As drug decriminalization rolls out, UVic expert supports what B.C. is trying to do

Bernie Pauly, a professor in the UVic School of Nursing and a scientist with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, said decriminalization of certain amounts of drugs for personal use can improve access to harm reduction and other services without fear of criminalization for personal possession. But other aspects still need to be worked out. (Photo courtesy University of Victoria)
But University of Victoria professor Bernie Pauly also points to still-unresolved issues
The provincial government forecasts more than one million jobs to open up with the next decade. (Joshua Fischlin/The Free Press)

B.C. needs to fill more than 1 million jobs within 10 years: report
IIOBC head office, located in Surrey, B.C. (Independent Investigations Office of B.C. photo)

Nanaimo RCMP cleared of wrongdoing after shooting and killing man last summer
Touring the Bob Marley One Love Experience in Hollywood

Touring the Bob Marley One Love Experience in Hollywood
Spring sensations: Chilly nights yield to sunny adventures in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Spring sensations: Chilly nights yield to sunny adventures in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Heavy equipment at work at Coastal GasLink pipeline crossing at the Lho Kwa (Clore River) in northwestern B.C. (David Suzuki Foundation photo)

Feds quietly backed off while Coastal GasLink pipeline work killed fish in B.C.

  • 1h ago
File - In 2023, are celebrations such as Black History Month still needed? This writer weighs in. Picture shown is an event promoting Black history month at the The Nanaimo African Heritage Society in lieu of their second annual online gala. (News Bulletin file photo)

HITCHINS: In 2023, yes, Black History Month is still important
Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen (red jersey) has irritated his teammates who now want him off the roster. (EHC Visp Instagram)

Swiss League team forces management to remove Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen ahead of playoffs
A loved one’s hearing loss doesn’t take away from who they are or your love for them, but it does present a unique challenge in relationships. Fortunately there are a variety of ways you can support your partner and strengthen your relationship. Photo courtesy NexGen

6 things to remember when dating someone with a hearing loss
    Video
    B.C.’s Lt. Governor Janet Austin at the B.C. Legislature ahead of the annual Throne Speech on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (Wolfgang Depner/Black Press Media)

    B.C. government to make heavy use of spending surplus: Throne Speech

    (Black Press Media Creative)

    Hawaii whale dies with fishing nets, plastic bags in stomach

    Rescue dog Hope waits for departure at Cologne/Bonn Airport, in Cologne, Germany, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. To help the victims of the severe earthquakes in Turkey, rescue workers from ISAR Germany in North Rhine-Westphalia headed to the crisis areas. Rescuers in Turkey and war-ravaged Syria searched through the frigid night into Tuesday, hoping to pull more survivors from the rubble after an earthquake killed and injured thousands of people and toppled thousands of buildings across a wide region. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)

    Engineers, search dogs sent to Turkey, Syria after quake

    The Uber app is seen on an iPhone near a driver’s vehicle after the company launched service in Vancouver, Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. Uber Technologies Inc. says it is bringing its shared rides offering back to Canada with a new name. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

    Uber relaunches ride share option in some Canadian cities under new name

    More Videos 

    News
    Canfor President and Chief Executive Don Kayne said the lack of fibre supply led to the closure of its sawmill and pallet plant in Chetwynd, whose mayor says that the community will have to digest the closure for a while. But Allen Courtoreille also tried to strike a positive note. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

    Mayor says mill closure is ‘devastating’ for small community of Chetwynd, B.C.

    Canfor’s closure eliminates 120 jobs in a community of 2,500

    Broombusters Invasive Plant Society and volunteers work to cut broom in bloom. (PQB News file photo)

    Broom busters hoping united Vancouver Island front can help defeat invasive weed

    Motion on busting broom coming to this spring’s Vancouver Island municipal convention

    More in News 

    Most Read

     

    Community
    Protesters held a rally at the B.C. Legislature Feb. 7 to call for action, awareness and services for adults who have eating disorders. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

    VIDEO: ‘Huge gaps’ in care for adults with eating disorders, say advocates at Victoria protest

    Protesters at the B.C. Legislature called for better care for adults with eating disorders

    Nathaniel Stoffelsma enjoys a swim with his 11 and eight-year-old sons, Alex (left) and Jens, at Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich. (Courtesy Nathaniel Stoffelsma)

    North Saanich dad swims 1,000 metres a day to honour son’s cancer battle

    Nathaniel Stoffelsma’s overall goal is to do this for 365 days, donate money to charity

    More in Community 

     

    LOCAL GOOD (Powered by Do Some Good)

    What GOOD are you seeing in your community?

    Tell us about your favourite cause. Celebrate friends, family, and neighbours for their acts of kindness. Show your employees volunteering in the community. Ask for needed supplies and volunteers for your cause. Share fundraising event details.  
    Click HERE to find out how to get featured. 

    Looking for a Local Event?
    Want to Volunteer Locally?


    A special thank you to our Community Partners, Good Companies and Local Champions who are essential allies in our mission to build stronger communities. Their support allows causes you care about and volunteers to use the Do Some Good platform for FREE. This increases volunteerism and support to ALL nonprofits and charities in our community.



    Read more stories here
    Obituaries

    Robert (Bob) Wayne Dick

    Jan 19th, 2023

    Stuart Bruce Cumming

    Jan 19th, 2023

    Kenneth R. Ebbs-Canavan

    Jan 16th, 2023

    Dorothy Jane (Cross) McTaggart

    Jan 10th, 2023

    Robert Donald (Don) Smith

    Jan 6th, 2023

    Lloyd Bill Zukiwsky (Zuke)

    Jan 5th, 2023

    See Celebrations of Life See More Obituaries 

    Sports
    Bob Marjanovich podcasts from Phoenix, the site of Super Bowl 57. (Nik Kowalski photo)

    PODCAST: Bob Marjanovich podcasts from Super Bowl 57 in Phoenix

    MOJ on Sports: Day one guests include Erik Kramer, David Tyree and Jim Everett

    Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen (red jersey) will compete in the Swiss League playoffs starting next week. (EHC Visp Instagram)

    Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen set to compete in the Swiss League playoffs

    Former Vancouver Canucks first round draft pick collects 25 points in 21 games for Visp EHC

    More in Sports 

    Opinion

    File - In 2023, are celebrations such as Black History Month still needed? This writer weighs in. Picture shown is an event promoting Black history month at the The Nanaimo African Heritage Society in lieu of their second annual online gala. (News Bulletin file photo)

    HITCHINS: In 2023, yes, Black History Month is still important

    Recognizing accomplishments by those of African origin vital to identity

    A COVID-19 test. Island Health workers are being urged to not get tested. (Black Press Media file photo)

    CAMPBELL: ‘Atrocious’: Sick Vancouver Island health workers urged by bosses to not test for COVID-19

    New memo seems to run counter to provincial policy on isolation

    eEdition

    Sooke News Mirror, Feb 2

    Recent Issues

     

    More in Opinion 

    Trending Now
    Dr. David Suzuki. (David Suzuki Foundation photo)

    PODCAST: Dr. David Suzuki will retire this year as host of The Nature of Things

    TODAY IN B.C.: The environmentalist and science broadcaster a household name in Canada

    Hotel Zed Tofino staff Jennie Foster, left, Ki Berentsen and Myles Beeby pose with the new amenity parked at the back of the property. (Nora O’Malley photo)

    Cheeky ’70s themed ‘Shaggin’ Wagon’ pops up in Tofino ahead of Valentine’s Day

    The Shaggin’ Wagon is in town for a good time, but not a long time

    More in Trending Now 

    Entertainment
    The first round of lineup announcements for the 2023 Vancouver Island MusicFest includes (clockwise, from upper left) - Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore; The Blue And Gold; Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder; Angelique Francis; Daniel Lapp (LappElectro); and Skye Consort & Emma Björling. Photos supplied

    First set of Vancouver Island MusicFest acts features a diverse selection

    Annual festival returns to the Comox Valley in July

    Tundra and Gary Allen are shown in the film Part of the Pack, airing Feb. 10 at the Victoria Film Festival. (Photo: Isabelle Groc)

    Film exploring complexity of wolf-human interactions airing at Victoria Film Fest

    Part of the Pack explores the challenges of domesticating the wild, mostly shot on Vancouver Island

    More in Entertainment 

    Life
    2023 trends

    Colour, curves and cocooning

    Design trends for 2023

    • 4h ago
    De Pieri Clinic - Lia Crowe photograph

    The art of cosmetic medicine

    The De Pieri Clinic helps clients maintain a youthful appearance amid a vibrant culture of healthy living

      More in Life 

      Impress
      Give three different ways in 2023 and know you're actively participating in saving lives.

      Help Make All the Difference — give 3 in 2023!

      Transplants and blood donations helped Erica bounce back from a devastating diagnosis

        At SunRiver Dental and Implant Centre they can help you keep your teeth healthy for life.

        Keep your pearly whites for life, with advice from this Sooke team of professionals

        Good dental hygiene and regular check-ups at your dentist are crucial for…

          More in Impress