Together with

Good morning!

The Langford-Juan de Fuca byelection is on its way, and the candidates are gearing up for the race on election night. We chatted with four of the candidates about their priorities, their mission, and why they are running in our top story today.

NEWS

Langford-Juan de Fuca candidate Q&A

As the Langford-Juan de Fuca byelection grows closer, candidates and locals are gearing up to see who will be the provincial riding’s next MLA. With many ongoing issues both in the province and the area, residents are hoping for a candidate who is strong-willed and focused on the betterment of the Westshore.

Looking to engage with locals and work through the area’s issues, BC NDP candidate Ravi Parmar, Conservative Party of BC candidate Mike Harris, BC Green Party candidate Camille Currie, and BC United candidate Elena Lawson answered some questions about their goals and work in the community.

On June 24, Langford-Juan de Fuca residents will cast their ballot, but for now, get to know the candidates running.

SPONSORED BY MEGSON FITZPATRICK-ACERA INSURANCE

The Westshore’s full-service insurance brokerage

As one of the largest independent, employee-controlled brokerages in Canada, Megson FitzPatrick–Acera Insurance provides their clients with the best service experience and utmost certainty in what they provide.

They are a full-service brokerage. Their employees have specialized expertise across a broad spectrum of sectors, providing their clients with impartial advice and customized commercial insurance, auto insurance, personal insurance, and group benefits solutions.

They formed through the merger of 15 award-winning, independent brokerages, who have been serving local communities across Canada for over 60 years.

By combining their strength and stability, Acera Insurance brings greater value, expertise, and resources to individuals, families, and businesses across the country.

NEWS

Island Health nears 200 toxic drug deaths in 2023

Greater Victoria lost 10 more people to toxic drugs last month, bringing 2023’s local total to 62 deaths. Island Health recorded 33 deaths in May and 195 in total this year. BC has reached 1,018 deaths in 2023, per the BC Coroners Service’s latest report, exceeding the province’s entire death toll in 2019 or for any year prior to 2017.

With 176, May was BC’s first month this year with total deaths below 190. There were approximately 5.7 daily deaths in May, down from April’s average of seven a day.

For the third month in a row, Central Vancouver Island had the highest number of deaths within the Island Health Authority.

According to the province, toxic drug deaths are now the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10-59 and kill more residents in that range than homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural disease combined.

Fentanyl remains highest risk

In May, 87% of BC drug deaths were linked to fentanyl. According to the most recent report from Substance Drug Testing UVic (SDTU), the average content of fentanyl in Island drugs was 14.8%, up from 11% in April (though SDTU and other drug researchers regularly note that it is often concentration unpredictability, rather than just concentration, that proves deadly). Benzodiazepine detection declined in May, with only 26% of deaths linked compared to 44% in April.

Westshore RCMP conducted multiple searches and seizures of drug and gang-related items throughout the past months, including a drug bust operation that started in February, and a more recent Bike Patrol unit drug and cash seizure in May. According to candidates in the upcoming Juan de Fuca-Langford byelection, addiction and crime problems are a serious issue that need to be in the spotlight.

Last week, the province announced universal coverage for opioid agonist treatment, allowing any resident with an active MSP to access the medication for free. The province has continuously pointed out that there is no evidence of a link between prescribed safe supply access and toxic drug deaths.

Around the 'Shore

🚔 West Shore RCMP Indigenous Policing Unit connects with the community: The Indigenous Policing Unit has been operating since 2007 and remains an important part of community engagement and education. With recent trips to Ecole John Stubbs Memorial School in Esquimalt, Const. Cole Brewer has made an impact through youth learning. [Vancouver Island Free Daily]

☀️ National Indigenous Peoples Day at Langford’s Spencer Middle School: Langford middle school students were able to celebrate with Joseph Singers and Dancers from Esquimalt Nation on June 14. Students took the time to watch and learn about the activities and culture throughout the day. [Goldstream Gazette]

💰Housing utility costs at an extreme high in BC: A new survey was released and highlights the rising costs of BC utilities, an issue with already unaffordable housing. In Greater Victoria, 40% of just over 67,000 renters can’t afford where they are living. [CTV News]

🍦 Cool down at Seoul Chicken’s patio while having ice cream! They carry a local brand called, "Ice Keem"—inspired by Asian flavours. It’s the perfect dessert to eat after crushing their fried chicken. Find them on Instagram: @icekeemshop and @seoulchickenyyj.*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY WESTSHORE REALTOR PAUL BRUM

Why we love living in Greater Victoria

Living in Victoria and its surrounding areas comes with some amazing benefits, and one of those is that there are some amazing diving spots in the area!

Paul Brum has listed his favourite diving spots on his website, and he would love to help you find a home close to your favourite diving spot!

Community Events

🍰 Strawberry tea and craft fair: On June 24, head to the Church of the Advent from 10am to 3pm for their craft tables and bake sale. With an assortment of delicious goods, tickets are $10 per person.

🍻 Bacon beer and bourbon festival: Starlight Stadium is opening its doors from 5 to 8pm for a mix of seasonal beers, bourbon cocktails, and delicious pork-related creations. Tickets for the June 24 event range in price.

🎣 Salmon BBQ and Sooke Region Museum open house: Join the community in touring through the grounds, meeting staff, and enjoying delicious food at the Sooke Region Museum on June 25 from noon to 3pm.

What’s Offshore?

🚢 #1 The Cape Intrepid is a Naval Auxiliary built in 1976 and is sailing under the flag of the United States. It is sailing from 🇺🇸 Tacoma, United States ➡ 🇨🇦 Esquimalt, and arrived June 21.

Westshore in your Words

Recently, we included a poll in the newsletter asking readers how they would like to see the province improve. As we approach the byelection, we wanted to share some comments that we received from readers on what type of provincial betterment they would like to see.

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Economically (34.4%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Environmentally (29.3%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Socially (17.2%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Politically (5.2%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Culturally (3.4%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (10.3%)

“One of richest provinces in one of the richest countries and we have cities w/o decent transportation, sewage, bad and old infrastructure, etc. The mismanagement is unbelievable!” —Freddy Pina, Langford

“I would like to see drug treatment for drug addicts. I would like to see drug dealers get prison time. I would like to see more hospitals for the mentally ill. I would like to see homeless people homed. I would like to see financial help for seniors who are becoming the fastest growing homeless sector. Many are doing without medications and food portions to remain housed.” —Joy Warn, Langford