Op-eds

The RCMP is a force of colonial bigotry

The bigotry we are witnessing is institutional, systemic, violent, and unjust. No matter how many land acknowledgements are performed, the patterns of the past remain. Indigenous people are treated as…

Victoria’s accessible housing is not accessible

"Despite their assertion that Victoria is facing an accessible housing crisis, the city’s housing plan will not be accessible for citizens in the most immediate need."

Saanich’s rental bylaw system puts the onus on students, not landlords

"Saanich’s rental bylaw system, does little to protect students from inadequate housing conditions. Instead, the current system largely holds students — not landlords — responsible for bylaw violations of Saanich…

The unfair public image costs of “policing poverty”

"Should police officers be on the front lines of dealing with people who, for a multitude of reasons, cannot afford housing in Victoria? Of course not. But the answer is…

A misleading solution: “Compostable” plastics are horrible for the environment

Thanks to the demands from eco-conscious consumers in Victoria, compostable plastics are popping up everywhere. But there’s a catch: all compostable plastics are ending up in landfills, where they cannot…

(Not so) new kids on the Bloc: the Bloc Québécois’s resurgence in the 2019 Canadian federal election

"The resurgence of the Bloc Québécois in the 2019 federal election isn’t just a momentary spike in populist politics. Instead, the party’s resurgence following a near-decade of disappointing election results…

Colonialism at Christmas: How homogeneous holiday traditions damage society

These days, everyone, not only Christians celebrate Christmas. But what effect on society does this cultural norm have?

The post-milk era? Plant-based alternatives are on the rise

"Plant-based beverages are on the verge of usurping traditional dairy milk’s once-ubiquitous role in the Canadian diet, and are quickly becoming more than just alternatives for the next generation of…

How many trees does it take to elect a Prime Minister?

"I worked as a poll clerk at one of the 192 polling divisions in the Victoria riding. This was the first election in which I’ve worked, and I was astounded…