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Esquimalt MLA Mitzi Dean has been under fire from the First Nations Leadership Council, which called for her resignation due to how her department handled the case of two Indigenous children. While the Westshore has been tense with issues recently, this weekend will be a break from the worries as Canada Day is just around the corner. With a variety of events, there is sure to be an activity for everyone to enjoy.

— Emma

NEWS

Esquimalt MLA must resign as children and family development minister, First Nations groups say

The First Nations Leadership Council wants Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean to resign immediately from her minister role because of the way her department oversaw the case of a fostered Indigenous boy who, along with his sister, reportedly had been tortured. The boy, 11, was beaten to death. A court found the ministry hadn’t checked on the children in seven months.

In a statement released Monday, the First Nations Leadership Council blames Dean for an “inadequate approach and ongoing lack of accountability.”

This month, a man and a woman—who, along with the children, cannot be identified under a publication ban—were sentenced to 10 years in prison in Chilliwack for the February 2021 death. The couple pleaded guilty to the boy’s manslaughter and aggravated assault, and the aggravated assault of his sister, who was eight.

BC’s representative for children and youth—an official watchdog that can make recommendations to government—will now further investigate the case and “ensure that the system is transformed” to prevent future ones.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has been negligent, lacks oversight, and needs a “systematic review” of its child protection policies, said Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BC Assembly of First Nations. Teegee pointed to a similar case some 20 years ago that led to 17 recommendations for the ministry.

Dean also faced strong criticism from the husband of her new NDP colleague Joan Phillip, who on Saturday won the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant byelection. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs’ president, said Dean specifically must “acknowledge the grinding severity of this failure by resigning immediately” and that MCFD needs “robust accountability mechanisms” specific to First Nations families and children.

There have been talks around returning jurisdiction over Indigenous foster-care children—who make up the majority of kids in the system—to First Nations but that transition hasn’t yet happened.

Last October, British Columbia became the first province to expressly recognize the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services, in order to reduce the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in provincial care.

According to the ministry, Indigenous children comprise less than 10% of BC’s overall child population, but represent 68% of children in provincial care.

Dean, who has led the ministry since 2020, was an executive for the Colwood-based Pacific Centre Family Services and worked for the UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

In a statement released Monday, Dean said she was “heartbroken at what these children endured,” and extended her “deepest apologies and condolences to the family, friends and communities that have been impacted by this tragedy” but didn’t specifically address calls for her resignation.

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EVENTS

Canada Day Events

Canada Day is just around the corner, and the Westshore has a number of events coming up to celebrate the occasion. With a variety of activities for friends and family alike, pack sunscreen, water, and snacks for a day filled with fun.

Sooke Flats: From 11am to 5:30pm, locals are invited to the Sooke River Campground to watch performances, join in on games, and taste delicious treats from food vendors.

Starlight Stadium: The city of Langford is hosting its second annual Canada Day celebration at Starlight Stadium from 9am to 3pm. With a pancake breakfast starting the day off, the community can enjoy a range of fun and engaging activities.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse: For live music and a number of educational programs, head to Fort Rodd Hill for a Canada Day celebration. Starting at 10am and ending at 4pm, heritage-themed sodas and ice cream will be served throughout the day.

Festivus: The Metchosin Arts and Culture centre is hosting Family Festivus, a DIY family friendly market with over 30 vendors, local food and performances, and free cake from 3 to 8pm.

Gorge Park: Locals can dig into a pancake breakfast to start off Gorge Park’s Canada Day picnic. With a market, parade, games, displays, and so much more, the event will go from 8:30am to 4pm.

Around the 'Shore

🚒 Langford and View Royal fire crews respond to fire: On June 27, fire crews traveled by boat to Thetis Lake park. The half-hectare fire was caused by human activity, and was fully contained just after 7pm. [CHEK]

💰 Tenants still displaced from Ridgeview Place: With little information as to their eviction and their future living situation, tenants of Ridgeview Place are struggling with already-difficult housing costs after being displaced in April. While the city of Langford is looking into the issue, Centurion (the property owner) is still investigating the issue. [CTV]

🏫 Sooke school district in dire need of space: As Sooke’s School District 62 sees skyrocketing enrolments, it’s hoping the government will help fund new spaces. The district says it will need five new schools and additional space in at least six more. The district approved a five-year plan, committing $1.4M to increase the number of portable classrooms, but says it won’t be enough to accommodate new students. [Victoria News]

🌡️ BC to provide free AC to vulnerable locals: As the summer months bring hotter weather than normal, the government has taken a step towards supporting locals. The province is providing $10 million so that hydro BC can give out over 8,000 free AC units to eligible residents [Victoria Buzz]

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Community Events

🎵 Memorial Park Music Fest: On July 4 from 6 to 7:30pm, Esquimalt invites locals to bring blankets and lawn chairs to Memorial Park for a fun-filled music fest. Food trucks will also be on site for a variety of delicious treats to choose from.

🛝 Neighbourhood Nights: Every Tuesday until Aug. 30, Westshore families can enjoy a free family play program at Meadow Park in Royal Bay. Starting July 5, locals can join in on a variety of backyard games and activities from 6 to 8pm.

☀️ Get Active Stay Active: The Edward Milne Community School Society is inviting kids ages seven to nine to participate in the Sooke Summer Camp from July 4 to 7. For $160, kids will participate in a range of engaging camp fun from 9am to 3pm.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Kemp Lake in Sooke while kayaking. – Paul Young, Langford

That’s it!

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