Columnists

FILE - In this Friday, Jan 1, 2021 file photo, a lorry driver's documents are scanned on a phone as he passes a checkpoint for the train through the Eurotunnel link with Europe in Folkestone, England. One month after Britain made a New Year split from the European Union's economic embrace, businesses that once traded freely are getting used to frustrating checks, delays and red tape. Meat exporters say shipments have rotted in trucks awaiting European health checks. Scottish fishermen have protested at Parliament over the catch they can no longer sell to the continent because of byzantine new paperwork. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

FINLAYSON: Government should focus on strengthening B.C.’s leading export industries

To revive the economy, this piece in the strategy is integral, writes Jock Finlayson

  • Mar 1, 2021
Murray Rankin 2020 (Courtesy Murray Rankin)

MLA REPORT: Reflecting on the first 100 days

MLA Murray Rankin looks back on nearly four months in his new job

  • Feb 28, 2021
Adam Olsen (Black Press Media file photo)

MLA REPORT: What is systemic discrimination, bias and racism?

A column from MLA Adam Olsen

  • Feb 21, 2021
Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health and addictions in B.C. (B.C. Government photo)

MALCOLMSON: 2020 left us grappling with overdose tragedy and working for change

B.C.’s Addictions Minister reflects on visit to Overdose Prevention Society in Vancouver

  • Feb 12, 2021
Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health and addictions in B.C. (B.C. Government photo)
(Courtesy Murray Rankin)

MLA REPORT: ‘Take care of each other, particularly those who may be in more perilous boats’

Murray Rankin is MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head

  • Jan 31, 2021
(Courtesy Murray Rankin)
Jeff Bray is the executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. (rickcollinsphotography.com)

COLUMN: Bringing the best of downtown to your doorstep

Jeff Bray Downtown Victoria Business Association During these challenging times, we are…

  • Jan 24, 2021
Jeff Bray is the executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. (rickcollinsphotography.com)
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Adam Olsen. (Arnold Lim/Black Press)

MLA REPORT: Clear communication needed for provincial vaccination plans

Adam Olsen is the MLA Saanich North and the Islands

  • Jan 23, 2021
Adam Olsen. (Arnold Lim/Black Press)
School District 79 chair Candace Spilsbury, Duncan mayor Michelle Staples, Ladysmith mayor Aaron Stone, Cowichan tribes chief William (Chip) Seymour, MP Alistair MacGregor, MLA Sonia Furstenau, North Cowichan mayor Al Siebring and former CVRD board chair Ian Morrison. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen file)

Column: Cowichan Leadership Group urges community to come together against racism, COVID-19

We are sickened at the racist response of some members of community towards Cowichan Tribes members

  • Jan 15, 2021
School District 79 chair Candace Spilsbury, Duncan mayor Michelle Staples, Ladysmith mayor Aaron Stone, Cowichan tribes chief William (Chip) Seymour, MP Alistair MacGregor, MLA Sonia Furstenau, North Cowichan mayor Al Siebring and former CVRD board chair Ian Morrison. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen file)
Laurel Collins (Courtesy of Laurel Collins)

MP REPORT: Challenging year coming to a close

Victoria MP reflects on fight to provide relief from stresses of COVID-19

  • Jan 10, 2021
Laurel Collins (Courtesy of Laurel Collins)
(From left) A woman chats with BC NDP candidates Rob Fleming, centre, and Grace Lore during a campaign stop in Quadra Village ahead of the October election. (Black Press Media file photo)

MLA REPORT: Light on horizon to get through pandemic

COVID Recovery Benefit brings financial boost to those who need it

  • Jan 10, 2021
(From left) A woman chats with BC NDP candidates Rob Fleming, centre, and Grace Lore during a campaign stop in Quadra Village ahead of the October election. (Black Press Media file photo)
MP Randall Garrison (Courtesy Randall Garrison)

MP REPORT: We can’t let down our guard in fight against pandemic

MP Randall Garrison says more must be done to protect Canadians from economic fallout from COVID-19

  • Jan 9, 2021
MP Randall Garrison (Courtesy Randall Garrison)
Murray Rankin

MLA Report: Rankin adapts to new provincial role

Murray Rankin MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head Hello everyone. After serving previously…

  • Jan 9, 2021
Murray Rankin
OPINION SIG

COLUMN: Rediscovering our place in nature

Consumerism has taken the place of citizenship, writes David Suzuki

  • Jan 8, 2021
OPINION SIG
Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor. (Photo by Bernard Thibodeau)

MP REPORT: Despite turmoil of 2020 work continued in House of Commons

Alistair MacGregor is MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford

  • Jan 8, 2021
Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor. (Photo by Bernard Thibodeau)
Adam Olsen is all smiles after hearing he has retained his seat during the 2020 election. (Arnold Lim/Black Press)

MLA REPORT: Reflecting on the ‘inexplicable year that was 2020’

Reflecting on the inexplicable year that was 2020, it is impossible to…

  • Jan 7, 2021
Adam Olsen is all smiles after hearing he has retained his seat during the 2020 election. (Arnold Lim/Black Press)
Mitzi Dean at CoderGirl, a summer camp that encourages more young women to pursue STEM fields. (Courtesy of Province of British Columbia)

MLA REPORT: Working together to make better days a reality

Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean extends holiday greetings to constituents

  • Jan 6, 2021
Mitzi Dean at CoderGirl, a summer camp that encourages more young women to pursue STEM fields. (Courtesy of Province of British Columbia)
Rob Fleming, who served as minister of education in the most recent BC NDP government, is seeking his fifth term in office in the Victoria-Swan Lake riding. (Rob Fleming/Twitter)

MLA REPORT: Fleming looks ahead to economic recovery

Rob Fleming, MLA, Victoria-Swan Lake

  • Jan 5, 2021
Rob Fleming, who served as minister of education in the most recent BC NDP government, is seeking his fifth term in office in the Victoria-Swan Lake riding. (Rob Fleming/Twitter)
Colwood Mayor Rob Martin expects 2021 to be an eventful year for the community. (Black Press Media file photo)

MAYOR’S REPORT: Major developments on horizon for Colwood

Rob Martin says 2020 has brought out the best in the community

  • Jan 4, 2021
Colwood Mayor Rob Martin expects 2021 to be an eventful year for the community. (Black Press Media file photo)
North Saanich Mayor Geoff Orr says 2020 will see North Saanich will review several plans including the Official Community Plan (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

MAYOR’S REPORT: 2020 highlights value of ‘connection, compassion and community’

Geoff Orr is mayor of North Saanich

  • Jan 3, 2021
North Saanich Mayor Geoff Orr says 2020 will see North Saanich will review several plans including the Official Community Plan (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins

MAYOR’S COLUMN: Esquimalt learns to do things differently in 2020

Mayor Barb Desjardins offers best wishes heading into 2021

  • Jan 3, 2021
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins