• B.C. NDP promises to freeze car insurance rates for 3 years

    B.C. NDP promises to freeze car insurance rates for 3 years
    The B.C. NDP is promising to freeze car insurance rates for three years if elected.
    Leader David Eby announced in Richmond Thursday (Oct. 8) that an NDP government would freeze ICBC rates for another three years against the backdrop of a banner that he said would show the difference in insurance rates between an NDP and a Conservative government.
    He said that under Leader Lorne Doerkson, the B.C. Conservatives would double car insurance costs in B.C.
    ICBC now not only breaks even, Eby said, but
  • Victoria candidate kicked from BC Conservatives after resurfaced social media posts

    Victoria candidate kicked from BC Conservatives after resurfaced social media posts
    Victoria-Beacon Hill candidate Joachim Agou has been kicked from the B.C. Conservatives following resurfaced social media posts dubbed as “horrific racism” from Surrey Centre NDP candidate Amna Shah.
    On Thursday, Oct. 8, Shah posted a number of screenshots on X of three of Agou’s social media posts, one sympathizing with Donald Trump, Elon Musk and other right-wing politicians from the U.S. and Europe, a second about London, U.K.’s Pakistani population and a third support
  • Investigation finds no fault with Nanaimo RCMP officer over woman injured while in custody

    Investigation finds no fault with Nanaimo RCMP officer over woman injured while in custody
    A Nanaimo RCMP officer is not responsible for injuries to a woman who was in police custody, according to an investigation by Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
    On Feb. 12, the woman was arrested after police received a complaint about an intoxicated person damaging property and assaulting staff at an addiction and mental treatment centre in Nanaimo.
    The woman had left the centre by the time police arrived and was located in a nearby pub before the RCMP transported her back to the centre,
  • Conservatives promise $1K tax cut, Doerkson says in Surrey

    Conservatives promise $1K tax cut, Doerkson says in Surrey
    The Conservative Party of BC is promising to cut taxes by $1,000 if elected into government on October 24.
    Campaigning in Surrey for the second day in a row, on Thursday, October 8, party leader Lorne Doerkson said B.C.’s basic personal tax exemption would be raised to $32,000 from $13,216, the “most generous in Canada.”
    This, he said, would put $1,000 per year “back in the pockets of working British Columbians, and $2,000 for the average couple.”
    Doerkson said peop
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  • B.C. Conservatives promise $1K tax cut, Doerkson says

    B.C. Conservatives promise $1K tax cut, Doerkson says
    The Conservative Party of BC is promising to cut taxes by $1,000 if elected into government on October 24.
    Campaigning in Surrey for the second day in a row, on Thursday, October 8, party leader Lorne Doerkson said B.C.’s basic personal tax exemption would be raised to $32,000 from $13,216, the “most generous in Canada.”
    This, he said, would put $1,000 per year “back in the pockets of working British Columbians, and $2,000 for the average couple.”
    Doerkson said peop
  • ‘This is abnormal’: Clearwater residents note bear sightings and encounters in town

    ‘This is abnormal’: Clearwater residents note bear sightings and encounters in town
    Clearwater residents have been noting what some say is unusual bear activity in town this late summer and early fall.Stories from residents include a bear getting into a backyard freezer and pushing a door open, one tearing into a shed multiple times and another being scared off using a car.On Sept. 24, Clearwater resident Kathie Petrie posted to a local Facebook group saying a bear on Lodge Drive had gotten into their freezer and pushed the door open. The freezer was on their back porch.“
  • 3 horses en route to Langley’s Tbird killed in Highway 1 crash near Revelstoke

    3 horses en route to Langley’s Tbird killed in Highway 1 crash near Revelstoke
    Three horses died in a crash Tuesday, Oct. 6, while travelling across Canada to an event at Langley’s Thunderbird Show Park.
    Equestrian Canada and Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) announced the crash on Wednesday.
    “We mourn the loss of three horses, with the fourth having been immediately transported for veterinary treatment,” a statement from Equestrian Canada said.
    According to James Hood, a spokesperson for Equestrian Canada, the crash took place near Revelstoke.
    According to S
  • Campbell River City Council candidate suffers ‘medical emergency’ during All Candidates Debate

    Campbell River City Council candidate suffers ‘medical emergency’ during All Candidates Debate
    A Campbell River City Council All Candidates Debate on Oct. 7 was delayed after one of the candidates suffered what’s being called a “medical emergency (that) occurred on stage.”
    Off camera, Ben Lanyon collapsed from his chair 38 minutes into the debate at the Tidemark Theatre.After a delay, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce chair Corey Magowan informed the audience that Lanyon was being taken care of and was asked to take the rest of the evening off.
    “We&
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  • Campbell River City Council candidate suffers ‘medical emergency’ during All-Candidates Debate

    Campbell River City Council candidate suffers ‘medical emergency’ during All-Candidates Debate
    A Campbell River City Council All Candidates Debate on Oct. 7 was delayed after one of the candidates suffered what’s being called a “medical emergency (that) occurred on stage.”
    Off camera, Ben Lanyon collapsed from his chair 38 minutes into the debate at the Tidemark Theatre.After a delay, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce chair Corey Magowan informed the audience that Lanyon was being taken care of and was asked to take the rest of the evening off.
    “We&
  • Election 2026: Lantzville council candidate questionnaires

    Election 2026: Lantzville council candidate questionnaires
    JOHN DUNN
    John Dunn did not return the News Bulletin’s questionnaire.2022 election questionnaire answers:Age 76 (updated) – 50-year resident of Lantzville. Retired commercial fisherman/owner-operator. Presently the president for the past 35-plus years of the Streamkeepers stewarding our local streams in conjunction with Snaw-Naw-As First Nation.
    What will be your priorities if you are elected? My priorities will be to work to the best of my abilities for the community and be a voice
  • Alisia Nadine Dootson (nee Chivers)

    Alisia Nadine Dootson (nee Chivers)
    In Loving Memory ~
    It is with profound sadness that we announce Lisa’s passing on October 1 2026. Her heart failed. Lisa leaves behind her husband (Christopher), sister and family (Jo Ann, Lee and Mackenzie), mother (Phyllis), mother-in-law (Deanna), two fathers (Ron and John), and big extended families who offered much love and support (Horn’s, Chivers’, Howard’s, Dawson’s, Nanaimo Association for Community Living and Milano’s Ristorante) and countless friend
  • Newspaper carriers saluted in historic Vernon photo

    Newspaper carriers saluted in historic Vernon photo
    We’d be nowhere without them.
    The Morning Star salutes its 62 carriers on 42 routes on this International Newspaper Carrier Day, Thursday, Oct. 8.
    The days comes during National Newspaper Week, and helps emphasize the vital role newspapers still play in communities.
    “Newspaper carriers, young and old, play a crucial part in ensuring that this important form of communication reaches us, come rain or shine,” said daysoftheyear.com.
    The importance of International Newspaper Carrie
  • Tony Randle (Howard Anthony Randle)

    Tony Randle (Howard Anthony Randle)
    In Loving Memory ~
    May 24, 1949 – September 24, 2026
    It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of such a beautiful, kind soul. Tony was predeceased by his Father Harold, mother Marjorie and Brother Billy. Tony is survived by his loving and supportive wife Gwen, daughters Melanie (Tim) Paula (Chad).
    Grandchildren: Emily, Quinn, Grace, Ryder and Cole. Great Grandchildren; Xander, Xoey, Mia and Sophia. Extended; The Murcheson and Briggs Families.
    Tony grew up in South Nanaimo
  • Freda Ethel Louise Maybin (nee Smith)

    Freda Ethel Louise Maybin (nee Smith)
    In Loving Memory ~
    February 16, 1936 – October 3, 2026
    Freda passed away peacefully on the morning of October 3rd as the sun rose over NRGH’s Palliative Care Ward. A kind and gentle soul, she went by many titles – Fritz, Friddle, Doll, the “German Girl” at Charlie Brown’s Healthfood store in Port Place Shopping Center, where she worked proudly for fifteen years. But the names which brought her the greatest joy were Mom, Little Grandma and Great Granny. She wil
  • Audrey Isabella Curtis

    Audrey Isabella Curtis
    In Loving Memory ~
    July 28, 1923 – September 29, 2026
    It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Audrey Isabella Curtis on September 29, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103.
    Audrey was born on July 28, 1923, on Wesley Street in Nanaimo, British Columbia, to Jane and George Addison. She spent her childhood in Nanaimo and, in 1945, married the love of her life, Bill Raymond Curtis. Together they began their journey in Port Alberni and Horsefly before returning to N
  • ‘I did not do this lightly’: Victoria mayor pulls Palestine item from city council agenda

    ‘I did not do this lightly’: Victoria mayor pulls Palestine item from city council agenda
    Victoria council meets for its final time Thursday evening under somewhat of a shroud – after the mayor, in a rare move – pulled a presentation from the public off the agenda.The monthly evening meetings of a council that primarily meets during the day on Thursdays frequently include a musical introduction and a plethora of public input on a variety of topics.
    Because the once-a-month evening meeting is generally open to all residents of any municipality, to speak on any topic for up
  • Election 2026: Nanaimo council candidate questionnaires

    Election 2026: Nanaimo council candidate questionnaires
    JEFF ANNESLEY – REAL
    Age 48 – I’ve lived in Nanaimo my entire life. I have a BA from VIU. I’ve been a blue collar worker until I recently published my first novel.
    What will your priorities be if you were elected? I want to see a safer, more affordable community. I also believe a more accountable, open, and transparent local government should be a top priority.How do you plan to manage taxes and spending? Spending should be focused on needs, such as water and sewer upgrad
  • What every dog owner should know about shock/prong collars

    What every dog owner should know about shock/prong collars
    As a training coach for reactive dogs, I meet guardians who feel frustrated and overwhelmed. They love their dogs but struggle with pulling, barking at strangers, or lunging at other dogs. Looking for answers, some turn to shock collars or prong collars.
    At first, these tools can appear to work. The pulling stops and the lunging decreases. But what often looks like improvement is actually suppression. The behaviour may disappear on the outside while the dog’s fear, anxiety or stress remain
  • Town of Lake Cowichan acquires nearly 100 acres of opportunity from Mosaic

    Town of Lake Cowichan acquires nearly 100 acres of opportunity from Mosaic
    The Town of Lake Cowichan has acquired nearly 100 acres of land that will serve the community’s future needs, say officials.
    “What the acquisition provides is something Lake Cowichan has historically had very little of: strategically located municipal land and the flexibility to plan for the future,” said Mayor Tim McGonigle. “We’ve been working on this for over two years, and we certainly appreciate Mosaic’s help in helping us acquire these lands.”
    The
  • ‘God is a Scottish Drag Queen Halloween Spooktacular’ to be performed in Nanaimo

    ‘God is a Scottish Drag Queen Halloween Spooktacular’ to be performed in Nanaimo
    A standup Halloween comedy, that won’t be a drag, is coming to Nanaimo’s Port Theatre this weekend with God is a Scottish Drag Queen’s Halloween Spooktacular.
    The comedy is a production of Mike Delamont, a critically-acclaimed and award-winning Victoria comedian. Previously, he performed three other iterations of God is a Scottish Drag Queen, including a Christmas special.
    The original iteration of the show won 18 Best of the Fest awards, and his website says that audiences hav
  • Vaccine notifications going out now in B.C. as respiratory illness season begins

    Vaccine notifications going out now in B.C. as respiratory illness season begins
    Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie says some British Columbians received notifications on Monday that they’re already eligible for influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.
    Henry said during a news conference in Victoria Wednesday (Oct. 7) that officials are already starting to see influenza circulating in the province and now is an important time to start booking appointments to get immunized.
    The province has secured nearly two million doses of the 2026-27 influenza vaccine, and 1.5 million
  • Leaders clash over B.C. Conservative letter to reverse ICBC no-fault insurance

    Leaders clash over B.C. Conservative letter to reverse ICBC no-fault insurance
    A leaked letter from B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson appears to signal that his party, if elected on Oct. 24, would do away with ICBC’s no-fault insurance that has led to lower rates.
    But Doerkson says his government would take measures to limit costs and the levels that lawyers will be able to charge.
    “We will be introducing, when we go forward with our platform, limits on the costs and the levels that lawyers will be able to charge in this province, so we are definitely co
  • B.C. winery owner calls for improving interprovincial alcohol sales

    B.C. winery owner calls for improving interprovincial alcohol sales
    A Summerland winery owner is asking the federal government to take efforts to remove interprovincial barriers on alcohol sales.
    Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland, has initiated Petition e-7258, a petition in support of MP Dan Albas’s Bill C-262.
    The petition was presented in the House of Commons on Sept. 25, and the federal government has 45 calendar days to respond.
    This petition came around the time new U.S. restrictions were imposed on many packaged Canadian wines,
  • Seniors care project cancellation draws concerns

    Seniors care project cancellation draws concerns
    The group that oversees care providers in B.C. has expressed concern over the cancellation of a long-term care project slated for Vernon.
    A proposed 250-bed facility slated for the 5800 block of Okanagan Landing Road has been pulled by the property owner, Park Place Seniors Living, a Vancouver-based organization who confirmed the project’s cancellation with the Morning Star.
    Park Place cited uncertainty around future operating costs and funding for the Landing Road project, which had been
  • Nanaimo RCMP urges caution as morning commutes get darker

    Nanaimo RCMP urges caution as morning commutes get darker
    With the days getting shorter, many students may be heading to school while it’s still dark outside.
    Nanaimo RCMP is offering a few simple precautions that can help make morning walks safer.
    Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien said it’s important that students in the city be seen, so they should wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a flashlight.
    He said they should also make sure they use sidewalks and crosswalks.
    “Cross at marked intersections whenever pos
  • Cancellation of long-term seniors care project in Vernon sparks provincial concerns

    Cancellation of long-term seniors care project in Vernon sparks provincial concerns
    The group that oversees care providers in B.C. has expressed concern over the cancellation of a long-term care project slated for Vernon.
    A proposed 250-bed facility slated for the 5800 block of Okanagan Landing Road has been pulled by the property owner, Park Place Seniors Living, a Vancouver-based organization who confirmed the project’s cancellation with the Morning Star.
    Park Place cited uncertainty around future operating costs and funding for the Landing Road project, which had been

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