set on fire during an arrest. The incident happened Thursday night in the city’s Downtown Eastside. The suspect was being detained for jaywalking when police said he fled the scene, triggering a pursuit. One officer was treated by paramedics and is recovering at home. The second officer was not injured. So far this year, 35 officers have been assaulted while on duty. MORE

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City seeks to change alternate approval

250411 – Nanaimo is seeking changes to rules governing the alternative approval process at the Association of Vancouver Island Coast Communitees conference here this weekend. The City will introduce a resolution for the B.C. government to change the community charter to expand the criteria for infrastructure and capital projects without electoral approval for local governments to secure funding for projects that are necessary for the delivery of municipal services. MORE

Community Safety Officers play vital role

The latest data shows the CSO unit got 7,832 requests for help in 2024, with a vast majority on safety and wellbeing of homeless residents. Public Safety Director Dave Laberge pointed to the focus of the team to be a point of contact. They’re often the first responders to overdose events, and they provide a lot of support to Island Health’s service providers, he added. MORE

Big things happening at Fairwinds

The first new single family lots at Farwinds are expected to be ready for market this summer. Owner Seacliff Properties has the green light to build close to 2,000 more homes on the remaining 700 acres of development space. That comes on the heels of a $10-million redevelopment of the Schooner Cove Marina some 250 new boat slips, a new fuel dock and improved on-shore amenities for boaters to accommodate boats up to 100 feet long. MORE

New B.C. political party gets approval

Former B.C. Liberal MLA Karin Kirkpatrick has launched a new political party called CentreBC. She represented West Vancouver-Capilano between 2020 and 2024, says voters are looking for a pragmatic, centrist choice in the province. Kirkpatrick ran unsuccessfully as an Independent last fall. The new party has been approved by Elections BC and intends to field candidates in all 93 ridings in the next provincial election. MORE

Jail term tossed due to being Indigenous

British Columbia’s highest court has overturned a jail sentence for man whose attack left his victim with a severe brain injury. The Appeal Court ruled Isaac Harrison Davis’ Indigenous background reduced his moral culpability. Davis had been sentenced to 21 months in jail by a Courtenay provincial court judge in November after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. The victim underwent multiple emergency surgeries. He was in a coma for three weeks and remained paralyzed for 14 days. He continues to suffer from memory loss, speech impairment, cognitive deficiencies and hearing loss. The decision dispensed with the jail term and instead sentenced Davis to two years less a day of house arrest, followed by one year of probation. FULL STORY

Missing person: 61-year-old Dean Thompson

April 10

RCMP seek public assistance in locating 61-year old Dean Thompson who has not been seen or heard from since early March. The lack of contact is out of character for Thompson so there is concern for his overall safety and well-being. He is believed to be in the Victoria area but that cannot be confirmed. He is Caucasian, 5 ft. 6”, 210 pounds with grey hair and blue eyes. The picture is recent. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Dean Thompson, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Phone calls costly for distracted drivers

The BC Highway Patrol handed out 276 tickets for using an electronic device while driving on Vancouver Island during its month-long enforcement campaign in March. There were also 61 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt. Highway Patrol Sup. Mike Coyle said the numbers prove we need to do better. MORE

Woodgrove Centre listed for sale

April 9

Have you got a couple of hundred million bucks rattling in your jeans? Woodgrove mall is listed for sale by Colliers, online with no price, but its BC Assessment valuation is just over $216 million. Weihong Liu is the head of Central Walk, a retail investment company that owns three shopping centres in B.C., including Woodgrove. She recently stated her intention to bail the Hudson’s Bay company from receivership. MORE

Long Lake boathouse stirs controversy

City council appears to have a controversy brewing over a boathouse in Loudon Park at Long Lake. A majority of council rejected a finance committee recommendation for a $6.5-million design. However, Councillors Tyler Brown, Sheryl Armstrong, Janice Perrino, Ian Thorpe and Mayor Leonard Krog outvoted the plan with a $10.8-million project. What is percolating is Coun. Ben Geselbracht’s objection to removing a large number of trees for the new facility. When trees face chainsaws there's reaction. Stay tuned, there’s sure to be much more to come. MORE

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Hospital tax levy going up 21 per cent

April 8

It should not come as a surprise that the budget for Nanaimo Regional Hospital District board will rise by 21 per cent. The $57.5-million budget includes $3.5 million for capital equipment and minor projects, $10.5 million for major capital projects and $6 million for debt servicing on major capital projects. MORE

Local player makes NHL debut

The dream of every young hockey player is to skate in the NHL, and that dream came true for Nanaimo’s Matt Wood on Sunday. He was called up by the Nashville Predators and got to play against the Montreal Canadiens. He came close to scoring in his first NHL game.

If at first you don’t succeed

The Regional District passed its 2025 budget after two votes and a number of directors changing their vote. The first vote failed directors took a break to catch their breath and then a number changed the vote to pass the budget.

Lantzville gearing up for more new housing

Lantzville is set to revise its official community plan by the end of the year, to make way for a growing population. A staff report shows 374 new homes approved and the zoning potential for more. An interim housing needs report was funded by the Regional District of Nanaimo to meet the provincial mandate. Lantzville had 3,817 residents in the 2021 census. MORE

Cancer treatments in U.S. coming to an end

British Columbia cancer patients soon won’t head to the U.S. for radiation treatment as the program winds down. For the past two years, patients have had the option of going to Washington state for care. In total, 1,107 patients have received therapy in the U.S. since 2023. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the progress made over the past two years, the program can be safely wind down and focus on getting patients the care they need in B.C. Osborne said wait time data this February show 93 per cent of patients are waiting fewer than four week for treatment, compared to 69 per cent when the program began. MORE

Residential insurance rates going up

Expect to dig a little deeper when you renew you home insurance policy. Extreme weather resulted in record for insurance claims, sending insurance rates through the ceiling. Rates are up 5.28 per cent, well above the rate of inflation That comes after last year’s hike of 7.66 per cent. MORE

QUOTABLE – Speaking of the election, never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Hudson's Bay may have a new lifeline

April 7

The owner of Woodgrove Centre and Mayfair Mall intends to buy the department store chain, outlining her plan on a Chinese social network. Weihong Liu has been touring Hudson’s Bay flagship locations across the country, accompanied by Richmond-based videographer and real estate agent Linda Qin.

In a video posted Thursday, Liu said she has decided to make a bid for the business. In addition to Mayfair mall and Woodgrove Centre, Liu’s company also owns the massive Tsawwassen Mills mall in the Lower Mainland and the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in Cobble Hill.

The B.C. property purchases were made partly with the proceeds of the sale of a 1.5-million-square-foot Central Walk mall in Shenzhen, China that was sold in 2019 for the equivalent of C$1.25 billion. MORE

Let’s get the show on the road

The Nanaimo Regional District Hospital Board isn’t dragging its feet waiting for the province to push ahead with a patient tower and cardiac cath lab. The board has offered to upfront the cost of business plans so the planning stage can go ahead this year or 2026. In a letter to Premier David Eby, board chair Janice Perrino said the board is employing creative solutions to move the patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab projects forward. MORE

Erosion shuts Ammonite Falls trail

Erosion along the trail has forced the shut down of Ammonite Regional Trail in Benson Creek Falls Regional Park from April 7 to 16. RDN Parks Manager Rick Daykin explained the area is at the embankment stairs north of Ammonite Falls, adding the retaining structures will be a combination of bagged flexible walls, logs, and yellow cedar stringers. MORE

Rotarians shred their way to $3,000

The Lantzville Rotary Club is a great example of what can be done with a simple event like a paper shredding day. When all was said and done they had about three grand in the cash register for charitable projects. Event organizer Joy Cameron tipped the hat to the many club members who volunteered at every stage of the event. Way to go Rotarians.

Oceanside voters reject $30-million pool

Voters rejected a referendum to expand Ravensong Aquatic Centre on Saturday. Qualicum Beach, Parksville, and electoral area voters rejected the borrowing with 4,487 voters voting no while 2,877 voted in favor. The indoor pool is the only in the Oceanside region. MORE

QUOTABLE – It’s okay to disagree with me, I can’t force you to be right

RCMP are investigating after a body was found near Colliery Dam Park on Saturday morning. Const. Gary O'Brien said it was an adult, found near Brookfield Drive. He said there is no suspicion of criminality. The coroner attended and the investigation continues." MORE

Registration opens Tuesday for this year's B.C. SPCA summer camps with activities for children and teenagers from six to 14. Participants can interact with some of the animals, participate in games and crafts and hear from guest speakers. Costs for the camps range from $75 for a one-day workshop to $325 for five-day camps. MORE

A Nanaimo woman's impaired driving charge was dismissed when the judge ruled an RCMP officer had made a series of mistakes. She had been charged in connection with a crash which killed a construction worker. The judge rejected an application to throw out other charges against Christanne Marie Boufford, 53. She still faces multiple dangerous driving charges. She is accused of killing Raymond Ferguson, 69, on the Trans-Canada Hwy. near Kipp Road in a marked construction zone. MORE

The provincial government has eased emission rules for liquefied natural gas projects in view of renewed interest in resource extraction. LNG projects represent a major economic opportunity for the province, or a significant environmental step backward. The change, which the province insists is a clarification, means that project proponents will be able to use other sources of power when grid electricity isn’t available – and in many locations, that will mean using LNG as a power source. MORE

Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney will have a face-to-face discussion Monday proposing a Team Canada approach to the forestry sector on softwood lumber duties. The U.S. Department of Commerce determined a combined preliminary anti-subsidy and anti-dumping duty rate of 34.45 per cent for Canadian lumber following an administrative review — more than double the current 14.54 per cent levy. MORE

QUOTABLE – Old age used to be all in my head, now it’s in my joints too.

April 5

Big things are happening at Duke Point where the deep sea dock is undergoing $110 million expansion. The existing berth for container and cargo ships will expand to 325 metres from 182 allowing operator DP World to process around 280,000 containers per year, up from 20,000. It also means it will allow them to dock larger, international vessels, significantly increasing the capacity of goods coming directly to Vancouver Island, said Port Authority chair Donna Hais. Funding comes from $46.2 million in federal funds and $15 million from B.C.’s Regional Port Enhancement Program. MORE

Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island Whale Watch reports spotting the first humpback whale of the season off Departure Bay. Hundreds of humpbacks come to the Vancouver Island region to feed during the summer while others continue their journey north. Fisheries and Oceans Canada estimates roughly 400 humpbacks come to feed in the southern part of Vancouver Island and the B.C. mainland. MORE

Travelling to the U.S. is not a walk in the park any more. You could face additional scrutiny coming and going, including handing over personal information like electronic devices. Our government has updated its U.S. travel advisory warning Canadians of extra scrutiny at border entry and exit requirements. MORE

QUOTABLE – When I talk to managers I get the feeling that they are important. When I talk to leaders I get the feeling I am important.

April 4

Premier David Eby is focussing on American tariffs while at the same time global financial agencies sound the alarm about the provincial government’s financial stability. Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global both downgraded British Columbia’s credit rating, citing record deficit and debt levels, a lack of fiscal discipline by the government with no plan to return the province to balance or even cut spending. S&P lowered its rating from AA- to A+. MORE

A two-vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near Ladysmith sent one person to hospital Thursday. A pickup truck and a sedan collided about noon near Brenton Page Road, just north of Ladysmith. Flames were seen coming from the truck sending out huge clouds of smoke.

Provincial rent subsidies for seniors and families in need will go up next month. The average family supplement under the Rental Assistance Program will go to $700 from $400 per month while seniors under the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters, or SAFER, program will an average boost of $145 a month to $337. The household income eligibility limit for the Rental Assistance Program is increasing to $60,000 from $40,000 while the qualifying limit for the seniors’ program is now $40,000, up from $37,240. MORE

QUOTABLE – The best thing about being over 50 is that it was before the internet, so there’s no proof

April 3

The transition to electric buses has proven to be a bumpy road for our school district. Yes, there have been savings, operational and logistical challenges remain with the district’s 10 electric buses. School district transportation manager Tracy Mowat says the biggest challenges are causing a lot of difficulties both mechanically and with charging issues. The fuel saving has been significant – approximately 46 cents per kilometer. Maintenance costs have remained within expected levels for now, but significant repairs have had to be done to the new buses. MORE

They got what they asked for. Lantzville taxpayers asked for a three-per-cent tax hike, and council obliged. They passed the third reading of the 2025 budget. Council had conducted an online survey asking residents if they supported a property tax increase. That includes a three-per cent tax hike.

There’s a big list of candidates waiting for member support at the chamber of commerce annual general meeting April 10 at the Grand Hotel. The candidates will be present for member interaction and the election. Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, will be keynote speaker. Networking begins at 11 and the speaker takes the podium at 11:45. The AGM will follow.

Alert Bay RCMP believe a 35-year-old assault suspect could be in the Nanaimo area. An advisory stated Kevin Brown is wanted on outstanding warrants for sexual assault and failing to appear in court. He's 5-foot-7, 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. If you know where he is, call the local RCMP detachment non-emergency number or Crime Stoppers at at 1-800-222-8477, referring to Alert Bay RCMP file No. 2025-40. In Nanaimo, the RCMP's non-emergency line is 250-754-2345.

Another Nanaimo business shut its doorsfor the final time on Monday after 75 years. Island Radiators had served Harbour City customers since 1945. Owner Perry Martens said rent and other cost increases led to the realization at a certain point, as a business owner, he was not making any money anymore and the stress was just killing. MORE

Kerry Wallace Chang, who ducked an extended jail sentences for years, finally stared into the face of reality. Chang was sentenced toseven-years and seven-month in after he was found guilty last spring of trafficking nearly half a kilogram (471 grams) of fentanyl. MORE

QUOTABLE– Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing?

April 2

The body of a woman was found near the Jack Point trail on Monday. She was pronounced dead. Foul play is not suspected. The Nanaimo RCMP continue to investigate the circumstances. Investigators ask anyone who observed her in the Duke Point area or has dash cam video of that area between 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. on Monday to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Take Back the Night returned to Nanaimo Wednesday evening after a couple of years hiatus. It’s designed to raise awareness about sexual violence, including trafficking, gender harassment and relationship violence. The march starts at 5 p.m. in the parking lot outside the Beban Park Social Centre with participants walking to the Haven Society’s Community Services building at 2270 Labieux Rd. by 7 p.m. MORE

QUOTABLE – People who are late are often happier than the people who have to wait for them

0401

Good morning. The first serving of free advince today is don't be a fool. And certainly do not fall for outlandish reports.

Local gas stations a little slow on the draw in cancelling the carbon tax at midnight, reducing fuel prices by 17 cents a litre. Last night the price was ranging near $1.749 a litre in Nanaimo. By noon today most of them were down to $1.569.

That’s a real shot in the arm. The Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary has injected more than a million dollars into health care facilities at NRGH. The auxiliary gave a $1-million as its annual donation and then added annual $250,000 to the new Nanaimo Cancer Centre. It was no walk in the park with 52,500 volunteer hours going into raising that amount of mone running the auxiliary's hospital gift shop, thrift store and craft sales, and individual contributions, 50/50 tickets and other initiatives. MORE

Blues and Jazz folks in townare bringing internationally-recognized Juno winners Blue Moon Marquee to the Port Theatre on April 17. They won their first Juno last year and are nominated again this year for their new album New Orleans Sessions. They have played for a gamut of crowds at jazz clubs, indy hop dance halls, folk venues, blues haunts, hospitals, prisons, markets, motorcycle joints, dive bars and prestigious festival stages. Six-time Maple Blues Award winner David Vest will open the show with his rockin’ and shoutin’ blues style at 7:30 pm. Tickets at www.porttheatre.com

RCMP seek help to finda who is responsible for installing a camera in the changing room at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Police have posted a photo of a person of interest. Staff at the pool notified police on March 3 that a camera had been found in a changing room door, and two men were seen on the video. One of the men has been identified. RCMP say the images were captured Jan. 18 and say that there were no images of children on the video. MORE

It’s not Elon Muskbut the province is conducting its own review of health authority spending. The review comes during emergency room closures that have spread from rural communities to parts of the Lower Mainland. The Provincial Health Services Authority is the first in line because of its province-wide role. That includes services through BC Cancer, BC Children’s Hospital, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, BC Emergency Health Services, BC Mental Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control. MORE

BC Ferries is getting four new ships, but don’t hold your breath, they won’t be delivered until 2019. The corporation had asked for five ships but Ferries Commissioner Eva Hage authorized only four to replace the oldest major vessels — the Queen of Alberni, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Coquitlam and Queen of Cowichan. Those ships are at the end of their service life, with further life extensions deemed impractical. MORE

QUOTABLE– The new woke mantra – Diversity, Inclusion and Equity – DIE

0331

What a way to kick off a new week. Today I go for my fiftieth chemotherapy treatment at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and I am happy to say all is well. I mention this because of all the fantastic people involved every step of the way. The staff at the cancer clinic are fabulous and we’re on a first name basis. A service we don’t often hear too much about is the Volunteer Cancer Drivers program supported by The Canadian Cancer Society and donations. Those drivers get me through the heavy Lower Mainland traffic in a breeze. Thanks everyone.

The week also kicks off with good news, the consumer portion of the carbon tax will die at midnight tonight – rest in peace. Members of the Legislature are back in the chamber after a two-week break. On top of the agenda is eliminating the tax and more tariffs on Canada starting mid-week. Most noticeable should be at the gas pumps but it will be hard to tell as prices have soared in recent days. Premier David Eby, Energy Minister Adrian Dix and Finance Minister Brenda Bailey will hold a press conference this afternoon. A hot topic will likely be the Premier's trimmed down version of the tariff reaction Bill 7. MORE

Many people have been asking about city councillor Paul Manly’s campaign to return to Ottawa as our member of Parliament. Suffice to say, Paul’s juggling a lot of balls, but the election campaign has only four weeks to go. He says he will do as much work as he can on city council during the campaign and will continue attending meetings. The question I get asked most often is whether you can do both, sit on council and parliament at the same time. The answer is yes, but it’s not a good idea. The last person to do double duty was Frank Ney when he was mayor and an MLA at the same time. MORE

QUOTABLE – Most people don’t really want the truth, they just was assurance that what they believe is the truth

Cutting through the bullshit,

we're all going to have to pay

250424

I voted in the advance poll and I admit I had a struggle. I am not a member of any political party, so no locked-in allegiance. I support whoever is closest to my libertarian leanings.

My main issues are the election promises by the two main parties, promises that have little chance of ever being carried out. You always have to look at the fine print, or weasel words as I call them.

Both parties make promises to cover five- or even ten-year periods, knowing full well that our memory doesn’t stretch that far. In the meantime, there will be other elections and those promises disappear in a whiff of smoke. Those same promises can be trotted out again to cover another decade.

There will also be annual budgets which set a new direction each year when projects (promises) can be delayed, or even deleted outright. Who will remember?

Now that we’re down to the short strokes it boils down to what you want and whom you trust to deliver it. Spending, spending means taxes, taxes. Liberal leader Mark Carney leads the way, promising $130 billion in new spending. Most voters have it figured out, those gifts are coming from our wallets.

In the past, the election was often over after the Ontario and Quebec votes were counted. A tight battle with the Liberals moving into NDP territory in B.C. could change that. Conservatives are leading in a number of polls in B.C. ridings and the Liberals are putting up a fight in many ridings at the expense of the NDP.

On the national scene, all parties are focusing on housing but there are no specifics, with many promising to deliver over a five-year period. The parties are saying that they will build that housing, not saying how that will be delivered. Housing developed and owned by government has never been a solution. As much as the NDP is touting this concept, when the rubber meets the road government needs to facilitate private sector ability to provide housing. Government is not a good real estate developer or landlord.

Making life more affordable is the biggest joke of the campaign. Government is what’s making life unaffordable, and they continue piling on more roadblocks to make it even more unaffordable. Every benefit they provide must be paid for, and that means more money coming from our pockets.

People don’t seem to understand that you cannot spend and tax a nation into prosperity. If you ran your household budget the way the Liberals have handled their budgets, you would be living on the streets in no time. Trying to tax your way to prosperity is like standing in a pail and trying to lift it by the handle.

The NDP here and across Canada have been so obsessed with their campaign to “stop Poilievre” they forgot to get their candidates elected. What is it that makes leftists so venomous toward Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives is the fact that his is the exact opposite of what they represent and provides a clear alternative choice.

Jagmeet Singh is smart to the point that he may have outsmarted himself. Polling numbers show followers flocking to the Liberals and it’s easy to understand why. Singh’s strategic alliance with Justin Trudeau brought some social goodies but left of a lot of people disenfranchised – why should they vote NDP when they can vote directly for the Liberals to stop the Conservatives? It appears to be happening.

We’ll know Monday night.

Liberals are a major threat to

NDP seats in British Columbia

250423

All is fair in love and war . . . and politics. They were in bed together in the last Parliament but now the Liberals are trying to steal New Democrat seats.

Our province is turning into a crucial battleground that could decide whether we get a majority or minority government. Nearly half a dozen New Democratic seats could be vulnerable to the Liberals.

More than half of the 13 New Democrat seats were in British Columbia, and the Liberals are campaigning hard in several they think they can win including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in Burnaby Central.

Others seen as vulnerable are Port Moody-Coquitlam, New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville, Port Moody-Coquitlam, Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke and Victoria. MORE

Local NDP campaign fighting

an enemy of its own making

250422

Local New Democrats are in a quandary, hit by an enemy of their own creation.

I’ve talked to many died-in-the-wool NDP supporters who are toying with the idea of moving their support to either the Liberal or Green candidates.

That comes from the idea of strategic voting, quietly encouraging supporter to abandon their principles to vote for another party “just to stop the Conservatives.” In Nanaimo-Ladysmith it has created confusion – do they coalesce behind NDP Lisa Marie Barron or go elsewhere for strategic purposes? Is their message gaining traction among Green party and Liberal voters? The idea was, of course, to attract those Green and Liberal voters.

Unreliable polling showed the Green Party soaring after Paul Manly entered the campaign, taking some of that NDP support. I’m sure that’s not what Barron’s campaign had in mind.

They don’t appear to be capturing that strategic left wing gang up, instead bleeding support. Their intent was to bring leftwing support on board but the confusion may do more harm than good. Instead they need to focus on stopping the Liberals and the Greens, getting out the message, if you’re NDP, vote NDP.

There was no knockout punch

in the great leaders' debate

250418 –

I was among the “millions and millions” who endured the convoy of manure spreaders last night. As thinly as they spread it, Canada is the only thing that’s in deep. The fertilizer nutrient level was rather low.

You had to be committed to sit through the Leaders’ Debate, watching the four of them try to outbid each other for the opportunity to spend our money. And if you did sit through that you yourself may feel the need to be committed. If that had been a TV pay-per-view event there would have been demands for a refund.

We kept getting hammered again and again with how deeply NDP leader Jagmeet Singh despises successful people, especially those evil corporations which he accuses as responsible for whatever ails our country. Same old, same old with nothing new to offer. And he just couldn't hold back in interrupting other speakers.

Bloc Quebecois leader Francois Blanchette admitted that he was not running to be prime minister of Canada, more like representing Quebec as a co-prime minister. I found myself nodding in agreement with some of his comments to general topics, but he quickly deflected all arguments to portray Quebec as a country within our country.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre delivered nothing new, we’ve heard his message for the last few years, and it is consistent. He fleshed out some of his proposals but there was nothing new to add to the mix of a solid platform.

As could be expected, Johnny-come-lately Prime Minister Mark Carney was the target of most of the barbs from the other three. He was as inspirational as dry toast in the desert sun. He failed to answer questions related to his relationship to Justin Trudeau, his personal business ties and conflict issues. His responses reflected a Trudeau 2.0 version.

There was the vacuous talk about housing, crime, health care and that old favourite, transparency.

Did any minds get changed by the debate? Those watching were mostly committed party supporters firm in the believe that their guy will run away as the victor on election day. That remains to be seen, and we’ll get some critiques when the latest polls are posted, no matter how untrustworthy they may be.

Based on that lost two hours, it would be a stretch to predict voter turnout reaching any new highs.

A parting observation, if you vote either Conservative or Liberal you have a 50-50 chance of having an MP on the government side, or even on the official opposition – strategic voting.

Vote to elect a candidate rather than defeating one

250415

There’s a common theme among social media posters to “defeat” a party in the federal election rather than to “elect” their choice. It’s noted everywhere, including in the U.S. where a lot of Canadian campaign practices originated.

Strategic voting has become a factor where supporters of a particular party turncoat to vote for another party as the only way to “defeat” a leading candidate.

That inevitably leads to demonization and smear campaigns, mostly targeting Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Leader Mark Carney. While some of the negative accusations may have some validity they divert the focus to non-issues. That’s obfuscation, distracting, diverting, confusing and outright lying. There are probably more lies than promises in the over all campaign.

It’s Carney’s links to the world of finance, the World Economic Forum and his role in the Justin Trudeau regime over the past half decade. On the other side, some are trying to make Poilievre’s rejection of security clearance and make an issue of him being “right wing.” No kidding, when did they come to that realization? Is there anything wrong with being right or left – something for everyone?

That obsession to defeat certain candidates leads some low-intelligence misfits to tear down election signs. Only one candidate will get to go to Ottawa and the rest will be winners in that they put themselves out there to give voters a choice. That’s politics, so take your pick.

As much as we're following U.S. political trends we certainly hope we don't go that way where politicians of both stripes are being target and/or threatened with assassination.

It’s a hollow debate when the only weapon is name-calling and derision.

Don't get your knickers in a knot over stock markets

Since this commentary was published, the stock market made massive gains on Wednesday, as outlined here was expected.

April 8,

The stock market lost trillions of dollars, and the sky is falling. Actually, a lot of people are making tons of money on the stock market now.

The minute-by-minute market quotes are not actual money, they are the price of stocks at any one particular time. They don’t earn or lose anything until they are sold.

That’s where the old slogan came from “buy low and sell high” and that’s what’s been happening in the past few weeks. A lot of people are on their way to making a fortune by selling their shares while they are high and then buying back the same stocks in a couple of weeks or months at a much lower price.

Stock markets and real estate always go up in the long run, despite minor ups and downs. Check back a couple of years and see where the index was at that time. There have been times when stock prices dived due to outside influences, but not only have they recovered, they’re shot past previous levels.

I’m not a financial whizz, but you may have already missed the opportunity to sell at a profit, but pick the right time in this crash to buy more, lots more, and ride it back to the top. The trick is to correctly guess when the market is going to turn around and head back up. Have patience. It may already have started as markets reported sizeable increases this morning.

In the meantime, fret not, don’t panic, your pension fund has not folded and is unlikely to do so. Sit it out, it will rise again just like the sun does every morning. So what if there are a few clouds sprinkled in?

This advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

I’ve got this vote-splitting

thing figured out, trust me

April 6

Supporters of runner-up parties are cajoling opponents to stand aside while they pick up the remains and surge to victory. The NDP, Liberals and Greens are pretty well in a dead heat for second place in the polls, each wanting the others to step aside.

Which party gives up its vote? Do the Liberals say, “oh what the heck,” and steer their vote to the NDP? Or does the NDP redirect it’s votes to the Greens? There is an easy solution, just vote Conservative Tamara Kronis and avoid straining any loyalties..

That suggestion is not going to thrill the three parties lagging behind, but it demonstrates how far out the idea is of selling your soul to stop someone else. What they want is to collect enough votes to beat the front runner. Voters who are convinced their party offers what’s best for them should stick with it.

I am not a card-carrying members of any political party, the closest I come would be right-leaning Libertarian.

That allows me to form an objective view of the federal election that has a couple more weeks to go.

It’s quite scary to see how the Liberals took the same old package and put a new label on. After all, new leader Mark Carney was Prime Minister Trudeau’s chief advisor, directing all that went wrong for a lot of the past decade.

Carney’s earliest manifestations show he’s taking us on the same road as Trudeau, but likely faster and further.

The NDP is not going to be in a place of power or even influence. A lot of their support appears to have flipped to the Liberals. Is it any wonder after leader Jagmeet Singh jumped in bed with the Liberals in the last Parliament? Singh’s support may have swung over because members realized being one and the same with the Liberals, they might as well nest there. So far the polling numbers show that.

I lean toward the Conservatives this time around, though I’m not totally sold on their party but rather on what they offer.

I can't swallow the polls showing a massive swing to the Liberals. It all depends where those polls were conducted. If they were focused on Ontario and Quebec it’s not shocking what they show. The remaining two weeks of the campaign leave it up to you to decide where we’re headed.

After what the Liberals did to our country for the past decade, we can’t risk a continuation of that. Canada needs a new start.

Liberals, Conservatives careless

in selecting their candidates

April 5

The vetting process for political candidates isn’t what it used to be. Parties seemed to do an excellent job of making sure there was no dirty laundry to flap in the wind.

I suppose there was less digging into people’s background, letting the past be the past. The modern media in search of dirt began digging deeper and deeper into a candidates’ background. The advent of the Internet makes history searches a lot easier. There are things that never mattered in the past, nobody cared who broke wind in church two decades ago. However, that’s mainly what modern media come up with these days.

I’ve lost count of the candidates dumped so far by the Conservatives and the Liberals. At last count, four Conservatives and two Liberals are no longer running. Of the ones we know, the wrong doing was relatively serious, putting their parties in a bad light.

It started with Liberal MP Paul Chiang who dropped out after suggesting that a Conservative candidate could be turned over to Chinese officials in exchange for a bounty. Hong Kong police have offered HK$1 million for information leading to the arrest of six activists, including Joe Tay, who is running in Toronto’s Don Valley North.

The Conservatives have dropped at least four, maybe more by now, including one who joked that former prime minister Justin Trudeau should be executed, and another whose online posts included claims that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was provoked by the expansion of NATO. On the farting-in-church level, Stefan Marquis’ social media posts supported some anti-vaccine rhetoric. That’s a so-what question.

Whatever the issues, it’s better they came out now than after they won an election and had a four-year ride in Parliament.

Let ordinary Canadians cash in on government borrowing

April 4

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s latest enticement on the campaign trail is intriguing and it makes sense. The idea of tax-free government bonds is a revival of war-time strategy – let Canadians invest in government bonds tax-free, if held to maturity.

It’s similar to tax-free savings accounts where we deposit our money and escape the taxes on earned income.

Singh’s proposal breaks down as you and I loan the government money, with the interest flowing to us tax free rather than financial institutions. That’s appealing right off the bat.

About the only shadow is the fact that bonds are loans to the government, thus government debt. It’s not necessarily greater debt because it would instead come from elsewhere, like commercial financial institutions.

It would not solve all of our country’s problems, but on the surface, Singh has something here that is a rarity in politics – it makes sense.

Strategic voting concept is a last-gasp admission by losers

March 31

Do we vote for or against a party or candidate? That’s the big question about vote splitting where campaigns ask other minority candidates to gang up to defeat the front runner.

In Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Conservative candidate Tamara Kronis leads the polls with 35 per cent support, almost double the support for the Liberals and New Democrats which have about 21 per cent each and the Green Party is not far behind at 20 per cent, definitely not out of the race. Kronis is still listed at 99-per-cent odds of winning the seat.

New Democrat incumbent Lisa Marie Barron has lost a sizable amount of support while the Liberal candidate has soared into a tie. Can Lisa Marie's supporters reclaim some of that lost support by convincing the Liberals to join forces against Kronis?

Would minority candidates sell out their own beliefs to defeat the front runner? It is very unlikely that enough Liberal supporters would flip their votes to the NDP or vice versa. The combined NDP and Green party votes could stop stop Kronis, if her support remains the same over the next four weeks. But there's no indication that Manly support is soft.

At this stage, 338Canada.com shows Liberal Michelle Corfield has gained about seven per cent support since 2021, the same amount as Barron has lost. – 0331

Social media has changed how we think, react and interact

People who never participated in local politics before now take part and that has opened a wild west of views.

You can never have too many opinions – everyone has the right to be wrong. The City of Nanaimo (CON) Oversight Society page on Facebook more or less grew out of the Alternative Approval Process for a new public works facility and they picked up a lot of followers. Many of them are green as grass when it comes to governance and debate. Some of the postings are outright hate based on ignorance. (That word means lack of knowledge)

The Page was designed to take on city council and it has done that. Had they not been around the AAP would likely not have failed twice.

The site continues to post, focusing on council decisions like bike lanes and undriveable streets like an obsession. They are opinions on city hall operations.

Here’s where the pitfall comes in. Many people are unable to view an opinion without spewing hate. They can’t focus on the issue rather than using insults.

Lack of understanding the process is vividly demonstrated in how Mayor Leonard Krog has become the target of personality debate. By understanding, I mean they don’t seem to understand that city council is made up of nine members – eight councillors and the mayor. Council members have forever allied themselves with like-thinking councillors, thus forming voting blocks.

I followed city council closely for decades starting in the early 1980s. The two factions were identifiable then as Social Credit and New Democrat – resulting in countless 5-4 decisions. That changed from election to election.

Today’s council is composed of five members in a group and the other four sort of freelancing. It can be like herding cats, and that’s the mayor’s job. When a majority decision is reached by council, that’s the official stance and the mayor has to champion it no matter where he/she personally stands on any of those issues.

Krog is not part of the five-member majority group of progressives, leaving him in an unenviable position. On many issues it’s him and the other three – Armstrong, Thorpe and Perrino. But once the decision is made by a majority, it’s Krog’s role to represent that cause even though it may not be his personal choice. Some unruly protesters at council meetings fail to understand the rules of proper procedure.

I’ve tried to explain that to a number of social media voices but they seem stuck in the fact that their mind is made up and don’t want to be confused by the facts. There is a positive here, they are participating and should have a greater educated interest when the next election rolls around in about a year and a half.

So keep the ball rolling, stay informed and involved in what’s going on in our city and hold those in power to account until you are elected to replace them. Maybe then they’ll understand what it’s like to be a councillor. – 0329

Nanaimo-Ladysmith candidates

• Lisa Marie Barron, NDP

• Michelle Corfield, Liberal

• Tamara Kronis, Conservative

• Paul Manly, Green

• Stephen Welton, People's Party

On the

campaign trail

Today's headlines from CTV News

250424

Liberals lead by four points over Conservatives with gap narrowing

The Liberal party’s lead over the Conservatives has shrunken to only four point on Day 33 of the 36-day federal election campaign, with the gap narrowing on both ballot preference and whom Canadians want as prime minister.

Federal Election Promise Tracker

Singh responds to latest Trump remarks. Poilievre vows action on encampments. Carney targets NDP strongholds in B.C.

Poilievre promises to end electric vehicle sales mandates if elected

Elections Canada managing long ballot with 90 candidates challenging Poilievre

Poilievre paints picture of gloomy future under Carney as election day draws closer

Vancouver residents share housing struggles as election day approaches

Conservatives add ‘anti-woke’ pledge to English campaign platform

Days from a national election, Canadian voters focus on the U.S. relationship

Farmers, tech entrepreneurs, newcomers: Kelowna’s boom prompts calls for support

Singh says New Democrats won’t be sidelined or shut down in final days of the campaign

250423

Preston Manning says Liberal election loss would avoid ‘unity crisis’

Federal Election Promise Tracker

Here’s how the Liberal and Conservative platforms stack up on key issues

Singh can’t stay on as leader if NDP loses official party status, Mulcair says

Federal party leaders trade jabs as election heads into final days

Poilievre addresses the Assembly of First Nations on natural resources, campaign plan

Cost-of-living campaign: Here’s what Canada’s major federal party leaders are promising

Day 31 of the campaign: Carney, Singh slam Poilievre’s costed platform

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has a new message for B.C. voters: ‘Hold the line’

Carney accuses Poilievre of using ‘phantom numbers’ in campaign platform

250422

More than seven million Canadians took part in advance polls over the long weekend -- a 25 per cent increase from 2021. Meanwhile, the Conservatives released their costed campaign platform. Live election updates here.

Carney accuses Poilievre of using ‘phantom numbers’ in campaign platform

Singh says the only way to stop a Liberal ‘super majority’ is to vote NDP

Federal Election Promise Tracker

Singh tells B.C. voters to vote NDP to ‘hold the line,’ as supporters express concern about losing seats

Poilievre’s Conservative platform promises $110B in new measures, projects $31B in deficits this year

Record voter turnout in advance polls ahead of federal election

A look at cost-of-living campaign promises from Canada’s major federal parties

Poilievre says he’ll end woke ideology but isn’t saying what that means

Final carbon tax rebate payments being sent out

Canada’s representation at funeral for Pope Francis to be announced: PMO

250421

Carney highlights health-care plan.