Greetings
Welcome to the October edition of the Saanich-Gulf Islands Greens newsletter! We have everything in here from a report on the SGI Annual General Meeting to celebrating the bufflehead duck’s return to our area. Please read on…..
Click here for a printer-ready PDF version of this newsletter.
Notes from Elizabeth
Congratulations to all SGI Greens!! Another successful AGM was held on Sunday October 22. And thanks to brand new executive committee members Jim Deas and Debra Kelly! And re-elected to the executive is Helena Murray-Hill, and after a bit of time off Shelagh Levey is returning! Tom Niemann and Mary Leslie are continuing in their 3 year terms, and Jennifer Kennedy is staying on as our financial agent which we are thrilled about. Thanks so much to departing members Pieta van Dyke, Mona Donovan and Dan Kells, Dan has done an amazing job as the EDA CEO and we are so grateful!
On October 22 we also achieved a milestone as I was again nominated to be your Green candidate in the 2025 federal election. It may seem a long way away, and it does give us time to build, but we do need to get ready. We have a great chance to recharge our batteries and have a fun evening with great entertainment and inspiration on November 4 at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney. It is the actual 40th anniversary of the GPC’s first annual meeting – November 4, 1983! And our first leader and founder, Dr. Trevor Hancock will join us! Also legendary folk singer Bob Bossin of the Stringband, with fiddler Calvin Cairns. And my talented husband John Kidder! Plus I will be speaking too!
Admission is free and there will be nibblies and a cash bar. Please bring your cheque book!
Please RSVP HERE so we can keep track of seating. Space in the theatre is limited!
Saanich-Gulf Islands EDA
Annual General Meeting
How does SGI celebrate another year of success? By inviting our members and friends to our Annual General Meeting, held on October 22. The event was well attended, both in-person and by Zoom.
This is an important year for our organization as the executive is going through a major change. Three members stepped down after completing their terms, two renewed their commitment and three new people came forward. That gives SGI an executive council of seven members. They are: Jim Deas; Jennifer Kennedy; Debra Kelly; Mary Leslie; Shelagh Levey; Helena Murray-Hill and Tom Niemann.
My sincere congratulations to the new council. These are all sincere, intelligent people and I believe SGI will be well served by them.
A successful election campaign depends on having a strong candidate, passionate volunteers and a healthy budget; SGI is blessed with all three. Our Financial Agent, Jennifer Kennedy reported that our EDA continues to enjoy a strong fiscal position which will give us a good base from which to work, whether an election is called on the predetermined date or earlier.
This AGM was also the time for me to step down as CEO. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in the best Green EDA in Canada and to work with Elizabeth May. Because whatever else this organization might do, the bottom line is to serve and support our elected candidate.
So I will say goodbye to my position by taking this opportunity to thank each executive council member that I have worked with as well as the always amazing Elizabeth May. But most of all, the true joy of this position came from working hand-in-hand with the wonderful and caring Green volunteers of this essential party.
With thanks from the bottom of my heart,
Dan Kells
Campaign School 101
Green policies and approaches–on climate, healthcare, affordability, peace, and more – would be transformative for this country. We also know that getting those policies in place requires Greens to win more seats in the House of Commons. And winning seats requires great campaigns. Learn about how to get the skills, knowledge and tools needed to elect Green candidates while creating connections with Greens across the country. For more information, and to register, go here. This opportunity is open to all members of the GPC at no cost.
BC Greens News and Events
Saanich North and the Islands Riding Association: Voices of Saanich & the Islands: The Healthcare Crisis – What We Can Do Right Now
Thursday, October 26th @ 7pm: Adam Olsen will host Karen Morgan, the former President and CEO of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation. Following her retirement, Karen joined Shoreline Medical to support the development and growth of community-based primary healthcare. Adam will join Karen and BC Green Deputy Leader Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi to discuss solutions to our healthcare crisis. For more information, and to register, click here.
BC Greens Policy Convention
Saturday, October 28th, 9am – 4pm: The BC Green policy committee has been hard at work organizing an informative and engaging virtual policy convention for our party this year. We will hear from several speakers on climate change, review updates to the party’s policy document, and connect with leader Sonia Furstenau for a Q&A session.
To learn more about the no-charge online convention, including speakers, registration and schedule, click here.
Gardening – Gary and Nancy
As we have previously reported, the Peninsula Food Growers’ Co-Op meets monthly to discuss seasonal topics of interest. They have toured personal gardens at various members’ homes, and in the winter months will meet at the Horth room in the Sidney Library. If you would like to receive their newsletter and learn how to participate, please email Gary Searing.
Community Information
Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (VHMBS)
The VHMBS turns 100 this year, and to celebrate this important centennial, a coalition of conservation groups will host events from October 26 – 28, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organization and nature in the city. To learn more about these celebrations, please visit their event page here.
Regional information
Saanich Peninsula
All Buffleheads Day was celebrated on the Saanich Peninsula on October 15th, with a gathering at Shoal Harbour to mark the punctual return of the Bufflehead Duck to its wintering habitat. Various local representatives spoke, including Elizabeth May. This event was sponsored by the Friends of Shoal Harbour, Sea Change Marine Conservation Society, and Peninsula Streams and Shorelines. Check out these amazing local volunteer-run organizations!
Saanich / Gordon Head
Our Backyard: A Newsletter on the Natural Environment in Saanich
This newsletter covers a wealth of information, starting with leaves. With fall upon us, a big question that comes up in many people’s minds (other than “What’s up with all the pumpkin spice?”) is “What do I do with all these leaves?” The great news is that there are several environmentally friendly options, and it turns out that the best options are the least amount of work! Read here for this and other information including news about pollinator parties and an update on Bowker Creek!
Tree Appreciation Day at Colquitz Park
You’re invited to get hands-on on Tree Appreciation Day, November 4 from 10-12. You can help restore and enhance a former Garry Oak Restoration Project (GORP) site along Mahon Brook in Colquitz Park. The group will be working along the trail heading east towards Brydon Park, at the south end of Harder Rd. (map: TAD 2023 Site Map.pdf)
If you are feeling conflicted about handing out candy at Hallowe’en, Saanich Rec. skating and swimming passes make a healthy alternative or addition@ $2 each. Passes can be used at Gordon Head Rec, Commonwealth Pool and Pearkes Arena and are valid for three months. Sorry, grownups. They’re only good for 5-18 year olds.
Mushrooms of Greater Victoria through UVic Continuing Ed. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2 to 4 pm and Sunday, Nov. 5, 9 am to 4 pm
Mushrooms are fascinating and mycology is an area of increasing interest around the world. Join Andy MacKinnon and Kem Luther for an exploration of mushrooms found locally in the Greater Victoria Area.
How to Talk about Climate Change without Overheating. Ever feel like you’re talking to a brick wall when trying to discuss the climate emergency with those “less green” or do you sometimes avoid that topic altogether for fear of getting pushback or wasting your breath? Learn about behaviour change science and skills so you can effectively engage with others on this vitally important topic. Nov. 2 – 23, 2023 from 6-8 pm, online hybrid.