Thoughts on BC Politics and More

A commentary by a City of Colwood councillor. Re: “ New medical clinics are welcome, but province has to step up ,” Comment, June 20. Rob Martin’s recent commentary raises a valid concern about the downloading of health-care responsibilities onto municipalities. However, his suggestion that Colwood and Langford’s actions represent a “dangerous inflection point” mischaracterizes the situation — and undermines the leadership shown by communities stepping up to meet urgent needs. Let’s be clear: no one is arguing that municipalities should bear the burden of health-care delivery. But in reality, when thousands of residents are left without a family doctor and higher levels of government are slow to act, communities are left with a choice: step in, or let ­people fall through the cracks ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Conservative BC candidate Mike Harris   The first blip on the radar signalling a potentially new player in British Columbia politics occurred in the summer byelection to fill the seat vacated by former New Democrat premier John Horgan. Of course, the NDP easily held the Langford-Juan de Fuca riding Horgan had represented for 18 years. But in second place was B.C. Conservative candidate Mike Harris ... CLICK HERE for the full story

 ... “It wears on you and something needs to be done … I don’t know what, but they need to be out of there.”   A stream of residents stressed to council their concerns about safety — not only in the evening hours but all day long — as they walk their children to school or take their pets to the off-leash area of Danbrook Park ... ... Bernadette Armstrong said Danbrook isn’t the only encampment in Langford, noting thefts, drug use and mental health incidents are also prevalent at Veteran Memorial Park and along Goldstream Avenue and Leigh Road. She said council should consider bylaws banning camping in parks ... CLICK HERE for the full story

** used with permission of author THERE’S SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG with our drunk driving laws. The man who ran a red light and slammed into the marked cruiser of a Langford, B.C. RCMP constable, killing her, has been granted a six-month day parole two years into his sentence. Kenneth Fenton was given four years in prison after his conviction in July 2017 for impaired driving causing death. That in itself is a disturbingly light sentence, but being granted a day parole is adding insult to injury. His actions took the life of Sarah Beckett, a 32-year-old mother of two. The Parole Board of Canada decided it’s OK for Fenton to be out of jail if he doesn’t do drugs or drink and doesn’t drive. The rationale for day parole is that if the inmate takes part in the community, he or she is better prepared for full parole. Beckett’s husband Brad Aschenbrenner is understandably unhappy, both with the parole and with the four-year sentence. To quote Asch...

While none from the Kamloops, Thompson, Nicola region were recipients, nineteen British Columbians, selected from more than 100 nominees, will be receiving the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship for their outstanding community service. This years Medal of Good Citizenship recipients hail from nearly every corner of the province … from Quathiaski Cove to Queen Charlotte, Nelson to 150 Mile House, North Vancouver to Kelowna and Langford to Port Alberni, demonstrating that BC communities are full of people doing good things for the benefit of their communities.  “ It is an honour to congratulate these community leaders whose commitment helps strengthen our society ,” said Premier John Horgan.  “ The Medal of Good Citizenship awards recognize these individuals and their remarkable contributions to our communities and our province as a whole .” Launched in 2015, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-te...