Times Colonist, March 3, 2022 Edition by Times Colonist

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Victoria, British Columbia

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A look behind the NDP’s abrupt power grab at B.C. Ferries >Les Leyne, A2

Far from Sidney ‘safe haven,’ global affairs analyst feels Ukraine’s agony

>See INVASION, A2 >Russians feeling sanctions, A8 >Canadians prepare to join fight, A9

Proposed changes to Government Street corridor. the entire street. “Community members shared what they value most about Government Street and what they would like to see improved,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “Making Government Street a people-priority street is a key action of the city’s strategic plan and now it’s time to tell us what you think — what have we got right, what have we missed?” The city notes the streetscape hasn’t changed in more than 50 years and has aging street furniture, trees, traffic signals and sidewalk and road surfaces. It will also require a new water main in coming years. The draft concept was put together by a stakeholder working group with input from First Nations and about 700 residents who participated in an online forum and survey. Local businesses are being

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tary laid siege to two strategic Ukrainian seaports Wednesday and pressed their bombardment of the country’s second-biggest city, while a huge armoured column threatening Kyiv appeared stalled outside the capital. Moscow’s isolation deepened, meanwhile, when most of the world lined up against it at the United Nations to demand it withdraw from Ukraine. And the prosecutor for the International Criminal Court opened an investigation into possible war crimes. A second round of talks aimed at ending the fighting was expected today, but there appeared to be little common ground between the two sides. Russia reported its military casualties for the first time since the invasion began last week, saying nearly 500 of its troops have been killed and almost 1,600 wounded. Ukraine did not disclose its own military losses but said more than 2,000 civilians have died, a claim that

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Calling it a once-in-a-generation chance to make over a local landmark, the City of Victoria is asking the public to weigh in on a draft redesign for Government Street. The street has evolved through the pandemic into what the city calls a peoplepriority thoroughfare, with new pedestrian-only zones and more on-street activity that does not include vehicles. The concept the city is considering proposes two new cultural plazas with landmarks to serve as gateways to the street — a Lekwungen plaza at Humboldt and a realignment of the Pandora intersection to create a new plaza for Chinatown, while improving circulation for all forms of travel. Also included are expanded pedestrian areas, timed car-free zones and the extension of the character of Government Street north, between Yates and Pandora, while maintaining two-way vehicle traffic. The city sees the chance for new public art and cultural interpretation, more accessible seating, lighting and landscaping and space for restaurant patios and storefronts. It also plans to make some room for vehicles with accessible parking, pick-up and drop-off areas and commercial loading zones along

New Lekwungen Plaza

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The Associated Press

could not be independently verified. With fighting on several fronts across the country, Britain’s Defence Ministry said Mariupol, a large city on the Azov Sea, was encircled by Russian forces, while the status of another vital port, Kherson, a Black Sea shipbuilding city of 280,000, remained unclear. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces claimed to have taken complete control of Kherson, which would make it the biggest city to fall yet in the invasion. But a senior U.S. defence official disputed that. “Our view is that Kherson is very much a contested city,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office told the Associated Press that it could not comment on the situation in Kherson while the fighting was still going on.

ANDREW A. DUFFY Times Colonist

Russian forces besiege Ukrainian ports as armoured column stalls

Plans for the Government Street redesign include a Lekwungen Cultural Plaza between Humboldt Street and Courtney Street. VIA CITY OF VICTORIA

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>See KNOX, A3

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Lviv is teeming. Like Victoria, it’s a tourist city at the western edge of the country, and is used to hosting visitors. Still, the surge of humanity fleeing the Russian onslaught is straining capacity. Streets are congested, says Sidney’s Michael Bociurkiw, on the phone from Ukraine. Long lines stretch outside shops. Ditto for the bank machines, if your debit and credit cards still work. Family heartbreak plays out in public, with mothers and children joining the crush of those seeking safety in Poland, and fathers staying behind. The scenes at the train station are terrible. Bociurkiw figures it would be harder for him to get

out now than it was just a few days ago. As a journalist and global affairs analyst, and someone with an extensive background with humanitarian groups, Bociurkiw has spent much of his life in the world’s trouble spots. Today’s unfolding tragedy hits particularly hard, though. “Ukraine has always been a second home for me,” he said. “I’m seeing landmarks that I love, that I’ve been to, being blown up.” People he knows well are in danger. “That’s what makes it difficult to watch, when you have some of your best friends in bomb shelters.” Bociurkiw has been busy lately as a media commentator adding context to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. CNN mostly, but he also appears on the BBC, National Public Radio, Al Jazeera, Ukrainian television…. “Some days I do live hit after hit after hit,” he said Wednesday, right after talking to CBC Radio’s The Current.

Hum

JACK KNOX

Two cultural plazas part of makeover plans for Government Street

New plaza and gateway to Chinatown

VIA CITY OF VICTORIA

invited to register to participate in one of two online focus group discussions on March 8, while the broader community can participate in online open houses on March 9. The public can also take part in an online survey or provide feedback in an email to engage@ victoria.ca with “Government Street Refresh” in the subject line, until March 20. After the next round of consultation, the city says, the project team will refine the draft concept design in collaboration with the stakeholder working group, First Nations, representatives of the Chinese community, local businesses and others, before it is presented to council in late spring. More information on the redesign project is available online at engage.victoria.ca. aduffy@timescolonist.com

Gas prices hit record-high $1.949 a litre in Greater Victoria CARLA WILSON Times Colonist

The price of regular gas in Greater Victoria rose to $1.949 per litre Wednesday, and could soon hit $2 because of international volatility in the oil market caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. DARREN STONE, TIIMES COLONIST

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Greater Victoria motorists received a shock Wednesday when gas prices jumped to a record high of $1.949 for a litre of regular gas, and a University of B.C. analyst says more increases are likely on the horizon. Prior to the hike, gas was selling for $1.769 a litre at most stations in the capital region, after reaching $1.799 a litre in mid-February. Werner Antweiler, an associate professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business who specializes in international trade and finance, gas prices, energy systems and climate-change economics, said prices will likely soon top $2 a litre — which has already happened for premium gasoline. Antweiler said it’s difficult to say where gas prices will go in the longer run without knowing what will happen internationally. “But what I can say for sure is we are going to have a lot of price volatility.”

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Russia is a major supplier of crude oil globally, but many companies transporting and buying oil do not want to touch that output because of risks it will be subject to sanctions, Antweiler said. The market is looking for additional supply to make up for the loss of Russian oil, he said. In a meeting Wednesday, OPEC, which includes Russia, did not agree to increase production beyond what was already planned. “However, I don’t think that’s going to last,” Antweiler said. “Because pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is going to be very, very profound coming from the United States to increase production. “Because even more so than in Canada, Americans are worried about gas prices.” He expects that producers will ratchet up their output to help meet the shortfall. The International Energy Agency announced that its member countries will release 60 million barrels of oil, but Antweiler said that is not even one day’s worth of what is normally supplied. “We

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are talking very, very large numbers. The world still runs on fossil fuels.” Another potential source is Iran, which remains under sanctions related to its nuclear program. If those are lifted, that would bring more oil into the marketplace, he said. As for what’s happening at the pumps, Antweiler pointed to electric cars, saying for every kilometre driven, it costs one-quarter of the cost of paying for gasoline. “That’s something people should keep in mind when they look at buying an electric car. It’s maybe a little bit more costly upfront, but it will save you money down the road.” Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, is calling on B.C. and other governments to back away from carbon taxes to ease prices at the pumps. Canada is heading into an energy crisis at a level that hasn’t been seen in recent memory and it will fuel inflation, McTeague said. cjwilson@timescolonist.com

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TIMES COLONIST

What’s driving NDP move to take control of B.C. Ferries

LES LEYNE Suspicions were whispered Wednesday following my column about the NDP’s legislated power grab at B.C. Ferries as to what is driving the abrupt move. The corporation’s initial response to the pandemic’s catastrophic impact on its business is considered by some to be one reason. On April 3, 2000, in the first shocking wave of COVID-19, B.C. Ferries cut its coast-wide sailings in half. That involved issuing layoff notices with one day’s notice to 1,115 employees, about 27 per cent of its workforce. Traffic had dropped 80 per cent in the space of a few days. The corporation was losing

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When the former B.C. Liberal government redesigned ferry governance 19 years ago, it created the authority as the legal “owner” of the corporation. It held the one voting share and its board was to provide strategic guidance on the operation of the ferry service and, crucially, to appoint the board of directors that oversees the actual corporation. Bill 7, the Coastal Ferry Amendment Act, changes the balance of power considerably. The B.C. Ferry Authority board of directors will be able to bring any and all aspects of day-to-day operations under their control by passing a resolution. Once that’s done, they can issue binding directions to the corporation through its board of directors. The bill states that B.C. Ferries must then “comply with any direction issued … ensure its business plan takes the resolution into account and ensure its annual report … describes the actions [taken].” For good measure, the bill

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>FROM A1: INVASION But the mayor of Kherson, Igor Kolykhaev, said Russian soldiers were in the city and went to the city administration building. He said he asked them not to shoot civilians and to allow crews to gather up the bodies from the streets. “I simply asked them not to shoot at people,” he said in a statement. “We don’t have any Ukrainian forces in the city, only civilians and people here who want to live.” Kherson, a city of 300,000, is strategically located on the banks of the Dnieper River near where it flows into the Black Sea. Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko said the attacks there had been relentless. “We cannot even take the wounded from the streets, from houses and apartments today,

since the shelling does not stop,” he was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. Meanwhile, the senior U.S. defence official said the immense column of hundreds of tanks and other vehicles appeared to be stalled 25 kilometres from Kyiv over the past couple of days. The convoy, which earlier in the week had seemed poised to launch an assault on the capital, has been plagued with fuel and food shortages and has faced fierce Ukrainian resistance, the official said. Russia also pounded Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city with about 1.5 million people, in another round of aerial attacks that shattered buildings and lit up the skyline with flames. At least 21 people were killed and 112 injured over the past day, said Oleg Sinehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional administration. Several Russian planes were shot down over Kharkiv, according to Oleksiy Arestovich, a top

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continent, while the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency warned that the fighting poses a danger to Ukraine’s 15 nuclear reactors. Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency noted that the war is “the first time a military conflict is happening amid the facilities of a large, established nuclear power program,” and he said he is “gravely concerned.” In New York, the UN General Assembly voted to demand that Russia stop its offensive and immediately withdraw all troops, with world powers and tiny island states alike condemning Moscow. The vote was 141 to 5, with 35 abstentions. Assembly resolutions aren’t legally binding but can reflect and influence world opinion. The vote came after the 193-member assembly convened its first emergency session since 1997. The only countries to vote with Russia were Belarus, Syria, North Korea and Eritrea.

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adviser to Zelenskyy. “Kharkiv today is the Stalingrad of the 21st century,” Arestovich said, invoking what is considered one of the most heroic episodes in Russian history, the five-month defence of the city from the Nazis during the Second World War. From his basement bunker, Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov told the BBC: “The city is united and we shall stand fast.’’ Russian attacks, many with missiles, blew the roof off Kharkiv’s five-storey regional police building and set the top floor on fire, and also hit the intelligence headquarters and a university building, according to officials and videos and photos released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. Officials said residential buildings were also hit, but gave no details. Seven days into Russia’s invasion, the United Nations said more than 934,000 people have fled Ukraine in a mounting refugee crisis on the European

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by the government and four come from different coastal regions served by the system. It’s currently a mix of business and public sector executives and local figures, including a former NDP MLA (Gary Coons). The 11-member board of directors for B.C. Ferries is a similar mix of people, all of them picked by the B.C. Ferry Authority. The chair (currently top-tier executive Brenda Eaton) collects $100,000 a year. Directors get $50,000. Retainers for the B.C. Ferry Authority board of directors are much lower. They all get free ferry passes, according to the annual report. The bill will tighten the government’s control over the ferry system considerably, since there’s a more direct line of control to the board that will soon be calling the shots. The corporation’s directors will still oversee management of the ferry system. But the question for taxpayers is whether two boards are worth it. lleyne@timescolonist.com

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gives the B.C. Ferry Authority board the power to terminate the corporation’s board of directors. The layoffs argument is in the past, but another reason for the shakeup may lie in the future. Building ferries in B.C. has been a dream of NDP politicians for years. But the corporation, forever focused on the bottom line, has resisted the idea. It would add a huge premium to the price of new ships, which European yards now churn out routinely. Under the new arrangement, if the B.C. Ferry Authority board decides building ferries in B.C. is in the public interest, the corporation will have no play but to do just that. Any arguments will literally be outlawed. The changes put a new focus on the B.C. Ferry Authority, given that it will soon more than live up to its name. It will have full authority over the ferry service. It has a nine-member board, one of whom is appointed by the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union. Four are appointed directly

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between $1.25 million and $1.5 million a day. The layoff notice prompted a battle with the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union. Less than two weeks later the opportunity for emergency federal wage subsidies arose. The corporation reversed course and rescinded most of the layoffs. Months later, an arbitrator ruled that B.C. Ferries had breached its labour contract by attempting the layoffs. Much of that battle played out publicly. Behind the scenes there was another argument between the corporation and the NDP government. The politicians were angered by the layoff notices. The lingering bad blood is suspected of contributing to the legislative changes introduced last week that will strip the B.C. Ferries board of d irectors of much of its power. B.C. Ferries’ complicated corporate governance structure is being changed to give much more power to an obscure oversight entity, the B.C. Ferry Authority board of directors.

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THE CAPITAL A N D VA N C O U V E R I S L A N D

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Editor: Bryna Hallam > Telephone: 250-380-5333 > Email: localnews@timescolonist.com

Fatal stabbing suspect in court for breach of bail conditions LOUISE DICKSON Times Colonist

A suspect in the fatal stabbing of a young man in downtown Victoria appeared in court Wednesday for allegedly breaching his bail conditions on an earlier charge of attempted murder. The 28-year-old Royal Roads University student was arrested and detained Tuesday after the early-morning stabbing outside Lucky Bar on lower Yates Street. He faces three charges in connection with a stabbing on Lang Street on Feb. 6. The attempted-murder charge alleges he stabbed his victim with one or more knives. He is also charged with committing aggravated assault and breaking and entering a locked bedroom in the Lang Street house. He remains in custody at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. The fatal stabbing early Tuesday is being investigated by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. On Wednesday, a bouquet of flowers and a candle were on the ground outside Lucky Bar. Police have not released the name of the victim. But he has been identified as John Dickinson by his sister, Jasmine Bauer, who started a fundraiser to bring her brother’s body back to their mother in Ontario. On Wednesday, 48 people had donated, raising close to the $5,000 goal. “Anyone who knew Johnny knew he was a goofy, silly, laidback kind of guy,” Jasmine wrote on the fundraising page. “Johnny would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was a hard-working man who loved to work and loved to play. He didn’t deserve this and I know he will be missed by so many. I am trying to raise money to get him home to mom. “Honestly my heart is broken … If you can’t donate that’s ok.

John Dickinson has been identified by family as the victim of a fatal stabbing in Victoria on Tuesday. FAMILY PHOTO Please share and say a prayer. We can use as many as we can get.” Family friend Sarah Maslen described Dickinson, who moved to Victoria from St. Catharines, Ont., as a light. “I will always remember him for his kindness and empathy for others. At family functions he was always the positive light that brought us all together,” she wrote on the website. “Whoever did this took a very kind soul from this planet,” another friend posted on Facebook. “Our friends and community are gonna be very affected. He was a very laid back, easy going happy person. Not one to have controversy about anything.” Victoria patrol officers were called to the 500 block of Yates Street just before 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. They provided emergency first aid before B.C. Ambulance paramedics arrived to take over. The suspect was located with help from a police dog about 30 minutes later.

The new addition to J Pod, J59, swimming next to its mother near San Juan Island. CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH

New calf signals hope for endangered orcas DARRON KLOSTER Times Colonist A new baby has arrived in J Pod, a hopeful sign for the critically endangered population of southern resident killer whales. The calf was spotted near Kelp Reef off San Juan Island on Tuesday. It is believed to be the second calf for J37, and the first born to J Pod since September 2020. Dave Ellifrit of the Center for Whale Research in Washington state confirmed the new addition to J Pod. The calf was next to its mother, with family members J47 and J40 nearby. Field staff with the research centre last saw J37 on Feb. 11 and she did not have a calf at that time. “We estimate this baby was born within the past few days, given its lumpy physical nature,” the centre said in statement released Wednesday. The newborn has been designated J59, but the sex is not yet known. “Its size and shape are typical of a calf in good physical condition,” researchers said. J37, also known as Hy’Shqa,

is 21 years old. The name means “blessing” or “thank you” and was bestowed during a traditional potlatch ceremony by the Samish Nation in October 2001. Hy’Shqa is part of the J14 matriline and has two siblings, J40 (female, born 2004) and J45 (male, born 2009). She was a young mother, only 11 years old, when she gave birth to her first calf in 2012: J49 (male). The last J Pod calf was born in September 2020, when J41 gave birth to J58, a female. As of Dec. 31, the fragile southern residents killer whale population — comprising J, K and L Pods — stood at only 73 animals. L Pod has 33 members and K Pod 16. J Pod, consisting of 25 orcas, is the most likely to appear yearround in the waters of the San Juan Islands and Southern Gulf Islands, lower Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia. The pod used to frequent the inland waters of the Salish Sea from late spring through early fall, but visits have become shorter, likely caused by the shortages of chinook salmon, their main food source. dkloster@timescolonist.com

Sidney’s Michael Bociurkiw at CNN’s broadcasting position in Lviv, Ukraine. COURTESY MICHAEL BOCIURKIW

Do gestures from Victoria make a difference? ‘Absolutely’ >FROM A1: KNOX It’s a long way from his life on Vancouver Island. “Sidney has been my safe haven,” he said. “It’s quiet, it’s tranquil. I bicycle every day on the path around the airport.” Knowing he can return there helps keep him going when he is in one of the darker corners of the world. It also hurts to know his Ukrainian friends aren’t so lucky. Right now, Bociurkiw is a good bridge between Ukrainian and Canadian realities. As a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Atlantic Council, he knows the geopolitics. Also, his parents came to Canada from Ukraine. He has spent plenty of time in the country — he was the spokesperson for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 — and speaks the language fluently. He has been there for the past month. Here’s what he has to say: It’s bad and it’s going to get worse. The UN estimates 836,000 Ukrainians fled the country within six days of the invasion,

with many more to follow. It’s becoming harder to get money and supplies to those who need them most. “I fear that the footprint of violence and shelling will increase,” Bociurkiw said. Missiles hadn’t struck Lviv as of Wednesday, but people are fearful, anxious. Still, he is touched by how well he is treated on the street. “People are so kind and want to help.” Also, the outpouring of global goodwill, the belief that there will be help from outside when it’s time to rebuild, has offered Ukrainians a ray of light. Television tells stories of international support. “They really need that right now.” That leads to a question: Do the gestures made in places like far-off Victoria make a difference? “Absolutely,” Bociurkiw said. Those rallies on the legislature lawn matter. So do pictures of bridges and buildings lit up in blue and yellow, and the tapein-your-window Ukrainian flag printed in Wednesday’s Times Colonist. Such images get transmitted back to Europe by UkrainianCanadians via social media. (“Please don’t stop,” Bociurkiw urges Vancouver Islanders posting such content.)

Demonstrations of solidarity with Ukraine also send a message to politicians, Bociurkiw said. They can awaken international corporations, too, spurring them to devote resources to humanitarian and recovery efforts. “They can often work and mobilize faster than governments can, because they’re already there on the ground.” He mentions world-class Canadian telecom companies as having what will be needed. “Ukraine is going to need a lot of help in terms of rebuilding its infrastructure.” The immediate need, though, is help for those seeking refuge. Canada has plenty of people with soft-power skills who could be teamed up and dropped into countries like Poland to help with temporary resettlement, Bociurkiw said. Canada, with its huge, wellorganized diaspora (more than 1.3 million here have Ukrainian heritage), is also well-positioned to offer shelter to displaced Ukrainians (many of whom, he said, could fill jobs in health care, tech and other areas hurt by the labour shortage). In other words, we could offer a safe haven, just like Bociurkiw and the rest of us already enjoy. jknox@timescolonist.com

Lawsuit seeks access to logging area ANDREW A. DUFFY Times Colonist A legal non-profit is taking the province to court to have gates and other barriers removed from access roads near Port Renfrew so scientists can study wildlife and birds in the area. Ecojustice filed suit on behalf of Royann Petrell, associate professor emerita at the University of B.C., challenging the legality of at least eight road closures granted by the B.C. Ministry of Forests in Tree Farm Licence 46, which includes Fairy Creek, site of ongoing protests against oldgrowth logging. In a statement, Petrell noted the work done by scientists and citizens in forests is important for the protection of the province’s wildlife. “The B.C. government doesn’t generally know where endangered birds and other wildlife are located. Citizen-scientists like me are trying to fill that gap before the province’s few remaining areas of old-growth forest are logged,” she said. Petrell said the gates prevent citizen scientists from identifying and protecting at-risk species in areas where logging is imminent, and “prevent us from

doing what the B.C. government should have done years ago, before it approved logging in those areas.” In court documents, Ecojustice said between May and November last year, the province approved more than a dozen requests for road closures from Teal Cedar, which holds the right to harvest timber in TFL 46. Ecojustice said when Teal Cedar was given approval to close off access, the company installed gates and hired a private security firm to operate them. While the Ministry of Forests has the authority to close or restrict use of roads if property, public health or safety might be endangered, Ecojustice said, the ministry granted many of Teal Cedar’s requests to restrict public access in order to protect logging operations. It said Petrell’s work would not prevent logging. More than 1,100 people have been arrested since an injunction against blockades in the Fairy Creek watershed was granted last year to Teal Cedar. In its court filing, Ecojustice points out the current injunction against those protesting applies only to people involved in road blockades. “Dr. Petrell is not involved in blockades surround-

ing the logging at Fairy Creek or elsewhere in TFL 46 and should not have been denied access to the area,” it says. The documents, filed last week, say time is of the essence, since many at-risk bird and other wildlife species in the woodlot typically start rearing their young at this time of year. “It is critical to document these species during this time to ensure the federal and provincial governments can protect these species, where appropriate, from planned logging operations.” Ecojustice noted Petrell’s work has already identified the western screech owl and marbled murrelet, both listed as threatened species, within TFL 46. “By permitting blanket road closures, the B.C. government is effectively putting the interests of resource development and extraction companies before the rights of local people and communities to access public lands,” said Ecojustice counsel Rachel Gutman. “At a time of a biodiversity crisis, we need scientists like Dr. Petrell to be able carry out their important work of mapping species unimpeded. Logging companies shouldn’t be able to stand in their way.” aduffy@timescolonist.com

T H E I S L A N D / B .C .

A4 THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Former legislature clerk acted with oversight: defence AMY SMART The Canadian Press A lawyer for B.C.’s former clerk of the legislative assembly has accused special prosecutors and witnesses of “rewriting history” in his criminal trial. Gavin Cameron presented defence arguments Wednesday in the B.C. Supreme Court trial of Craig James, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of breach of trust. He told Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes that the case has been under pressure from the public spotlight after former Speaker Darryl Plecas embarked on a “crusade” to find wrongdoing. Plecas published a report in 2019 detailing allegations of misspending at the legislature months after James was placed on administrative leave amid an RCMP investigation.

“It’s scarce to find a matter which has received more public notoriety than this one — with reportage, multiple investigations, multiple interviews — in this province,” Cameron said. Crown prosecutors have said the case rests on three main areas: James’s claim to a $258,000 retirement allowance; his role in the purchase and storage of a wood splitter and trailer; and his personal expense claims. They have argued that James used his position, which they likened to the CEO of the legislature, to take advantage of weaknesses in policy to enrich himself. However, Cameron argued that a guilty verdict could only be supported with proof of corruption and there’s no evidence of that. James was transparent with each of his claims, which were overseen by multiple responsible individuals who raised only “a

handful of questions” over half a decade and never lodged a complaint, Cameron said. When a problem was identified, he tried to fix it. James immediately changed his conduct after he was told alcohol was an inappropriate gift and wrote a personal cheque to reimburse an ineligible expense claim for a taxi fare, Cameron said. Cameron’s defence colleague, Kevin Westell, said James inherited a broken system when he was named clerk in 2011 but he did what he could to fill the gaps, including forming an audit working group and inviting members of the auditor general’s office to join meetings. By 2017, he said, 33 of 36 serious issued identified by the auditor general’s office had been rectified. And the decision to award James a retirement benefit was that of the Speaker of the day, not James, Cameron said.

It was only after Plecas went on a “crusade” and “threatened” staff that concerns were raised, Cameron alleged. Plecas brought the initial complaint against James to the RCMP, provided them with documents, and carried on his own investigation in parallel to the Mounties, he said. Although Cameron said he did not believe any witness would be intentionally dishonest, he urged the judge to take their testimony with “significant caution.” “In my submission, a culture of fear reigned,” he said. He pointed to testimony from one legislative employee who told the court that Plecas and his special adviser Alan Mullen screamed at him “like a dog” and told him he was either with them or against them in the investigation. Randall Ennis, who was acting sergeant-at-arms in 2018, said the incident occurred after he

told the pair he believed the acting clerk should be informed of the RCMP investigation. “Even those who felt they didn’t have to consciously tailor their evidence had it unconsciously tailored for them. Mr. Plecas wrote a highly publicized report containing inflammatory and demonstrably false allegations,” Cameron said. Cameron accused Crown prosecutors of overstating their case against James, which he said isn’t backed up with sufficient evidence. “The evidence showed that reasonable and legitimate people acting within reasonable administrative frameworks considered the matters carried on in the open by Mr. James and never once suggested there was fraud or crime,” he said. “The worst that can be said of Mr. James is that he’s guilty of bureaucratic ineptitude. That’s not a crime.”

Police, ERT respond to weapons incident in Gorge area

Rob Paynter and Diane McNally and have both been relieved of their duties. VIA GREATER VICTORIA SCHOOL BOARD

Turfed trustees seek judicial review of their suspensions JEFF BELL Times Colonist Two suspended Greater Victoria School Board trustees are pursuing judicial review of the decision to relieve them of the their duties. Diane McNally and Rob Paynter were suspended last month until October — when the next school board and municipal elections will be held — amid allegations of bullying and workplace harassment. The suspensions followed a third-party investigation that found the pair made comments and criticisms on Twitter targeting district secretary-treasurer Kim Morris. Investigator Marcia McNeil found the use of social media concerning because Morris was constrained from responding in the same forum. Since the two trustees were suspended, however, the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, the Songhees Nation and Canadian Union of Public Employees locals 947 and 382 have voiced their opposition to the process. Both McNally and Paynter have started GoFundMe pages to help with their legal costs in heading to B.C. Supreme Court. Paynter said that pursuing the matter legally “seemed like the most appropriate response.” “I understand that my lawyer and [the board’s] lawyer have been looking at dates, probably the first week of April,” he said. “Of course, that’s all dependent on the court having time.” Paynter said he is hoping for as quick a process as possible. “My hope is that the case itself is fairly straightforward and that the community interest, the public interest, in seeing a resolution to this one might be a motivation factor in getting it done sooner.” He said he hasn’t contemplated whether he will run again. “I think one thing at a time, and this is where my attention is focused.” In a message on his GoFundMe page, Paynter argued the board has “exceeded its authority in taking this action, which is not defined in the School Act or other legislation.” “In my view, it is fundamentally undemocratic that elected representatives may have the capacity to eliminate their counterparts — your elected representatives — at their own discretion.” He estimated the court action will cost $20,000 to $30,000 in legal fees. McNally said she and Paynter have separate lawyers who are co-operating on the case. Like Paynter, she is hoping the matter doesn’t drag on and says her lawyer is trying to make sure that doesn’t happen. “It would really be moot because our term would be up.” McNally said the board’s actions set a bad precedent. “To take away the vote of an elected official is just unprecedented.” jbell@timescolonist.com

Saanich police and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team converged on a single-family house in Saanich in response to a weapons incident Wednesday afternoon. Police issued a statement at 3:15 p.m. advising that they were at an incident in the 300-block of Vincent Avenue, off Tillicum Road in the Gorge area of Saanich. Police said that neighbouring homes were notified and they were taking all precautions to resolve the situation safely. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

Deputy chief returning as Oak Bay police chief JEFF BELL Times Colonist Former Oak Bay police chief Mark Fisher is returning to the job in September. Fisher, who served as chief from 2011 to 2014 before leaving to take on the role of officer in charge of the Nanaimo RCMP, will replace current Chief Ray Bernoties, who recently announced his retirement. Fisher, 52, returned to Oak Bay in 2020, and currently serves as deputy chief of the 21-member department. Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch, chairman of the police board, said the board is thrilled to have Fisher as chief. “He has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his time in Oak Bay and has brought great insight from his diverse policing and leadership across Canada,” Murdoch said. He said Fisher has “a great

Oak Bay deputy police chief Mark Fisher was Saskatchewan’s top RCMP officer in 2020. VIA RCMP

vision” for community policing. Fisher’s 31 years of policing experience include leading the West Shore RCMP, and serving as commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, just prior to returning to Oak Bay in 2020. “I’ve moved 10 times in 30 years, so I’ve seen a lot of the country in those 30 years and a

lot of different-sized police locations,” he said. He said he has been “very fortunate” with the opportunities that have come his way “both from a professional and a family perspective.” “I had a family that was willing to move and embrace the adventure side of that,” Fisher said. “We had some fantastic adventures.” He and his wife have one child, a son who is 23 and living in Winnipeg. Coming back to the Oak Bay department meant returning to an area his family loves, Fisher said. “Even though we moved a lot, I spent a lot my career on the west coast in B.C. and obviously on the Island, as well — four different locations I think on the Island.” He said his family has a network of close friends here and is big into the outdoors “and this

Preparations underway for new water-supply pipeline in Nanaimo CARLA WILSON Times Colonist Workers are starting to take down trees in Nanaimo’s Beban Park and along the parkway to prepare the area for summer construction of a major water pipeline. The goal is to avoid a repeat of a major spill two years ago. In April 2020, 22 million litres of water poured onto Bowen Road when an old supply pipe broke. The break drained the city’s three water reservoir tanks and left thousands of residents and businesses and the top floor of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital without water. It cost $250,000 to repair the break and clean up the damage. When crews investigated the break, they found a total structural failure of the concrete pipes, along with other leaks. Mayor Leonard Krog said Wednesday the city is fortunate there were no injuries, and is taking action to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Council “quickly reorganized” its water capital plan to accelerate replacement of the pipeline, he said. Nanaimo announced the start of the project on Wednesday, saying crews are working on trees now to avoid disturbing

birds during nesting season. The two-phase, multi-year project will replace an old and undersized system. New infrastructure will carry potable water to the central and northern parts of the city. Final costs for the project are not yet known, although a $28-million budget was set last year. Nanaimo has hired a contractor to help determine the best, most efficient and cost-effective design. Bill Sims, Nanaimo’s general manager of engineering and public works, said the replacement pipeline will run along a new alignment, will be more resilient and will provide for secure water supply to more than two-thirds of the city. “This is a major infrastructure upgrade and will serve the community for generations.” The pipeline will run along Bowen Road, East Wellington, the Parkway, Northfield Road, Boxwood Road and through Beban Park to Labieux Road. Crews will be preserving as many trees as possible and many will be replanted once the project is finished, the city said. They will work on sections along the Nanaimo Parkway from East Wellington to Northfield Road and through Beban Park. cjwilson@timescolonist.com

is the best place to do that in Canada.” “We had always planned to come back here at some point.” Fisher said he decided to apply for the Oak Bay deputy chief position when it opened up in 2020. “I didn’t know how the board would feel about it, but they were very supportive of the idea.” At the time, he was serving as commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP. “It was a big change from my previous role in Saskatchewan, no doubt about it. There you’re dealing with 2,000 employees and here you deal with about 30.” Now it’s on to a repeat engagement as chief in Oak Bay, which he calls a “fantastic place to serve as a police officer.” “Oak Bay residents have always been supportive of our department,” he said. jbell@timescolonist.com

Salish Heron ferry scheduled to pull into Victoria on Thursday Times Colonist The Salish Heron is scheduled to moor at Ogden Point today about 4 p.m., marking the end of its 10,400-nautical-mile journey from Europe. Built in Gdansk, Poland, the vessel set sail on Dec. 22. The ferry, which travelled through the Panama Canal, stopped last month in Manzanillo, Mexico, for fuel and provisions. It will be inspected at Ogden Point before heading to B.C. Ferries’ fleet maintenance facility in Richmond. While it’s there, a striking image of a heron, designed by Penelakut First Nation artist Maynard Johnny Jr., will be applied to the vessel. The Salish Heron is set to serve the southern Gulf Islands, including routes between Swartz Bay and Pender, Saturna, Mayne and Galiano islands, starting this summer. It is the fourth and final Salish class ferry built by Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk. The total cost for all four was $292 million. The vessels showcase Indigenous art and run on liquefied natural gas. The hull design creates a small wake and the electric propulsion and structural design ensure a quiet ride, said B.C. Ferries. The vessels are 351 feet long and can carry up to 138 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Nine public servants ask court to end vaccine mandate CINDY E. HARNETT Times Colonist Nine B.C. public servants are set to go to court to fight a vac‑ cine mandate that could result in them losing their jobs. Last week, four of the almost 400 public servants who refused to show proof of immunization and are facing termination, filed an action in B.C. Supreme Court in hopes of petitioning the court to stop the terminations. The number has since risen to nine. At issue is a Nov. 19 pro‑ vincial government order that makes COVID‑19 vaccination a condition of employment for all B.C. public service employees. Court documents say the vaccine policy fundamentally altered the employees’ contract “without proper notice or agree‑ ment or their consent, in order to terminate them without any sort of due process or procedural fairness, for just cause.” The court filing says the vac‑ cine mandate should be quashed. The mandate is expected to be in place until “public health concerns regarding COVID are reduced to a level, prescribed by government, to enable workplaces to operate without COVID-related restrictions.” Pending a judicial review of their case, the petitioners are seeking an injunction to stop ter‑ minations from proceeding. The petitioners “have each

Crease Harman LLP lawyer Umar Sheikh, co-counsel, is representing public servants about to be fired for not showing proof of vaccination. The law firm is representing nine employees seeking an injunction to stop their termination. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST made the choice, based on strongly held conviction of con‑ science, to either not get vac‑ cinated at this time or disclose whether they have received the COVID-19 vaccination,” say court documents. Documents show the original petitioners are Philip David‑

son, 39, a former director of policy and stakeholder relations, Karine Bordua, 49, privacy officer, Zoran Boskovic, 58, sen‑ ior manager for major projects, and Clinton Chevrier, 38, human resources service representa‑ tive. The four were under con‑

tracts in four different govern‑ ment ministries and have nearly 60 years of combined service with the provincial government. On Jan. 17, Davidson was given a “final warning letter” and the Public Service Agency indicated his employment would be termi‑ nated on Feb. 23. This week, five more petitioners joined the action: Emily Coburn, Caterina Bova, Brenda Johnson, Zorica Boskovic and Monica Maria Zuluaga, said lawyer Umar Sheikh of Crease Harman, cocounsel on the case. “We expect more to continue adding their names,” Sheikh said Wednesday. Some public servants who complied with the vaccine mandate are lending financial support to the action, he said. B.C.’s attorney general has said the province will give 14 days’ notice of any firings, said Sheikh, who hopes that will allow the petitioners time to have their case for an injunction heard. It is scheduled for the week of March 21. Sheikh said that the vaccine order is unconstitutional, goes against the Charter of Rights and “fundamentally alters the employment contract.” Employees can only request an exemption from the vaccine requirement based on a medi‑ cal condition or other protected ground as defined under B.C’s

Human Rights Code. No exemption is provided, however, for freedom of con‑ science or security of the person under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, say court documents. Beyond the charter challenge, Sheikh questions how the firings benefit public health or British Columbians at large, saying the province will have to recruit and rehire for the positions and will lose decades of expertise. Sheikh said a separate action is being considered against the B.C. General Employees’ Union “for failure to represent.” BCGEU president Stephanie Smith said recently the vast majority of its approximate 30,000 members are vaccinated. B.C. Public Service Employ‑ ees for Freedom, a group formed late last year in response to the public service vaccine mandate, welcomed more colleagues standing behind the petition “to end the unnecessary, unjust and unethical vaccine mandate and terminations.” It says its registered mem‑ bership is nearly 500, including union and non-union staff and management. In a statement, the group cites an unnamed B.C. Corrections worker in the south-central Inte‑ rior as saying the BCGEU has “abandoned” them and “sided with the NDP government on this vaccine mandate.” ceharnett@timescolonist.com

Seniors advocate applauds funding for subsidized housing CINDY E. HARNETT Times Colonist B.C.’s seniors advocate says she is optimistic that provincial funding for non-profits to accel‑ erate the construction of mixedincome housing will benefit seniors. The province announced last week that it has allocated $100 million as part of its Com‑ munity Housing Fund to help non-profit partners build more mixed-income rentals faster. In this type of arrangement, low-income seniors typically apply to have a one-bedroom apartment in a building run by a non-profit or directly by B.C.

Housing and their rent is capped at 30 per cent of their income. With a high senior population, services and support are easier to organize. “The commitment to more subsidized units for seniors is important and I personally believe it’s one of the better models of seniors housing,” said Isobel Mackenzie, noting seniors are able to remain independent and live in the community. The problem, she said, is that those subsidized units are needed “yesterday.” The seniors advocate noted B.C. has fallen far behind on sub‑ sidized housing for seniors, with a wait list that has grown by 43

per cent in the last five years. There were 9,400 applicants on the wait list in 2020-2021 and just 714 — or 16 per cent — were placed. At the end of the year, 8,706 were still waiting. Island Health’s subsidized housing units per 100,000 popula‑ tion for people age 55 and older fell by 15.5 per cent over five years, according to the Office of the Seniors Advocate Monitoring Senior Services’ 2021 report. The provincial rate fell by about 14 per cent. Mackenzie said the province dropped the ball in last week’s budget announcement by not increasing the SAFER grant for the lowest-income seniors, which

hasn’t been increased in at least a couple of years. SAFER — Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters — is monthly rent assistance provided to eligi‑ ble low to moderate income sen‑ iors age 60 and older who have lived in the province at least one full year. These seniors are typi‑ cally the lowest income group, already receiving the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement and paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent. About 25,000 seniors receive the SAFER grant, 95 per cent of whom are single. They have an average monthly income of $1,675, pay an average rent of $1,052 a month, and receive an

average SAFER subsidy of $200. The average subsidy dropped by four per cent in the last year. Meanwhile there was a bump in seniors accessing other federal and provincial funding sources for low-income seniors. “You still have these 25,000 seniors on SAFER who are fall‑ ing a bit behind in terms of their ability to pay their rent,” said Mackenzie. Rent increases were frozen in the first year of the pandemic and capped in the second year. “So there’s a rent increase com‑ ing, but there’s been no increase to the SAFER grant to accommo‑ date that increase.” ceharnett@timescolonist.com

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Opinion: Proposed wood stove ban is a flawed approach Local wood burning industry urges residents to contact their local representatives

t’s expected that the Comox Valley Regional District will soon recommend the phase-out of all wood stoves across the Comox Valley. Local members of the wood-burning industry feel this is a flawed plan that lacks adequate consultation, so they’re urging residents to contact their local politicians and voice their concerns on the potential ban. According to Richard Oliver, Owner and Operator of Oliver’s Power Vacuum & Chimney Sweep “this is a discussion that, to date, has been had by a few, and it’s past time the voices of the many be heard.” Independent polling suggests that Oliver isn’t the only Comox Valley resident who feels this way. According to a report from public opinion firm Insights West, only 16% of residents feel there has been sufficient public consultation on the matter. The same report also reveals that 92% of residents agree that people should have the right to choose how they heat their homes, and 82% agree that they should be able to install high-efficiency wood-burning stoves. The anticipated ban aims to improve air quality, but local businesses say alternative solutions are being overlooked. Tomi Wittwer of Comox Fireplace says, “the process is flawed; however, there is still time to make this right and develop good regulation to address air quality while ensuring the right of people to burn wood. All local industry has come together, and we are asking for a real seat at the table.”

Jamie Payne from Norse Heating echoes this sentiment: “We all live and work in this area with our families and we breathe the same air, we can help.” Payne continues to be disappointed by efforts to address the region’s air quality concerns and feels left behind by the process. “We took out a loan and renovated our new location after being a home-based business for almost five years. The storefront opened in late October and the COVID-19 crisis took place a few months later. It was during this time that the City of Courtenay voted to ban the installation of wood stoves in new construction and renovations. There was no

advance notice.” According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC), members throughout BC and across the country have been incredibly supportive of local industry. “Local industry members are the experts, and they want to work with the CVRD to provide meaningful solutions, but they aren’t being heard,” says HPBAC’s Director of Public Affairs, Jeff Loder. Local business owners are puzzled as to why prohibiting wood appliances appears to be the only regulatory option on the table. According to Loder, “the CVRD and, by extension, the Airshed Roundtable pro-

cess has a duty to examine and thoroughly review all regulatory options before making recommendations. That’s all local businesses ask for; it’s the bedrock of good public policy.” “We all want to improve air quality and the environment; no one is refuting that,” Loder says. “But it doesn’t mean you can arbitrarily adopt or recommend without due consideration for the impact on the community, local businesses, and the right to have a modern, cleaner-burning wood stove.” There is still time to save your wood stove. Visit saveourwoodstoves.ca to learn more.

CANADA / WORLD

A6 THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Battery maintenance linked to B.C. tug blast The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — A Transportation Safety Board report says poor battery maintenance contributed to an explosion on a tug working in a remote inlet in British Columbia in 2020. An investigation report into the August 2020 blast aboard the Risco Warrior says “continuous unregulated charging” ran the

tug’s battery dry. Combined with a lack of maintenance, the report says the batteries running dry caused overheating and internal damage to the battery plates. The barge was being steadied against a dock in a remote area near the northern end of Bute Inlet, north of Powell River, at the time of the explosion. A lack of ventilation in the

Fertilizer stocks soar over Ukraine worries AMANDA STEPHENSON The Canadian Press CALGARY — The Canadian company that is the largest fertilizer producer in the world is watching its stock price soar this week amid market worries that the war in Ukraine could exacerbate a global supply shortage. Shares in Saskatoon-headquartered Nutrien Ltd., which was created in 2018 as a result of the merger between PotashCorp of Saskatchewan and Calgarybased Agrium Inc., were trading at $108.47 on the Toronto Stock Exchange Tuesday, up 14 per cent since last week, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Nutrien shares have climbed 55 per cent year-over-year, as global demand for fertilizer already exceeded supply prior to this week’s geopolitical crisis. Now markets are jittery the supply shortage could get worse, because Russia and Ukraine are major

fertilizer-producing countries. “There’s a good chance that sanctions by western countries on Russia are going to impact trade,” said Matt Arnold, financial analyst with Edward Jones. “If that’s the case, with Russia being a major exporter of many types of fertilizer, that’s just going to make global supplies that much tighter.” Nutrien isn’t the only fertilizer producer making gains this week. The Mosaic Company — which is based in Tampa, Fla., but owns two potash mines in Saskatchewan — has seen its share price climb as have other global producers, such as Illinois-based CF Industries Holdings Inc. But Nutrien is significant not just as a Canadian company, but also because of its sheer size. The company is the world’s largest potash producer with over 20 million tonnes of capacity at six potash mines in Saskatchewan. 6 Cheese Tortellini

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battery compartment also allowed flammable hydrogen gas to build up. The report says a spark from an unknown source ignited the gas, causing the explosion that damaged the tug and slightly injured two crew members. The safety board report released Wednesday says the tug operator has improved maintenance and created a safety plan

for the vessel. In a news release, the board says the operator has also improved ventilation in the battery compartment and installed new equipment. But the report says the case draws attention to the importance of having detailed instructions for battery maintenance as well as a formal safety management system in place. “As demonstrated in this

occurrence, if a vessel operator does not provide formal safety management processes, then there is an increased likelihood that hazards will not be identified and their associated risks will not be mitigated,” the report says. It also says unsafe equipment and operating practices on small tugs will continue without comprehensive inspections and enforcement of safety rules.

Canadians embrace travel again as COVID restrictions relaxed MELISSA COUTO ZUBER The Canadian Press Lisa Zeltzer watched COVID-19 case numbers rise through the winter and worried the March trip she’d booked to New York City — a vacation her theatreloving son has been waiting to take for two years — would be cancelled. As the Omicron wave began subsiding last month, and as the federal government loosened border measures for air travel in response, Zeltzer started to relax. At least temporarily. It’s easier for Canadians to take vacations they’ve put off amid the pandemic now that rapid antigen tests can be used for re-entry instead of molecular versions and quarantine requirements have ended for children travelling with fully vaccinated parents. But as jurisdictions drop COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine passports, the Zeltzers feel they have to be extra cautious before boarding their spring break flight. “Ironically, it’s actually making me more anxious,” said Zeltzer, an occupational therapist in Toronto. “With the changes and restrictions (lifting) here … my biggest fear is that we’re going to get COVID before we leave.” Zeltzer and her fully-vaccinated family, which includes her husband, 10-year-old son and six-year-old daughter, take off for their Broadway-filled five-day trip to Manhattan the second week of March. Outside of local road trips, it’ll be their first vacation since before the pandemic. Even though New York state lifted mask mandates in most indoor settings weeks ago, she said they still plan to wear N95 masks around the big city to mitigate any chance of infection. Testing positive for COVID-19 before flying home would mean

having to extend the trip with a pricey isolation period. “I’m worried that because everyone’s loosening up, our chances of getting it are higher and we’re going to get stuck in a very expensive city,” Zeltzer said. While many Canadians remain anxious about travelling, Georgetown, Ont., travel agent Lisa Gerlsbeck said she noticed a large uptick in families booking vacations once the government announced its loosened measures two weeks ago. The changes — which included removing recommendations that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes and instead urge they “practise special precautions” — came into effect Monday. “The phone calls started coming in [immediately after the announcement],” said Gerlsbeck, who specializes in family vacations to Florida. “People want to travel now. They don’t want to wait until next March break.” Gerlsbeck said many of her clients are booking vacations for the first time since before the pandemic, including some who’ve postponed the same trips since March 2020. While she said some seem hesitant, many feel ready to get on a plane. Gerlsbeck said those solidifying getaways have been put at ease by Canada’s relaxed rule for a PCR test for re-entry — noting it posed a significant financial hurdle for those travelling with large families. Rapid tests must be taken no earlier than one day before the scheduled flight and be administered by a professional, the new measures say. Ending the quarantine rule for unvaccinated children reentering the country has motivated others to travel. Dianna McKechnie, a mother of two young kids and a teacher in Burlington, Ont., booked a trip

to Arizona to see family over March break “immediately” after hearing of the loosened rules. Quarantining with the two-and four-year-olds after the vacation would be difficult for McKechnie and her husband, who both work outside the home. Many of McKechnie’s relatives have yet to meet her children, as the family hasn’t crossed the border in two years. She expressed doubts about the trip, especially considering Arizona’s more relaxed attitude toward COVID-19, but said the family plans mostly to stay put at her uncle’s home and enjoy time together under the blazing desert sun. “I’ll just conduct myself the way that I’m comfortable (with),” she said. “I think there’s a lot of COVID there, and it’s very polarized in terms of people that are following restrictions or not.” Dr. Anna Banerji, an infectious disease pediatrician and a faculty member at the University of Toronto, said she understands the travel itch some Canadians are feeling. But she warns that with many places limiting testing, it’s hard to know how much virus is circulating in Canada and elsewhere. Banerji said a bump in international travel could lead to a bump in cases across Canada, especially as the timing of spring break trips coincides with other loosening measures. But vaccination coverage and immunity from recent Omicron infections should help lessen the severity of a potential approaching wave, she added. “The government has said: ‘OK, we’re lifting restrictions,’ so you can’t say, ‘Don’t travel.’ … And people probably have made up their minds, anyway, thinking that COVID is not a risk,” Banerji said. “It is maybe less of a risk to some degree, but it’s still a risk.”

U.S. states told to consider safety for road projects; some resist HOPE YEN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. federal

government has a new warning to states seeking billions of dollars from President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law to widen roads: protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists or risk losing the money. In a report submitted to Congress and made public Wednesday, the Department of Transportation says it will aim to prioritize the safety and health of the all the users of today’s modern roadway, from riders of public transit and electric scooters to Uber rideshare pickups and people delivering goods. Projects such as bike paths and traffic roundabouts, enhanced sidewalks, pedestrian pathways to bus stops and transit lanes will be favoured in the distribution of the money. The department, led by Transportation Secretary Pete

Buttigieg, wants to change a longtime focus by the states that directed federal money toward adding car lanes to relieve congestion and increase speed — often at the cost of mostly nonwhite communities living next to the busy roadways. “Safety is consistently DOT’s top priority,” according to the report, which was written in response to a request by the House a year ago to address record spikes in U.S. roadway deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report said the Federal Highway Administration’s adoption of the “Complete Streets” strategy, which is already followed by hundreds of communities, will “have a positive impact on the safety of all roadway users — reversing the trend of increasing fatal and serious injuries and creating a healthier, greener, and more equitable surface transportation system.” Approximately one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities are people who are outside of vehicles. New data released Wednesday show 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes overall in 2020, with especially high levels for motorcyclists and bicyclists. “A Complete Street is safe, and feels safe, for everyone using the street,” said Stephanie Pollack, the deputy head of the highway administration. “We can’t keep people safe on our roads if we don’t have safer roads and roads that slow down drivers to safe speeds.” The shift promises a boost to cities from Atlanta and Austin, Texas, to Nashville, Tennessee, that have strained to

raise money to build out greenfriendly transit options, reduce fatalities by slowing traffic and stitch together communities racially divided by highways after states balked in providing funds for that purpose. In 2020, the latest data available, U.S. traffic fatalities for Black people jumped 23% compared with 7% overall. Lowerincome Black residents are more likely to live next to pedestrian crash hotspots, according to the report, and during the pandemic were disproportionately represented among essential workers who continued to travel to work, often on public transit. Still, the effort could add to tensions with Republican-led states and governors who bristle at the notion of ceding power to pick their road projects, with some casting the bipartisan law as a vehicle for Biden’s liberal causes. Others worry that rural areas could lose in the process. “Americans expect new roads and real infrastructure needs to be addressed — not a vehicle for the administration’s woke agenda,” said Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In a letter to governors last month, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, two of the 19 Republicans who voted in the 50-50 Senate to approve the infrastructure bill, criticized a December memo by the highway administration that urged states to use new funding to maintain and improve highways before adding lanes.

CANADA

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Election chief eyes hate-group ban from voter data MARIE WOOLF The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Canada’s elections chief is set to take action to stop hate groups from getting tax breaks and lists of voters’ names and addresses by registering as political parties. Chief electoral officer Stéphane Perrault has told MPs he is preparing to suggest safeguards to make it harder for extremists to gain access to benefits, including broadcast time, designed for political parties. Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Elections Canada, asked Perrault last year to look into the issue after it emerged that groups promoting racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia could access these benefits. LeBlanc wrote to Perrault expressing concern about “space” in the current rules allowing “hate groups to access benefits intended for legitimate political activity with the express purpose of disseminat-

People arrive to cast their ballot on federal election day in Montreal in 2021. Elections Canada was curious to know how many Canadians believed in conspiracy theories leading up to the recent federal vote. GRAHAM HUGHES, THE CANADIAN PRESS

ing messages of hate.” Ministers’ offices are particularly concerned about giving hate

groups the names and addresses of racialized Canadians for fear they could be targeted.

At a recent meeting of a House of Commons procedure committee, Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull asked the elections chief about the potential for hate groups to “get privileged access” under elections rules. Perrault said it was personally “a matter of concern” that “hate groups not be able to be use the privileges afforded in the Canada Elections Act, the Income Tax Act — whether it is lists of electors, whether it is access to special platforms, broadcasting time or tax credits.” He said he planned to make recommendations next month to address this, possibly including a higher bar for registering as a political party, in a report to Parliament about the election. Perrault did not elaborate on specific measures the report might include because it needs to go to Parliament first. The report is also expected to address ways to make voting easier in remote regions and on First Nations reserves after it

Children under five appearing in Sask. emergency rooms with respiratory problems

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Province’s medical chief: ‘It’s likely COVID’ MICKEY DJURIC The Canadian Press REGINA — Saskatchewan is see-

ing a spike in emergency room visits among children between the ages of one and four who are showing up with respiratory-like illnesses. Chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, said it’s likely to be COVID-19, because there’s little influenza transmission in the province and vaccines against the virus have not yet been approved for children under five. “Any COVID-like illness presentation in emergency rooms — where even you may not have been screened in every case — it’s likely COVID-19,” Shahab said in a recent interview with the Canadian Press. The latest data from the Ministry of Health, dated Feb. 19, showed preschoolers were visiting emergency rooms at a weekly rate of 110 patients per 1,000. That was higher than the average rate — 87.5 patients per 1,000 visits — in the previous six weeks for the same age group. Children between one and four years old were almost three times more likely to visit the emergency room compared with all age groups combined. Saskatchewan no longer publishes daily COVID-19 data, but releases a weekly epidemiology report that includes COVID-like illnesses in emergency rooms. Shahab said it’s a way to track how much transmission is in the community, since Saskatchewan no longer does extensive testing and limits PCR lab tests to people with specific risk factors. “It’s a good idea of how much respiratory illness is out there. Right now it’s moderate throughout the province,” Shahab said. He added that any child under the age of five who has a fever, rapid breathing, or is not eating properly should be taken to for emergency care. “That remains important.” Dr. Ayisha Kurji, a pediatrician based in Saskatoon, said the

Omicron variant has been affecting the airways of children and, in some cases, can trigger diabetes or cause pancreatitis. “Most kids [who get COVID] still do well, that is true. But not all kids,” Kurji said. “Sometimes, previously healthy kids are still ending up in the emergency room or come to the hospital to get admitted.” She said children are showing up at hospitals with diarrhea, vomiting and croup — an infection of the upper airway that obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. How long they stay varies. Some children are coming in for oxygen to help with breathing, while some end up in intensive care. Kurji recommended parents take their children to the hospital if they are dehydrated or not urinating regularly, breathing fast or having difficulty breathing, and are especially sleepy or fussy. “Don’t think of it in terms of COVID or not … but look at the symptoms,” Kurji said. “The big thing is you know your child, so if you’re worried about your child, and your instincts are saying you should go, it’s always better to be safe and go get it checked out.” Saskatchewan has said it will continue to monitor COVID-like illnesses throughout the spring and fall. “We know kids under five aren’t vaccinated yet, so we can’t give them the same protection that we can give ourselves and that we can give older kids,” Kurji said. “It’s important to know what’s happening with them, and is something that we need to maybe make some different decisions to keep them protected.” Saskatchewan lifted all of its public health orders Monday, including a requirement to selfisolate if positive for the virus. Kurji said people can keep themselves and others at risk safe by continuing to wear a mask and getting fully vaccinated, including a booster shot.

Health Canada issues recall for Fitbit Ionic smartwatch The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Health Canada is warn-

ing anyone with several models of Fitbit’s Ionic smartwatch to immediately stop using the device because its battery can overheat and might cause burns. The agency has issued a joint recall of the product with Fitbit and consumer protection agencies in the United States and Mexico. The affected watches include four models in various colours, each with a 3.6-centimetre colour LCD display and a four-day life for its lithium-ion battery. Health Canada advises con-

sumers to contact Fitbit for a refund. Health Canada says Fitbit received 115 reports of the watch’s battery overheating in the United States as of Feb. 15, but none so far in Canada or Mexico. The company says approximately 70,561 units of the affected product were sold in Canada from August 2017 to August 2020. The warnings come amid a joint recall with Health Canada, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Mexico’s consumer protection agency PROFECO and Fitbit LLC.

Breaking Island news 24/7 at timescolonist.com

emerged several fly-in Indigenous communities did not have access to polling stations at the election. The Canadian Nationalist Party, a far-right group favouring a state dominated by Canadians of European descent, was registered as a political party in Canada in 2019. This means the group, which also calls for public funding to be revoked for Pride parades, could issue tax rebates for donations to its cause and access the name and home address of every registered voter in Canada. A group that wishes to register as a federal political party must apply to the chief electoral officer. The application must include the names, addresses and signatures of 250 electors who declare they are members of the party and support its registration. It also must include the party’s “fundamental purpose,” as well as its policy on protection of personal information, among other things.

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Russians start feeling heat of war sanctions DASHA LITVINOVA The Associated Press MOSCOW — In the days since the

West imposed sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, ordinary Russians are feeling the painful effects — from payment systems that won’t operate and problems withdrawing cash to not being able to purchase certain items. “Apple Pay hasn’t been working since yesterday. It was impossible to pay with it anywhere — in a bus, in a cafe,” Moscow resident Tatyana Usmanova told The Associated Press. “Plus, in one supermarket they limited the amount of essential goods one person could buy.” Apple announced that it would stop selling its iPhone and other popular products in Russia along with limiting services like Apple Pay as part of a larger corporate backlash to protest the invasion. Dozens of foreign and international companies have pulled their business out of Russia. Major car brands halted exports of their vehicles; Boeing and Airbus suspended supply of aircraft parts and service to Russian airlines; major Hollywood studios halted their film releases; and the list will likely keep growing. That’s on top of the United States and other Western nations hitting Russia with sanctions of unprecedented breadth and severity. They have thrown major Russian banks off the SWIFT international payment system, limited high tech exports to Russia and severely restricted Moscow’s use of its foreign currency reserves. Russians in Moscow and other cities talked to The AP about how those moves have played out in their daily lives, pointing to problems with converting rubles into foreign currency, long lines at ATMs and certain bank cards failing them. Irina Biryukova in Yaroslavl, in a city about 250 kilometres northeast of Moscow, said she could only deposit a limited amount of money into her bank account through the bank ATMs. “The majority of ATMs [of this bank] don’t work to deposit [money],” Biryukova said.

Food prices, according to some businesses, have started soaring, too. “All the main ingredients we prepare our products from have gone up in price by 30-40%,” said Ilya Oktavin, who runs delivery service at a Perm sushi bar. Certain goods are also harder to come by because of actions by companies like Nike, which on Tuesday night halted online sales with a statement on the company’s website saying it “can’t guarantee delivery of the goods to shoppers in Russia.” On Wednesday, H&M announced suspending “all sales” in the country. Kremlin critics are painting a bleak picture for Russia. “We’re facing growing prices, mass layoffs, delays in payment of benefits or pensions,” opposition politician Yulia Galyamina wrote on Facebook Wednesday. “Shortages of medicines and medical equipment. Aging and impoverished car and aircraft fleet. … We’ll be remembering the 1990s as hardly the worst time. But I have only one question: for what?” In what looked like an effort to prevent panic, Russian authorities on Tuesday launched a special website, titled “We’re explaining,” that talks about how various areas of life are functioning under the pressure of sanctions. Worrying reports, like the ones anticipating a spike in prices, or saying that certain services don’t work, are debunked on the website as “fake.” Some Russians, in the meantime, say that it’s not so much the sanctions that worry them, but the deadly attack Russia waged on a neighboring country. “You know, sanctions bother me the least. I’m worried about Russia killing people in Ukraine,” said Moscow resident Ivan Kozlov. “I wish it stopped the war no sane person with a conscience and capable of mercy and compassion in Russia wants.” Anti-war sentiment in Russia has been widespread. Thousands of people have signed open letters and online petitions demanding to stop the invasion, with the most widely supported online petition garnering over 1 million signatures in several days.

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Andrey Goncharuk, 68, a Ukraine territorial defence member, checks the backyard of a house damaged by a Russian airstrike in Gorenka. The village on the outskirts of Ukraine’s capital has found itself in the crossfire as Moscow attempts to take Kyiv. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ukraine’s volunteer fighters brace for another ‘blitzkrieg’ FRANCESCA EBEL The Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine — Andrey Gonchruk

served alongside Russian soldiers when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union and called them brothers. But on Wednesday, the 68-year-old wiped his face with one hand and grasped a rifle with another, ready to resist their invasion of his country. “This is a blitzkrieg,” Gonchruk said. He stood in the rubble of a home newly shattered by what residents called a Russian airstrike in Gorenka, a village on the outskirts of Ukraine’s capital that has found itself in the crossfire as Moscow attempts to take Kyiv. The white-bearded retiree is one of tens of thousands of Ukrainians who have volunteered to defend their homeland from Russia. He and his son, Kostya, armed themselves after last week’s invasion. Together, they patrol the village. Among those patrolling was Pjotr Vyerko, 81, a French teacher who lost his wife, Lidya, to skin cancer from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Vyerko said he’s prepared to use his rifle to shoot invaders because he has a daughter and grandson. “If they come here, I’ll jab them with a pitchfork if I don’t have weapons — but I do have weapons,” he said. The volunteer defenders also share the pain of loss. Residents said at least two people from Gorenka have been killed in Russia’s week-old offensive and a dozen wounded. Several homes

were destroyed Wednesday. Women stood in the ruins and wept. “There has been a lot of destruction,” Gonchruk said. “But the people here are holding on well.” Many men in the village have military experience, like him. Ukraine’s army has distributed weapons to anyone who wishes to defend the country and has deployed thousands of reservists. Throughout Kyiv, civilians in jeans and winter coats, wearing yellow armbands, crouch behind stacks of tires at checkpoints or keep watch on street corners. They are outnumbered, but “we will try to get [more] weapons” even if none are supplied, Gonchruk said. “We’ll do it ourselves. We’ll kill the enemy and take their weapons,” he added. In his Soviet army days, Gonchruk saw the Russians as brothers in arms. Now, that has changed. “Everyone who comes to our territory is an enemy. No one invited them here,” he said. “Perhaps there are good people among them, but it doesn’t matter for me. They have come to kill my people.” Gonchruk is shocked by Moscow’s invasion. He had assumed that Russia would eventually take over the separatist territories in eastern Ukraine, but he never expected the full-scale offensive that has struck at the heart of cities like Kharkiv and sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing over borders. Others head to bomb shelters, with growing anger at Rus-

sia. “We don’t need to be freed. Leave us alone!” said another Gorenka resident, Larissa Lipatova, who fled to a cellar amid Wednesday’s attack and huddled under a blanket amid containers of pickled tomatoes and jams. With a veteran’s eye and despite the rubble at his feet, Gonchruk took grim pride in the apparent setbacks the Russians have faced in the week since their invasion. “They thought they could come here and, in a day or two, they would take Kyiv, but look how they’re doing so far!” he said. Elsewhere on the outskirts of the capital, another volunteer defender helped people cross the remains of a destroyed bridge on their way into the city. With a gun slung across his chest, the man held the gloved hand of a small boy, who gave him a shy and glancing smile. Others, one by one, inched across the river on an exposed pipe in falling snow. Locals said the bridge was destroyed to impede the Russian advance. Some exhausted Kyiv residents celebrated even the smallest of victories. One, who gave only her first name, Roza, showed off her just-bought groceries. “There’s everything: bananas, butter, even a fresh croissant,” she said. Like Gonchruk, she had decided to stay instead of flee, armed only with determination . “We’re running to the basement, trembling, and worrying, but we believe in victory,” she said.

Ukraine’s most vulnerable among those fleeing escalating attacks JUSTIN SPIKE The Associated Press ZAHONY, Hungary — Some of the

nearly 1 million people who have fled Russia’s devastating war in Ukraine in recent days count among society’s most vulnerable, unable to make the decision on their own to flee and requiring careful assistance to make the journey to safety. At the train station in the Hungarian town of Zahony on Wednesday, more than 200 Ukrainians with disabilities — residents of two care homes in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv — disembarked into the cold wind of the train platform after an arduous escape from the violence gripping Ukraine. The refugees, many of them children, have serious mental and physical disabilities, and were evacuated from their care facilities once the Russian assault on the capital intensified. “It wasn’t safe to stay there, there were rockets, they were shooting at Kyiv,” said Larissa Leonidovna, the director of the Svyatoshinksy orphanage in Kyiv. “We spent more than an hour underground during a bombing.” Russia’s intensifying attack on Ukraine has forced hundreds of thousands to leave the country in the last six days in what one UN official predicted could become Europe’s “biggest refugee crisis this century.” The U.N. refugee agency says more than 874,000 people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion last week and the figure is “rising exponentially,” putting it on track to cross the 1 million mark on Wednesday. More than half of the refugees — nearly 454,000 — have gone to Poland, while more than 116,300 have entered Hungary and over

Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine walk on a platform after disembarking from a train in Zahony, Hungary. More than 200 Ukrainians with disabilities — residents of two care homes in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv — arrived in the Hungarian town on Wednesday. AP 79,300 have crossed into Moldova. Another 67,000 have fled to Slovakia, and some 69,000 have gone to other European countries. While many of those fleeing are able-bodied adults, choosing to brave long and sometimes dangerous journeys to bring themselves and their families to safety, others are at the mercy of their caregivers to deliver them out of danger. “These children need a lot of attention, they have illnesses and require special care,” said Leonidovna, the director of the Kyiv orphanage. Moving from the train in groups of 30, the children — also from the Darnytskyy orphanage in Kyiv — were escorted to buses waiting to take them to Opole, Poland, where they would be settled and receive further care. “There are 216 people altogether, the children along with their chaperones,” said Viktoria Mikolayivna, deputy director of the Darnytskyy home. Cold weather gripping Eastern Europe on Wednesday made

conditions even harder for those fleeing into countries neighboring Ukraine. At the border area of Palanca in southern Moldova, a country that shares a long border with Ukraine, temperatures hovered around freezing and a fresh blanket of snow covered the ground. Mothers with young children came wrapped in blankets and clothing, but the cold weather has made an already desperate situation even worse. Julia, a 32-year-old mother with a three-year-old child, tried to calm her son who was burning with fever. She felt helpless, she said, but is proud that she made the decision to help her family. “Thank God that I can protect my family, but I didn’t want to leave my country. But I had to find another way to protect my family,” she said. Braving snow and subfreezing temperatures, thousands of refugees continued to flee Ukraine into neighbouring Romania through the Siret border crossing.

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com •

No-fly zone wouldn’t work, says Canada’s UN ambassador MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations says a no-fly zone to protect Ukrainians from Russian aerial bombardment would need a buy-in from the Russians themselves to have any meaningful effect. Bob Rae said a no-fly zone “is obviously a wonderful thing if it happens, but it requires a degree of consensus that simply doesn’t exist in this situation.” Rae was speaking from New York as calls intensified for NATO to close the sky above Ukraine to Russian war planes and helicopters. On Wednesday, the Russian aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities continued, killing scores of civilians and forcing an estimated 870,000 people to flood into other European countries as refugees. The carnage continued one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued the latest of many pleas for a no-fly zone from what looked like a secure bunker in Kyiv. “As far as a no-fly zone is concerned it would have helped a lot,” Zelenskyy said. “This is not about dragging NATO countries into war. The truth is everyone has long since been dragged into war and definitely not by Ukraine, but by Russia — a large-scale war is going on.” Zelenskyy said Ukrainians were ready to fight, but they could not fight alone. He said “that is why a no-fly zone to close the sky” is necessary. The United States, Britain and

Canada have ruled out a no-fly zone as too provocative because it would essentially lead to an all-out air war between NATO forces and Russia. Defence Minister Anita Anand said Tuesday that “putting in place a no-fly zone would be a severe escalation on the part of NATO and it is not on the table at the current time.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised the stakes by saying his military’s nuclear arsenal is now on alert. That has not stopped some high-profile Canadians from taking to the airwaves and social media to push for a no-fly zone, including the former Canadian defence chief, retired general Rick Hillier, and former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander, who also served as a senior UN representative in Afghanistan. No-fly zones have been enforced in the past with great success, said Rae, pointing to the landmark effort in 1991 over northern Iraq to protect Kurds from a genocidal regime in Baghdad ruled by the dictator Saddam Hussein. The United States, Britain and France patrolled the sky over northern Iraq, which kept Hussein’s war planes on the ground and left Kurdish Peshmerga fighters to wage a ground war for the survival of their people without having to endure hellfire from above. “It’s important to remember that the successful no-fly zones have been carried out success-

UKRAINE

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

A woman and her family run across a destroyed bridge on the outskirts of Kyiv on Wednesday. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

fully because no one challenged the power of the country that was providing the air cover,” said Rae. “For example, the Kurds in northern Iraq, the nofly zone that was put in place was allowed to be maintained because it was respected by Hussein, was respected by the Russians, respected by the Chinese, respected by the Saudis, respected by everybody.” That simply is not the case today in Ukraine, said Rae. “One has to recognize what the risks of that would be.” On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly, in its first emergency session since 1997, voted by a wide margin to call on Russia to stop its attack and bring home its troops. The vote was 141 to five

with 35 countries abstaining, and was non-binding but reflected widespread world condemnation. Cuba, a popular vacation spot for Canadian sunseekers, was one of the handful of countries that voted with Russia. Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia were preparing to meet today for the second time to find a way to end the war, but there was no sign either side would be able to find common ground. Zelenskyy questioned how meaningful talks could be held with Russia while his people were being bombed. Russia’s bombardment on Ukraine has included cluster bombs, banned under a UN convention that neither Russia nor Ukraine has signed. Cluster

bombs are munitions that arbitrarily scatter tiny bomblets and have a decades-long reputation for maiming and killing civilians, including children. Some bomblets can lie unexploded for years, if not decades. They have created generations of amputees in Asia and the Middle East, especially among children drawn to the often brightly coloured submunitions. Mines Action Canada, which advocated for the international treaty to ban cluster bombs, denounced their use by the Russians on Wednesday, saying their use has resulted in civilian casualties in Ukrainian cities, and follows Russian use of the weapon in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and 2015 and in Syria in 2015.

Legal questions raised as Canadians prepare to join fight HINA ALAM and LEE BERTHIAUME The Canadian Press Bryson Woolsey is trading in his chef’s apron and the luxury of home for ammunition and danger to help people in Ukraine during their time of crisis. The 33-year-old cook from Powell River said he “dropped the frying pan” to answer Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for foreigners to join an “international brigade” to defeat Russia. “It’s not my desire to go into combat and just shoot people. That’s not the reason,” he said. “There’s something happening right now, and I have the capacity to help in some way.” People from all walks of life

Bryson Woolsey of Powell River intends to fight the Russians. BRYSON WOOLSEY

are answering Kyiv’s call to arms regardless of personal risk and training. Yet while Ottawa has largely adopted a hands-off approach, saying the decision to

fight is up to individuals, some are worried about the potential legal and national security questions of having a large number of Canadians head off to war. Author and historian Tyler Wentzell, who has studied Canadians’ involvement in previous foreign conflicts, said it will be interesting to watch how people respond to the request for help considering Canada is home to the third-largest Ukrainian population. “Foreign volunteers have a way of making things seem a little bit less foreign,” said Wentzell, who has written a book on Canadians fighting in the Spanish Civil War. “So, if these volunteers go, we’re going to start to have Canadians sending back TikTok videos from

the front lines. And I think that will fundamentally change how Canadians view the conflict.” But Wentzell noted a difference between the official Ukrainian Armed Forces and “any number of oddball militias that already exist or may emerge” in such situations. Some paramilitary units in Ukraine, even segments of the Ukrainian military, have been linked to far-right extremism and even accused of past war crimes. The Foreign Enlistment Act restricts when people can fight in a war that does not directly involve Canada. Passed in 1937, it was intended to keep Canada neutral during the Spanish Civil War and banned joining a foreign military to fight a country

Canada considers “friendly.” Wentzell, who has studied the act extensively, said he believes those going to fight for Ukraine would not be violating the law. The same might not be said for those who might join the Russian military, even though Canada and Russia are not at war. At the same time, he said volunteers should be careful about joining Ukrainian paramilitary units as their conduct and affiliations with certain groups could put them afoul of Canadian law. The federal government has not directly addressed the legality of Canadians fighting in Ukraine, or whether it supports those who want to do so. Federal ministers have instead couched the issue as a matter of personal risk.

Plane carrying Russians grounded A plane carrying Russian nationals on its way to the High Arctic was grounded in Yellowknife on Tuesday. N.W.T. Infrastructure Minister Diane Archie told the legislature Wednesday the plane appeared to be on its way to Resolute, Nunavut, with people who were planning to take an overland expedition in a large all-terrain utility vehicle. Canada closed its airspace to Russian-owned or operated aircraft on Sunday after President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine. Archie said federal authorities were informed of the landing. It was being investigated by Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. Transport Canada said the charter aircraft that landed in Yellowknife was carrying two Russian foreign nationals. It said it will review whether there has been any violation of the notice prohibiting Russian aircraft that are owned, charted, or certified from operating in Canadian airspace. — The Canadian Press

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B.C. must not force housing on municipalities DAVID SCREECH A commentary by the mayor of View Royal. While I share Minister Responsible for Housing David Eby’s deep concerns about the housing crisis we face, I am far from convinced that we can build our way out of it or that municipalities are to blame. I believe the problems are far more complex. As a local politician involved for close to 20 years in our region, I am chilled by the minister’s comments that the province will consider using its supremacy to force housing an elected council may oppose. In fact, even musing out loud about that possibility is of grave concern. Local governments are an order of government, and as

such collaboration and respect is the order of the day, not a decree from the province. In 1996, then-premier Glen Clark signed a protocol of recognition with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. The number one guiding principle of this document reads: “In the interests of all British Columbia the parties are committed to discharge their responsibilities within their respective areas of jurisdiction, while respecting the jurisdiction of others.” Simply put, zoning and permitting are the jurisdiction of local government, not the province. Suggesting that the province will implement legislation in the fall is a direct contravention of the signed protocol, a protocol that has guided

relationships between the province and local government for 25 years. To violate the spirit of this protocol would be an enormous step backward. View Royal is currently in the midst of an official community plan review, a provincially mandated document. Residents, council and staff are working diligently to ensure our community has a document that shows a vision for the future of what we want our community to be. One can’t help but wonder what the point is of that work if the province is considering legislation that would, in effect, blow this document up. Our region is one of the most beautiful and sought-after locations in the world. We have to be so careful to safeguard the characteristics that make it so,

and the varied communities in the CRD are all unique. There is no one-size-fits-all for municipalities. Do we truly want to see the province force rural communities to provide housing that is contrary to their zoning and OCPs? Do we truly want to see unbridled and rampant growth in our region in some misguided attempt to lower prices and increase inventory? Local government is local by its very nature. We understand our communities and what is necessary to make our communities better. We are elected to look after our communities, and there is a sacred trust between council and their residents. For the province to feel it can use a heavy hand to violate that trust is unthinkable. And to take away

the opportunity to refine and improve proposed developments at the community level is also unthinkable. Minister Eby, I plead with you to respect your local government partners and to enter into collaborative discussions where we can collectively find solutions. And the forum for those discussion is the Union Of B.C. Municipalities, not legislation being prepared without our involvement. In our community, we have recently approved some major rental projects that fit with our OCP. Ironically, one of these projects is in danger of having its development permit expire. The reason? The province has delayed issuing a certificate of compliance with environmental regulations.

Demonize Russia’s leader, not its people As emotions are running high all over the world, it is my hope that the Russian people, who are no different than the Ukrainians and only want peace, will not be demonized, by some hotheads, because of the criminal act incited by Putin. I’m ashamed of my species. Gunther Ostermann Parksville

Fossil fuels help drive global conflict While watching in horror as events unfold in Ukraine, it occurs to me that there is an additional great reason to stop global warming; if we get off fossil fuels, there will be far fewer international conflicts. For decades, wars have been caused, or made worse, by our reliance on fossil fuels. Conflicts often revolve around where oil and gas are produced and used and transportation routes in between. Currently, sanctions against Russia are compromised by the fact that much of Europe relies on oil and gas from Russia, and worldwide there is fear of rising oil and gas prices if the Russian supply is no longer available. Renewable energy sources are far more evenly distributed throughout the world. (The sun shines almost everywhere.) Almost any community can produce its own power locally through renewables. (Think solar, wind, geothermal, tidal….) Let’s move quickly to solve climate change and create world peace. Jane Welton Saanich

Refugee status a tool of last resort I feel that the government is right to accept refugees from Ukraine. However, it should not be an all-expense-paid vacation on the taxpayers’ back. I would grant two options. The refugees can find private sponsors, or they can go tree-planting to defray the cost. Fleeing from a country should be the tool of last resort, not a preference. For this reason I would allow the refugee families to live in tents, not give them condos or free hotel rooms. Look, our own citizens are left to sleep in the streets. I would also ask that they return home when the dust settles. Sean Murray Victoria

PM should take pride in Trump attacks So the racist, homophobic misogynist and dangerous narcissist Donald Trump has taken some shots at Justin Trudeau. This is not surprising coming from a man who tried to violently overturn a democratic election in his own country, just like his good friend, Vladimir Putin, is currently undertaking in the Ukraine. Let us not forget that Trump called Putin “smart” and “a genius” at the commencement of the Russian invasion. I digress a bit. If I could talk to the prime minister, I would tell him that if Donald Trump and his howling supporters don’t like him, he should wear that as a badge of honour. Terry McTeer Central Saanich

Headlines reflect the troubled times Re: “Brutal act of war,” Feb. 25. The TC’s extra-large heading of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reminded me of my father, E. Norman Smith, writing the front-page banner proclaiming the start of the First World War. As editor/publisher of the Ottawa Free Press on that day in July 1914, he wrote, in even larger letters than the TC’s recent banner: HELL’S LET LOOSE!

Police officers detain a woman in St. Petersburg, Russia, last week. Shocked Russians have turned out by the thousands to decry their country’s invasion of Ukraine as emotional calls for more protests grow on social media. DMITRI LOVETSKY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS In red letters, two inches tall. Let’s pray that such prescience will not prevail today. That front page was subsequently framed and hung on the wall of the newsroom of the Ottawa Journal, with which the Free Press amalgamated shortly after that “war to end all wars.” I stared at that framed banner during my three decades at the Journal in Ottawa … until that day in August 1980 when the Journal in Ottawa and the Tribune in Winnipeg were shut down simultaneously by the Thomson and Southam newspaper chains. Ross Smith Victoria

NATO needs to get tough on Putin Russian President Putin, a quintessential narcissist, has become completely unhinged. I believe that one way to stop the escalation and spread of violence and human suffering is to position NATO forces on the Russian borders with Latvia and Estonia and on the Polish-Ukrainian border. This military positioning needs to be combined with the imposition of severe sanctions against Russia and with the financial crippling of the oligarchs that prop up Putin. President Putin is an extraordinarily vain man. Therefore, targeting his wealth, his palace on the Black Sea and the oligarchs that flatter his vanity would likely destroy him. Such a strategy, if implemented quickly and effectively, might even drive him to suicide, the ultimate act of narcissism. Anthony Britneff Victoria

Make Putin pay for Ukraine war crimes For much of the past week, most of us have been captured by the horror being inflicted on the people of Ukraine by Russia’s contemporary czar Vladimir Putin. With a ten-earlier-hour time differential to that here on the West Coast, we’re getting the news of the living and the dead from strange-to-the-tongue places like Kyiv, Odessa, Mariupol, et al, and getting that news around the clock. A retired soldier myself, I’m stunned to see Ukrainian school-age children reduced to making Molotov cocktails for use against Russian tanks. I’m also struck by the evident courage of the Ukrainian people of all ilks to once again defend

themselves and their homes against another rapacious invasion from the East. Churchill-like, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has called his people to arms, challenging them to fight the Russian invaders in the streets, forests, fields and the modest hills of Ukraine. NATO and the European Union are steeling themselves up to doing everything possible to help the Ukrainians; everything, that is, short of war. Some aid is getting to them, but they’ll need much, much more. There is, however, something else we could do. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a war crime. Putin should be detained or grabbed any way that we can get our hands on him and delivered in handcuffs to the International Court of Justice in den Hague, the Netherlands. The IJC specifically exists to bring war criminals like Putin before the bar of justice to answer for their crimes against humanity. The immediate challenge, though, is not just getting custody of Putin, but rather to first have an arrest warrant issued by a recognized national authority and then having its national court refer the case to the IJC. Canada could be that authority. I do understand there is a minefield of jurisdictional ambiguities to my proposal, but short of starting a bigger war, we just have to start somewhere. Surely the ordinary people of Ukraine deserve that much from us? Is there a lawyer out there willing and able to pitch in? W.J. (Bill) McCullough (Colonel, ret’d) Nanaimo

Appeasement will stop Russia, or containment? Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukriane has eerie parallels with Germany’s dismemberment of Czechoslovakia at the 1938 Munich conference under the policy of appeasement. Less than a year later the Second World War started. Today’s appeasement policy would be “a rap on the knuckles”-minor financial sanctions. After the war, the West used containment against the USSR. Forty-six years later, the Wall came down. Today’s serious containment policy would include personal boycotts of Russian goods, financial pain to Russian banking, hightech exports etc., and Russia’s exclusion from all international sports, scientific and cultural events. Do Western leaders and the public choose appeasement, hoping Russia does not invade a NATO country? Our do we choose serious containment? Mike Wilmut Victoria

No substitute for in-person friendship A Times Colonist obit made me smile on Sunday. Did you see it? Americk Bhandar? What a tribute. I met her a couple of years ago when I was taking my 99-year-old mother to the Sunset Lodge adult-day-care program before the pandemic started. One week, I arrived to take my mum home and the two women were sitting together on a couch, holding hands, heads leaning toward each other and talking away and laughing, as if they were old friends — even though they had only met each other once a week for a few months. I stood back and watched and didn’t dare disturb. As we were leaving, Americk looked at my mum, waved and called out: “I love you, Thelma.” I could absolutely tell it was a phrase the woman had said often in her life. My mum blew her a kiss and called back: “I love you too my friend.” Americk turned to the rest of the group, nodded toward my mum, smiled and said: “She’s my sister.” Genuine connections are rare in your late 90s. We were happy that my mum found a friend in that terrifically led group. I would accompany my mom from the parking lot with her walker and Americk was usually arriving just ahead or behind us — with her walker and escorted by her son. I felt an unspoken kinship in that we were both lucky in our caretaker roles. Not many of us will end up as charming and happy in our final years as these two elderly women. At a distance, some people may have seen them as two old women with hints of dementia. But anyone who knew them knew better. To use an old expression, these two nonagenarian gals were a couple of pistols. Americk’s obit told me that. As a stranger really, I want to acknowledge the very large loss to Americk’s family. But despite the sadness of the occasion, when I saw her picture, I smiled at the recollection of her shiny spark. Her family had a magnificent mom and I imagine the memory of her will be well-preserved and continue to guide her family. Thelma Fayle (Jr.) Victoria SEND US YOUR LETTERS • Email: letters@timescolonist.com • Mail: Letters to the editor, Times Colonist, 201-655 Tyee Rd., Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5 • Submissions should be no more than 250 words; subject to editing for length and clarity. Provide your contact information; it will not be published. Avoid sending your letter as an email attachment.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022 A11

Judge dismisses ‘doomed’ bid to halt emergency measures JIM BRONSKILL The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A judge has dismissed a group’s bid to halt federal use of the Emergencies Act, saying the matter is moot because the Liberal government has already revoked the powers used to quell protests. Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley ruled against Canadian Frontline Nurses and member Kristen Nagle, who asked for an injunction last month to stay federal use of the emergencies law and associated measures while their full case plays out. The organization opposes what it sees as “unreasonable” COVID-19-related mandates and restrictions that have been

implemented by various governments. The group and Nagle, who supported the anti-government protests, ultimately want the court to rule that the Liberal government strayed beyond its jurisdiction in declaring a public order emergency, saying the move was unconstitutional. Police have said they used tools and authorities made available through federal invocation of the law to end the three-week occupation of Ottawa by protesters and many large trucks. The emergencies law allowed for direction to banks to freeze assets, and Canadian Frontline Nurses expressed concern that members were at risk of prosecution, or of having

their accounts and credit cards restrained, even after revocation of the emergency orders, Mosley noted. “Nagle’s evidence was, at best, speculative about the possible economic harms that might befall the organization and herself,” Mosley said in his ruling. “There is no evidence that she qualified as a ‘designated person’ who might have been targeted for application of the financial measures.” Some unidentified people at the protests in Ottawa had told her that their bank accounts were frozen after the Emergencies Act was invoked, Mosley said. Aside from the inadmissible hearsay aspect of this statement,

it falls short of establishing clear and non-speculative irreparable harm, he added. In any event, before the group’s stay motion could be heard, the proclamation of a state of emergency was revoked, as were all orders and regulations made pursuant to the proclamation, Mosley said in the ruling. “As a result, the motion is moot and must be dismissed.” The question of whether the broader, underlying application for judicial review of federal use of the emergencies law “may proceed to a determination on its merits, notwithstanding revocation of the proclamation and orders, will be decided at a later date on the basis of a

fuller evidentiary record and submissions by the parties,” the ruling said. “This motion order does not address that question. Nothing in these reasons should be construed as a finding in relation to the merits of the underlying application and whether it may still be heard and determined.” Mosley said the group and Nagle are not entitled to reimbursement of costs for a motion that was “doomed to failure from the outset.” However, he left the settlement of costs open until the broader case is concluded. The group’s case is one of several before the courts seeking review of the federal use of the Emergencies Act.

Lawyers say police, killer’s spouse must testify in N.S. inquiry MICHAEL TUTTON The Canadian Press HALIFAX — Lawyers represent-

ing family members of the 22 people killed in Nova Scotia’s mass shooting said Wednesday that the public inquiry into the tragedy would lose credibility if the killer’s spouse and the RCMP aren’t forced to testify. In submissions Wednesday morning, Sandra McCulloch, the lawyer for 14 victims’ families, said that Lisa Banfield has crucial knowledge of what happened on April 18, 2020, during the first day and night of her spouse’s murderous rampage — which carried on until the morning of April 19. “Our clients are steadfast in their view that the commission cannot possibly create a trustworthy foundation for its work in the absence of … tested evidence from Ms. Banfield,” McCulloch told the three commissioners of the inquiry. The commission has tabled summaries about how the first night of the killings are thought to have occurred, beginning in the small enclave of Portapique, N.S., a community west of Truro. They include information drawn from Banfield’s statements to police, in which she said the rampage began after her spouse argued with her and assaulted her before she escaped into nearby woods. McCulloch asked the commissioners Wednesday to compel Banfield to appear and face cross-examination, saying her statements require elaboration — and adding that her absence risks turning the inquiry into a “non-starter” for families of the shooters’ victims.

Banfield, however, is facing a criminal trial for allegedly transferring ammunition to her spouse — a case that is proceeding despite police saying she had no knowledge of the killer’s intent. One of Banfield’s lawyers, Craig Zeeh, said he’ll object to having her provide interviews to commission investigators, or to appear before the public inquiry, before her criminal matter is wrapped up. He said to do otherwise would put her in “legal jeopardy.” Her statements to police should suffice to inform the inquiry about what she knew of the killings in Portapique, he said. However, McCulloch told the inquiry there is a lack of clarity regarding details of a car drive the couple took in the hours before their argument on April 18, 2020. She also said there are “significant concerns” about Banfield’s account of the conflict with her spouse and her subsequent escape into the woods. The families’ lawyer said she has questions about Banfield’s account that at one point, “she shed her coat while at the same time being bound at the wrist and constrained.” The lawyer also said she wanted to know more about Banfield’s statement to police that she was handcuffed by her spouse and yet escaped from a vehicle he had placed her in. The commissioners’ lawyer, Emily Hill, said Wednesday that the requests by several families’ lawyers to hear Banfield is “premature,” adding that it would make more sense to subpoena Banfield in early April, after her trial is over.

Tamara Lich, organizer for a protest convoy by truckers and supporters demanding an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, has asked the court to review the decision denying her bail. ADRIAN WYLD, CP

Protest leader claims judge who denied bail was biased LAURA OSMAN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Tamara Lich, one of the most prominent organizers of the Ottawa convoy that gridlocked the city’s streets for over three weeks, says the judge who denied her bail was biased against her cause and has asked the court to review the decision. Lich was arrested Feb. 17 and charged with counselling mischief, the day before police moved in to disperse crowds in downtown Ottawa using powers invoked under the federal Emergencies Act. Ontario Court Justice Julie Bourgeois denied Lich bail on Feb. 22, having deemed the convoy organizer a risk to reoffend. In her decision at the time, Bourgeois said she felt Lich was obstinate and disingenuous in her responses to the court, and that her detention was “necessary for the protection and

Dead Sask. toddler’s mom wants police fired over response to domestic dispute An Indigenous woman in Saskatchewan wants police officers fired over their response to a domestic dispute in which she says she was detained and her 13-month-old son left with a man accused of killing him. “No mother should ever have to go through this. No mother should have to feel this pain,” Kyla Frenchman said in a statement Wednesday. The Prince Albert Police Service responded to Frenchman’s home on the morning of Feb. 10. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, speaking on Frenchman’s behalf, alleges officers racially profiled her and accused her of being drunk. They detained her and left the toddler with his father. “They locked her up, lied, and said she was drunk when she was not. This is criminal negligence that would be disgusting in any country,” federation ViceChief Dutch Lerat said in Saskatoon. “They didn’t care about the safety of the First Nations baby.” Kaij Brass was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in the death of Tanner Brass. He was arrested when police returned to the home about five hours after their first visit. Federation Chief Bobby Cameron said Frenchman made the initial 911 call because she was fearful for their safety. Frenchman, the federation and other Indigenous groups are also calling for the officers involved in the initial response to be fired, along with Prince Albert police Chief Jonathan Bergen. — The Canadian Press

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safety of the public.” In court Wednesday, Lich’s lawyer filed an affidavit on her behalf that said had she known Bourgeois was a Liberal candidate in the 2011 federal election, she would have asked the justice to recuse herself from the case. “Had I had that information beforehand, I would have felt uncomfortable with the situation,” Lich told the court. She spent the majority of the hearing sitting up straight in the accused dock with her hands folded in her lap, her blond hair in a high bun and a mask over her face. While protests in downtown Ottawa were mainly aimed at COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, demonstrators also took aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal party with profane flags and slogans. Lich’s lawyer, Diane Magas, also argued that Bourgeois

repeatedly referred to the impact of the protest on “our community” in her decision to keep Lich in jail. “If a justice feels impacted in our community, in her community, in my submission she should not sit. There should be an out of town judge,” Magas told the court. Fellow protest organizer Chris Barber, who travelled by convoy from Alberta to Ottawa with Lich, was arrested the same day as her and charged with mischief, counselling to commit mischief, to disobey a court order and to obstruct police. He was granted bail on Feb. 18 by the same justice who initially ordered Lich to remain in custody. Crown counsel Moiz Karimjee said the allegation against Bourgeois is “frivolous,” and suggested that Lich lied when she said she would have asked for another judge.

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Island’s first Tesla dealership breaks ground in Langford DARRON KLOSTER Times Colonist As gas prices soared to record highs Wednesday, Langford Mayor Stew Young said Tesla Motors’ plan to open Vancouver Island’s first sales, service and delivery centre in his community couldn’t have come at a better time. “Why wouldn’t you invest in an electric vehicle … with the price of gas right now and going forward, it’s going to pay for itself,” Young said as he prepared to break ground on Tesla’s new building. “I’m just seeing Teslas everywhere right now.” Pump prices rocketed up 18 cents a litre to $1.949, fuelled by the conflict in Ukraine, and analysts say the price is expected to reach $2 and beyond. Young will join Tesla’s Canadian executives this morning at the electric vehicle company’s new site at 2361 City Gate Blvd., part of a new condominium and business development by Seacliff Properties opposite Home Depot. The mayor said he’s seen recent data showing there are more Tesla cars on southern Vancouver Island, per capita, than in any other region in Canada. “This is the way of the future and a big part of Langford’s climate action plan,” Young said. “By 2027, all our fire and police vehicles, all the city trucks and cars will be electric. Having Tesla here will help us with that.” Young estimates the cost of Tesla’s new building at between $40 million and $50 million, with completion expected within 18 months. In the meantime, the company is reportedly opening a temporary store on Douglas Street. Tesla currently has 21 stores in Canada, including four on the Lower Mainland. The Victoria EV Association, an 1,800-member club promoting the use of electric vehicles, estimates there are 4,000 electric vehicles on the Island — including about 3,000 Teslas. The province said 54,469 EVs were on the road in B.C. at the end of 2020, with owners saving about $1,800 a year in fuel costs. Dave Grove, president of the Victoria EV Association, said an Island Tesla store is good news

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stre Mill

Future Tesla dealership

and long overdue. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Grove said. “We’ve got a lot of Tesla owners all over the Island and Langford is a great location close to the Island Highway, so the access would be perfect for Tesla owners here and in places like Nanaimo.” Tesla shattered vehicle- delivery records last year, delivering 308,000 vehicles from October to December and just over 936,000 vehicles in 2021. That’s an 87 per cent increase in deliveries from 2020 and a 71 per cent increase from 2020’s fourth-quarter deliveries. As their popularity grows , electric vehicles have been hard to get, and manufacturers are having a tough time keeping up with demand. Grove said the Victoria EV Association has been consulting with several municipalities and police forces across the capital region on conversion to electric vehicles. A popular choice for police is Tesla’s Model Y, which has a range of 530 kilometres on a single charge and all-wheel drive with dual independent motors. Young said those cars as well as a Ford Mustang are being considered by West Shore RCMP. “They are very efficient and have a lot of power to catch the bad guys,” he said. Grove said the Model Y makes a good police car because they are powerful, comfortable for long patrols and healthier for officers who sometimes have to sit in idling vehicles for extended periods. Tesla has been servicing the Island for some time with its “Tesla Rangers,” a fleet of mechanics who can service the vehicles. Grove said Tesla owners can book the service online and technicians can meet drivers anywhere for service. However, if a major problem occurs, vehicles have to be loaded on flatdecks and transported to the closest service store in Vancouver. Young said Langford has been working with the developer and Tesla for about a year to bring in the new facility. He said the brand augments Langford’s vision of “creating a modern city” and he expects Tesla will create jobs and attract more people to live there. dkloster@timescolonist.com

an TransC

. wy

B.C. provides grants worth $195M to life sciences sector The B.C. government has provided $195 million in grant funding for two health research groups as part of a promise in the recent budget to support the life sciences sector. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says $116 million will go to Michael Smith Health Research B.C. and Genome B.C. will get the remainder to spur innovation. Kahlon said the province is home to the fastest-growing life sciences sector in Canada and the funding is aimed at attracting and retaining top researchers. He said virtually every COVID-19 vaccine that reached late-stage development in 2020 was developed or manufactured in B.C., and the province wants to leverage that contribution toward learning how to deal with

Times Colonist The Walmart signs are up at Hillside shopping centre as the retail giant prepares for a potential opening this spring. The space that formerly housed a Sears store has been under construction for nearly two years, as Walmart prepares to open its third location in the region. Walmart Canada did not immediately return calls about when the doors will officially open, but a November report in Retail Insider, an online retailindustry publication, said management at Hillside shopping centre was expecting

future pandemics. Kahlon said the funding could also help advance research in a range of areas including the development of new medications, rapid diagnostic tests for diseases, clean technology and sustainable ways to produce food. Genome B.C. is one of six such regional centres in Canada and was founded more than 20 years ago to lead genomic innovation in collaboration with industry and academia in sectors such as health, forestry and the environment. Michael Smith Health Research B.C. was created about the same time as a funding agency that supports researchers in the training phase of their career. — The Canadian Press

a May opening. Hillside management could not be reached to confirm the timeline. Hillside will also be adding a 15,000-square-foot Dollarama store in the spring. Some plumbing and electrical work continues inside the twofloor Walmart store, and shelving and other finishing materials are now on the site along North Dairy Road. Walmart had anticipated an opening late last year, but the date was pushed forward. Walmart Canada leased the 150,000-square-foot space in 2019, following the collapse of Sears Canada in early 2018.

Sears had been part of the shopping centre on the VictoriaSaanich border since it opened in 1969. The Hillside Walmart will be larger than Langford’s store, but the Uptown Walmart will remain Walmart’s largest in the region at 216,000 square feet. That location is also considered one of Walmart’s top-performing stores in Canada, according to Retail Insider. Other anchor tenants at Hillside include Thrifty Foods, Canadian Tire and Marshalls. The property is owned by the BentallGreenOak Prime Canadian Property Fund, based in Vancouver.

BoC hikes key rate and WestJet revises inflation forecast to buy OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada

Costco

240 metres

Walmart sign goes up at Hillside

JORDAN PRESS The Canadian Press

Blake Styan, left, hands an “a” to Dylan Rous, centre, and Cassidy Starck, as Triad Signs installs the Walmart sign at Hillside Shopping Centre on Wednesday. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST

has raised its key interest rate for the first time since slashing the benchmark rate to near-zero at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a bid to tackle inflation rates that are likely to keep rising from their current threedecade high. The central bank increased its key rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 0.5 per cent on Wednesday in a bid to help fight inflation, which is at its highest level since 1991. The move prompted Royal Bank and TD to raise their prime lending rates — and other big banks were expected to follow — to increase the cost of loans such as variable-rate mortgages that are linked to the central bank’s benchmark rate. In making its announcement, the Bank of Canada said it expects inflation to be higher in the near-term than previously thought. The central bank warned that this week’s rate hike won’t be the last, with economists expecting more increases before the end of the year. Rate hikes in the past took place before the economy hit its full potential and inflation went up, said TD chief economist Beata Caranci. But circumstances are the opposite now, she said, raising the pressure on the bank to get right the timing and

pace of hikes. “They have actually less wiggle room because we are in a high inflation environment and they weren’t proactive as they were in past cycles,” she said. “On the flip side, if things go horribly from an economic perspective, they don’t have room now to cut because we’re not at a level where they could give back stimulus.” It was two years ago this week that the Bank of Canada first cut its key policy rate to get ahead of economic fallout from the emerging novel coronavirus crisis. What followed were two more rate cuts in March 2020 that brought the key policy rate to 0.25 per cent. Since then, the economy has bounced back quickly. Statistics Canada said Tuesday that the economy grew at an annual rate of 6.7 per cent over the past three months of 2021, which was stronger than the Bank of Canada had expected, and real gross domestic product is now above pre-pandemic levels. The bank said it expects growth in the first quarter of this year to be more solid than its previous projections in January, even with an Omicronrelated setback that month that saw 200,000 jobs lost. It expects the labour market setback to be temporary, and strong household spending should strengthen further as public health restrictions ease as several provinces have started to do this month.

Sunwing CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS The Canadian Press The WestJet Group has announced a deal to buy Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations, marking a foray into the holiday tour market as competition among Canadian carriers heats up. Financial terms of the agreement, which will see Sunwing’s shareholders become equity holders in the WestJet Group, were not disclosed. WestJet chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech said the deal brings together two highly complementary businesses. Under the agreement, WestJet will create a new tour operator unit headed by Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter that includes Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations as separate brands. The WestJet Group of companies will expand to include Sunwing Airlines. The company says this will add capacity as it sees otherwise seasonal aircraft operate year-round. Currently, Sunwing supplements seasonal demand with imported aircraft. Both airlines are privately held. Toronto-based Sunwing is controlled by the Hunter family — Germany’s TUI Group owns the other 49 per cent of the airline — and Calgary-based WestJet was purchased by Onex Corp. for $3.5 billion in 2019.

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

MARKETS North American markets gain on rate-hike signals ROSS MAROWITS The Canadian Press A surge in crude oil prices above $110 US per barrel and support for the financials sector after an interest rate hike by Bank of Canada helped the country’s main stock index to wipe out losses so far in 2022. “It’s a great day. It’s long overdue,” said Allan Small, senior investment adviser at IA Private Wealth. The S&P/TSX composite index rose progressively all day to close up 251.13 points at 21255.64 to be up slightly year-to-date. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 596.40 points at 33891.35. The S&P 500 index was up 80.28 points at 4386.54, while the Nasdaq composite was up 219.56 points at 13752.02. Markets got some more clarity Wednesday with the Bank of Canada increasing rates by 25 basis points. U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell signalled in testimony to Congress a similar move later this month even though the attack on Ukraine may have “muddied conditions.” Small said some Fed officials had recently been calling for an increase of 50 basis points, but Powell’s comments put that to rest. The TSX enjoyed a broad-based rally with only technology slipping as shares of Shopify Inc. lost 2.9 per cent. Half of the 10 sectors that were positive on the day increased by more than one percentage point. Industrials increased 2.8 per cent with Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. gaining 4.4 per cent and Air Canada up 4.2 per cent as travel and other COVID-19 restrictions fade. The heavyweight financial sector that includes banks and insurance companies gained 1.5 per cent as the Bank of Canada’s rate hike increase improves bank profitability from higher net interest margins. Bond yields also moved up

after dropping following the start of the war last week. Shares of Laurentian Bank climbed 4.6 per cent following a strong quarterly earnings report, while TD and Bank of Nova Scotia were 2.6 and 2.5 per cent higher, respectively. “Banks are up because overall the economy is doing well,” Small said. “A bit of a relief rally. We’ve seen banks sell off the last few days under the weight of Ukraine and Russia.” A rise in the energy sector was powered by crude oil prices increasing seven per cent as sanctions and boycotts against Russia are making it more difficult for the large producer of oil and natural gas to sell and deliver its products. The April crude oil contract was up $7.19 US at $110.60 US per barrel after reaching a high of $112.51 US per barrel. The April natural gas contract was up 18.9 cents at $4.76 US per mmBTU. While crude prices could still climb to $120 US per barrel, Small doesn’t think they will remain high for long because the elevated prices are based solely on the fear of the war going on in Ukraine. “If you get some sort of ceasefire in Ukraine, I would look to see oil plummet very quickly.” The Canadian dollar traded at a fiveweek high of 78.94 cents US compared with 78.69 cents US on Tuesday. The April gold contract was down $21.50 US at $1,922.30 US an ounce, and the May copper contract was up 6.9 cents at $4.67 US a pound. The TSX underperformed U.S. stock markets Wednesday after commodities helped lift it in recent sessions. “It just didn’t fall as much, so the rebound is not as sharp,” Small said. Investors’ main fear is if central banks raise interest rates too fast rather than at a measured pace, he said, adding that rising rates won’t deter investors holding cash who have been waiting for an opportunity to buy.

B.C. VOLUME LEADERS Stock AbsoluteSoftwa Africa Oil Cor AmerigoResourc Aritzia Inc. S AscotRes AuroraEne B2GoldCorpJ BallardPowerSy CalibreMng CanaccordFinan Canfor Pulp Pr CanforCorporat CanWelHoldings CapstoneMining China Gold Int CopperMountain Diversified Ro EldoradoG EndeavourSilve Equinox Gold C Filo Mining Co FinningInt'lIn FirstMajesticJ Fission Uraniu FortunaSvrFVI

Close 11.59 2.39 1.72 47.22 1.10 2.17 5.23 13.87 1.33 12.86 5.04 27.62 8.16 6.82 3.88 3.69 3.06 14.20 5.86 9.70 16.39 37.46 15.19 0.97 5.03

Chg +0.10 -0.18 +0.03 +0.57 +0.01 -0.02 -0.12 -0.15 +0.14 -0.51 -1.23 +0.18 -0.09 +0.05 +0.01 -0.24 -0.13 -0.05 +0.72 +0.77 -0.34 +0.03 -0.16

GoldMining Inc Hardwoods Dist ImperialMetals Int'lForestCl Int'lTowerHill International IvanhoeMinesLt K92 Mining Inc KobexMnrls Liberty Gold C LucaraDia Lundin Gold In MadisonPacifB MadisonPacifC MAGSilver Maverix Metals MethanexCorpor NevadaCopperCo NexGen Energy NGExResourcesI OrezoneGoldCor PanAmericanSil PremiumBrandsH Pretium Resour RedMileCap RitchieBrosAuc

2.39 42.32 3.88 39.46 1.25 9.92 12.62 8.25 2.13 1.08 0.72 10.38 7.16 7.10 21.88 6.12 66.32 0.71 6.90 1.74 1.35 32.30 117.39 18.61 5.37 71.05

-0.06 +0.99 +0.01 +0.27 +0.05 +0.42 +0.17 +0.31 +0.02 -0.02 +0.05 +0.16

-0.37 +0.01 +1.51 +0.33 +0.03 -0.05 -0.52 +1.42 -0.24 +2.08

RogersSugarInc SabinaG&S Sandstorm SierraWireless SilvercorpMeta SilverCrest Me SilverWheatonC SkeenaRes SSR Mining Inc TaigaBuildingP TasekoMinesLtd TeckResClAMV TeckResClBSV TELUS TurquoisHllRes VecimaNetworks WallFinancialC WELL Health Te WesternForestP WestFraserTimb WestportInnova WestrnCopperCo WestshoreTermn WLithiuUSACorp

CANADA/US DOLLAR The Canadian dollar ended the day at 78.69 cents US, up 0.25 of a cent from Tuesday’s close. The U.S. dollar closed at 126.68 cents Cdn.

SECTOR INDEXES

IndexName

S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Discretionary Index S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index S&P/TSX Capped Financial Index S&P/TSX Capped Health Care Index S&P/TSX Capped Industrials Index S&P/TSX Capped Materials Index S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index S&P/TSX Capped Communication Services Index S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index

251.87 735.66 213.53 410.67 40.01 370.99 367.01 166.53 205.99 337.62

ISLAND COMPANIES Stock Exchange ArchPetroCorp. V BMV:CA V DAR:CA V ErinVentr V GLD:CA V SilvGralResLtd V StealthMnrl V IPA V TeutonRes V TroymetExpl V VecimaNetworks T VigilHealth V

Close %Chg 0.630 -4.55 0.125 +19.05 0.010 unch 0.055 unch 0.185 unch 0.170 +13.33 0.035 unch 5.990 -3.23 2.150 +1.90 0.070 +16.67 16.510 +3.19 0.660 -1.49

High 0.720 0.260 0.035 0.195 0.450 0.250 0.080 20.200 3.170 0.085 17.600 0.790

Low 0.260 0.085 0.010 0.055 0.150 0.110 0.030 5.540 1.740 0.045 13.850 0.350

PennyChg PercentChg

+3.71 +9.05 +1.80 +6.21 +0.08 +9.94 +0.52 -0.11 +3.00 +0.16

+1.50% +1.25% +0.85% +1.54% +0.20% +2.75% +0.14% -0.07% +1.48% +0.05%

5.86 1.47 9.43 24.18 4.97 12.12 57.21 14.10 25.99 2.78 2.52 51.09 48.89 32.46 26.30 16.51 14.17 4.42 2.17 126.28 2.06 2.32 29.70 34.56

Commodity Copper May 2022 Crude Oil Apr 2022

Chg

4.67

+0.07

110.60

+7.19

Gold Apr 2022

1922.30

-21.50

Lumber May 2022

1268.70

+45.00

4.76

+0.19

25.19

-0.35

Natural Gas Apr 2022 Silver May 2022

-0.06 +0.06 -0.77 +0.07 +0.13 +0.12

CURRENCIES

Currency Australian Dollar China Yuan Euro Hong Kong Dollar India Rupee Japan Yen Korea Won Mexico New Peso New Zealand Dollar South Africa Rand Sweden Krona Switzerland Franc Taiwan New Dollar Thailand Baht UAE Dirham United Kingdom Pound United States Dollar

InCdn 0.9238 0.2017 1.4167 0.1629 0.0168 0.0111 0.0011 0.0616 0.8610 0.0826 0.1321 1.3856 0.0454 0.0389 0.3465 1.6970 1.2668

TSX VENTURE

NASDAQ

DOW JONES

21255.64 +251.13 +1.20%

854.96 +1.67 +0.20%

13752.02 +219.56 +1.62%

33891.35 +596.40 +1.79%

S&P / TSX COMPOSITE STOCKS Stock Close Chg. AdvantageOil& 7.82 +0.14 Aecon Group 15.91 -1.40 AGFManagementB 7.08 +0.04 Agnico-EagleMi 66.50 -0.90 AIM:CA 4.85 -0.10 AirCanadaClA 23.82 +0.95 ALA:CA 28.31 -0.18 AlamosGoldInc 9.62 -0.25 AlarisRoyaltyC 18.46 +0.24 AlgonquinPower 18.41 +0.03 AlliedPropREI 44.92 +0.31 ARCResourcesEx 15.67 -0.27 ArtisREITUn 13.12 AtcoLtdClIN 41.50 -0.09 AthloneEg 2.09 +0.04 ATS Automation 47.07 +0.78 AutoCanadaInc 32.30 +1.18 AYA:CA 10.60 -0.06 B2GoldCorpJ 5.23 -0.12 BadgerIncomeFn 28.33 -0.62 BankofMontreal 147.64 +2.97 BankofNovaSco 93.19 +2.30 BarrickGoldCor 29.25 -0.64 BCE 68.19 +1.14 Birchclif 6.96 +0.03 BlackBerry 8.67 +0.02 BlackDiamondGr 4.32 +0.12 BoardwalkREITU 56.74 +0.93 BombardierClB 1.49 +0.01 BonterraEnergy 9.93 -0.14 Brookfield Ren 45.98 -0.23 BrookfldAssetA 69.10 +1.07 BTE:CA 5.59 -0.03 CAE 35.03 +0.43 CaEngySeTechCo 2.71 +0.06 CalfracWellSer 4.85 +0.04 CallowayREITTr 32.06 +0.14 CamecoCorporat 31.63 +0.48 CanaccordFinan 12.86 +0.14 CanforCorporat 27.62 -1.23 CanNatrResLtd 72.82 +1.46 CanPacRawayLtd 91.78 +3.87 CanTireCorLtd 182.16 -1.49 CanUtilityLtd 35.52 +0.08 CanWestBnk 37.40 +0.80 CapitalPowerCo 38.83 -0.10 CAPREIT 53.45 +1.72 CapstoneMining 6.82 -0.09 CCLIndustriesB 57.50 +0.58 CelesticaIncSV 14.97 +0.32 CenovusEnergyI 20.01 +0.32 CenterraGoldIn 12.69 +0.43 CGG:CA 3.88 CGIGroupClAS 104.35 +1.10 ChartwellSeniU 12.23 -0.01 ChemtradeLogis 7.42 +0.17 CIBC 160.26 +2.91 CIFinCorp. 20.97 +0.56 CineplexGalaxy 13.37 -0.10 CNationRwayCo 157.90 +6.11 CogecoCableInc 101.21 +0.41 CominarRealEst 11.74 ConstellationS 2149.73 +12.97 CorusEntrtmntB 5.04 +0.06 CottCorp 18.53 +0.52 CrescentPointC 9.46 +0.11 CrewEnerg 3.80 +0.06 CrombieRealEst 17.64 -0.04 Descartes 90.63 +0.67 DollaramaInc 65.90 +0.72 DOO:CA 92.48 +3.16 DorelIndIncB 11.61 +0.21 DreamOfficREIT 27.01 +0.51 DRM:CA 46.97 -0.03 DundeeCorpCl 1.46 +0.06 EFN:CA 12.67 +0.73 EFX:CA 8.16 +0.13

EldoradoG EmeraIncorpora EmpireCoClAN Enbridge EnsignEngyServ ERF:CA ExtendicareREI FairfaxFinanci FinningInt'lIn FirstCapitalRe FirstMajesticJ FirstQuantumMn FortisInc FortunaSvrFVI Franco-NevadaC FRU:CA GEI:CA GeorgeWestLtd GildanAct GranTierraEner Great-WestLife GritReEstInvtr HomeCapitalGro HudBayMinerals IamgoldCorpora IGMFinanc ImperialOilLtd InnergexRenewE Int'lForestCl IntactFinCorp IntertapePolym KelsoEnergyInc KeyeraFaciliti KinrossGo LaurentianBank LIF:CA Linamar LoblawCom LundinMin MacDonaldDettw MajorDrillingG Manulife Maple Leaf Fd MartinreaInt'l MEG:CA MethanexCorpor MG:CA MRU:CA MullenGroupLtd Nat'lBank NewGoldIncJ NovaGoldResour NPI:CA Nutrien Ltd NuVistaEnergyL OceanaGoldCorp OnexCorp OpenText OR:CA PanAmericanSil ParamountResCl ParexResIn PasonSystemsIn

TSX MOST ACTIVE Vol 202815 115217 98601 91691 74363 71778 66357 65177 60020 57800

14.20 59.43 40.10 56.07 2.90 16.64 7.73 600.00 37.46 18.12 15.19 36.72 58.50 5.03 190.97 14.54 25.43 139.51 49.97 1.89 37.01 94.04 38.62 10.28 4.08 44.72 57.82 18.39 39.46 181.28 23.49 5.85 29.56 6.88 43.58 47.93 63.83 99.49 12.37 44.95 9.68 25.27 27.18 9.36 17.09 66.32 88.58 66.82 12.80 100.63 2.18 9.23 41.25 111.11 9.93 2.56 83.62 54.90 16.70 32.30 29.10 28.39 13.02

-0.24 +0.15 +0.54 +0.81 -0.01 -0.14 +2.98 +0.77 +0.06 -0.34 -0.09 +0.09 -0.16 -0.19 +0.20 +0.84 +3.36 +1.44 +0.07 -0.32 +0.84 +0.57 +0.13 +0.02 +0.31 +0.88 -0.01 +0.27 +0.71 +0.22 -0.11 +0.22 +0.26 +1.93 +0.70 +0.29 +1.47 +0.22 +1.96 +0.25 +0.42 +0.43 -0.11 +0.46 +1.51 +1.84 +0.79 +0.35 +1.00 -0.06 -0.03 -0.21 +2.88 -0.21 +0.04 +0.46 +0.45 -0.01 -0.52 +0.03 -0.50 -0.09

Cls 39.52 56.07 37.01 20.01 65.88 5.59 0.97 9.46 6.88 2.09

Chg +0.82 +1.47 -0.86 +1.63 +1.29 -0.53 +3.19 +1.18 +3.93 +1.95

PD:CA

74.74

+0.22

PembinaPipcorp

45.25

+1.17

PennWestEnergy

10.30

-0.28

PEY:CA

11.44

-0.06

PKI:CA

31.95

+0.01

PowerCorp

38.85

+0.05

PSK:CA

17.18

-0.03

PVG:CA

18.61

-0.24

QSR:CA

70.73

+1.13

QuebecorIncClB

27.04

-0.07

RioCanRlEstTr

25.23

+0.13

RitchieBrosAuc

71.05

+2.08

RogersCommClB

67.28

+1.69

137.63

+0.23

RusselMet

31.81

+0.84

Saputo

30.80

+0.40

SCL:CA

5.99

+0.05

38.22

+0.17

0.66

-0.02

RoyalBankofCa

ShawCommClBN SherrittI SHOP:CA

833.86

-24.47

SierraWireless

24.18

+0.07

SilverWheatonC

57.21

-1.21

SNC-Laval

28.61

+1.01

StantecInc

62.68

+0.47

SueEngyServInc

6.39

+0.35

Sun Life

65.88

+0.84

SuncorEne

39.52

+0.32

SuperiorPlusCo

11.26

-0.06

SurgeEnergyInc

8.46

+0.23

101.49

+2.58

48.89

+1.90

TELUS

32.46

+0.44

ThomsonReuters

131.19

+1.25

TMXGroupInc

130.22

+1.32

ToromontIndust

109.01

+2.16

TorxGoldResInc

16.50

-0.29

TD Bank TeckResClBSV

TOU:CA

51.17

-1.14

TransAltaCorp

12.32

-0.29

TransCanCorpor

69.49

+1.36

TranscontinntA

20.08

+0.36

TricanWellServ

3.27

-0.01

TurquoisHllRes

26.30

-0.28

VET:CA

24.40

-0.21

VlPharmIntlInc

30.47

+0.64

WCP:CA

9.85

-0.02

WesternForestP

2.17

+0.06

WestFraserTimb

126.28

-0.77

23.69

+0.44

159.47

+2.01

6.56

-0.02

WJX:CA WSPGlobalInc. YamanaGoldInc

S&P / TSX SUMMARY

TSV TOP % GAINERS

Stock Symbol Vol Cls Chg Sprylogics BRAG 1358 9.00 +10.0 Sprott Physica SPPP.U 111 18.31 +7.8 SSplitCorp. SBN 11 6.89 +7.8 PPTA:CA PPTA 414 5.03 +7.0 NPK:CA NPK 2243 7.97 +6.4 EFN:CA EFN 6429 12.67 +6.1 SueEngyServInc SES 7817 6.39 +5.8 KXS:CA KXS 1467 152.03 +5.6 GLXY:CA GLXY 6302 18.12 +5.3 NXE:CA NXE 25321 6.90 +5.0

Stock Symbol Vol Cls Chg LundEnterpCorp RECO 3003 6.14 +4.2 NET.UN:CA NET.UN 463 8.00 +3.8 GIP:CA GIP 156 8.70 +3.0 BCF:CA BCF 10 10.18 +1.8 LosAndesCo LA 386 16.50 +1.0 SGML:CA SGML 394 14.34 +0.8 ShawCommsA SJR.A 46 37.92 +0.1 TIL:CA TIL 0 6.37 unch PTF:CA PTF 1 15.85 unch TerraFirma TII 0 5.11 unch

Stock Symbol Vol Cls Chg CFX:CA CFX 2330 5.04 -9.2 Aecon Group ARE 16979 15.91 -8.1 DualexEgy SDE 10706 8.28 -6.9 SangomaTech STC 188 17.20 -5.8 CanforCorporat CFP 8450 27.62 -4.3 AuraMineralsIn ORA 1725 11.58 -3.5 AccordFinancia ACD 8 8.20 -3.4 Yellow Pages L Y 72 13.05 -3.4 FirstNat'lFin FN 4126 42.68 -3.1 FortunaSvrFVI FVI 11458 5.03 -3.1

Stock SuncorEne Enbridge Great-WestLife CenovusEnergyI Sun Life BTE:CA FCU:CA CrescentPointC KinrossGo AthloneEg

Close Penny Chg Percent Chg Open 21255.64 +251.13 +1.20% 21065.64

TSX TOP % GAINERS

TOP % LOSERS COMMODITIES

+0.03 -0.01 -0.04 +0.07 -0.05 +0.14 -1.21 -0.42 -0.39 +0.13 +0.05 +1.24 +1.90 +0.44 -0.28 +0.51

S&P/TSX

TOP % LOSERS Stock Symbol MTA:CA MTA POETTechInc PTK IPA IPA NOU:CA NOU GPV:CA GPV RupertRes RUP BioteQEnvironm BQE StEliasMns SLI FirmCapProptr FCD.UN BioSyentInc RX

Vol Cls Chg 255 9.02 -4.6 466 9.55 -3.5 301 5.99 -3.2 165 8.90 -3.1 267 8.09 -2.4 489 5.05 -2.3 1 25.01 -0.8 787 7.90 -0.8 364 7.59 -0.1 12 8.20 unch

Volume High Low 52WeekHigh 52WeekLow 291797462 21297.71 21065.64 21796.16 17950.75

NASDAQ TOP % GAINERS Stock Symbol RockyBrandsInc RCKY Organogenesis ORGO PrudentialBanC PBIP Ramaco Resourc METC Apollo Endosur APEN Purple Innovat PRPL Cara Therapeut CARA ReadingIntInc RDIB PetIQ Inc. PETQ GeospaTechcorp GEOS

Vol 1285 38479 14313 10309 3592 55526 11511 143 11122 2336

Cls 47.47 8.79 17.11 18.77 7.19 6.65 11.53 25.02 20.73 6.90

NYSE TOP % GAINERS Chg +26.6 +21.4 +18.3 +17.9 +17.1 +16.1 +14.6 +14.3 +13.2 +12.7

Stock Symbol Vol Cls Nordstrom JWN 681990 26.93 EPAM Systems I EPAM 31275 245.17 Peabody Energy BTU 217638 20.81 Arch Resources ARCH 16325 137.15 Quad Graphics QUAD 10202 6.49 Hewlett Packar HPE 205449 16.99 LasVegasSandsC LVS 149117 44.40 Adient plc ADNT 16288 42.67 Amr AMR 4861 106.65 Dillards DDS 3832 267.53

Chg -39.7 -16.7 -16.2 -14.0 -9.6 -8.4 -8.1 -7.9 -7.9 -6.8

Stock Abercrombie&Fi Invitae Corpor DineequityInc BPPrudhoeBPT Autohome Inc. Azure Power Gl Altice USA Inc Carvana Co. Cl Eaton Vance Mu Taro Pharmaceu

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BUSINESS

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Energy security raised as new priority AMANDA STEPHENSON The Canadian Press The war in Ukraine is being used as a case study by those on either side of the debate over fossil fuel production in Canada. Russia’s invasion of a sovereign European nation has had wide-ranging energy implications, and is now being used as ammunition by oil and gas sector proponents who offer it as proof that Canada must grow its domestic fossil fuel sector if it wants to ensure energy security. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers the country’s largest oil and gas lobby group, called this week for the federal government to make a “clear commitment” to grow Canadian oil and gas development and exports in light of the situation in Ukraine. CAPP president Tim McMillan said in an interview that Canadian government policies, as well as the environmental and climate change policies of other western countries, have led to the delay and cancellation of major oil and gas projects in recent years. Some of these projects — such as the proposed Énergie Saguenay LNG facility in Quebec, which was rejected by both the provincial government and federal government on environmental grounds — would have connected Canadian energy to customers in Europe, helping to reduce that continent’s dependence on Russian supply, McMillan said. (Russia exports approximately 4.5 million barrels per

Firefighters extinguish a fire at a building after a rocket attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, on Wednesday. The oil and gas industry says the war in Ukraine is proof Canada must increase its own fossil-fuel production to ensure long-term energy security and protection against soaring prices. CP day of oil.) Over the last decade, issues like energy security and country of supply have not been very high on the public’s radar,” he said, adding that Canadian producers are ready and willing to play a larger role in global energy supply in the decades to come. “If we act on what we now know, we can build the infrastructure to make this a far more stable world.” Alberta Premier Jason Ken-

Rate hike won’t cool housing, say experts TARA DESCHAMPS The Canadian Press TORONTO — Housing experts say prospective homebuy-

ers hoping Wednesday’s interest rate hike will cool the country’s heated real estate market will likely be disappointed. They believe pent-up demand for homes is so high and supply still so scarce that the Bank of Canada’s decision to hike the rate to 0.5 per cent won’t take much of an edge off the real estate market. “In the past, when there was an interest rate increase coming, people would be like ‘maybe it’s not the time to buy,’ but it’s the opposite,” said Michelle Gilbert, a Toronto broker with Sage Real Estate Ltd. “I’ve got so many people that were like ‘I’m going to get my rate hold or my pre-approval finally done’ … They’re ready to go.” Her clients aren’t letting the rate hike deter them from buying because interest rates are still lower than they were pre-pandemic and they’ve lived through years of home price increases. Real estate boards have been reporting soaring prices and a flurry of sales for the bulk of the pandemic as buyers raced to take advantage of the 0.25 per cent interest rate instituted under Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem’s predecessor Stephen Poloz about two years ago, as the country plunged into the COVID-19 health crisis. In typically hot markets like Toronto and Vancouver, the average home price has surpassed $1 million and suburban and rural areas surrounding those cities have seen the cost of a home climb too. But in recent months, new listings have dropped and realtors and buyers are bemoaning a lack of properties that has tipped the market even further in favour of sellers. The lack of supply coupled with a sense that low interest rates won’t remain is making some even more keen to buy. Gilbert said a property on a busy street unexpectedly got 20 offers last night. “That’s a sign that people are willing to sacrifice on things that would have been not so great to the average buyer just to get in.” Gilbert has noticed her clients want to get into the market while they can, and believes they won’t find better conditions until there’s a significant rise in supply or investors are required to cover higher down payments, deterring them from buying. “Even if we had like double the inventory, demand is insane and it’s the demand that is the issue,” she said. “We have so many people that want to buy.” Gilbert’s views are bolstered by a Zoocasa analysis showing interest rate increases correlate with slower sales numbers, but trigger no major impact on prices. The real estate listing site compared Toronto’s monthly average home price and sales volumes between the start of 2017 and end of 2019 — a period that covers the last five times the rate was increased — against the average discounted five-year fixed mortgage rate during that same period. The analysis found 2018 saw 78,018 sales, the lowest level in recent years, but attributed that number to then-new mortgage stress test, which reduced purchasing power. After the rate hikes there were “very small movements” in the average price. The largest month-overmonth price drop after an interest rate announcement came in November 2018, when prices dropped 2.35 per cent, and the largest was seen in February 2018, when prices climbed by more than four per cent. These monthly decreases and gains are “fairly similar” to pricing trends in 2017 and 2019, suggesting seasonality triggered the small swings. While the interest rate’s impact on prices may be limited, the increase Wednesday will affect some mortgage holders immediately. Interest rate hikes typically weigh on homeowners with variable-rate mortgages because many banks use the central bank’s key rate to dictate how they should change their prime interest rate. RBC Royal Bank said it is increasing its prime rate to 2.70 per cent from 2.45 per cent, effective Thursday. Those with fixed-rate mortgages might see increases when they go to renew in the coming years.

ney this week used the war in Ukraine to tout his province’s own oil and gas industry, including criticizing U.S. President Joe Biden for cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline permit, saying: “Alberta oil is better than dictator oil.” The cancelled $8 billion Keystone project would have carried roughly 800,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta to the U.S. Gulf Coast. A number of U.S. Republican lawmakers also criticized

Biden this week for killing the project shortly after his inauguration last year. However, White House press secretary said on an ABC news appearance last week that restarting Keystone is not the answer and that the U.S. needs to reduce its reliance not only on foreign oil, but on “oil in general.” That’s a view shared by Canadian environmentalists such as Greenpeace Canada’s Keith

Stewart, who said he believes oil boosters are “overplaying their hand” when it comes to the Ukraine situation. “I actually think this is going to accelerate the end of the age of oil,” Stewart said, adding he believes jurisdictions like the EU will ramp up the push toward renewables and electric vehicles in order to get off of Russian oil. Stewart said a faster energy transition will be good for not just for the climate, but for global security. On Wednesday afternoon, benchmark crude West Texas Intermediate closed at US$111.42 per barrel and North American gasoline prices jumped to record highs, driven by fears that Russian supply could be affected by the conflict or western sanctions. Richard Norris — a fellow with The Canadian Global Affairs Institute, a think tank based in Ottawa and Calgary — said he believes there is a segment of the Canadian public that will always be fundamentally opposed to the increased production of fossil fuels, and another segment that will always believe the world needs more Canadian oil and gas. But he said there’s also a segment of Canadians who sit somewhere in the middle, and whose views are likely to be swayed by rising gasoline prices and home heating costs as the Ukraine crisis continues. “That is the problem we’re going to come up against. And I think a lot of countries are going to start doing that math.”

Que. diner drops word ‘poutine’ in anti-Putin stance The Canadian Press MONTREAL — A Quebec restaurant

that claims to have invented poutine has dropped the name of its most famous dish from some of its branding because the meal shares a name with Russia’s president. Drummondville, Que., diner Le Roy Jucep announced last week on Facebook it was temporarily removing the word “poutine” from some of its online branding to express its “deep dismay” over the Russian army’s invasion of Ukraine. “Therefore, as of now, we’re the inventor of the fries cheese gravy,” the post read. In French, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s last name is written and pronounced “Poutine” — the same as Quebec’s signature dish. The restaurant has since deleted the post, but its Facebook page still describes it as the inventor of the “fries cheese gravy” rather than poutine. While the move has drawn both positive and negative reactions online, the diner shared a video on its Facebook page of a woman in

A cook prepares poutine at La Banquise restaurant in Montreal. CP Ukraine who appeared on RadioCanada and thanked the restaurant for the gesture. “If we were able to make someone smile over there, it’s already a win!” the restaurant wrote on Facebook. “We are with you with all our hearts.” The restaurant did not respond for a request for comment on Wednesday.

Poutine was invented in Quebec in the 1950s or 1960s, and the founder of Le Roy Jucep is among those who claim to have created the fast-food staple. Sylvain Charlebois, director of Dalhousie University’s agri-food analytics lab and author of the book Poutine Nation, said that while the word “poutine” originated in Warwick, Que., in the late 1950s, it was Jean-Paul Roy of Le Roy Jucep who first mixed gravy into the dish. In an interview on Wednesday, Charlebois said it’s unclear how poutine first got its name. One legend suggests it was a trucker who asked the restaurant to “put in” the cheese with the fries, he said, while another suggests it’s a take on “pudding” because it is a mixture of ingredients. Other dishes in France and Acadia also bear the name, he added. “The pronunciation of the dish itself, I think, got easier when President Putin landed on the world stage,” he said. “I actually do think he might have helped people, because in French it’s the same spelling, the same pronunciation.”

More than half of South Asian women in Canada planning to leave their job: study ERIKA IBRAHIM The Canadian Press South Asian women have faced some of the biggest job challenges during the pandemic in Canada, and a new study looks more deeply at this group. More than half of South Asian women respondents to a survey by CulturaliQ and the Pink Attitude Evolution said they are planning to leave their jobs for other opportunities. This share is higher than any other group of women in Canada, and 19 per cent more than the average of all women surveyed. CulturaliQ is a Toronto-based cultural market research company. Founded in 2015, Pink Attitude Evolution is a Canadian non-profit organization that supports South Asian women across several industries. Among South Asian women’s motivations for leaving their current role, 48 per cent identified unsatisfying work as a major reason, compared with 35 per cent of all women and 32 per cent of all men. The second mostcited reason for leaving their job was poor management, at 37 per cent. “For this to change, it’s not just the work of South Asian women or women. This is everybody’s work,” said Puneet Maan, who is in the

midst of a job switch, starting a new position as a vice-president for Laurentian Bank next week. Maan said Wednesday that a big force in achieving her own career success was receiving workplace support and sponsorship. Sponsorship refers to a relationship between a protégé and someone of higher authority in the company who can help advocate for career opportunities. Conducted from September to December 2021, the survey included responses from 2,200 women and men of various backgrounds, of which 700 were South Asian women, 400 were white women, and 158 were South Asian men compared to 300 white men. The survey cannot be assigned a margin of error because online panels are not considered truly random samples. Sixty-five per cent of South Asian women said they are considering going into business themselves, compared with 46 per cent of all women saying so. The study also suggested that the pandemic has created more challenges for South Asian women. Almost half surveyed said they plan to quit their jobs due to the pandemic, a higher proportion reporting

so than all other groups of women. Sixty-five per cent said the workload in their household has increased since the pandemic began, more than any other group of women surveyed. Statistics Canada said South Asians make up the largest visible minority group in Canada, representing one-quarter of all working-age visible minorities. South Asian women are also one of the highest educated groups compared to other visible minorities, according to the 2016 census. In April 2021, the employment rate for South Asian women sat at 59.7 per cent, 15 percentage points lower than the rate of their male counterparts at 75.5 per cent. This is triple the gap between non-visible minority men and women, according to Statistics Canada. The office of Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough said in a statement Wednesday that the federal government believes ensuring more women can enter and stay in the workforce is essential to a strong economy. Qualtrough’s office said that $50 million in funding was earmarked in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement over two fiscal years for a women’s employment readiness pilot program.

Banks hike prime rate in line with BoC The Canadian Press TORONTO — Numerous Canadian

banks said Wednesday that they are increasing their prime interest rate by 25 basis points following the Bank of Canada’s rate announcement earlier in the day. The central bank said it was increasing its key rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 0.5 per cent in a bid to help fight inflation which is at its highest level since 1991. Canada’s Big Five banks — RBC, TD Bank, BMO, CIBC, and Scotiabank —

all said they would increase their prime rates to 2.70 from 2.45 per cent, effective March 3. Desjardins Group and Equitable Bank also said they would follow through on the same rate change. The rise in rates will increase the cost of loans such as variable-rate mortgages that are linked to the benchmark, but won’t directly affect fixedrate mortgages. The Bank of Canada said it would likely need to raise rates further to reduce inflation, which hit 5.1 per cent in January.

COMICS

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

MAZETOONS

FAMILY CIRCUS

RHYMES WITH ORANGE

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

THE OTHER COAST

TAKE IT FROM THE TINKERSONS

BEN

POOCH CAFE

BETWEEN FRIENDS

DILBERT

MUTTS

TUNDRA

BIZARRO

HAGAR ZITS

MISTER BOFFO DUSTIN

HI AND LOIS THE BRILLIANT MIND OF EDISON LEE

BLONDIE

CANADIAN ARTIST SUDOKU ANSWER

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

SPORTS

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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 WEATHER, B8

WHL Kamloops 7 Spokane 2 | BCHL Powell River 2 Cowichan 0 | VIJHL PLAYOFFS Peninsula 4 Westshore 2 | Comox 5 Oceanside 2

WORLD SERIES RUGBY

Russia barred from Canada Sevens tournament at Starlight Stadium

CLEVE DHEENSAW Times Colonist The international sporting sanctions against Russia will touch an Island event. The Russian women’s rugby team, ranked No. 3 in the HSBC World Sevens Series standings, has been disinvited from the World Series Canada Sevens tournament set for April 30-May 1 at Starlight Stadium. The Russian team will be replaced by Mexico in Langford. World Rugby, the governing body, this week announced the suspension of Russia from all international and cross-border club activities until further notice. “We fully support World Rugby’s strong stance and decision,” Sally Dennis, board chair of Rugby Canada said in a statement. “Rugby Canada, its provincial unions and clubs will not compete against Russia at any level

until peace is restored. We add our collective voice to the call for the restoration to the Ukrainian people of peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemnation of Russia’s actions.” The 12-nation Canada Sevens tournament will consist of Canada, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, England, Fiji, France, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and the U.S. “We are pleased to welcome Mexico to this year’s HSBC Canada women’s sevens and to offer this opportunity to another Rugby Americas North Union,” said Rugby Canada interim CEO Jamie Levchuk. “We believe their participation will help further the growth of rugby in North America.” The annual Canada Sevens returns to Starlight Stadium after two years in the dark due to the pandemic. Two-day tournament passes are available at canadasevens.com. “It’s unique in that not many

national teams get to play in the same facility in which they train,” said Canada interim head coach Jack Hanratty. “There’s a real excitement and energy around that in our group.” Rugby Canada is based in Langford. The host Canadian team is looking to rebuild from its dizzying fall as bronze medallist in the 2016 Rio Olympics to missing the quarter-finals in the Tokyo Olympics. “There’s been great conversations, and a great deal of honesty, about the challenge ahead. We want to tackle that head on,” Hanratty told the Times Colonist. It’s going to be a long and hard road back. Canada, previously reliably in the top-three of the World Series with New Zealand and Australia, is ranked No. 8 currently following the four opening 2021-22 season tournaments held in Dubai and Spain.

The Aussies lead the standings, followed by Tokyo Olympics silver-medallist France, Russia, U.S., Ireland, Tokyo O lympics bronze-medallist Fiji and seventh-place England. The Tokyo Olympic-champion Kiwis have yet to play in the World Series due to pandemic travel restrictions and will also miss Langford. Following Langford, the HSBC World Series concludes with the France Sevens in Toulouse from May 20-22. That will be followed for Canada by the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games this summer, the World Cup sevens qualifying tournament, and if s uccessful in the qualifier, the World Cup Sevens in South Africa in September. The Canadian men’s team, ranked No. 13, is also based in Langford. The HSBC World Series Canada Sevens men’s tournament is April 16-17 at B.C. Place. cdheensaw@timescolonist.com

Sabres stun Leafs to snap six-game slide BUFFALO 5 TORONTO 1 JOSHUA CLIPPERTON The Canadian Press TORONTO — The Maple Leafs

talked at length Wednesday morning about the excitement and advantage of playing in front of a packed home crowd. The same group was lustily booed off Scotiabank Arena’s ice roughly 12 hours later following an uninspired no-show against one of the NHL’s bottom-feeders. Jeff Skinner had a goal and an assist as the Buffalo Sabres snapped a six-game losing streak with a stunning 5-1 victory over listless Toronto. “Terrible from start to finish,” Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said in a blunt assessment. “We just didn’t have it … simple as that,” he added. “That’s a reflection on the coaching. That’s a reflection on the players. “I didn’t think anybody had it.” Jacob Bryson, Victor Olofsson, Tage Thompson and Kyle Okposo also scored for Buffalo (17-30-8), which got 29 saves from Craig Anderson. Dylan Cozens added two assists. Rasmus Sandin replied for Toronto (35-15-4). Petr Mrazek stopped 26 shots. The Leafs played in front of 17,122 fans — nearly 1,700 short of a sellout — in their first home date with the potential for full capacity since Dec. 11 after an easing of provincial COVID-19 restrictions. The vast majority went home with frowns under their masks on a night where the home side was second-best against an opponent that had surrendered 28 goals during its ugly slide. “These are the games that I

Bulldogs fend off late Grizzlies rally The Alberni Valley Bulldogs built a 3-0 lead and rode it to a 4-3 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies in B.C. Hockey League action Wednesday night at Weyerhaeuser Arena in Port Alberni. Ethan Leyer and Chase Klassen each had a goal and assist for the Bulldogs (31-13-4). Rookie star Matthew Wood of the Grizzlies replied with a goal and assist to push his BCHL-leading goals total to 42 and league-leading points total to 77. Devon deVries and captain Ellis Rickwood scored the other Grizzlies goals, the latter to move into second place in BCHL points with 71. Finn Brown and Josh Zary scored the other Bulldogs goals. Kyle Kelsey made 28 saves in goal for Victoria (25-21) and Hobie Hedquist 27 for Alberni Valley. The Grizzlies are in Powell River on Friday and Saturday to take on the Kings. — Times Colonist

Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews and Sabres forward Cody Eakin fight for the puck during third-period action in Toronto on Wednesday. NATHAN DENETTE, THE CANADIAN PRESS think we need to get better at,” Sandin, who was on the ice with defence partner Morgan Rielly for three goals against, said of facing teams out of the playoff race. “Buffalo, no disrespect or anything, but I think that’s a team that we should beat. “We just weren’t prepared in the right way.” Toronto hosted the Sabres for the first time since December

2019, and will get another crack at Buffalo when the clubs play outdoors March 13 at H amilton’s Tim Hortons Field in the Heritage Classic. “We want to win for the fans and have them enjoy the game,” Rielly said. “But as players, I think the most important thing is just the points. If you look at the playoff race, we’re right there. “Lose a game like this … that’s

the biggest disappointment.” Toronto, which had won three in a row, also laid an egg Feb. 21 against another non-playoff team when the Montreal Canadiens picked up a 5-2 decision. “We’re trying to accomplish something,” said Leafs c aptain John Tavares, whose goal drought now stands at 14 games. “We have to be ready to play no matter who our opponent is.”

Pacific FC granted first-round bye in quest for Canadian Championship CLEVE DHEENSAW Times Colonist Being a league champion has its privileges. Canadian Premier Leaguechampion Pacific FC has been awarded a first-round bye in the 2022 Canadian Championship tournament for the Voyageurs Cup, which is Canada Soccer’s equivalent of the FA Cup in England. It is part of the organic nature of soccer, in which almost all national federations host s imilar cup competition featuring teams of all pro levels. Also receiving first-round byes are 2021 Canadian Championship winner CF Montréal of Major League Soccer and 2021 finalist Toronto FC of MLS, the latter which beat Island-based PFC 2-1 in the semifinals last fall

at BMO Field. The Vancouver Whitecaps of MLS, shock losers to PFC at a packed Starlight Stadium in the opening round in 2021, are to be drawn out of the West pot in the draw to be held next Wednesday. Also in that pot are CPL clubs Cavalry FC of Calgary, Valour FC of Winnipeg and FC Edmonton. The East pot will consist of CPL teams Forge FC of Hamilton, York United FC, Atlético Ottawa and the HFX Wanderers of Halifax. The third pot will consist of defending League1 Ontario champion Guelph United and Première ligue de soccer du Québec-champion CS Mont-Royal Outremont. The inaugural champion of the new B.C. League1, beginning operations this year with the Victoria Highlanders a charter member, will receive a spot in this pot in

the 2023 tournament. The first round of the 2022 tournament will be held May 10-12. Pacific FC, TFC and CF Montréal will join the fray in the quarter-final stage May 24-26. The semifinals are June 21-23 and the final in July. The format is one-game, single knockout. The 2022 Voyageurs Cup champion will receive an automatic berth in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League. CORNER KICKS: Canada Soccer also announced the 2020 Canadian Championship game between Toronto FC and Forge FC, postponed due to the pandemic, will be played June 4 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton with the clubs using their c urrent rosters. cdheensaw@timescolonist.com

Vikes primed for crowded Canada West basketball playoffs CLEVE DHEENSAW Times Colonist All you had to do in the regular season was basically show up. The Canada West conference has opened the gates to the largest basketball post-season tournament in league history to really put the madness in March with the men’s and women’s teams from all 17 schools qualifying. Since there was no interdivisional play due to pandemic travel restrictions during the regular season, there was really no other fair way to do it. The resultant unwieldiness has the University of Victoria Vikes men cooling their high-tops for a few more days, despite that the playoffs begin today. The Vikes, based on their 17-1 regular season and No. 5 ranking in the U Sports national top-10, will receive byes over the first two rounds of the conference playoffs and join at the quarter-final stage Saturday in Lethbridge. Receiving the two-round passes are the West Divisionchampion Vikes, Central Division-champion University of Alberta Golden Bears (16-0) and East Division-champion University of Regina Cougars (12-4). “It’s unusual but this was an unusual season,” said Vikes head coach Craig Beaucamp. The playoff format is singlegame knockout with the men’s opening three rounds taking place over the next three days in Calgary and Lethbridge. In UVic’s bracket, the Manitoba Bisons (7-9) play UBCOkanagan (3-15) in the opening round today with the winner advancing to play the Lethbridge Pronghorns (8-8) in the second round Friday. The winner of that game will meet the Vikes in the quarter-finals Saturday. The quarter-final winners advance to the Canada West semifinals in two weeks at the gym of the highest-remaining seed. “It’s single-loss knockout, so it’s beneficial to get through as many rounds as you can, any way you can,” said Beaucamp, of the rare two-round bye. Most teams are going in livesight unseen and will rely on breaking down video of teams from other divisions. “Without having seen the teams in the other divisions, it’s hard to evaluate them, or the tournament,” said Beaucamp. “There’s a lot of parity so there potentially could be a lot of games that will appear to be upsets in terms of rankings. There is no easy path. Manitoba is solid, and playing Lethbridge in Lethbridge if it comes to that, will be a task.” With five Canada West men’s teams ranked in the U Sports national top-10 — Alberta No. 2, UVic No. 5, UBC No. 6, Saskatchewan No. 9 and Regina No. 10 — one of them is guaranteed to not make the semifinal round. UBC and Saskatchewan are in the same bracket this week so one of them will not make the conference Final Four. Meanwhile, the UVic Vikes received an opening-round bye in the Canada West women’s basketball playoffs, which run Friday through Sunday in Calgary. UVic (11-7) will meet the University of C algary Dinos (7-9), who are also receiving a first-round bye, in the second round on Saturday. The Vikes-Dinos winner will advance to meet the Canada West t op-ranked and U Sports national No. 2-ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies (14-2) in a tough quarter-final match-up Sunday. The Huskies received byes through the first two rounds. “You only get one opportunity so composure is very important in a single-game knockout tournament,” said UVic head coach Carrie Watts. “Taking care of the ball is key. You’ve got to keep calm and not get too anxious. We have been stressing that this week. For the seniors, any one of these could be the last game of their careers, so we need them to bring their poise and calmness.” cdheensaw@timescolonist.com

S P O RTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Bay Hill debut and big money for Rahm DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press ORLANDO, Florida — Jon Rahm plays so much during the West Coast swing that he could never find room in his schedule for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Now he has 1.5 million reasons to make his debut at Bay Hill. Rahm, the U.S. Open champion and No. 1 player in the world, finished at No. 9 in the inaugural “Player Impact Program” that awards players who generate the most positive interest in golf. He received a $3-million US bonus, but it comes with a catch. The first payment is immediate, which in banking terms means within 30 days. The second installment is paid only after the top 10 players and the PGA Tour agree on a new tournament for them to play. For someone like Phil Mickelson — he didn’t win as he claimed in December, but finished second to Tiger Woods — it was the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua. For Rahm, it was Bay Hill. His caddie, Adam Hayes, always told the Spaniard he would like it. Rahm played nine holes on Tuesday and the pro-am Wednesday and said he could see why Tiger Woods won it eight times. “It’s one of those dates that hasn’t fit because I play so much on the West Coast,” said Rahm, who typically plays at least five times before the PGA Tour

Jon Rahm, the top-ranked golfer in the world, will play Bay Hill for the first time today. DENNIS POROY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS moves to Florida. “And one of the requisites of the PIP is to play an event. The PGA Tour gave me four dates, one of them being this one. That was the perfect excuse. And that’s why I’m here.” He’s part of a strong field at another elevated event that offers a $12-million US purse as golf takes a step closer to the Masters. Riviera capped off the West Coast by attracting all

10 players from the top 10 in the world. Bay Hill has five of the top 10, and it’s missing its defending champion in Bryson DeChambeau, who says he’s not fully r ecovered from an injury. Rahm turned pro the year Palmer died, through the Spaniard did get a chance to meet him during the two Palmer Cup matches he played while at Arizona State. “I know enough of his career and legacy, but I didn’t get to

Russians face more sports sanctions, but not at Paralympics

have those one-on-one conversations that so many players had,” Rahm said. He knows enough that when asked what comes to mind about Palmer, Rahm quickly replied, “The King.” He also could draw some comparisons with his hero growing up in Spain, Seve Ballesteros, often referred to as the Arnold Palmer of Europe for his appeal. Rory McIlroy didn’t play the Arnold Palmer Invitational for five years after coming to the PGA Tour and he hasn’t missed it since then. McIlroy at least had chances for a meaningful chat. The most famous of the encounters came during McIlroy’s debut year at Bay Hill. Palmer asked him during lunch if there was anything he needed and McIlroy replied: “Mr. Palmer, thanks to you, I have everything I could ever need in my life. I’m all set.” The King teared up at those words. “It’s always nice to be here and try to remember his legacy and remember what he meant to everyone,” McIlroy said. “He was probably the catalyst with maybe a few other guys of why we’re here today and why the game of professional golf is at such a high level.” McIlroy tried to pass along a few tips to Rahm, but that didn’t go very well. There are a few changes at Bay Hill, some of them weather-related. The rough is thicker than usual, even some areas away from the green that used to be collection areas.

JAMES ELLINGWORTH The Associated Press DÜSSELDORF, Germany — With the exception of the upcoming Paralympics, Russian athletes were restricted from competing in more sporting events around the world on Wednesday. Sports including biathlon and table tennis were among those to join more than a dozen other Olympic sports in excluding competitors from Russia and Belarus because of the invasion of Ukraine. The International Paralympic Committee, however, said Russians and Belarusians would be able to compete in Beijing as “neutral athletes” without national symbols. Blanket bans have been imposed in soccer, track, basketball and hockey, among other sports, following an appeal from the International Olympic Committee to exclude Russians and Belarusians from international events. The IOC, however, left open the possibility of allowing them to compete as neutral athletes if expulsion was not possible because of short notice. The Winter Paralympics open Friday and numerous Russian athletes are already in the C hinese capital. The IPC has said it is working to get the Ukrainian team there, too. “We respect this decision” by Paralympics leaders, IOC president Thomas Bach said Wednesday at a briefing to explain its guidance to sports bodies. Other sports bodies which have so far let Russians and Belarusians keep competing as neutral athletes include FINA, which governs swimming and other aquatic sports, and the federations for boxing, gymnastics, fencing and judo. The International Judo Federation, which listed Russian president and former judoka Vladimir Putin as its “honorary president” until last week, argued Wednesday that the IOC’s push to exclude Russia and Belarus “is not considered to be justified” because it would lead to resentment.

Amid off-field crisis, Chelsea rallies to advance in FA Cup STEVE DOUGLAS The Associated Press LONDON — Facing a crisis off the field, Chelsea was in a spot of bother on it Wednesday when the team fell behind not just once but twice to a lower-league opponent in the FA Cup. In the end, the most expensive player of the Roman Abramovich era bailed Chelsea out. Romelu Lukaku completed the comeback with a 78th-minute winner as the European champions beat second-tier Luton 3-2 away to reach the quarterfinals. Other teams advancing from the fifth round were Liverpool, which beat Norwich

2-1, and Southampton, a 3-1 winner against West Ham, in all-Premier League matchups. Chelsea’s players took the field at Kenilworth Road barely an hour after Abramovich made his stunning announcement that he was looking to sell the London club after 19 years in control, as he faces the threat of financial sanctions targeting Russians in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. “You’re getting sold in the morning,” was one of the chants sung from Luton fans, who were in raptures after their team went ahead for the first time through Reece Burke’s second-minute header.

Saul Niguez equalized in the 27th minute, only for Luton to regain the lead in the 40th when Harry Cornick ran clear of Chelsea’s defense to sidefoot home a finish. Timo Werner grabbed Chelsea’s second equalizer in the 68th minute, before crossing for Lukaku to slot in with 12 minutes left. “There was some noise today around the club, of course, so it was not so easy to focus,” Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said, “but we did very well I think.” “In the very short term,” Tuchel added, “for us as a team, staff and players, hopefully [it will change] not too much. Maybe even it will change noth-

ing. But the situation is now out there and a big situation.” Back in action four days after beating Chelsea in the League Cup final, Liverpool stayed on course for an improbable quadruple of trophies with a second win over Norwich in 11 days. Jurgen Klopp fielded a heavily rotated team featuring 10 changes and one of them, Takumi Minamino, scored both goals — in the 27th and 39th minutes. Liverpool reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time under Klopp, whose team is second in the Premier League and on course to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

SCOREBOARD HOCKEY

NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L Tampa Bay 52 35 11 Florida 53 35 13 Toronto 54 35 15

OL 2 2 3

SL GF GA 4 182 146 3 218 161 1 198 157

Pt 76 75 74

METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W L Carolina 53 37 11 Pittsburgh 55 33 14 NY Rangers 54 34 15

OL 5 3 3

SL GF GA 0 185 126 5 178 148 2 162 137

Pt 79 74 73

WILD CARD GP Boston 54 Washington 55 Columbus 54 Detroit 54 NY Islanders 50 Ottawa 52 New Jersey 54 Philadelphia 53 Buffalo 55 Montreal 54

W 32 28 28 24 20 19 19 16 17 13

L 18 18 25 24 22 28 30 27 30 34

OL 2 7 0 5 3 4 1 6 7 7

SL GF GA 2 161 146 2 176 156 1 179 196 1 160 194 5 128 142 1 137 166 4 167 197 4 131 184 1 148 196 0 127 206

Pt 70 65 57 54 48 43 43 42 42 33

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L Colorado 54 40 10 St Louis 53 32 15 Minnesota 51 31 17

OL 3 4 0

SL GF GA 1 218 153 2 191 146 3 191 162

Pt 84 70 65

OL 6 5 3

SL GF GA 0 182 125 2 162 157 1 175 157

Pt 70 65 64

OL 2 1 3 5 3 5 4 6 4 0

SL GF GA 2 163 151 2 155 154 0 179 171 4 165 172 3 154 158 4 163 166 2 143 168 2 134 185 1 140 196 4 122 195

Pt 64 63 63 61 58 57 54 46 37 32

PACIFIC DIVISION GP W L Calgary 52 32 14 Los Angeles 55 29 19 Vegas 54 30 20

WILD CARD Nashville Dallas Edmonton Anaheim Vancouver Winnipeg San Jose Chicago Seattle Arizona

GP 53 53 54 56 55 54 54 54 55 53

W 30 30 30 26 26 24 24 19 16 14

L 19 20 21 21 23 21 24 27 34 35

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per conference advance to playoffs. Wednesday’s results Buffalo 5 Toronto 1 N.Y. Rangers 5 St. Louis 3 Dallas 4 Los Angeles 3 Nashville at Seattle Tuesday’s results Edmonton 3 Philadelphia 0 Columbus 4 New Jersey 3 Tampa Bay 5 Ottawa 2 Detroit 4 Carolina 3 (OT) Calgary 5 Minnesota 1 Winnipeg 8 Montreal 4 Colorado 5 N.Y. Islanders 3 Vegas 3 San Jose 1 Anaheim 4 Boston 3 Thursday’s games Carolina at Washington, 4 p.m. Minnesota at Philadelphia, 4 p.m. Ottawa at Florida, 4 p.m. Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 4 p.m. Vancouver at N.Y. Islanders, 4:30 p.m. Edmonton at Chicago, 5:30 p.m. Boston at Vegas, 6 p.m. Colorado at Arizona, 6 p.m. Montreal at Calgary, 6 p.m. Friday’s games Detroit at Tampa Bay, 4 p.m. Los Angeles at Columbus, 4 p.m. Minnesota at Buffalo, 4 p.m. New Jersey at N.Y. Rangers, 4 p.m. Pittsburgh at Carolina, 4 p.m. Dallas at Winnipeg, 5 p.m. Vegas at Anaheim, 7 p.m.

DALLAS 4, LOS ANGELES 3 Los Angeles Dallas

1 0

2 4

0 0

—3 —4

First Period—1, Los Angeles, Danault 16 (Moore), 3:58. Penalties—Doughty,

LA (Tripping), 9:26; Durzi, LA (Tripping), 17:18. Second Period—2, Dallas, Glendening 8 (Raffl, Faksa), 0:43. 3, Los Angeles, Kaliyev 10, 8:54. 4, Los Angeles, Kaliyev 11 (Durzi, Brown), 13:17 (pp). 5, Dallas, Robertson 23 (Pavelski, Hintz), 14:13. 6, Dallas, Suter 5 (Kiviranta, Peterson), 19:01. 7, Dallas, Radulov 3 (Suter, Benn), 19:47 (pp). Penalties—Roy, LA (Delay of Game), 1:07; Harley, DAL (Roughing), 3:48; Lemieux, LA (Roughing), 3:48; Dallas bench, served by Radulov (Too Many Men on the Ice), 12:50; Byfield, LA (High Sticking), 19:31; Faksa, DAL (Roughing), 19:54; Lizotte, LA (Roughing), 19:54. Third Period—None. Penalties— Gurianov, DAL (Tripping), 5:15; Doughty, LA (Hooking), 19:43. Shots on Goal—Los Angeles 9-11-11— 31. Dallas 11-22-10—43. Power-play opportunities—Los Angeles 1 of 2; Dallas 1 of 5. Goalies—Los Angeles, Petersen 14-8-1 (43 shots-39 saves). Dallas, Oettinger 18-6-1 (31-28). A—18,046 (18,532). T—2:33.

BUFFALO 5, TORONTO 1 Buffalo Toronto

1 1

2 0

—5 —1

First Period—1, Buffalo, Bryson 1 (Cozens, Mittelstadt), 2:26 (pp). 2, Toronto, Sandin 4 (Marner, Bunting), 11:48. Penalties—Kerfoot, TOR (Tripping), 1:31. Second Period—3, Buffalo, Olofsson 8 (Asplund, Dahlin), 12:19. 4, Buffalo, Thompson 23 (Skinner, Tuch), 18:31. Penalties—Okposo, BUF (Hooking), 1:51. Third Period—5, Buffalo, Skinner 21, 6:39. 6, Buffalo, Okposo 14 (Cozens, Pysyk), 11:48. Penalties—Spezza, TOR (Hooking), 14:12. Shots on Goal—Buffalo 5-10-16—31. Toronto 6-11-13—30. Power-play opportunities—Buffalo 1 of 2; Toronto 0 of 1. Goalies—Buffalo, Anderson 7-7-0 (30 shots-29 saves). Toronto, Mrazek 9-5-0 (31-26). A—17,122 (18,819). T—2:22.

N.Y. RANGERS 5, ST. LOUIS 3 St. Louis N.Y. Rangers

0 1

3 0 1 3

—3 —5

First Period—1, N.Y. Rangers, Lafreniere 13 (Fox), 8:55. Penalties—Hunt, NYR (Boarding), 5:19; Tarasenko, STL (High Sticking), 5:35. Second Period—2, N.Y. Rangers, Strome 12 (Panarin, Trouba), 16:36. 3, St. Louis, O’Reilly 12 (Saad, Perron), 17:30. 4, St. Louis, Barbashev 17 (Kyrou), 18:37. 5, St. Louis, Perron 12 (Parayko, O’Reilly), 19:44. Penalties—Reaves, NYR (Interference), 2:20. Third Period—6, N.Y. Rangers, Nemeth 1 (Strome, Hunt), 7:27. 7, N.Y. Rangers, Kreider 35 (Fox, Panarin), 11:40 (pp). 8, N.Y. Rangers, Panarin 15 (Fox), 18:08 (en). Penalties—Parayko, STL (Delay of Game), 9:52; Trouba, NYR (Fighting), 11:57; Schenn, STL (Fighting), 11:57; Lafreniere, NYR (Slashing), 15:33. Shots on Goal—St. Louis 9-10-13— 32. N.Y. Rangers 8-7-14—29. Power-play opportunities—St. Louis 0 of 3; N.Y. Rangers 1 of 2. Goalies—St. Louis, Husso 13-4-2 (28 shots-24 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Shesterkin 26-6-3 (32-29). A—16,870 (18,006). T—2:27.

NHL SCORING LEADERS

Not including Wednesday’s games Connor McDavid, EDM Leon Draisaitl, EDM Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA Auston Matthews, TOR Nazem Kadri, COL Johnny Gaudreau, CGY Mikko Rantanen, COL Alex Ovechkin, WSH Kirill Kaprizov, MIN Kyle Connor, WPG Matthew Tkachuk, CGY Steven Stamkos, TBL J.T. Miller, VAN Cale Makar, COL Dylan Larkin, DET Sebastian Aho, CAR Mitchell Marner, TOR Artemi Panarin, NYR Gabriel Landeskog, COL Joe Pavelski, DAL David Pastrnak, BOS Brad Marchand, BOS Mika Zibanejad, NYR Jake Guentzel, PIT Timo Meier, SJS Elias Lindholm, CGY Mats Zuccarello, MIN Patrick Kane, CHI Roman Josi, NSH Nathan MacKinnon, COL Victor Hedman, TBL Andrei Svechnikov, CAR Jesper Bratt, NJD Sam Reinhart, FLA John Tavares, TOR Sidney Crosby, PIT Evgeny Kuznetsov, WSH Anze Kopitar, LAK Adam Fox, NYR Aleksander Barkov, FLA Jordan Kyrou, STL William Nylander, TOR Aaron Ekblad, FLA Chris Kreider, NYR Kris Letang, PIT Jason Robertson, DAL Troy Terry, ANA Matt Duchene, NSH Clayton Keller, ARI Pavel Buchnevich, STL Vladimir Tarasenko, STL Alex DeBrincat, CHI Filip Forsberg, NSH Tyler Bertuzzi, DET Mark Scheifele, WPG

G 29 37 18 37 22 20 26 32 24 32 27 26 20 18 27 24 21 14 29 21 29 23 20 25 24 24 17 16 14 16 11 22 19 18 17 16 15 15 7 25 21 21 14 34 6 22 27 23 21 19 19 29 27 23 20

A PTS 48 77 39 76 57 75 31 68 46 68 47 67 39 65 32 64 40 64 29 61 34 61 34 60 40 60 40 58 29 56 32 56 35 56 42 56 26 55 34 55 25 54 31 54 34 54 28 53 29 53 29 53 36 53 37 53 39 53 36 52 40 51 28 50 31 50 32 50 33 50 34 50 35 50 35 50 43 50 24 49 28 49 28 49 35 49 14 48 42 48 25 47 19 46 23 46 25 46 27 46 27 46 16 45 18 45 22 45 25 45

CURLING THE BRIER At Lethbridge, Alta.

PRELIMINARY ROUND POOL A Alberta, Canada, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, P.E.I., Saskatchewan, Wild Card 2 and Yukon POOL B British Columbia, Manitoba, Northern Ontario, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Wild Card 1 and Wild Card 3. Friday’s games FIRST DRAW, 5:30 P.M. New Brunswick vs. Wild Card 2, Ontario vs. Canada, Alberta vs. Saskatchewan, Newfoundland & Labrador vs. Yukon Saturday’s games SECOND DRAW, 12:30 P.M. Wild Card 3 vs. Northern Ontario, British Columbia vs. Manitoba, Northwest Territories vs. Nova Scotia, Quebec vs. Wild Card 1 THIRD DRAW, 5:30 P.M. Yukon vs. P.E.I., Alberta vs. Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario vs. Wild Card 2, Canada vs. New Brunswick

NBA

SOCCER

WHL

BCHL

EASTERN CONFERENCE

WESTERN CONFERENCE

INTERIOR DIVISION

Miami Chicago Philadelphia Milwaukee Cleveland Boston Toronto Brooklyn Charlotte Atlanta Washington New York Indiana Detroit Orlando

B.C. DIVISION GP x-Kamloops 53 Kelowna 49 Vancouver 47 Pr. George 50 Victoria 50

W 37 31 20 19 14

L 14 14 25 28 31

OL 2 1 2 2 4

SL 0 3 0 1 1

GF 225 193 132 134 141

GA 135 151 162 178 218

Pt 74 66 42 41 33

3 3 4 5 4

5 2 1 0 1

218 222 197 136 132

137 145 136 233 225

80 71 67 35 33

U.S. DIVISION x-Everett x-Portland Seattle Tri-City Spokane

51 51 50 49 50

36 33 31 15 14

7 13 14 29 31

EASTERN CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION GP Winnipeg 48 Moose Jaw 53 Saskatoon 50 Brandon 48 Regina 49 Prince Albert 50

W 44 30 29 26 20 19

L 9 18 18 17 26 28

OL 2 3 2 3 2 2

SL 2 2 1 2 1 1

GF 221 191 175 161 177 141

GA 120 165 168 169 192 176

Pt 74 65 61 57 43 41

CENTRAL DIVISION Edmonton 53 39 11 2 1 231 145 81 Red Deer 53 35 15 2 1 201 141 73 Lethbridge 49 22 24 2 1 139 175 47 Swift Current 53 20 27 5 2 143 201 47 Calgary 50 20 23 5 2 148 164 47 Medicine Hat 51 9 38 3 1 126 238 22 x — clinched playoff berth. Note: Two

points for a team winning in overtime or shootout; the team losing in overtime or shootout receives one which is registered in the OTL or SOL columns. Wednesday’s results Regina 7 Brandon 6 Red Deer 5 Swift Current 1 Lethbridge 4 Winnipeg 3 (SO) Edmonton 5 Medicine Hat 2 Kamloops 7 Spokane 2 Tuesday’s results Red Deer 11 Medicine Hat 1 Seattle 4 Kelowna 3 Thursday’s games No games scheduled Friday’s games Winnipeg at Saskatoon, 5 p.m. Red Deer at Regina, 5 p.m. Prince Albert at Moose Jaw, 5 p.m. Lethbridge at Brandon, 5 p.m. Calgary at Edmonton, 6 p.m. Spokane at Prince George, 7 p.m. Victoria at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m. Portland at Everett, 7:05 p.m. Seattlle at Tri-City, 7:05 p.m. Kamloops at Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

AHL Wednesday’s results Charlotte 3 Hershey 0 Abbotsford 6 Toronto 4 Providence 5 Lehigh Valley 3 Belleville 3 Hartford 2 (OT) Syracuse 6 Rochester 3 Cleveland 4 Laval 2 Chicago 5 Texas 3 San Diego 5 Colorado 2 San Jose 5 Bakersfield 3 Ontario 4 Tucson 3 (OT) Thursday’s game Rockford at Manitoba, 5 p.m. Friday’s games Abbotsford at Laval, 4 p.m. Iowa at Grand Rapids, 4 p.m. Rochester at Belleville, 4 p.m. Stockton at Laval, 4 p.m. Utica at Syracuse, 4 p.m. WB/Scranton at Bridgeport, 4 p.m. Charlotte at Lehigh Valley, 4:05 p.m. Hershey at Springfield, 4:05 p.m. Texas at Milwaukee, 5 p.m. San Diego at Colorado, 6:05 p.m. Bakersfield at Stockton, 7 p.m. Henderson at Ontario, 7 p.m.

GP x-Penticton 46 x-Salmon Arm 45 x-P. George 48 x-W. Kelowna 44 x-Vernon 46 x-Cranbrook 45 x-Wenatchee 43 x-Trail 43 Merritt 43

W L OL 37 7 0 33 8 3 25 12 3 27 16 1 22 17 4 23 18 2 17 21 4 17 22 2 3 37 2

SL 2 1 8 0 3 2 1 2 1

GF 214 173 151 174 118 139 123 148 79

GA PT 104 76 109 70 108 61 139 55 131 51 139 50 143 39 169 38 255 9

GF 172 161 174 177 179 142 141 130 128

GA PT 132 66 143 65 145 56 130 55 151 50 145 46 191 36 211 33 178 31

COASTAL DIVISION x-Alberni V. x-Langley x-Nanaimo x-Chilliwack x-Victoria Surrey Coquitlam Powell River C. Valley

GP 48 48 45 44 46 45 45 46 46

W L OL 31 13 3 31 14 1 27 16 1 26 15 1 25 21 0 23 22 0 15 24 1 13 26 7 13 28 4

SL 1 2 1 2 0 0 5 0 1

x — clinched playoff position. Note: two points for a win, one point for a loss in overtime or shootout Wednesday’s results Wenatchee 3 West Kelowna 1 Alberni Valley 4 Victoria 3 Coquitlam 4 Langley 3 Penticton 4 Merritt 2 Powell River 2 Cowichan Valley 0 Salmon Arm 5 Trail 3 Vernon 2 Prince George 0 Tuesday’s result Langley 6 Surrey 3 Thursday’s game Salmon Arm at Cranbrook, 6 p.m. Friday’s games Victoria at Powell River, 7 p.m. Surrey at Cowichan Valley, 7 p.m. Chilliwack at Nanaimo, 7 p.m. Prince George at Penticton, 7 p.m. Vernon at Merritt, 7 p.m. West Kelowna at Trail, 7 p.m. Coquitlam at Langley, 7:15 p.m.

VIJHL FIRST ROUND (Best-of-7)

NORTH DIVISION CAMP RIVER VS. P ALBERNI (Series tied 2-2) Tuesday’s result Port Alberni 4 Campbell River 3 (OT) Friday’s game Port Alberni at Campbell River, 7:30 p.m. Monday’s game x-Campbell River at Port Alberni, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 8 x-Port Alberni at Campbell River, 7:30 p.m. COMOX VAL VS. OCEANSIDE (Comox Valley leads series 3-1) Wednesday’s result Comox Valley 5 Oceanside 2 Tuesday’s result Oceanside 3 Comox Valley 2 (2OT) Saturday’s game x-Oceanside at Comox Valley, 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s game x-Comox Valley at Oceanside, 7 p.m.

SOUTH DIVISION KERRY PARK VS. VICTORIA (Kerry Park wins series 4-0) Tuesday’s result Kerry Park 5 Victoria 3 PENINSULA VS WESTSHORE (Peninsula wins series 4-2) Wednesday’s result Peninsula 4 Westshore 2 x — played only if necessary.

41 39 38 38 36 37 34 32 31 29 28 25 22 15 15

22 23 23 25 26 27 27 31 33 32 33 37 42 47 48

Pct

.650 .629 .622 .603 .581 .578 .557 .508 .484 .475 .459 .403 .343 .242 .238

WESTERN CONFERENCE Phoenix Golden State Memphis Utah Dallas Denver Minnesota L.A. Clippers L.A. Lakers New Orleans Portland San Antonio Sacramento Oklahoma City Houston

W 50 43 43 39 37 36 34 33 27 26 25 24 23 20 15

12 19 20 22 25 26 29 31 34 36 37 38 41 42 47

Pct

.806 .694 .683 .639 .597 .581 .540 .516 .443 .419 .403 .387 .359 .323 .241

— 1.5 2 3 4.5 4.5 6 9 10.5 11 12 15.5 19.5 25.5 26

— 7 7.5 10.5 13 14 16.5 18 22.5 24 25 26 28 30 35

Note: The top eight teams per conference will qualify for the playoffs Wednesday’s results Charlotte 119, Cleveland 98 Indiana 122, Orlando 114 (OT) Milwaukee 120, Miami 119 New Orleans 125, Sacramento 95 Philadelphia 123, New York 108 Utah 132, Houston 126 (OT) Oklahoma City 119, Denver 107 Phoenix 120, Portland 90 Tuesday’s results Washington 116, Detroit 113 Boston 107, Atlanta 98 Toronto 109, Brooklyn 108 Minnesota 129, Golden State 114 L.A. Clippers 113, Houston 100 Dallas 109, L.A. Lakers 104 Thursday’s games Chicago at Atlanta, 4 p.m. Memphis at Boston, 4:30 p.m. Miami at Brooklyn, 4:30 p.m. Detroit at Toronto, 4:30 p.m. Golden State at Dallas, 5:30 p.m. Sacramento at San Antonio, 5:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers, 7 p.m. Friday’s games Atlanta at Washington, 4 p.m. Cleveland at Philadelphia, 4 p.m. Indiana at Detroit, 4 p.m. Milwaukee at Chicago, 4:30 p.m. Orlando at Toronto, 4:30 p.m. Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m. Utah at New Orleans, 5 p.m. Houston at Denver, 6 p.m. New York at Phoenix, 7 p.m.

TENNIS WTA

LYON OPEN

At Lyon, France Wednesday’s results SINGLES — ROUND OF 32 Vitalia Diatchenko, , def. AnnaLena Friedsam, Germany, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Viktorija Golubic (3), Switzerland, def. Mai Hontama, Japan, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. ROUND OF 16 Anna Bondar, Hungary, def. Katie Boulter, Britain, 6-3, ret. Sorana Cirstea (2), Romania, def. Stefanie Voegele, Switzerland, 6-3, 7-5.

MLS EASTERN CONFERENCE GP Columbus 1 D.C. United 1 New York 1 Atlanta 1 Orlando City 1 New England 1 Toronto FC 1 Philadelphia 1 Chicago 1 Inter Miami CF 1 New York City FC1 Cf Montréal 1 Charlotte FC 1 Cincinnati 1

W 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

T 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

GF GA Pts 4 0 3 3 0 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 2 0 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 5 0

WESTERN CONFERENCE Austin FC Los Angeles FC LA Galaxy Nashville Portland FC Dallas Minnesota Utd Houston Real Salt Lake Seattle Sporting KC San Jose Colorado Vancouver

GP 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1

T 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

GF GA Pts 5 0 3 3 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 3 0 0 3 0 0 4 0

Saturday’s games FC Dallas at New England, 10:30 a.m. New York at Toronto FC, 11 a.m. Houston at Sporting Kansas City, 12:30 p.m. Philadelphia at CF Montréal, 1 p.m. Columbus at San Jose, 2:30 p.m. D.C. United at Cincinnati, 3 p.m. Orlando City at Chicago, 3 p.m. Nashville at Minnesota, 3 p.m. Atlanta at Colorado, 3 p.m. Seattle at Real Salt Lake, 3 p.m. New York City FC at Vancouver, 3 p.m. LA Galaxy at Charlotte FC, 4:30 p.m. Sunday’s games Miami at Austin FC, 1 p.m. Portland at Los Angeles FC, 7 p.m.

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE

Tuesday’s result Burnley 0, Leicester 2 Saturday’s games Leicester vs. Leeds, 4:30 a.m. Aston Villa vs. Southampton, 7 a.m. Burnley vs. Chelsea, 7 a.m. Newcastle vs. Brighton, 7 a.m. Norwich vs. Brentford, 7 a.m. Wolverhampton vs. Crystal Palace, 7 a.m. Liverpool vs. West Ham, 9:30 a.m.

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Wednesday’s results Liverpool 2, Norwich CIty 1 Luton Town 2, Chelsea 3 Southampton 3, West Ham 1 Tuesday’s results Peterborough United 0, Manchester City 2 Crystal Palace 2, Stoke City 1 Middlesbrough 1, Tottenham 0 (ET)

SPAIN LIGA PRIMERA

Wednesday’s result Mallorca 0, Real Sociedad 2

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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REMEMBERING

SALLY Brompton

To Place an Obituary Phone: 250-386-2121 Toll Free: 1-800-991-1933 in BC Email: obituaries@timescolonist.com Online: timescolonist.adperfect.com Deadlines Tuesday to Saturday publication Monday to Friday at 2:00 p.m. Sunday publication Friday at 2:00 p.m. We are closed Saturdays, Sundays and all Statutory Holidays *pre-payment and confirmation is required for all notices Sign a Guestbook at

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FISHER, C.M. (Lee)

March 3, 1931 - September 10, 2021 Lee Fisher passed peacefully at Luther Court, her beloved caregiving community. She loved Victoria, nature walks, birdwatching, libraries and good conversation. Predeceased by husband Roger and daughter Susan, Lee is survived by children Abegael and Roger (Annie); grandchildren Rosemary, Ben (Jessica), Natalie (Kyle), Brendan, Aiden; great-grandchildren Khalil, Gabriel, Lucas and Grace. Memorial held March 5 at The Christian Community, Burnaby.

NOUTA, Rennie John

The Times Colonist notes the following obituaries in today’s paper: DOMAN, Mahinder Kaur * EVANS, Megan (nee Pierce) * FISHER, C.M. (Lee) NOUTA, Rennie John * Denotes a new notice Due to the varied sizes of Death and Funeral notices, the Times Colonist cannot guarantee an alphabetical sort.

October 12, 1968 - February 11, 2022 It is with great sadness that the family of Rennie John Nouta announce his sudden passing on Friday, February 11, 2022, at the age of 53. Rennie will be lovingly remembered by his mother Greta, Brothers Harvey (Shannon, Curtis, Cassidy), James (Samantha) and Anthony (Nicholas, Ashley, Daina and Kyle) Along with numerous other family members and friends. Rennie was predeceased by his father Edward in 1988. He will be greatly missed by his family, but we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. God saw an empty spot in his garden, and he took Rennie. A private service will be held with close immediate family in the coming weeks.

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DUNCAN BC 247 Edgewood Crescent. Saturday March 5 10AM-2PM No Early Birds! Tools, Seasonal Décor, Outdoor Gear, Golf Clubs, Gardening tools, Household items & furniture & More!

DOMAN, Mahinder Kaur (Patricia)

May 29, 1940 - February 24, 2022 Fondly known as Minder to her family, and Pat to her friends, she passed away peacefully on February 24, 2022. Predeceased by her father Doman Singh, her mother Purab Kaur, her sister Herbans Kaur (Bonso), her brothers Harbanse (Herb), Gurdial (Gordy) and Didar (Ted). Minder is survived by her numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, great-grandniece and many cousins. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Minder’s formal education took place in Canada and the USA and included nursing, geography/ psychology, management, computer programming and business analysis. The youngest of five siblings, including three incredibly driven brothers, Minder had a gregarious personality and insatiable appetite for knowledge. Determined to chart her own path, she could hold her own when speaking to any of her diverse group of friends, including Canada’s first female PM, the Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell. Her work took her many places in Canada, and she always spoke of the transformational five years that she lived and worked on three First Nation reserves in BC and the Yukon Territory, and how it enriched her life. Minder was a pioneer in advocacy for Women and Indigenous Rights, long before these were mainstream concepts. She collected, wrote and spoke about, the history of Indian Women 1900-1935 in Canada, and was a published author. Her career also included consultancies to Federal and Provincial governments on the status of immigrant/ non-immigrant women, and employment equity, and she was well ahead of her time in these endeavours. Minder also participated at international forums for business development by women of Third World countries. An earlier career at Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University) included the development of basic education skills for Adults without grade 12. Other career forays included public affairs programming on radio and reporting from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in Vancouver, BC in the 1980s. Minder was a huge believer in family, and ensured she had time for all of her beloved nieces, grandnieces, great-grand niece, nephews and grandnephews and cousins, and all her many friends, from all walks of life. She had a laugh and grin that enveloped you and always made you feel special. Minder was also devoted to her community, and could often be found at the local Temple, and she will be missed by all. The family would like to express a special thank-you to all the professionals, including recently at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, who had given special care and support to Minder. There will be a closed private funeral and cremation, followed by a public service at the Sikh Temple at 1210 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC on Tuesday March 8th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

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LOST signet ring Gold signet ring with initials PAN, lost 24 Feb between 700 and 800 Fort St. Reward offered 250-6422960 pwanorton@mail.com

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LOST Keys Lost on Wednesday, Feb 9, between Colwood and Victoria - mainly along the E & N Rail Trail. Toyota car key and other keys. Stainless Medallion with screwdriver attached. $50 reward. 250-888-7289 kenj6977@gmail.com

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EVANS, Megan (nee Pierce)

August 11, 1933 - February 28, 2022 Mark, Jane, Hugh, Joanne, Jack and Harry share the sad news of the passing of Megan. She is predeceased by her loving husband Gwilym. They emigrated to Canada in 1964, enjoying life in Winnipeg before moving to Vancouver Island for their retirement years. Megan was a proud Liverpudlian, yet always displayed pride of her Welsh roots. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to www.parkinson.bc.ca or www.spca.bc.ca. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 2 pm at Riva Sidney, #1072537 Beacon Ave, Sidney.

ANTIQUES, Jewelry & International Treasures Wanted! We are interested in buying Asian antiques, First Nations Art, Jewelry (gold, silver, costume) Silverware, watches, coins and bullion, antique furniture, china, sculptures and carvings, mid century modern furniture and decor, militaria. We individual items or entire estates. please contact Victoria Antiques and Fine Art to set up a private appointment. Email: Info@va-fa.ca

INSTANT CASH Jewellery, Coins, Stamps, Gold AAA 809 Fort St.

Call 250-386-2121 for Deadlines

Times Colonist: April 19th TC ExtraExtra: April 21st and in the Classifieds on the first day of your event.

CENTRAL ESQUIMALT Bright cozy room short term (3-6 mos), $600 inc ht/hw/net email pgrealey@shaw.ca

RESIDENTIAL NURSING CARE Wound dressing required. Bandages need replacing on calves once every 2 weeks. Spinal cord injury patient. All supplies available on site. Pays very well ($100 /visit), 45 min est per visit. wvbg@shaw.ca

Add a LOGO $ FOR ONLY

Additional lines $2.00* each *Tax will be added LISTINGS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN ORDER OF DATE OF EVENT!

with your name, phone number and complete mailing details along with your logo and text. CALL: 250-386-2121

INVITATION to Consign to our Spring Auctions We are seeking artwork for our Spring Auctions. If you have Inuit, First Nations, Canadian or International Art please call us for a complimentary current market appraisal. 778-837-4588 jd@waddingtons.ca www.waddingtons.ca

WGood, ANTED clean, low

mileage cars, trucks, vans, 4x4s WE PAY CASH Jim Pattison Toyota victoria

Stephen Vanschaik 250-216-3328

CASH For Scrap Cars & Trucks Dead or Alive. (250)-888-3374

1989 CADILLAC DeVille $3400 starkmanrealty@rogers.com

VINTAGE Fishing Tackle Wanted by Collector Old Reels, Lures etc. 604-657-1676

UPDATED

NEWS

VINTAGE licence plates purchased by collector. Prefer pre-1964 issues. Single plates or boxes of them, please call John. Value depends upon scarcity and condition. 250-477-4127. JohnMRoberts@telus.net WANTED Works of art by Victoria Artists in the 60s/70s Looking for painting, pottery, sculpture or prints by Maxwell Bates, Elza Mayhew, Herbert Siebner, Molly Privett, Richard Ciccimarra, Robert De Castro, Myfanwy Pavelic, Sid Barron, Karl Spreitz , Michael Morris, Walter Dexter, Wayne Ngan and Grove pottery. 250-857-4865

AND MORE, ON www.

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ARIES (March 21 - April 20): Anyone who thinks they can get the better of you is not only delusional but will pay a heavy price for their presumption. You are in one of those dynamic and forceful Aries moods that lifts you to a much higher level than your rivals. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): You will have so much energy at your disposal over the next 24 hours that it may be tough finding ways to make use of it. If you get the chance to go on a journey don’t hesitate, hit the road and see where it takes you. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): Something that has been on your mind for weeks, maybe even months, will resolve itself to your complete satisfaction before the weekend arrives, so stop worrying and start looking for ways to enjoy yourself. Life is about to become fun again. CANCER (June 22 - July 23): A partnership matter of some kind will come to a head today and the good news is you will be delighted at the way things work out. The demands you made a week or so ago will, for the most part, be agreed and both sides will be happy. LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23): Don’t push yourself too hard on the work front today. Pluto’s influence is such that if you start a task you will want to finish it quickly but the planets warn that may not be an option, so maybe it’s better not to start it at all. VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23): Something will happen either today or tomorrow that blows away the negative atmosphere that has been building up and come the weekend life will seem full of possibilities again. Next time Virgo, try not to give in to pessimism so easily. LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23): Everyone makes mistakes, even a Libra, so stop beating yourself up about something you said or did that you now wish you had not. Let loved ones know that as far as you are concerned a line has been drawn and everyone should now move on. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22): You will find the words you need to express yourself today but take care you don’t make it sound as if you are being critical of friends and loved ones. Sometimes you can be a bit harsh in the way you interact on a one-to-one level. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21): Before you take aim at a new creative or career target you need to deal with those petty doubts and fears that have been holding you back. Most of them have no grounding in reality, so ignore them and believe in yourself 100 per cent. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20): With both Venus and Mars linked to Pluto in your sign today there will be no stopping you - no matter what it is you want to accomplish you will find precisely the right mix of words and actions to make it happen. You’re unstoppable. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19): This would be a good time to position yourself above the everyday events of your life and see them from a level where the overall picture makes more sense. What looked like opposites before will now look like equal parts of a more positive whole.

DAILY PHOTO

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20): If you make an effort to interact with people who share your social or political opinions today there is every chance you will achieve great things together. Put former rivalries aside and work as one to make the world a better place.

DO YOU HAVE A PHOTO TO SHARE?

Email high resolution (MIN. 500 KB) JPG’s, include location and photographer’s name to: indexphoto@timescolonist.com

BIRTHDAY THURSDAY: Friendships and group activities are under wonderful stars on your birthday, so don’t stand back from what is going on in the world, get out there and make a difference. Your leadership abilities will be much in demand over the coming 12 months.

Discover more about yourself at www.sallybrompton.com Goose Spit by Glen Halverson

W E AT H E R Saturday

Sunday

Tuesday

Monday

PER5F0ECT

CL .. 1010 102 G. E 0 IN 1000 1

980

Mix, sun and clouds.

Wind

Northerly, 16kmh

Mix, sun and clouds.

H 10

20%

Northerly, 12kmh

Mainly sunny.

Wind

Environment Canada dataToday for Victoria is CLOSEInternational to Average. Airport Today’s Average [oc]:

Expected [at 4pm EST]:

1 2 Sooke Reservoir: 11.7 mm of precipitation in 24 hours Poor V. Poor Hazard to 4Good p.m. Mod. yesterday. Reservoir level: Low 100%Mod. High V. High Island Bamfield Campbell River Cowichan Bay Chemainus Cobble Hill Courtenay Duncan Gabriola Ganges Gold River Lake Cowichan Ladysmith Nanaimo Parksville Port Alberni Port Hardy Port Renfrew Qualicum B. Sidney Sooke Tofino Ucluelet

Today 10/4/pc 10/1/pc 9/4/pc 9/4/r 9/4/pc 10/3/pc 10/2/pc 9/4/pc 11/4/pc 8/1/pc 8/2/pc 9/3/pc 9/4/pc 10/3/pc 9/3/pc 6/3/r 8/3/pc 10/3/pc 9/3/pc 9/4/pc 9/2/s 9/3/pc

Tom. 9/3 9/1 10/2 9/3 9/2 9/3 10/1 8/5 9/4 7/1 9/1 10/3 9/4 8/3 9/1 6/4 7/2 8/3 9/3 8/3 8/2 8/3

B. C. B.C. Abbotsford Castlegar Chilliwack Cranbrook Dawson Creek Fort Nelson Fort St. John Golden Hope Invermere Kamloops Kelowna Kitimat Masset Nelson Penticton Powell River Prince George Prince Rupert Revelstoke Squamish Vancouver Whistler

Today 9/3/r 6/0/r 9/3/r 4/-3/r -2/-9/pc -6/-17/pc -2/-9/c 5/-4/rs 9/1/r 4/-3/r 8/-1/pc 8/-2/r 5/1/c 6/2/pc 7/0/r 7/-1/r 9/2/pc 4/-7/pc 5/2/c 5/-3/rs 9/1/pc 10/4/r 7/-2/pc

Tom. 11/2 8/-2 11/3 3/-8 -3/-13 -4/-14 -4/-11 3/-6 10/0 4/-6 7/-2 7/-3 6/-1 6/3 8/-2 7/-2 8/2 2/-7 6/0 5/-5 11/1 9/3 6/-4

Source: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Pacific Standard Time

VICTORIA Time Height (m) 4:01 a.m. 2.4 9:24 a.m. 1.9 2:48 p.m. 2.5 9:43 p.m. 0.8 4:19 a.m. 2.5 10:12 a.m. 1.7 3:46 p.m. 2.3 10:19 p.m. 1.1

Strait of Georgia – south of Nanaimo: Wind northwest 15 to 20 knots this morning diminishing to northwest 10 to 15 this afternoon and to light this evening. Showers ending near noon today.

10%

Wind

Northerly, 9kmh

20%

Northerly, 5kmh

H 7

Probability of Precipitation [POP]

Wind

40%

Westerly, 17kmh

BAROMETER OM EA

DY : NO C H

Pressure [kpa]:

Humidity [%]:

Date March 3 March 3 March 3 March 3 March 4 March 4 March 4 March 4

SOOKE Time 2:55 a.m. 8:34 a.m. 1:42 p.m. 9:02 p.m. 3:24 a.m. 9:23 a.m. 2:38 p.m. 9:30 p.m.

Haro Strait: Wind southwest 15 to 25 knots diminishing to southwest 5 to 15 this morning and to light near noon today. Showers ending this morning.

Height (m) 2.5 1.8 2.8 0.9 2.6 1.6 2.6 1.1

101.7 87

HYGROMETER

Canada’s most influential weather brand. Our experts can help plan your day!

Cloudy, showers.

Mainly sunny.

Barometer is RISING

compared to yesterday.

Across Canada and the U.S.A. Across Canada and the U.S.A.

Canada Edmonton -9/-12 Saskatoon Vancouver -11/-13 Winnipeg 10/4 -16/-19 Calgary Regina -5/-11 -9/-11 Seattle 10/4

St. John’s 0/-5

Minneapolis -5/-9 Denver 20/3

San Francisco 12/10

Chicago -1/-3

Las Vegas 27/11

Extreme

Tides and marine forecasts Date March 3 March 3 March 3 March 3 March 4 March 4 March 4 March 4

Probability of Precipitation [POP]

Difference:

PRECIPITATION +2 Precipitation: 1.1 mm Record: 26.9 mm in 1946 March Month to date: 1.1 mm Current: Difference: Normal monthly: 89.3 mm 1.1 Year to date: 199.3-82.6 mm 100% Normal yearly to end of Ultraviolet232.5 mm February: 11

Precipitation

Air Quality Health Index

H 10

Sunny.

Almanac T e m pfor e Tuesday, r a t u r eMarch T r e1n d TEMPERATURE 9 High: 11.7°, Low: 6.7° Record High: 14.4° in 1943 Record Low: -3.9° in 1971 Normal, Month [mm]: 2021 High: 9.5°, Low: 1.2° Amount: 83.7 Average High: 9.3° Percent 1% of Normal: Average Low: 1.8°

Probability of Precipitation [POP]

30%

Probability of Precipitation [POP]

warm front

trough

World

Today 11/0/s 12/7/s 23/8/s 21/18/pc 33/26/t 27/25/pc 10/-1/s 6/-2/pc 20/19/s 26/23/r -1/-3/pc 6/0/s 28/22/r 10/1/r

Washington 11/-2

New Orleans 22/13

Dallas 25/10

occlusion

Tom. 10/-1 12/9 21/9 22/18 34/27 27/24 10/-1 4/-2 21/16 27/24 3/2 4/-1 27/21 8/1

40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40

snow rain

jet stream

cold front

Amsterdam Athens Atlanta Auckland Bangkok Barbados Beijing Berlin Bermuda Cancun Chicago Copenhagen Dominican Dublin

Quebec City -10/-20 Halifax Ottawa 0/-15 -11/-21 Boston 2/-14 Toronto -6/-12 New York 4/-6

Atlanta 23/8

Los Angeles 20/12

Westerly, 23kmh

H 10

30%

Probability of Precipitation [POP]

For Victoria, BC:

1050

Wind

H 9

WE8T0

CHA NG 99

Probability of Precipitation [POP]

www.theweathernetwork.com

... ING 0 AR 0 104

H 11

40 30

Tomorrow

DRY

Today

Six-Day Six-DayOutlook Outlook

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Miami 27/21

c- cloudy, fg - fog, fr - freezing rain, hz - hazy, pc - partly cloudy, r - rain, rs - rain/snow, s - sunny, sf - snow flurries, sh - showers, sn snow, t - thunder, w - wind

t-storms rain/snow

Edinburgh 9/4/r 9/-1 Miami 27/21/pc 28/23 Frankfurt 8/-4/s 7/-4 Moscow 0/-7/pc -2/-3 Geneva 13/0/pc 11/-1 New Delhi 29/14/pc 28/14 Havana 27/22/s 27/22 New York 4/-6/s 2/-2 Honduras 27/16/r 28/15 Oslo 4/-4/s 4/-5 Hong Kong 19/17/pc 21/19 Paris 13/6/c 14/3 Jerusalem 10/5/r 11/5 Phoenix 31/14/pc 22/9 Johannesburg 26/16/r 23/16 Prague 6/-3/s 3/-2 Karachi 29/20/s 30/20 P. Vallarta 27/18/s 27/18 Lisbon 15/9/r 14/8 Rio de Janiero 32/24/s 30/24 London 13/8/c 10/6 Rome 14/1/c 14/1 Los Angeles 20/12/pc 14/10 Sydney 24/21/r 27/21 Madrid 9/6/r 12/3 Tokyo 13/4/pc 10/4 Manila 33/25/pc 33/24 Vienna 8/-1/pc 6/-2 Mexico City 26/9/s 26/10 Washington 11/-2/pc 8/3

Banff Brandon Calgary Charlottetown Edmonton Fort McMurray Fredericton Halifax Iqaluit Jasper Kamloops Kelowna Moncton Montreal Ottawa Prince Albert Prince George Quebec City Regina Saint John Saskatoon St. John’s Swift Current Toronto Whitehorse Winnipeg Yellowknife

Today 1/-8/sn -14/-15/pc -5/-11/sn -6/-17/sn -9/-12/sn -6/-20/pc -4/-20/sf 0/-15/sn -18/-23/c 3/-7/sf 5/-4/pc 8/-2/r -6/-19/sf -9/-20/sf -11/-21/pc -15/-17/pc 4/-7/pc -10/-20/pc -9/-11/sf -3/-17/sf -11/-13/pc 0/-5/pc -6/-9/sn -6/-12/s -2/-11/pc -16/-19/pc -17/-19/pc

Tom. -1/-9 -11/-12 -7/-15 -11/-13 -9/-18 -7/-14 -8/-15 -8/-12 -17/-26 2/-7 3/-6 7/-3 -10/-15 -7/-15 -5/-15 -11/-21 2/-7 -10/-16 -9/-14 -8/-11 -10/-20 -5/-10 -8/-15 1/-5 -2/-9 -10/-11 -12/-19

Moon and andSun Sun Moon New Mar 02

1st Qtr Mar 10

Full Mar 18

Last Qtr Mar 25

Sun rises at 6:51 a.m. Sun sets at 6:00 p.m. Moon rises at 7:44 a.m. Moon sets at 7:22 p.m.

Before venturing out on the water, check out the latest Marine forecasts at: weather.gc.ca/marine

FULFORD HARBOUR Date Time Height (m) March 3 6:13 a.m. 3.4 March 3 11:50 a.m. 2.1 March 3 4:59 p.m. 2.9 March 3 11:25 p.m. 0.9 March 4 6:36 a.m. 3.3 March 4 12:32 p.m. 1.8 March 4 6:04 p.m. 2.8

Juan de Fuca Strait – central: Wind west 25 to 30 knots diminishing to west 15 to 20 this morning and to west 5 to 15 near noon today. Showers ending early this morning.

Date March 3 March 3 March 3 March 4 March 4 March 4 March 4

W. coast of Vancouver Island – north: Gale warning in effect. Wind northwest 25 to 35 knots diminishing to northwest 15 to 25 this morning and to northerly 5 to 15 this afternoon. Periods of rain ending this morning.

NANAIMO Time Height (m) 6:32 a.m. 4.7 12:26 p.m. 2.4 5:49 p.m. 4.2 12:15 a.m. 1.1 6:59 a.m. 4.7 1:08 p.m. 2.1 6:45 p.m. 4.1 W. coast of Vancouver Island – south: Gale warning in effect. Wind northwest 20 to 30 knots except northwest 35 northwest of Estevan Point this morning. Wind becoming northwest 15 to 20 this evening. Periods of rain ending this morning.

Today’s weather picture is by six-year-old Zaylen H.

47 Canadians held in global probe into child abuse

Researchers say virus likely killed crows in Charlottetown

PAOLA LORIGGIO The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press

Forty-seven Canadians have been arrested and 12 children removed from abusive situations as part of a global investigation into online child sexual exploitation, the RCMP said Wednesday. The Mounties said 186 charges have been laid in Canada so far during the investigation, dubbed Operation H. Arrests have been made in eight provinces over the past two years, they said, adding the investigation is still underway. The RCMP said the probe began in New Zealand in fall 2019 after law enforcement officials there were alerted by an electronic service provider who had discovered a large number of subscribers sharing “some of the most graphic and violent child sexual abuse material online.” About 90,000 accounts were identified as possessing or sharing child sexual abuse material, they said. “Online child sexual exploitation is borderless and is among the most heinous crimes targeting our most vulnerable — our children,” said RCMP Supt. Andre Boileau of the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre. “Operation H is a prime example of how global collaboration can help all of our countries to protect children.” New Zealand authorities said the child abuse material “is some of the most egregious investigators have been exposed to.” “Many of the children featured in the images and videos were just infants who were exposed to obvious and intentional pain and suffering.” The international investigation has led to the arrests of dozens of suspects in New Zealand, and the safeguarding of 146 children around the world, they and the European Union police agency Europol said.

Microplastic debris washed up at Depoe Bay, Oregon. The UN Environment Assembly will develop a treaty that is expected to be like the Paris climate agreement, but for plastics. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

UN Environment Assembly votes to negotiate global plastics treaty The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says he has rarely seen the international community move as quickly as it did to start negotiating a global treaty on plastics. The United Nations Environment Assembly voted Wednesday in favour of developing a treaty that is expected to be like the Paris climate agreement, but for plastics. The resolution calls for negotiations to develop a legally binding treaty addressing plastics from production right through to managing waste by 2024. It was supported by 175 countries at the meeting in Kenya this week. Guilbeault said the talks

began just a little more than a year ago, but they received quick and widespread support. Less than one-tenth of plastic waste is recycled, including in Canada. About 2.8 million tonnes of plastic waste is dumped in Canadian landfills every year. Guilbeault said the widespread support for a treaty is a strong sign of how serious most governments take the problem of plastic pollution. “I think it is the recognition of the fact that countries north, south are realizing just how massive a problem plastic pollution has become and that no country alone, just like on climate change or biodiversity loss, can tackle this issue,” he said. Canada is moving on a plan to produce zero plastic waste

by the end of this decade, but Guilbeault said the federal government may have to adjust its plan depending on what is in the treaty. The Canadian plastics strategy involves banning several single-use plastics, including straws and takeout containers, and setting minimum standards for new plastic products to contain recycled materials. Canada is also working to put the onus on the companies that produce plastic or use it for their packaging purposes, to pay for the cost of managing the waste. “We can’t continue to privatize profits and socialize the problems when it comes to environmental issues,” Guilbeault said.

CHARLOTTETOWN — Hundreds of crows found dead in a Charlottetown park this winter likely died from a viral outbreak, according to researchers. One dead crow was found to have contracted corvid orthoreovirus, which causes severe inflammation within the small and large intestines of infected crows and can quickly lead to death, said Laura Bourque of the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island. She said it’s highly likely the reovirus is to blame for all the deaths. “We haven’t seen it here very much at all, but that’s not to say that it is surprising, because it happens elsewhere in Canada and in the United States,” she said. “We’re pretty sure at this point that that’s what’s going on with the downtown crows.” Bourque, who also works with the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative, said the team investigating the deaths is trying to see whether the virus can be detected in the other dead birds that were collected for study. The virus is easily spread through feces and other secretions while crows are roosting in densely populated areas during the winter. Bourque said corvid orthoreovirus is a relatively common cause of crow mortality in northeastern North America. This winter, residents started noticing the dead birds in Charlottetown’s downtown. There isn’t much for researchers to do, as the disease is fairly untreatable, Bourque said, adding that the outbreak will continue to be monitored as it evolves. Anecdotal evidence from residents in the area suggests that fewer crows have been found dead in recent weeks, she added. Once the outbreak dies down, she estimates the crow population in Charlottetown will rebound within two years.

ARTS

TIMES COLONIST, VICTORIA, B.C.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

 TELEVISION, C6  LIFE, C7  PUZZLES, C8

Telephone: 250-380-5337 > Email: features@timescolonist.com

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner brings humour-filled show to the Royal ON STAGE Bianca Del Rio: Unsanitized Where: Royal Theatre When: Monday, 8 p.m. Tickets: $59.50 from rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-5211 MIKE DEVLIN Times Colonist

t’s never ideal when a news bulletin gathers speed prior to your interview with the person responsible for the headline fodder. Not all press is good press, so without time to properly qualify the source, you run the risk of angering the interviewee if you ask about it. Bianca Del Rio, who isn’t known for being easily offended, had no problem being asked about the article in Pink News, which quoted the RuPaul’s Drag Race winner as saying her fellow drag queens were “delusional” and lacked talent. During our conversation, the New Orleans native (born: Roy Haylock) doubled-down on her previous assessment. “There’s too many damn drag queens,” she said from her home in California. “Everywhere you go, they’re falling out of trees. But if drag makes you happy, who am I to say you can’t do it?” Del Rio would expound on her comments in greater detail, and with more profanity, further into our conversation — which, as the world’s top drag queen, she is qualified to do. On Instagram, Del Rio currently has 2.5 million followers, reportedly the highest total of any drag queen. In the years following her 2014 win in season six of the RuPaul reality TV franchise, Del Rio has reached lofty heights, including a headlining performance at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2019 (the first drag performer ever to do so, according to GQ.) In a power ranking of former contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race and its spin-offs, New York magazine put Del Rio in the top spot.

ARTS IN BRIEF MIKE DEVLIN Times Colonist

MUSIC What: Murge’s Golden Return with Lito Ford Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates St. When: Friday, 10 p.m. Tickets: $21 from eventbrite.ca Why: One of the last pre-pandemic events held at Lucky Bar was a free-rein performance by Victoria’s DJ Murge, who will command the stage for one of the first ticketed events at the Yates Street mainstay since restrictions have returned nightclubbing to normal. If you know Murge, you know he has prepared surprises aplenty, and with a million and one directions in which he can direct the crowd, those wanting to dance away the week that was will have ample opportunities to do so on Friday night. Game on.

THEATRE

Drag queen Bianca Del Rio is bringing her Unsantized show to the Royal Theatre on Monday. MATT CROCKETT

The secret to her success? Old-fashioned on-the-job experience, she said. “I come from a different time. I’ve done drag for 26 years, so I’ve seen every aspect of drag that exists.” Hard work is sorely missing from today’s drag community, she added. Too many get by with a razzle-dazzle Instagram account, but offer little else. “What I’ve had to come to realize is most of them are not performers. I guess I should look at it a little more objectively. Some people are just contestants on a drag show and don’t have any talent. Maybe that’s just it. And that’s OK. We have a lot of politicians that are f—-ing useless, so what’s the difference? To me, it’s not groundbreaking. To me, it’s not exciting. To me, it’s just confusing, because I’m old.” Del Rio isn’t exactly old; she’s only 46. But her comments speak to the shelf life of many of her peers. Del Rio has diversified interests, from comedy

to writing, which has helped weather trends for close to three decades. The drag world hasn’t completely lost the script, Del Rio said. She has appeared in several editions of the RuPaul TV franchise, up to and including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6 in 2021. Some former contestants are her friends; many are not. “The crazy thing about the whole Drag Race scenario is that people assume we all know each other and have hung out with each other. There isn’t some international World’s Fair we meet up at and discuss serious issues. Outside of Instagram and Twitter, or seeing someone on television, I don’t know that many of them.” She wouldn’t have the time to hang out, even if she was interested. Del Rio has been on the road in recent months, and on Monday begins the Canadian leg of her Unsanitized tour at the Royal Theatre. She’s upbeat

about her run through Canada, especially with capacity restrictions now lifted. “Let’s be very real here, I would normally complain that I had to change this or re-route that. But honestly, after spending all that time at home, I’m just so f—-ing happy to be out and about. You’re not going to hear me complain. Whatever I’ve got to deal with, whether it’s snow, regulations, a colony of lepers, I’m going to make it happen.” She is offering fans a chance to forget about COVID-19 and embrace BIANCA-22. “Not to get too spiritual about things, but in the end, you have to find the humour in it. If anything, this pandemic has taught us that when some serious shit is going down in the world, you have to find the humour in it in order to survive and get through it. If you can’t laugh, it’s a really f—-ed up situation.” mdevlin@timescolonist.com

Morgan James explores the roots of soul music IN CONCERT What: Morgan James Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 751 View St. When: Friday, 8 p.m. (doors at 7) Tickets: $39 in advance from hermannsjazz.com; $42 at the door (plus service charges) MIKE DEVLIN Times Colonist For a Juilliard-trained singer who used to perform big band covers of today’s pop hits, an album highlighting the soul music history of Memphis, Tennessee, might seem like a bit of a stretch for Morgan James. Nothing could be further from the truth. James, 40, has been a soul music devotee for years, and honed her chops on Broadway in 2013 by playing Teena Marie in Motown: The Musical. Though the Bronx-based singer studied clasical music, “soulfulness was a running theme for me,” she said. “It excited my musical palette. When I started singing in my own band, soulfulness was the common denominator.”

Morgan James plays Hermann’s on Friday. James has recorded almost exclusively in New York up to this point, but she travelled south with her husband, who plays guitar in her band, in order to record the new album, Memphis Magic. “My husband, Doug Wamble, is from Memphis, so it seemed like a natural fit to really immerse myself in that place. It really took me out of the speed-train life in New York for a moment, and

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reminded me how records used to be made.” The tour, which brings her to Victoria for the first time since 2019, is to promote Memphis Magnetic, which she released two weeks prior to the pandemic in March 2020. James has been unable to properly tour the record, so she’s making up for lost time with a concert Friday at Hermann’s Upstairs that will rely havily on songs from the

album. “We’re excited to play that music.” James recorded with Memphis royalty on two songs for the record, including keyboardist Reverend Charles Hodges and bassist Leroy Hogdes, who were members of the band which backed Al Green on his seminal rfecorings. “It was such an honour to meet them, let alone play with them. That was a big inspiration or us.” During her time with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, she was tasked with reinterepting pop songs in a big band manner. Though hugely popular — the project has amassed over 1.4 billion views on YouTube — there is an inherent novelty to those recordings. James does not turn her back on the exposure provide by that group, but she was hoping for something more natural-sounding on the songs for Memphis Magnetic. “I’m not trying to replicate somebody. What I would love Sto be is part of that lineage.” mdevlin@timescolonist.com

What: The Unexpected Guest Where: St Luke’s Hall, 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd. When: March 9-12; March 16-19 Tickets: $16 from eventbrite.ca Why: The home of community theatre in Saanich has an Agatha Christie classic on tap next week, and if the recent success of Hilda’s Yard — which was held over due to demand — is a barometer, St. Luke’s Hall will be very busy through the upcoming 12-show run. The Unexpected Guest, directed by Geoff J. Davidson, is classic Christie, with more twists and turns than a bag of pretzels. The production will be handled by St. Luke’s Players, whose current season wraps in May. The opportunity to enjoy theatre in its ideal state, without capacity restrictions, should not be missed. For more information, visit stlukesplayers.org.

MUSIC What: Tim Berne and Gregg Belisle-Chi with Gordon Grdina Where: Vinyl Envy, 1717 Quadra St. When: Saturday, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30) Tickets: $15 from eventbrite.ca Why: An avant-garde jazz performance at Vinyl Envy produced by The Fifty-Fifty Arts Collective has a nice ring to it, especially as venues have moved beyond the confines of halfcapacity performances. Vancouver multi-instrumentalist Gordon Grdina (playing the music of New Yorker Tim Berne) will perform a set to open the evening, followed by a headlining set from Berne — yes, the aforementioned saxophonist — and New York guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi, whose program will feature material from their new album, Mars, which was released to acclaim in January.

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Sarah Polley finds catharsis with essay collection SADAF AHSAN The Canadian Press About halfway through Sarah Polley’s essay collection “Run Towards the Danger,” she notes that she spent much of her 20s “mostly limiting my acting roles to ones in which I could express a lot of pain.” It offered a great “catharsis,” the 43-year-old writer and director says in a recent interview from her home in Toronto, because off-screen, her life was plagued by personal and professional pains. During these years she was living with a severe case of endometriosis. Well into an acting career that started at age four, she had also begun to resent the demands it placed on her, even as a child. She writes that she was 11 and working on the CBC series “Road to Avonlea” in the southern Ontario town of Uxbridge when her mother died of cancer back home in Toronto. “The idea of playing a light character that’s happy and giggling all the time was a real stretch for me,” Polley says. “If I saw crying on the call sheet, it was really not a problem. [But] from the age of 17 to 32, when I was diagnosed, I was frequently in debilitating pain. That of course informed a lot of the choices I made and who I was.” Run Towards the Danger, released Tuesday, retraces a difficult childhood lacking parental figures, a film career marked by blistering male figures, a highrisk pregnancy and a concussion that kept Polley from working for several years.

Sarah Polley’s essay collection Run Towards the Danger, released on Tuesday, retraces a difficult childhood in show business. One essay describes a sexual encounter with former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi that allegedly turned violent when she was 16 and he was 28. Polley says she considered coming forward in 2014 when Ghomeshi was charged with several sex-related charges involving multiple women. A

trial ended in his acquittal in 2016. But she writes that friends, family and lawyers advised against sharing her story, and warned that her account may not be believed because she continued to correspond with Ghomeshi in the years that followed. “It was the hardest to put out there,” Polley says of the essay. “I will be happy to have put it out there if it starts a conversation about how difficult a decision this is for so many women to make. “What I hope is that this particular essay shines a light on what that process looks like, how difficult it is and what the obstacles are for people making that decision.” The Canadian Press sent Ghomeshi a request for comment Tuesday through Roqe Media, where he’s the host, CEO and executive producer of an online interview program focused on the Iranian diaspora. Another request was sent to lawyer Marie Henein who defended Ghomeshi in the 2016 trial. Both requests were unanswered Tuesday afternoon. In Alice, Collapsing, Polley dives into her time as the lead in a Stratford Festival production of Alice Through the LookingGlass. She was just 15 at the time, splitting her days between Toronto where she lived with a new boyfriend and work in Stratford, Ont. while struggling with the brutal pain of scoliosis. As she writes it, “I was growing and shrinking, growing and shrinking,” much like her famous character, who Polley associated less with her signature innocence, and more with the predatory relationship the real-life inspiration, Alice Liddell, had with author Lewis Carroll. “She’s this little girl lost in this completely absurd world and she’s being spoken to in ways that don’t allow for her youth, her innocence or her lack of knowledge,” Polley adds in an interview. “That was really resonant to me as someone who was living in an adult world when I was very young. My youth wasn’t accounted for a lot of the time. “There were so many echoes in that story for me then and

One essay in Sarah Polley’s book describes a sexual encounter with former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi, above, that allegedly turned violent when she was 16 and he was 28. THE CANADIAN PRESS now, it feels like an artery for me.” Polley, who also explored memory in her 2012 documentary Stories We Tell and her film Away From Her, says she’s unsure why she’s so fascinated by it. “I’m interested in how narrow our view of memory can be, and also how our relationship to those memories change over the years based on how present life goes.” Today, she is mother to three daughters and assumes each will have three entirely different memories of who she was as a mother. She is also three years recovered from a concussion that, from 2015 to 2019, left her unable to write and with little control over her body. Polley says her doctor suggested the book’s title when he advised her that the “cure” was to meet challenges head on. “I [realized] that the only way that my brain was going to get better was by doing the things that were hard for it, that caused the most discomfort,” she says. “Seeing that work in a physical sense really made me map that template onto the rest of my life and my relationship with my memories. “Most of these essays were just left half done and bleeding somewhere, I didn’t want to touch them, they just made me sick. I didn’t know why I kept writing them. But I went in guns

a-blazing after that concussion treatment.” Still, Polley says she doesn’t feel like the person she was before the concussion. Which isn’t at all a bad thing, she adds. “I feel stronger, I’m able to handle 100 times more. I feel like I have agency now. “As a kid, I had all the expectations of being an adult, but none of the agency, and I think people forget that even in an average childhood how frustrating that lack of being able to direct your own life is. “The older I get, the more fun and carefree life becomes, it doesn’t matter that I have kids or responsibilities; I feel increasingly light as the years go on.” The new Polley is also no longer opposed to returning to acting, though she says it’s unlikely to ever become “some hungry ambition.” The change of heart, she explains, is thanks to having “put stories in the past where they belong” with this essay collection. “I interrogate the limits that I put on myself really carefully now and put myself in more challenging situations,” she says. “So far, that’s been an exhilarating thing. I imagine that, along the way, there’ll be moments where I fall flat on my face. “But I think that’s just part of the bargain you make if you decide to take risks. At least for now, it all feels worth it.”

THE PANDEMIC HAS DEEPLY IMPACTED THE ARTS SECTOR THIS GALLERY IS NO EXCEPTION. Can you support us this year? The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria continues to find innovative ways to bring art to life in our community — whether in-person or online. However, the pandemic has meant we do this with fewer resources. Strengthen your commitment to the Gallery this year with a donation to our Annual Appeal. Thank you for your support! 1040 MOSS ST, VICTORIA BC V8V 4P1 | 250.384.4171 AGGV.CA/ANNUAL-APPEAL

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British duo Wet Leg is happy to be a ‘baby band’ CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER Star Tribune With little else to do on a midpandemic January night, the future members of Wet Leg decided to have some fun improvising on a drum machine and synthesizer at home on England’s Isle of Wight. Among the lyrics they conjured on the spot were lines from Mean Girls and a nod to a piece of furniture one of them was seated on. That ad-libbed tune, Chaise Longue, has propelled the friends across the Atlantic, from the English Channel to sold-out music venues across America. “It’s all been so surreal,” Wet Leg guitarist and co-vocalist Hester Chambers said by phone from London last week ahead of their U.S. tour kickoff in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Chief bandmate and best friend to lead singer Rhian Teasdale, Chambers credited their unexpected success primarily to that one silly but infectious song, sort of a cross between the B-52s and the Strokes with its choppy groove and playful, atonal vocals. “We hadn’t even formally started a band yet when we made it up,” Chambers said, launching into the story of how Chaise Longue came about little more than a year ago. “It was just a regular evening in January where Rhian was sleeping over at my house. Joshua [Omead Mobaraki], who plays guitar, lives with me and made this beat on a drum machine. The bass line was originally done on a synth, and we just started freestyling the lyrics over the groove.” “The next morning, we listened back, we thought, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s a weird song that will never see the light of day.’ But then we kind of grew a bit attached to it.” So did the U.K. tastemakers at Domino Recordings (Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand), which signed up the band and issued Chaise Longue as a single last June. The song quickly became a viral hit, then a radio hit. After just a few well-received festival and club appearances, Wet Leg has become one of the top bands to watch in 2021. As you might glean from the tone of their big hit song, they aren’t taking the hype — or themselves — too seriously. “We named the band Wet Leg, so how serious could we be?” Chambers cracked. “We feel very privileged to be making music with our friends pretty much full time now, so it feels important to us now. But

Hester Chambers, left, and Rhian Teasdale of British band Wet Leg perform at Night & Day Cafe in Manchester, England last year. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE it’s important to have fun, too.” So far, Wet Leg has released only three other songs, including the wryly suggestive Wet Dream and the punkier blaster Oh No. Each will be featured on their eponymous full-length record, due April 8. Here’s more of what Cham-

bers had to say about the album and the buzz around what she openly admitted “is still very much a baby band.” On touring before their debut LP is released: “Initially, we were a bit nervous, but people at the shows would say afterward, ‘Oh, what was that one song

you played?’ They were excited about the other songs, and we got excited because of it. I think it can be enjoyable as a different kind of experience, as opposed to going to see a band where you know all the songs.” On what to expect from the rest of the record: “There are

some deeper feelings on it, some thoughtful innuendo, a little of this, a little of that. It’s hard to describe it. But I will say that among the songs that we’ve already released into the world, there are songs on it that are quite different.” On their follow-up single Wet Dream, which has tested radio standards with its innuendoladen lyrics: “It’s really not all that dirty in our minds. We were quite surprised when it was suggested we do a radio edit for it and change some of the words, when you have a song like W.A.P. become such a big song. I think it highlighted a difference between indie music and other genres in terms of what’s accepted.” On the Isle of Wight and how it defines the band: “Honestly, I don’t think it influences our music that much, but it does play into our visuals — almost out of necessity. “We made our videos [for Chaise Longue and Oh No] in lockdown when we couldn’t really go anywhere else. We’re happy we got to show it off, because it is a nice place. But we didn’t have much of a choice.” On whether their success demonstrates a COVID-era demand for fun, lighthearted rock music: “I think that’s fair. Everyone has gone through such a kind of manic time, it’s been scary, I think people are looking for any kind of a coping mechanism. But that said, we also have some sadder songs. As much as we want to only have a good time, that’s kind of impossible to do.” She laughed.

Philips Brewing concerts span three weekends MIKE DEVLIN Times Colonist A new concert series at Phillips Brewing on Government Street announced Wednesday offers six days of programming over three weekends, with headline performances on tap from Future Islands, Half Moon Run, The Beaches, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. The Phillips Backyard Concert Series is being presented as three separate two-day festivals, all named after Phillips Brewing products. Glitterbomber (May 14-15) will feature Future Islands, Bryce Vine, Durand Jones and The Indications, and The Zolas, among others; Tilt! (July 9-10) includes Half Moon Run, The Beaches, Current Swell, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and others; and Implosion Explosion (Aug. 13-14) will showcase St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Charlotte Day Wilson, Sampa the Great, and Andy Shauf, among others. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at phillipsbackyard.com. Single day tickets are $70. Weekend passes are $125 and a three-weekend pass is $330. mdevlin@timescolonist.com

Organized and circulated by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with support from the Government of Canada. Denyse Thomasos (1964–2012), Odyssey, 2011, Acrylic on canvas, 185.4 x 243.8 cm, Promised gift of Christine and Andrew W. Dunn © Courtesy of the Estate of Denyse Thomasos and Olga Korper Gallery

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Vedder makes solo outing a group project ANDREW DALTON The Associated Press INGLEWOOD, California — Technically, Eddie Vedder’s new album and tour are a solo project. But the longtime Pearl Jam frontman was anything but alone on the almost-accidental venture. The Earthling was all about collaboration and camaraderie. “It’s my picture on the cover of the record but really there should be so many people on it,” Vedder said when he first played the finished album for a small group of friends and reporters at a Hollywood studio. “People just kept elevating the sounds by contributing.” It features a band of his peers, including producer Andrew Watt, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and former Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, along with guest stars including Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Ringo Starr that made the process feel like a fantasy camp. “Years ago, selling records seemed a little bit scary, then all the sudden you didn’t sell records anymore,” Vedder said during the band’s tour stop Friday at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. “We sold enough records of this one last week to actually be the No. 1 record. So I’m not scared anymore.” Vedder has previously undertaken projects that were more purely solo, including the 2007 soundtrack to Into the Wild and 2011’s Ukulele Songs. He said the solitude was great at first.

Eddie Vedder performs during his concert, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. “I didn’t have to have any arguments with anyone else,” he

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said at the listening gathering. “But it turns out you just end up arguing with yourself.” He said worthwhile music comes from “allowing yourself to listen and accept the other guy’s idea.” In this case, the other guy was Andrew Watt. Watt, the reigning Grammy producer of the year, who has made records with John, Ed Sheeran, Cardi B and Ozzy Osbourne, co-wrote every song on The Earthling, produced the album, played bass and other instruments on it and plays guitar with the touring band, fittingly dubbed the Earthlings. Vedder was in Southern California to play the Vax Live concert in May 2021 when he asked Watt, a self-described Pearl Jam “super-fan,” if he could stop by his studio. As they hung out, Vedder started tinkering with Watt’s instruments. Watt got interested and started joining him. The songs started flowing in quick succession. Vedder said he knew they had to make an album as soon as it got beyond a two-song single. “Beware the third song,” he said with a laugh. They assembled the band and got a wish-list of guest stars. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench lends his Hammond organ to a pair of songs, including the

album’s first single, the Pettyinflected Long Way. John duets with Vedder on Picture, a song that originated when Watt asked Vedder to write some lyrics for a John album. “I got to be Bernie Taupin for a weekend,” Vedder said. The 73-year-old John “was really rockin’” on the hard-driving song, Vedder said, but the 71-year-old Wonder rocked even harder, providing fiery harmonica for the punk-paced Try. “He didn’t even flinch when he heard the tempo,” Vedder said. “It was an amazing thing to witness.” When they were recording the Beatles-esque Mrs. Mills, named for an old piano at Abbey Road Studios, Watt said, “We could have Chad do it. Or we could call Ringo.” They called Ringo. The 81-year-old agreed. “With a little help from our friends,” Vedder said with a smile. An even older guest appears in the final moments of The Earthling. “The voice at the end, it was an old lounge singer, who almost never got paid,” Vedder said. “That guy’s my dad.” Vedder barely knew his father, but a CD with old recordings fell into his lap. Vedder and the Earthlings, whose touring version also includes singer-guitarist Glen

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Hansard and Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney, were full of joy and warmth in their show at the YouTube theatre. They were joined by Tench for Long Way and a pair of Petty covers. Police drummer Stewart Copeland sat in for two of the encores. And Vedder’s 17-year-old daughter Olivia joined them for a rendition of a song she and her father did last year for the Flag Day movie soundtrack. She got some of the biggest cheers of the night when she sang the chorus: “I am my father’s daughter, come hell or high water.” Flag Day director Sean Penn, whose films Vedder has provided many songs for, was in Ukraine making a documentary at the time. Vedder admired his attempting to provide the news from a war zone, but pleaded that he stay safe and not “become the news.” Emotional after singing with his daughter, the 57-year-old Vedder revealed that he’d been diagnosed with COVID-19 about six weeks ago. “I literally saw my life flash before my eyes,” Vedder said. “It felt pretty serious. To get through that and then be back in a room like this, with this many people facing this way and listening to us, it’s really, truly an honour.”

Jeweller, Indigenous art curator among GG winners The Canadian Press Fredericton jeweller Brigitte Clavette and Toronto-based Indigenous art curator and writer Gerald McMaster are among nine winners of the Governor General’s Awards in visual media and fine arts. The Canadian Council for the Arts says Clavette won the Saidye Bronfman award, which is given to an exceptional fine craft artist. The Canadian Museum of History, as is tradition, will acquire one of her pieces. Clavette was lauded for work that “is especially innovative and memorable” while “advocating for others to succeed.” McMaster won the outstanding contribution award, in part for curating “exhibitions that have been pivotal in changing opportunities for Indigenous artists” and for his “critical role in transforming the presentation of institutional collections of Indigenous art.” Clavette, McMaster and seven winners of an artistic achievement award each receive $25,000 and a special-edition bronze medallion. The artistic achievement winners include visual artists Moyra Frances Davey of New York; Pierre Bourgault of Saint-JeanPort-Joli, Que.; and Monique Régimbald-Zeiber of Montréal. Also honoured are: artist Jocelyn Robert of Quebec City; sculptor/artist David Ruben Piqtoukun of Plainfield, Ont.; and a joint award for visual artists Carole Condé and Karl Beveridge of Toronto.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

NBC News makes aggressive podcasting push DAVID BAUDER The Associated Press NEW YORK — NBC News is making an ambitious push into the podcast market, with audio series on conspiracy theories, the British royalty and legacy of Title IX in scholastic athletics planned in the next few months. Bonus episodes of two popular recent podcasts, Southlake and the Dateline spinoff The Thing About Pam, are also being released in early March. NBC News was tied for 11th in Edison Research’s list of top podcast networks by reach, the only company that is known primarily as a television news broadcaster in the company’s top 18. NBC News said the audience for its podcasts in 2021 grew by 19% over the year before. “One of our biggest priorities continues to be generating original, distinctive reporting and pushing out across a variety of platforms,” said NBC News president Noah Oppenheim. “Podcasts are a new format for us to play in, but it’s rooted in the same fundamentals that drive all of our work.” NBC’s podcast unit began with two people in 2018 and now has more than a dozen people devoted to the form. It was a key moment when one of the network’s most popular personalities, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, delivered the podcast Bag Man about former U.S. vicepresident Spiro Agnew, which is now being made into a movie. Maddow is on hiatus from her daily MSNBC show, in part to work on another podcast. Neither she nor Oppenheim would

NBC News said the audience for its podcasts last year grew by 19% over the year before. The company’s podcast unit began with two people in 2018 and now has more than a dozen people devoted to the medium. NBC NEWS VIA AP reveal what it’s about. (Maddow is expected to appear on MSNBC during coverage of major events.) Southlake is touted as an example of how NBC used its experience as a news division to create a podcast. The series about a Texas community’s debates over the teaching of racial issues in public schools began when one of the network’s regional reporters, Mike Hixenbaugh, noted what was going on there and produced a digital feature about it. He teamed with correspondent Antonia Hylton to turn it into a podcast. The more reporters NBC has embedded in communities, the better the chance it has to find such stories, Oppenheim said. “People like the investigations,” said Madeleine Haeringer, an NBC News senior vice-president in charge of the

podcast unit. “They like to be in a story as it unfolds.” One well-received series, American Radical, featured MSNBC anchor Ayman Mohyeldin returning to his hometown to report on a woman who had become radicalized politically. Not every television story adapts itself well to the podcast format, since they take time and considerable reporting to develop characters and include twists and turns enough to sustain the interest of listeners. NBC has brought on people experienced in the format for its unit, Haeringer said. NBC News’ success in podcasting is driven primarily by Dateline NBC, which it has cleverly positioned into a brand of its own with true crime projects, said James Cridland, editor of the trade publication Podnews. In Edison Research’s list of the

top 50 podcasts of last year, Dateline NBC and The Rachel Maddow Show are NBC’s two entries. “Much of NBC’s podcast output is reheated TV shows,” Cridland said. But with research showing young audiences attracted to audio formats, it’s a strategic move to aggressively get into the podcast business, he said. Podcasts are also an incubator for ideas that could be translated elsewhere, he said. In addition to the upcoming Bag Man movie, NBC is turning the story in The Thing About Pam into an entertainment series starring Renee Zellweger. As a new format, podcasts are wide open to companies of all sorts. Spotify is a big player in the industry, as are other large audio-based companies like iHeartRadio and SXM Media.

There are those who focus primarily on podcasts, such as Wondery and Kast Media, corporate behemoths such as Disney and ViacomCBS, and those known best in other mediums, such as NPR and The New York Times. Oppenheim called it a “nascent” business and would not discuss what podcasting has meant for NBC News’ bottom line. Reporter Brandy Zadrozny is behind Truthers, the upcoming podcast on internet conspiracy theories, and U.S. Olympic sabre fencer Ibtijah Muhammad reports on the history of Title IX and the idea of equal sports opportunities for both sexes. Dateline NBC reporter Keith Morrison is also working on a new podcast, while MSNBC’s Chris Hayes’ podcast Why is This Happening will have episodes on money, entertainment and friendship, NBC said.

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ALICIA RANCILIO The Associated Press NEW YORK — Sophia Bush acted opposite Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz for years on their series One Tree Hill, but reuniting with them on screen a decade after the series finale on her CBS medical drama Good Sam caught her off guard. “I would catch myself in rehearsals, just staring at them and then going: ‘Oh, God. I have a line. I have to do my job.’ ” Bush described the experience as “so comfortable and also wild. We’ve done it so many times together, but we’re all playing such different women.” In the March 23 episode, Lenz and Burton play sisters Gretchen and Amy Taylor. They encounter Bush’s Dr. Sam Griffith when Amy is admitted to Lakeshore Sentinel Hospital. The idea for their guest appearance came about while Bush was promoting the series premiere of Good Sam. “People said: ‘Would you want them to come on the show?’ And I said: ‘Of course.’ And what a testament to my showrunner, Katie Welch. She said: ‘Hey, I watched that interview you did today. There are these two women characters. Do you want Hilarie and [Bethany] Joy to come play them?’ ” The trio also co-host a podcast called Drama Queens in which they recap One Tree Hill episodes, speak with other actors from the show and reminisce about their time filming. Bush says it’s “a rare opportunity to laugh a lot, have fun and to make fun of ourselves.” The memories are not all positive. In 2017, 18 female cast and crew members accused former One Tree Hill showrunner Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment and manipulation. They talk about it on Drama Queens. “We wanted to reclaim our show as women in a healthy way, to talk about what was good, what was bad, what we did well, what we coulwd have done better,” said Bush. “We knew it would be beau-

tiful, but we didn’t know we would feel so much healing, So we’re really, really grateful.” Bush adds that some of what they rehash is edited out. “Not everything is fit for public consumption, but in terms of themes, experiences and what we went through as young women, the ways we were not protected on our set, not fostered, not looked out for, we want to be really honest and for young women to know what it looks like.” On Good Sam, Bush portrays a character who is experiencing her own power struggle, but with her father, played by Jason Isaacs. Bush’s Sam took over her dad’s role of chief of surgery when he was ill and he now wants his job back. As a child, Bush wanted to be a surgeon so she has a real appreciation for medicine — including its terminology and instruments, which she says require “a lot of practise” to look natural holding. “I have all sorts of surgical tools in my bag at all times that I’m just messing around with and doing finger work with pretty constantly. I have to be really careful when I get on a plane. You know, not to take like Cooley (cardiovascular) scissors to the airport because that wouldn’t go over well with TSA.” Good Sam airs Wednesdays on CBS.

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In Lucy and Desi, Amy Poehler strives to humanize TV icons LINDSEY BAHR The Associated Press For Amy Poehler and millions of millions of Americans, I Love Lucy wasn’t just something that was on television. It was a show that “came with your TV and was on your whole life,” she said. But it’s also one that, in the 65 years since it ended, loomed so large as a defining pillar of the sitcom genre that it and the vibrant couple behind the show have been flattened under the weight of words like “icon” and “trailblazer.” It’s why Poehler was especially excited to dive into the world of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for the documentary Lucy and Desi (streaming on Amazon Prime Video on Friday) and bring them back to earth. “One of my goals was to make it feel like we were seeing them again as human people,” Poehler said. “As nuanced and complex thinkers as we think we are, sometimes our brains need to be

Lucille Ball, left, and Desi Arnaz in a photo from the documentary Lucy and Desi. AMAZON reminded that the little people that were on a black-and-white show on our TV were actual flesh and blood people who had wants and needs.” The doc explores their ascent to Hollywood moguldom as well as their fascinating relationship on screen and off. She was a girl from Jamestown, New York, who saw modelling and acting as

a way out and he was a child of wealth and privilege whose life was upended during the Cuban revolution in 1933, when he and his family fled to America and had to start from scratch. “I think one of the coolest things about this story is you have two genuine outsiders: You have a Cuban-American immigrant, a refugee, if you will, who

arrived to the country with no money and a poor grasp of the language. And then you have a woman in her 40s who’s been working in the business for a long time and is very skilled, but hasn’t reached the amount of power that she’d like,” Poehler said. “And it’s these two people, very confident in their skills but not gatekeepers in any way, who take over the business.” In one powerful sequence, Ball is shown reporting the $20 million earnings of their studio, Desilu, which had just greenlit Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. “Lucy had a reluctance to be considered the first woman anything, but she was the first woman to run a giant studio,” Poehler said. “She was directing and writing and producing but she was a [product] of the time and wouldn’t have assumed to take credit.” Poehler was thoughtful about selecting her talking heads, which include Norman Lear,

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Wheel Fortune Jeopardy! (N) CHEK News CHEK News Huntley Str’t } ★★ Employee of the Month (‘06) Dane Cook. Å Tomorrow’s World Quick Study Bible Life Today: James Turning Point Å 700 Club Canada Peter Youngren Gurbani Vichar Divine Love: Hub- Tribal Trails Å Å Å Å Discovery Robison Presents Å e-Rasul Global News Hour at 6 (N) Å ET Canada (N) Å Entertainment Big Brother Canada (N) Å Ghosts Thorapy. United States of Bull The Hard Right. A gallery owner Global News at Tonight (N) Al (N) Å 11 (N) Å (N) Å needs legal assistance. CTV News Vancouver at 6 (N) Å Call Me Kat Young Sheldon Station 19 Ben continues his fight for Grey’s Anatomy Jo faces her feelings. Big Sky Jag and Ren find themselves at National NewsLisa LaFlamme (N) Å (N) Baby Pru. (N) Å (N) Å odds. (N) Å Telekids (N) OMNI News: OMNI News: Focus Punjabi (N) OMNI News: OMNI News: OMNI News: Focus Cantonese OMNI News: Focus Mandarin Shanghai Pioneer Arabic Edition Punjabi Edition Filipino Edition Arabic Edition Cantonese Mandarin (N) (N) Hope for Wildlife The Buzzard’s Waterfront Cities of the World Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road } Putin’s Witnesses (‘18) Narrated by Vitaliy Manskiy. Filmmaker Vitaliy The Island Adventure Diaries Breakfast. Buenos Aires. Manskiy examines the early life of Vladimir Putin. CTV News Vancouver at 6 (N) Å The Big Bang etalk (N) Å Mad About You Mad About You Rookie Blue I Never. A violent pedo- Criminal Minds Two people go missing CTV News Theory Å Vancouver Island Instant Karma. The Tape. phile escapes. Å in the woods. CityNews at 6 Vancouver (N) Å Mom Å Mom Å Law & Order The COO of a tech com- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Law & Order: Organized Crime ... CityNews Tonight pany is murdered. (N) Rollins goes undercover. (N) Wheatley Is to Stabler. (N) KIRO News Evening News KIRO 7 News Ent. Tonight Young Sheldon B Positive (N) Ghosts (N) United States Bull The Hard Right. (N) Å KIRO 7 Tonight FOX 13 News at 6pm (N) Å You Bet Your Life The Big Bang Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Call Me Kat Pivoting Fans FOX 13 News at 10pm (N) Å FOX 13 News at Theory Å Poorer You’re the Joe for Me. 11pm (N) (N) Å Only. (N) KOMO 4 News 6:00pm (N) Å Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) Å Station 19 Ben continues his fight for Grey’s Anatomy Jo faces her feelings. Big Sky Jag and Ren find themselves at KOMO 4 News 11:00pm (N) (N) Å Baby Pru. (N) Å (N) Å odds. (N) Å Flip or Flop Flip or Flop Å Rock Solid Builds Around the Bay. House Hunters House Hunters Flip or Flop Flip or Flop Å Rock Solid Builds Around the Bay. Å Hidden Potential Å International Suburban Flip. (N) Å (N) Å Suburban Flip. Nightly News KING 5 News KING 5 News Evening (N) Law & Order Impossible Dream. Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: Organized Crime KING 5 News PBS NewsHour (N) Å Rick Steves: Why We Travel Midsomer Murders Å ’60s Pop, Rock & Soul (My Music Presents) Å Aging Backwrd Ranger Rob Å Rusty Rivets Å Franklin and The Dog & Pony Dora the Explorer Peter Rabbit Å Molang The Whale. Bubble Guppies Thomas & Wallykazam! Rusty Rivets Å Å Å Å Friends Å Show Friends Å Sticky Picnic. Kamp Koral: The Patrick Star } ★★ Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (‘13, Children’s) Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson. Percy Henry Danger Å Made Up Å Carnival Eats Å Degrassi: Next Spongebob’s Show Generation and friends go in search of the Golden Fleece. Å NHL Hockey Vancouver Canucks at New NHL Hockey Edmonton Oilers at Sportsnet Central (Live) (N) Å NHL’s Best Å Plays of the Sportsnet Central (Live) (N) Å Sportsnet Central Å York Islanders. (N) Å Chicago Blackhawks. (N) Å Month Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Imp. Jokers Chicago P.D. Antonio struggles with his Chicago P.D. Reckoning. Voight and his Chicago P.D. Doubt. Voight is susChicago P.D. Assets. Atwater goes Chicago P.D. Familia. Voight’s unit Chicago P.D. conscience. team go off-book. pected in Kelton’s murder. undercover. Å faces a drug kingpin. Confession. Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Below Deck Sailing Yacht Gabriela The King of The King of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Below Deck Sailing Yacht Gabriela Camp Getaway Queens Queens Ze Plane, Ze Plane! Å aims to prove her title. Ze Plane, Ze Plane! Å aims to prove her title. Camp Fire’d. BattleBots Put Up or Shut Up. Fourteen bots pursue The Giant Nut. (N) Å Heavy Rescue: 401 Andrew’s team BattleBots Put Up or Shut Up. Fourteen bots pursue The Giant Nut. Å Mega Zoo Å wrestles difficult cargo. } ★★★ Contagion (‘11) Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon. Å } ★★★ Inglourious Basterds (‘09, War) Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent. Å Run the World Blindspotting Legacies Follow the Sound of My Voice. FBI: Most Wanted Unhinged. A deadly NCIS Dead Man Walking. A Navy lieuten- NCIS Skeletons. A cache of dismembered NCIS Iceman. A Marine on life supFBI Compromised. Jed reveals a secret. fire at an arcade. ant is poisoned. human remains. port. Å Restaurant: Impossible (N) Top Chef Primal Instincts. Å Restaurant: Impossible Å Restaurant: Impossible Å Top Chef Primal Instincts. Å Throwdown The First 48 Spree Killer. Potential The First 48 An Atlanta man is shot and The First 48 A night out leaves an inno- The First 48 An elderly man is burned The First 48 Spree Killer. Potential The First 48 A spree killer on the loose. left to die. Å cent man dead. Å alive. Å spree killer on the loose. Man’s Game. Holmes 911 A Fresh Start. A widow The Good Dish Roast chicken; Tex-Mex MasterChef Canada Chris Hadfield Holmes Family Rescue A woman’s Holmes 911 A Fresh Start. A widow The Good Dish Å needs help with projects. competition. (N) Å inspires the cooks. contractor butchers repairs. needs help with projects. Anderson Cooper 360 (N) Å Don Lemon Tonight (N) Å Don Lemon Tonight (N) Å Anderson Cooper 360 Å Anderson Cooper 360 Å Don Lemon Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Mom Å Mom Å The Unicorn Law & Order: } ★★ Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (‘05) Sandra Bullock. FBI agent Gracie Hart SVU Zero Tolerance. must save two kidnapped friends in Las Vegas. Å Work It. Dr. Pimple Popper With bonus scenes; 1000-Lb. Best Friends With bonus Hoarding: Buried Alive A girlfriend Dr. Pimple Popper Gabriel has a Dr. Pimple Popper With bonus scenes; 1000-Lb. Best Friends a trainer’s growth. (N) scenes; Meghan shops. (N) moves in with her clutter. growth on his clavicle. a trainer’s growth. Teen Titans Power Rangers Total Drama Scooby-Doo Tom and Jerry Looney Tunes Batman: Series Superman: The Justice League Young Justice Warriors American Ninja Warrior Junior Crime Scene Kitchen The best dessert Take Note Take Note Dwight in Shining Are You Afraid of Family Matters Family Matters Parenthood Å Å Armor the Dark? Quarterfinal 4. Å detectives move on. Courage. Beginnings. Taking Credit. CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Inside Edition People (N) Å Young Sheldon The Goldbergs Last Man Modern Family In Seinfeld The Seinfeld The Law & Order: Å Standing Å SVU (N) Å Muscles Mirsky. Your Head. Robbery. Å Serenity Now. Modern Family Modern Family Friends Å Friends Å Friends The Last One. The six friends The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Daily Show Election Day. The Last Walt. say goodbye. Theory Theory Theory Theory } ★★★★ 8 1/2 } ★★★★ The Apartment (‘60) Jack } ★★★★ The Graduate (‘67) Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft. A woman seduces } ★★★ Bullitt (‘68) Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn. San Francisco detective Lemmon. Å a young man who falls for her daughter. Å won’t let go of mob-witness case. Å (‘63) Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Auction Hunters Bar Rescue Å Å Å Å Å Å Å Å Å Dead Aim. Hula Moola. Counting Cars Å Forged in Fire The Dark Side. Rust Valley Restorers Rust Valley Restorers (N) Å Swamp People Secret Sauce. Proof-There Star Trek: Picard An anomaly threat- Raised by Wolves The Tree. Androids try controlling human Ghost Whisperer Executed prisoner Elementary Holmes returns with a new Star Trek: Picard An anomaly threatens the galaxy. beliefs. (N) Å seeks assistance. apprentice. Å ens the galaxy. } ★★★ The Fugitive (‘93) Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones. An innocent man } ★★★ Air Force One (‘97, Suspense) Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close. A terrorist and his gang hijack the U.S. } Lara Croft: must evade the law as he pursues a killer. Å president’s plane. Tomb Raider Aliens in Alaska A woman is terrorized Ghost Nation Dark forces may be Beyond the Unknown Alcatraz; con- Aliens in Alaska A woman is terrorized Ghost Nation Dark forces may be Destination Fear by creatures. (N) Å involved in a death. (N) Å joined twins. Å by creatures. Å involved in a death. Å The People’s Court Å Family Feud Family Feud Walker Nudge. (N) Å Legacies Jed reveals a secret. Seinfeld Å Seinfeld Å Family Guy Last Man Last Man grown-ish Can’t Let Single Drunk Baby Daddy Å Baby Daddy Å Last Man Last Man grown-ish Can’t Let Single Drunk 8 Simple Rules Å Standing Standing Female James. Standing Standing Female James. You Go. (N) You Go. } Woman in } Think Like a Dog (‘20, Children’s) Josh Duhamel, Megan Our Flag Means Our Flag Means Our Flag Means } ★★★ The Death of Stalin (‘17) Steve Buscemi. 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Dateline What They Saw. Å Chicago P.D. Brotherhood. Seinfeld Å Big Bang Seinfeld Å Imp. Jokers Mike & Molly Mike & Molly Comics News at 6 KTLA News L.A. Unscripted Two/Half Men Walker Nudge. (N) Å Legacies Jed reveals a secret. KTLA 5 News Sports Final KTLA 5 News The Addams Happy Days Å M*A*S*H Å M*A*S*H Å The Andy Griffith The Andy Griffith Gomer Pyle, Green Acres Å Hogan’s Heroes Hogan’s Heroes The Carol Burnett Å Å Family Å Show Å Show Å U.S.M.C. Å Show Ed Slott’s Retirement Freedom! Planning for retirement. Å Ed Slott’s Retirement Freedom! Planning for retirement. Å Deepak Chopra: Your Path to Enlightenment Dr. Deepak Chopra. Å Family or Fiancé Å Ready to Love Å The Oprah Winfrey Show Family or Fiancé Å Ready to Love Å Fix My Life The Incredible Dr. Pol (N) Å The Incredible Dr. Pol The Incredible Dr. Pol Å Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa The Incredible Dr. Pol The Incredible Hawaii Five-0 Pale ’la. Danny’s mother MacGyver Russ is kidnapped. Å NCIS: New Orleans A Navy sailor is Bull Separation. Danny’s boyfriend is NCIS: Los Angeles Russia, Russia, MacGyver Russ is visits. Å found dead. arrested. Å Russia. Callen gets detained. kidnapped. Book Television Book Television

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Bette Midler and Carol Burnett. She didn’t want to simply collect famous people, she wanted voices who weren’t Arnaz and Ball to have had a more direct connection to them, including their children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., and the children of those who worked on the show, or a perspective that would deepen the narrative. A treasure trove of unreleased personal recordings and interviews found at their daughter’s Palm Springs home proved vital for letting Ball and Arnaz tell their own stories. Lucie Arnaz was more than happy to hand them over to Poehler, who she thought the perfect person to be the shepherd of her parents’ story. “One of the things that was really important to me is that we heard from Lucy and Desi as much as we could,” Poehler said. “It’s very interesting to hear people talk about their lives, even if they’re an unreliable narrator.”

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World’s Greatest Mountains World’s Greatest Mountains The Operatives Å World’s Greatest Mountains The National (N) Å The National Å The National (N) Å The National (N) Å CTV News Channel (N) Å National News- CTV National National News- CTV National National News- CTV National National News- CTV National Lisa LaFlamme Overnight (N) Lisa LaFlamme Overnight Å Lisa LaFlamme Overnight Å Lisa LaFlamme Overnight Å TVA nouvelles Le tricheur (N) La tour Å Star académie Le bon docteur (N) Å Portrait-robot (N) Å TVA nouvelles La tour Å Le téléjournal avec Céline Le téléjournal (N) Å Le national (N) Le national (N) 24/60 Å Le téléjournal Å Quest. Journal Les 100 lieux qu’il faut voir (N) Faut pas rêver L’âme Corse. Carolina s’imprègne de l’âme corse. Le code Profession de foi. (N) Columbo A Bird in the Hand... Bramwell Å Heartland What’s in a Name? Gourmet Detective Mysteries Murder at resort spa. Å The Nature of Things Red foxes can Life Below Zero Canada The Hunt. Å The Wild Ones The cowboys struggle Wentworth: Redemption The APTN National Nation to Nation Å create a home anywhere. with the Qayus. Å Reckoning. Å News (N) Å The King of The King of The King of The King of Frasier Å Frasier Rivals. Å The Office Double The Office Murder. The King of The King of Queens Queens Queens Queens Date. Queens Queens The Simpsons Å The Simpsons Å Your Face Or Your Face Or The Simpsons Å The Simpsons Å Married ... With Married ... With Your Face Or Your Face Or Mine Å Mine Å Children Å Children Å Mine Å Mine Å Ridiculousness Ridiculousness Married ... With Married ... With Married ... With Fresh Off the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Å Ridiculousness Ridiculousness Å Å Halloween VI. Children Children Children Boat Halloween VI. NBA Basketball Miami Heat at NBA Basketball Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers. (Live) (N) Å Inside the NBA (Live) (N) Å Final Score Å Brooklyn Nets. (Live) (N) Å Pit Bulls and Parolees Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet Pit Bulls and Parolees Pit Bulls and Parolees Pit Bulls and Parolees Trapped. Tiny House, Big Log Cabin Living Building Off the Grid: Hawaiian Leave It to Bryan Leave It to Bryan Tiny House, Big Log Cabin Living Building Off the Grid: Hawaiian Å Å Living Å Hideaway Å Living Å Hideaway Å American Gods Wednesday makes a Hidden Assets Å The Pact Louie confronts Arwel over American Gods Wednesday makes a Hidden Assets Å shocking discovery. secrets. Å shocking discovery.

World’s The National National NewsLisa LaFlamme D. Lévesque Zone économie C dans l’air (N) Sid Roth’s It’s } Mohawk (‘17) Å The King of Queens Ridiculousness Teyana Taylor. Married ... With Children Final Score Å Pit Bulls-Parole Fixer Upper Å The Pact Å

Children’s Programming

9 a.m. + Let’s Go Luna! Animated. Carmen finds out that royal life is complicated. 3 Curious George Animated. George decides to make himself into a robot; Bruno the snake. 9:14 a.m. « Pinkalicious & Peterrific Live action/animated. Pinkalicious plans a birthday party for Kendra. 9:20 a.m. + Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum Animated. Xavier must decide what to give a girl for her birthday. 9:30 a.m. + Geronimo Stilton Animated. Geronimo is imprisoned after being framed for robbing the Natural History Museum. 3 Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Animated. Daniel practices riding his dad’s bike; magic trick. 9:49 a.m. « Dinosaur Train Animated. Tiny, Buddy and Don meet a Tyrannosaur. 9:50 a.m. + Dog Loves Books Dog and Pug go an adventure underground. 10 a.m. + PAW Patrol Animated. Sid Swashbuckle and Arrby swipe the Paw Patrol’s award. 3 Donkey Hodie Live action/ animated. Duck Duck builds a book swap box. 10:20 a.m. + Making Stuff Finding out what gives sausages their flavor and texture. 10:24 a.m. « Clifford the Big Red Dog Animated. Emily Elizabeth and friends start a farm. 10:30 a.m. + Odo Odo tries everything he can think of to help Doodle get over her fear of flying. 3 Elinor Wonders Why Animated. Ari makes friends with a rock. 10:40 a.m. + Floogals Live action/animated. The Floogals are curious about teeth. 10:50 a.m. + The Stinky & Dirty Show Animated. Stinky and Dirty try to drive to the moon. 11 a.m. + Lilybuds Animated. Norbert’s crown ends up in the pond. 3 Sesame Street Elmo and Abby wonder if there’s a way to bring the bowling alley closer. 11:30 a.m. + Wild Kratts Live action/animated. The Kratt brothers want to fly with the falcon. 3 Pinkalicious & Peterrific Live action/animated. Painting Pixie. Noon + PAW Patrol Animated. Pups are on a mission to save elephants. 12:30 p.m. + Abby Hatcher Animated. Mo and Bo get lost and befriend a girl who loves Fuzzlies. 12:50 p.m. + Tee and Mo Animated. Tee helps Mo make a cake but things get messy. 1 p.m. + Pocoyo Animated. Pocoyo is having a great time with his invisible friend. (N)

Guests on Today’s Talk Shows

7 a.m. ` Cityline The benefits of a career nap. . CBS Mornings Melinda French Gates; Lin Manuel Miranda. (N) (2h) 0 Good Morning America Amanda Seyfried; Naveen Andrews; New Kids on the Block. (N) (2h) 2 Today March exercise program. (N) (2h) 9 a.m. ) 0 Live with Kelly and Ryan Clayton Echard; Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) (N) 2 Today 3rd Hour Sloomoo Institute; Today Bestsellers. (N) 10 a.m. ) 0 The View Director Amy Poehler. (N) 2 Today With Hoda & Jenna Journalist Bobbie Thomas. (N) 11 a.m. ) The Marilyn Denis Show Marilyn’s Frozen Feud Showdown. (N) , The Good Dish Chefs Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi. (N) Noon , The Ellen DeGeneres Show Jimmie Allen; Priscilla Block performs. (N) ` Cityline How to pick the right paint colour. (N) 1 p.m. ) The Social Chef Bashir Munye with Ugandan cuisine. (N) . The Talk Jason Clarke. (N) 2 p.m. ) 2 Dr. Phil Updates from memorable guests. ` 0 The Kelly Clarkson Show Kelly sings Chasing Cars; Colin Farrell; Peruvian cookings. (N) 4 p.m. ` The Doctors 90 Day Fiancé stars’ fertility issues. (N) 11:34 p.m. , 2 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Singer Dua Lipa; Sam Heughan; Band of Horses perfoms. (N) 11:35 p.m. . The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Actor Kyle MacLachlan; actor Arian Moayed. 0 Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jamie Dornan; Louisa Jacobson; Shenseea performs. (N) 12:05 a.m. ) The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Serena Williams, tennis champion. (N) 12:37 a.m. , 2 Late Night With Seth Meyers Amy Poehler; Jeffrey Wright; Carter McLean with the 8G Band. (N) . The Late Late Show With James Corden Musician Camila Cabello; actor Nathan Lane. (N)

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High PSA in healthy 91-year-old warrants investigation

DR. KEITH ROACH Your Good Health

The downtown financial core in Toronto is still relatively quiet two years into the COVID pandemic.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Return to office puts spotlight on building maintenance TARA DESCHAMPS The Canadian Press TORONTO — When workers head back to the office in the coming months, the spaces might look similar to how they were left when the pandemic began in March 2020. But flicking on a light switch, visiting the washroom or even heading to another floor could reveal a slew of issues missed amid the health crisis. “When something small goes wrong, like a sink overflows or leaks … it gets noticed like right away probably 99 per cent of the time … but because these buildings are empty, or almost empty, there’s not nearly as many eyes to catch those things,” said Jim Mandeville, senior project manager at property restorer First Onsite. Mandeville expects everything from burned out light bulbs to malfunctioning elevators to become issues as Canada plots a return to pre-pandemic conditions, including working from the office. That return to spaces Canadians retreated from will remind people that dormant buildings or ones that saw few visitors for months or years can be

like a petri dish. Stagnant liquids that remained in mugs or toilets, dripped from leaky faucets or pooled around windows are a haven for germs, a breeding ground for mould and even a trigger for legionnaires’ disease, a respiratory infection caused by breathing in bacteria. “A lot of people thought we’d be back in a few weeks, so cream got left in refrigerators and things got left on people’s desk,” said Mandeville. “That can create a real mess.” Electrical issues, clogged or frozen pipes and jammed doors can also pose safety threats, if they were unnoticed by people only entering buildings for cursory checks or to retrieve items needed for remote work. Mandeville expects problems to crop up mostly at smaller properties without a maintenance crew or diligent owner, but there will be tasks and considerations for those running large buildings too. They’ll be contending with provinces using staged approaches to drop COVID-19 safety measures like occupancy restrictions and vaccination passports.

Such changes combined with the difficulties of predicting how many people will head into work or are comfortable visiting a business are keeping RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust busy. “You have to act as though anyone and everyone could show up at one point, so you have to make sure that the entirety of each of these buildings is kept in very good shape from a health and safety perspective,” said Jonathan Gitlin, chief executive of the commercial real estate company. While the company may soon be able to stop enlisting security crews to check vaccine passports and manage lines, frequent cleanings dovetailed with an obsession around air quality aren’t going away. Kevin Hardy, the vice-president and head of Oxford Properties Group’s Eastern Canada office, agreed. “The average occupant of our buildings didn’t care what type of filter we used two years ago, and now everybody knows what a MERV 13 or a HEPA filter is,” he said, referencing terms used to describe the efficiency of air filters. His team is exploring imple-

menting a real-time dashboard tenants can use to find out the air quality in their spaces. Oxford is also keeping handy fact sheets with information on how frequently everything from elevator buttons to bathrooms are cleaned in its more than 14.9 million square metres of commercial real estate. Regardless of whether you have a property manager or maintenance crew, Mandeville recommends company leaders inspect working spaces before sending in staff and urges them to look at every nook and cranny. “When you’re looking for things that are wrong, especially potential water intrusions or potential mould problems, those things are almost always going to be where the floor meets the wall, where the wall meets the ceiling and around windows and doors or around plumbing fixtures,” he said. If you find a problem, don’t expect a quick or cheap fix, he warns. “Chances are you’re not going to be able to fix it today or tomorrow, because with COVID getting materials and parts is a disaster right now,” he said.

Surprise gathering with date’s ex-wife a red flag

ASK ELLIE Dear Ellie: I’m a woman, 41, divorced for two years, with two young sons. The man I’ve dated for three months divorced just eight months ago, and has a young daughter. From our first date, he’s been very attentive. He invites me to dinner out with him more than I can accept, since I work and have children. He’s introduced me to several of his friends. Lately, he’s been increasingly romantic, wanting to go away together for a weekend but I’m not ready for that. I enjoy his enthusiasm about our dating, but having previously been married 14 years, believing it would last, I’m not

ready to call this a “forever” relationship. Then recently, he did something very unsettling. He drove to where a number of his friends/their wives had set up a picnic, and I was greeted enthusiastically… but I could feel that everyone was watching me. His ex-wife was there, on her own. I said “hello.” She just nodded, looking as uncomfortable as me. Everyone else then laughed. I was rattled. Driving home, I said it was very wrong for him to surprise me, that we hadn’t defined future plans, including meeting his ex-wife. He disagreed. I need your thoughts. Awkward Meeting He was wrong to not discuss ahead if you were okay to meet his ex-wife publicly. She also didn’t seem enthusiastic about meeting you. Just how post-divorce people should handle these initiallyuncomfortable encounters haven’t been defined. But your “date” just created his own plan. That’s not a great signal of

respect for your feelings/opinion on the matter. Red flag? Yes, because he’s a man who does what he wants, first… then hopes it works as he wishes, even in sensitive matters where children are involved. Tell him to slow down. Be honest about your feelings (“uncertain”). Open a conversation about expectations on both sides. Challenge the ones you find are just his “wish list” and insist on the better judgment that children need from all their parent figures. Dear Ellie: I’ve been married for 15 years. I recently caught my partner messaging his ex in a different country, whom he was with before me. He’s been messaging her for two years, trying to reconnect, meet up, go to a concert in another country, and ends with, “I love you.” He’s offered to help her pay for her new car. When confronted, he said he wouldn’t have actually gone to the concert, he meant “I love you” as a friend, he didn’t mean

to hurt me, and would stop this. He did this seven years ago and said the same things when I caught him. He said he was speaking with her as a friend and promised he’d never do it again. We had lengthy discussions. He vowed that she meant nothing to him. He agreed to come to me no matter how he’s feeling or if he wanted to talk to her. Now I don’t know if I can trust anything he says. He’s again saying it’s me he wants to be with but I’m not convinced. Should I leave him? We have two children together. Same Old Story Same old lies. You already know that you can’t trust or believe him. His repeated need to talk about love and offer plans to be together with another woman, display a weakness that neither you nor the other woman can trust. Unless he agrees to get counselling and find insights about why he’s so emotionally needy, this pattern will repeat. Email ellie@thestar.ca.

Dear Doctor Roach: I’m a 91-year-old man who has had excellent health all of my life. I’m very active for my age, as I play golf twice a week, workout at the local gym once or twice a week and walk about 1/2 mile once to twice a week, including a rather steep grade. At my recent annual physical exam, my blood test showed everything was normal except my PSA, which had jumped to 15.8. I was told I could probably live another five to 15 years. Of course, 15 years is a stretch. My question is, what’s realistic? What am I to expect at my age considering I have no other problems? Also, I understand there is a slow cancer and a more aggressive cancer. How do I find out which one I have? D.H. The prostate specific antigen test is a blood test that identifies an enzyme made by the prostate, which is secreted into semen but also normally found in small amounts in the blood. High amounts of PSA are found in the blood of most men with prostate cancer, but high PSA levels may be found as a consequence of benign conditions as well. I don’t know if you have prostate cancer or not now. A PSA level that has suddenly increased could be due to a rapidly growing prostate cancer; however, it may also be due to inflammation or infection of the prostate. These are usually, but not always, symptomatic. It is not normally recommended to test a PSA level in a man who is 91 years old, but you aren’t a normal 91-year-old. Still, you have the result, and you have to decide what to do. One approach is to ignore the result. This isn’t satisfying, as you will still be left wondering what is going on. If you decide to move forward in making a diagnosis, the first step is always a careful exam and history, followed by a picture of the prostate. MRI is the preferred way of taking pictures when available, as the MRI can give important information about potential cancer. If the MRI is suspicious for cancer, a biopsy would then be recommended. Once you have a biopsy and MRI, and probably with another PSA test to determine how fast it is rising, you will know whether this is cancer. And if so, you will have a good idea if it is a more aggressive or more slow-growing type. Armed with this information, you can decide whether treatment or active surveillance is more appropriate for you. Dear Dr. Roach: If a person has a very severe reaction to a COVID booster, will they benefit from it? My cousin got very ill after her third shot. She has severe allergies. Will she be protected from COVID? C.W. Severe reactions to any dose of the COVID vaccine are unusual and unfortunate, but normally the vaccine is still effective. As we have seen, vaccinated people can still get infected, but they are much less likely to get so sick that they need to be in the hospital (or worse).

Now accepting new patients

Dr. Pavel Duhra 3849B Cadboro Bay Rd. Victoria, BC

778-433-1888 | cadborobaydentist.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

DIVERSIONS

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

CONCEPTIS SuDOku |

Dave Green

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

• Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases as the week goes on.

JuMBLE |

Jeff knurek and David L. Hoyt

SOLUTION B4

16,375 ACROSS 1.A place of great industry in which I ventured (4) 3.Is to do with business enterprises (8) 9.Watchdog will make mother rigid (7) 10.Is it written in a notebook (5) 11.How people may be welcomed – guns at the ready! (4,4,4) 13.Used a file spread haphazardly (6) 15.Do seas batter Black Sea port? (6) SOLuTION TO PuZZLE NO. 16,374

17.Weighty beam beneath the track not easily disturbed! (5,7) 20.First to get ready to shoot (5) 21.Bookkeepers conserve their output (7) 22.Record showing the range of the instrument (8) 23.Present to act as judge, by the sound of it (4) DOWN 1.Household chores occupying the children after school (8) 2.Call Violet to take the chair (5)

4.Compensated for being removed from the film scene? (6) 5.Instructions written on the tablets! (12) 6.Gets to work again on summaries (7) 7.The head of the church in established cult (4) 8.Express your opinions on the radio (3,4,5) 12.We hear the French vote for this game (8) 14.Looking for Neptune, by the sound of it (7) 16.All that’s left is a broken tea set (6) 18.Carefully examine a soft gown (5) 19.Box for part of the rigging (4)

Across: 6 Compose; 7 Madam; 9 Denim; 10 Artiste; 12 New Years Day; 14 Genealogist; 18 Present; 19 Posed; 21 Bared; 22 General. Down: 1 Bored; 2 Sprite; 3 Ash; 4 Varies; 5 Partial; 8 Arrange; 11 Cyclone; 13 Hearsay; 15 Easter; 16 Stores; 17 Regal; 20 Hew.

CONTRACT BRIDGE |

Steve Becker

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

WONDERWORD |

David Ouellet