fishing

Restoring ecological balance on the Southern Gulf Islands

Restoring ecological balance on the Southern Gulf Islands

The Southern Gulf Islands are an ecological jewel in the heart of the Salish Sea. Unfortunately, on a few of the islands invasive fallow deer are having a devastating impact on the natural ecosystems. In the first few years of the 20th century the local hunting club introduced European fallow deer to James Island. The deer were successfully...

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MLA Column: Multiple crises require a coordinated, collaborative response

MLA Column: Politics getting in the way of police reform

This summer I’ve been engaged in personal and academic inquiry. I’m examining leadership, values, and systems. As an elected official, this is important work. We benefit from critically analyzing ourselves, the groups and teams we are affiliating with, and in service of our constituents, the systems that we create, maintain, and transform....

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Minister Heyman’s Bamberton Quarry decision betrays the environment and the Saanich Inlet

Minister Heyman’s Bamberton Quarry decision betrays the environment and the Saanich Inlet

I am disappointed by Minister George Heyman’s (Environment and Climate Change Strategy) decision to decline an environmental assessment for the expansion of the Bamberton Projects quarry in the Saanich Inlet.   Minister Heyman failed the environment by not following the precautionary principle as was advised in an exhaustive study of the Saanich...

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Raise Your Voice for Our Environment: Participate in Public Comment Period on Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Expansion

Raise Your Voice for Our Environment: Participate in Public Comment Period on Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Expansion

In April the federal government granted conditional approval of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 port expansion. In order to proceed, the controversial proposal must be approved by the British Columbia provincial government. The provincial Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) is accepting public comments until June 8, 2023. Despite potentially...

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Join Minister Rob Fleming and MLA Adam Olsen at ASK Salt Spring to discuss transportation and infrastructure

Join Minister Rob Fleming and MLA Adam Olsen at ASK Salt Spring to discuss transportation and infrastructure

I am excited to host Hon. Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, this Friday at ASK Salt Spring to discuss transportation issues on Salt Spring Island. I invited Minister Fleming following a visit from Minister Mike Farnworth earlier this Spring where we discussed public safety on Salt Spring. Transportation was repeatedly...

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Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: How AI is Reshaping Our Lives and Government’s Passive Approach Isn’t Helping – BC Green Caucus Takes a Stand!

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: How AI is Reshaping Our Lives and Government’s Passive Approach Isn’t Helping – BC Green Caucus Takes a Stand!

For months, my colleagues in the BC Green Caucus and I have been discussing artificial intelligence (AI). The AI industry has the power to impact personal privacy and fundamentally change our society and economy. How? That's a problem. We currently have no idea of the extent of the impact. Also, consider that the threats and opportunities today...

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A little summer blogging exercise

A little summer blogging exercise

In December 2018, I started blogging daily. You can find all those posts are in the archives here. One post everyday. Some were long and involved, others short and snappy. Little life observations. As I got to the end of 2019 I had accumulated 365 posts and when I finally achieved my initial goal of posting every day for a year, I abruptly took a...

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Imagining a future with Indigenous riding names & a farewell to the Keating Neighbourhood

In April, I responded to the Electoral Districts Act which added six new ridings to the province and changed the boundaries of dozens more. While my riding, Saanich North & the Islands, remains largely unchanged, we will be losing the Keating neighbourhood to South Saanich. I've represented this community in one...

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Recognizing the Haida Nation’s inherent right to self-governance & my dear friend, Gut Takin Jaad

In April, I had the pleasure of responding to Bill 18, the Haida Nation Recognition Act, and reading the words of my dear friend, Gut Takin Jaad, a Haida member, former legislative intern with the BC Green Caucus, and a current Constituency Assistant for MLA Sonia Furstenau. [Transcript] A. Olsen: I appreciate this...

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Bill 11 takes a misstep — British Columbians are represented by their local MLA, not party leaders

In April, I responded to Bill 11 and supported two amendments proposed by the Official Opposition which would've prevented party leaders from having more power in our elections. [Transcript] A. Olsen: Speaking to the amendment, I appreciate the member from the official opposition for raising it. It’s a concern that we...

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