menu_open Columnists
The Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Times Colonist

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

David Sovka: Lettuce isn't a sexy sidepiece, it's the main course

David Sovka: Lettuce isn't a sexy sidepiece, it's the main course

It is high summer, and even though cold beer awaits the hamburgers currently sizzling on the BBQ, I’m pleased to bring you more of the hard-hitting...

latest 7

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Gene Miller: Humans could soon lose their place at the apex of life on Earth

Gene Miller: Humans could soon lose their place at the apex of life on Earth

When I was a kid, back in the Mesozoic, life was ­simpler. Take health. Back then, either you had the sniffles or you died in an alien invasion....

latest 7

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters Aug. 2: Navy needs new ships; Island View Beach

The Royal Canadian Navy announced the retirement of 12 naval vessels by the end of next year. In typical Canadian fashion, no replacements. This means...

yesterday 9

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Look for climate action within your community

Comment: Look for climate action within your community

A commentary by a former ­pension fund investment ­manager who lives in Victoria. David Suzuki recently said it is too late to limit global warming...

yesterday 10

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: Trends in Island hospital emergency rooms

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

yesterday 7

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Editorial: Low-income housing needs to be a priority

Editorial: Low-income housing needs to be a priority

The development of a new apartment complex at 1520 McKenzie Ave., close to Shelbourne Street in Saanich, raises real questions about the region’s...

previous day 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Consumption sites are part of the solution

Comment: Consumption sites are part of the solution

A commentary by a past co-chair of the Port Alberni Community Action Team. Victoria Coun. Marg Gardiner is preparing to call for the closure of the...

previous day 5

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters Aug. 1: Enough Trudeau already; bleeding hearts hurt Victoria

Letters Aug. 1: Enough Trudeau already; bleeding hearts hurt Victoria

Re: “Victoria changing streets to ­detriment of businesses,” commentary, July 30. I have been meaning to write about driving in downtown...

previous day 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: All aboard the Ottawa subsidies party boat

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

friday 4

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Health is the cornerstone of Canada’s economy

Comment: Health is the cornerstone of Canada’s economy

A commentary by a former ­deputy minister of health in B.C and Saskatchewan and a member of two health reform commissions. Prime Minister Mark...

friday 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 31: Parking enforcement downtown; virtual medical visits

Letters July 31: Parking enforcement downtown; virtual medical visits

I have growing frustration with the state of parking enforcement in downtown Victoria. Despite rarely visiting the area, I have received three parking...

friday 6

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 30: Victoria's safety plan; emergency room wait times

Letters July 30: Victoria's safety plan; emergency room wait times

At 5032 Wesley Rd. in Saanich stands an iconic, 100-year-old big leaf maple. Neighbours were surprised when a notice was hammered into the trunk of...

31.07.2025 5

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Victoria's changing its streets to the detriment of businesses

Comment: Victoria's changing its streets to the detriment of businesses

A commentary by a Sidney ­resident. After living in Victoria, my wife and I moved to Sidney 25 years ago. We drive to Victoria fairly regularly to...

31.07.2025 6

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: U.S. threatens Canada's softwood lumber producers

Adrian Raeside cartoon: U.S. threatens Canada's softwood lumber producers

Cartoon originally published in 2001. Fast-forward 24 years and Canadians softwood lumber producers are still being harassed by the U.S. Department of...

30.07.2025 9

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: A missed opportunity for dialogue in Saanich

Comment: A missed opportunity for dialogue in Saanich

A commentary by a ­community advocate who is a member of Saanich’s Accessibility, ­Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Recent events in...

30.07.2025 8

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 29: Pay attention when driving; ferry fares; Saanich's plan

Letters July 29: Pay attention when driving; ferry fares; Saanich's plan

Re: “Mounties tried to get Kelowna driver to stop; text message was more ­important,” July 25. Preoccupied by reading a text, the 27-year-old...

30.07.2025 8

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Trevor Hancock: We can't grow our way out of problems created by growth

Trevor Hancock: We can't grow our way out of problems created by growth

Mark Carney may not have called his Bill C-5 — now the Building Canada Act — a big, beautiful bill, but it does come out of much the same mould as...

29.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Gene Miller: Kiwanis project shows affordable housing isn't just a dream

Gene Miller: Kiwanis project shows affordable housing isn't just a dream

Honestly, what better place to start a housing-affordability discussion than with the two-part headline in the June 24 Globe and Mail real estate...

29.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 28: Improving health care; Saanich's operations centre

Letters July 28: Improving health care; Saanich's operations centre

Looking from afar, I seriously have to wonder what is happening in British Columbia with respect to the delivery of emergency medical care and what...

29.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Saanich voters flex their muscles to oppose AAP

Comment: Saanich voters flex their muscles to oppose AAP

A commentary by the vice-chair of Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria More than 10,000 Saanich residents made the effort to vote — during a few...

29.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

David Sovka: Good night, Margaret. Sweet dreams

David Sovka: Good night, Margaret. Sweet dreams

Oh sleep! it is a gentle thing, Beloved from pole to pole! To Mary Queen the praise be given! She sent the gentle sleep from Heaven, That slid into my...

28.07.2025 10

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Monique Keiran: Court battle with U.S. farmer puts B.C. cherries in spotlight

Monique Keiran: Court battle with U.S. farmer puts B.C. cherries in spotlight

Cherry season has arrived, and the contents of our refrigerator and diet are skewing SKU 4045, the grocery checkout code for B.C. cherries that is...

28.07.2025 10

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Victoria's safety plan is too late

Comment: Victoria's safety plan is too late

A commentary by a community safety practitioner. The citizens of Victoria finally have a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. It’s taken the City...

27.07.2025 6

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: BCGEU members working their second job

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

27.07.2025 4

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Editorial: We need a strong stand on early parole

Editorial: We need a strong stand on early parole

By law, the punishment for first-degree murder is an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years. Or it used to be. Now, two B.C....

27.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 26: City's pet projects; meaning of true leadership

Letters July 26: City's pet projects; meaning of true leadership

With regard to road changes in Victoria, an exasperated letter wonders: “What is wrong with the engineering department at the city? Can’t they see...

27.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Save Our Saanich isn't saving money

Comment: Save Our Saanich isn't saving money

A commentary by a retired ­professor and senior scholar at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Health and Social Policy. I wish I could...

26.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 25: Roundabouts; destroying nature of Shelbourne corridor

Letters July 25: Roundabouts; destroying nature of Shelbourne corridor

The experiment at Cook Street and ­Southgate Street is more akin to a crop circle. It is mysterious in its existence to the locals. Being that it is...

26.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Death of Texada Island grizzly teaches lesson in wildlife management

Comment: Death of Texada Island grizzly teaches lesson in wildlife management

A commentary by the director of the Wild Origins of Canada ­Foundation, a B.C.-based ­non-profit. The recent death of a well-known grizzly bear on...

25.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 24: Cook Street traffic; remembering Ozzy Osbourne

Letters July 24: Cook Street traffic; remembering Ozzy Osbourne

For the past five years, I have been ­suggesting that the government provide GPS trackers on all people with dementia who “wander.” How much time...

25.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: This Saanich resident has lost faith in council

Comment: This Saanich resident has lost faith in council

A commentary by a Saanich ­resident. I am one of those individuals who objected to Saanich borrowing money for a new operations centre. Why?...

24.07.2025 1

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 23: Excellent city workers in Victoria; accuracy in public comments

Letters July 23: Excellent city workers in Victoria; accuracy in public comments

As a resident of Moss Street, I am writing to thank the City of Victoria workers who did an absolutely amazing job cleaning our street after...

24.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 22: Burden of medical exam for senior drivers; skeptical about Save Our Saanich

Letters July 22: Burden of medical exam for senior drivers; skeptical about Save Our Saanich

I am concerned about the policy ­requiring seniors who drive to pay up to $200 for a medical examination upon reaching the age of 80. This fee,...

23.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: B.C. Ferries' new rule about not transporting broken electric vehicles

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

23.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Focus on preserving workforce, not poaching doctors

Comment: Focus on preserving workforce, not poaching doctors

A commentary by a pediatrician in Oak Bay. The B.C. government has reported success and pride in recruiting and even fast-tracking American...

23.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: B.C. Ferries' new rule about not transporting broken electric vehicles

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

23.07.2025 4

Vancouver Is Awesome

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: This bear has a message to share

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

22.07.2025 10

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 21: Require licences for e-bikes; ban personal watercrafts

Letters July 21: Require licences for e-bikes; ban personal watercrafts

I find it ironic that an organization that has loudly and vociferously complained about how undemocratic the alternative approval process (AAP) is has...

22.07.2025 10

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

David Sovka: Wear your ballgown on the plane and other valuable packing tips

David Sovka: Wear your ballgown on the plane and other valuable packing tips

Tomorrow morning, my wife and I leave for a three-week cycling adventure across Europe, and one of us is ready to go! The other one of us is also...

21.07.2025 10

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Gene Miller: We are the 'somebody' who should help us

Gene Miller: We are the 'somebody' who should help us

The churches are empty. Not all, and not always, but you get the point. I take nothing away from faith communities or people of faith. In fact, I wish...

21.07.2025 9

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 19: Island Health data; stormwater outfall at Willows Beach

Letters July 19: Island Health data; stormwater outfall at Willows Beach

Angry town halls often reflect a ­situation where individuals are not effectively expressing their needs or finding ­constructive solutions during...

20.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Stifling public input isn’t democratic

Comment: Stifling public input isn’t democratic

A commentary by the ­president of the Saanich South B.C. ­Conservative Riding Association. The July 14 commentary ­“Raucous Saanich council...

20.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Editorial: Canadian health care offers few chances for fraud

The American Justice Department has dismantled a massive fraud scheme that targeted the country’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. Some 324...

19.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 18: Follow B.C. Ferries' rules; Cook Street roundabout

Re: “B.C. Ferries car-deck rule makes no sense,” commentary, July 16. The complaint is off base. Ignoring so-called “navy officers dressed in...

19.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: Scene is set for public art versus sequoia

A commentary by a former member of Victoria city council. Victoria councillors Jeremy Caradonna and Matt Dell have provided an update on the future...

19.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: Victoria and Saanich discuss amalgamation (more splash pads, anyone?)

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

18.07.2025 5

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 17: Quadra-McKenzie Plan; disrespectful public hearings

Re: “What’s next for Royal Athletic Park and Centennial Square?,” commentary, July 15. Victoria councillors Jeremy Caradonna and Matt Dell had a...

18.07.2025 3

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Comment: B.C. Ferries' car-deck rule makes no sense

A commentary by a Saanich resident. I am 82 years old and my breathing is laboured. I was recently a passenger in a vehicle returning from the...

17.07.2025 4

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Letters July 16: Roundabouts; federal deficit

Re: “Cadboro Bay gets mini-roundabout with feature for big vehicles,” July 13. The quote in the story, that “drivers don’t have to determine...

17.07.2025 4

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist

Adrian Raeside cartoon: Victoria lowers speed limits on its residential streets

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

16.07.2025 2

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist