Sam Roberts and DarthVader enlisted in
fight for quorum at Students’ Society AGM

The University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS) is going above and beyond simply offering cookies and coffee as an enticement to attend their annual general meeting on Thursday, October 16.

The UVSS has been unable to make quorum for more than three years, despite ample organic coffee and cookies.

Quorum is the number of society members required to pass special resolutions at AGMs. UVSS general meetings require 90 students to reach quorum.

This year the UVSS is presenting a free showing of Star Wars following the meeting, as well as a door prize of tickets to the sold-out Nov. 1 Sam Roberts concert.

“We are hoping the film and the tickets will attract attention and bring a lighter recreational side to the AGM. Of course, students will also participate in some very important decision-making,” said UVSS Chair Jude Coates.

Students are advised that only those who remain for the entire AGM will be allowed to see Luke, Darth and the rest.

Director at Large Dave Holmes, who made obtaining quorum part of his election campaign, refused to confirm nor deny that he actually helped.


Mr. Raw Log makes appearance at UVic protest

A seven foot papier mâché log going by the name Mr. Raw Log was the centrepiece of a protest at Petch Fountain Thursday, Oct. 2.

The protest was part of a day of action organized by the Western Canada Wilderness Committee to bring attention to impending changes in provincial forest policy. The Liberal government is expected soon to push through its Working Forest Initiative, a new policy that will see all Crown forestland in the province outside of protected areas, like parks, private property and municipal boundaries, designated for industrial uses. Speakers at the event likened the initiative to putting B.C. forests in corporate hands.

“We don’t want to see more power and compensation being given to them,” said B.C. Green Party leader Adriane Carr, who spoke through a megaphone to the assembled crowd.


UVSS to launch nation-wide Feb. 4 protest campaign

The University of Victoria Students’ Society is already gearing up for the National Day of Action to be held Feb. 4. The official launch for lead-up events to the big day will be held outside the Students’ Union Building at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 15. There will be popcorn, a speaker’s corner booth, live entertainment and a seven-foot balloon featuring a rocket-riding Gordon Campbell.

The National Day of Action will be held on February 4th to protest rising tuition fees and call for more accessible post-secondary education across the country.


Jean Chretien looking forward to the pleasures of retirement

“I don’t know what is marijuana. Perhaps I will try it when it will no longer be criminal. I will have my money for my fine and a joint in the other hand,” our Prime Minister told the Winnipeg Free Press in an interview this week.


Courtnall courts all

One of Victoria’s most famous athletes, Geoff Courtnall, is living a bit of a double life.

As a spokesperson for the British Columbia Wildlife Federation, the former NHL star speaks on behalf of an organization whose objective is “to ensure the sound, long-term management of British Columbia's fish, wildlife, park and outdoor recreational resources in the best interests of all British Columbians.”

However, when he’s not trying to save wildlife, Courtnall cuts down trees for fun in Jervis Inlet, just across from the small-town of Egmont. Courtnall, along with his brother, Russ, and Wayne Gretzky, have interests in land in the area and have been in the process of denuding it for just over a year.

Displaced wildlife in the Egmont area were unavailable for comment.