Joe Pugh

A project is underway in the Cowichan Valley to restore 70 hectares of land to its natural state as an estuary. The estuary area originally housed three Quw’ustsun villages prior to the arrival of European settlers, who then over the years dyked the estuary, using it for forestry and farming purposes. The Cowichan estuary restoration project is led by several organizations. These include the Nature Trust of BC, Ducks Unlimited, the Cowichan Tribes, the federal government’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of  Environment and Climate Change and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.  On their website, it notes that the project will involve the combined removal of over two kilometres of dykes, the creation of intertidal channels and salt marsh habitat, the restoration of marine riparian and flood fringe forest, and reconnection of areas that have been historically cut off from tidal influence. Some, however, in the community have been coming out against the project. Two town hall meetings took place over the summertime with organizers speaking out against the project. The meetings were hosted by an organization called the Land Keepers Society that first formed back in July.  On their website, the Land Keepers Society says they are “dedicated to creating a balance between the goals of society, the owner’s rights to operate profitably and the needs of the land, including all life residing there by acknowledging environmental initiatives and other land use pressures.” At the moment the Cowichan Estuary Project is the only cause they are working on. Many associated with the society are former candidates for municipal office, known to spread climate denial, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. Today I speak with journalist Erin Blondeau, who recently wrote a story for The Breach where she describes having attended one of the town hall meetings. She will speak to us about what she saw and her story. She also shares with us some clips from the meeting.

Hello and welcome to Midcoast Morning, CHLY’s current affairs show. I’m Lauryn Mackenzie. Campaigning is currently underway for the fall election of the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union, also known as VIUSU. Next week on October 11, 12, and 13th students from all three campuses will receive an email with a unique code that will allow them to vote in the election. Two student elections happen during the school year at VIU. This fall students will be voting for student representatives to join the VIUSU board of directors. These positions include two campus representatives, eight faculty representatives, an international student representative, and a graduate student representative. The students elected will serve a term starting November 1st of this year, that will end October 31st 2024. The representatives work to make sure students' concerns are heard and addressed by the students’ union. Rising tuition fees, food insecurity, and rent are just some of the biggest challenges students are facing today. The students’ union works with the British Columbia Federation of Students to advocate both the provincial and federal governments, as well as local governments to address these challenges. Today, from VIUSU, I am speaking with Mathews Tharakan, Organizer of Member Services and Outreach about the importance of student elections. After that, Cole Reinbold, Chair of VIUSU speaks with me about the challenges she is seeing her fellow students go through. Then, I will speak with Jessie Niikoi from the BCFS about what the federation is doing to advocate for post-secondary students.

On September 25th Nanaimo City Council voted 5-3 in its third reading to adopt the Zero Carbon Step Code starting in July 2024. This will start six years ahead of the provincial government’s timeline. The Zero Carbon Step Code will make it so new home builds in the city will no longer be able to have natural gas heating. This is in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia. Prior to this vote, the Alberta government-funded Canadian Energy Center, or CEC, targeted the City of Nanaimo with an advocacy campaign to sway mayor and council to vote in opposition to the adoption of the code. The CEC is also known as Alberta’s energy war room and was created by former Alberta premier Jason Kenny. Before the campaign was removed from their Support Canadian Energy website, they claimed to have sent more than 2,400 emails to Nanaimo’s Mayor and Council. It is not clear what amount of this came from residents of Nanaimo. So why is the CEC, a government-funded lobby group from Alberta targeting the City of Nanaimo when it is just one of the many other BC municipalities moving to adopt the Zero Carbon Step Code? Today I’ll be joined by journalist Rochelle Baker, to discuss her September 22nd story in the National Observer that reported on this campaign by the CEC. Then I’ll speak with City of Nanaimo Counselor Paul Manly and Counsellor Sheryl Armstrong about their opinions on the Zero Carbon Step Code and their views of CEC’s advocacy campaign.

Last Wednesday Nanaimo saw a large protest centred around SOGI first outside of School District 68 and then outside City Hall and then march down to Maffeo Sutton Park. SOGI or Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, exists to guide educators in educating students on how to be inclusive of all people and make safe spaces for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The anti-SOGI protest was started by an organization called 1 Million March 4 Children. Their website states that the purpose of the march is to advocate for the end of the SOGI, gender ideology, mixed washrooms, and pronouns. They say they want to help save children from indoctrination, and “sexualization” which they believe results from teaching SOGI. Some signs at the protest went further than that, equating SOGI to pornography while another equated it to paedophilia and eugenics. The protest was met by a larger counter-protest which included members of the queer community, parents of queer youth, and straight allies. Counter-protesters went to support SOGI, queer and trans students and youth. While others went to stand up against hateful rhetoric and misinformation towards the queer and trans community that many in the anti-SOGI protest were spreading. Today, CHLY’s civic news reporter Mick Sweetman, joins me to report on what he saw at the protest and counter-protest, while reporting on the story. I will also speak with sexual health educator and Child Safety Champion, Kerri Isham and Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District Superintendent Scott Saywell about SOGI and sexual health education in schools to get a better idea about what is being taught.

This past Sunday, Earthquakes Canada reported three earthquakes off the coast of Port Hardy. The swarm’s magnitude ranged from 4.3 to 5.9. More than 50 earthquakes have been reported by Earthquakes Canada, off the coast of Northern Vancouver Island since September 14. The biggest reaching a magnitude of 5.9. The Government of BC notes that Earthquakes are common on our coast, with an average of 3,000 earthquakes reported every year. This occurs because the coast of the province is seismically active, located in an area known as the Cascadia subduction zone. The Cascadia subduction zone stretches from Vancouver Island down to California. This is where the Juan De Fuca Plate and the North American Plate meet. It is when the Juan De Fuca plate slips under the North American Plate that an earthquake can occur and be felt on Vancouver Island. These earthquakes can also cause tsunamis, sending large damaging waves into the coast of the province. An earthquake could happen at any moment and it is impossible to predict when the next one will happen or how big it will be. The recent quakes in Port Hardy are a good reminder of this and to be prepared if one was to happen. Today I spoke with Jeri Grant over the phone and Teron Moore over Zoom. Both work with the BC Earthquake Alliance on earthquake preparation and how to keep you and your family safe in the event of one.

In part one, we spoke with The Discourse's Julie Chadwick in studio and Lauren Kaljur over the phone to discuss their background as journalists and their observations over the last decade in local journalism and how they ended up working with The Discourse. Today in part two, we will touch on what it's like to run an independent media company and hear their thoughts on Bill C 18, the Online News act for a little bit of background on Bill C 18, the Online News Act according to the federal government, today most Canadians get their news online, social media being one of the go-to ways people keep up to date on news.

Hello and welcome to the first episode of the newly revamped Midcoast Morning, CHY's news and current affairs program. I am your host Lauryn Mackenzie. Welcome to our inaugural episode. With the launch of this program, we are going to first set out to understand the state of local journalism today in a two-part series. 
 What's changed over the last decade? It's an industry that has seen rapid change in how people consume their news. It's also an industry that has seen declining ad revenue, resulting in shrinking newsrooms both local and national. I'll be sitting down with Julie Chadwick and Lauren Kaljur from The Discourse to discuss this and hear their perspectives. 
 We will also touch on what it's like to run an independent media company and hear their thoughts on Bill C 18, the Online News Act. 


Transcript:  Hi, I'm Lauryn Mackenzie, the host of the newly revamped Midcoast Morning, CHLY's current events news show. You remember the old show with Joe and Elijah, but now we are back going to continue keeping you on top of what's happening on the Salish Sea, just now in a new way. Join me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30 a.m. as we go in depth on topics that are important to you. But don't worry, I won't be alone. Sometimes I'll be joined by fellow journalists from the Nanaimo area to discuss stories that they are working on and to keep you most up to date. So tune in September 15th for the first new episode of Midcoast Morning, and if you already have a topic you want us to discuss, email us at news at chly.ca.

Host Joe Pugh speaks with both Community Policing Coordinator Christy Wood and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog about recently released Neighbourhood Safety Audits in Nanaimo. He also looks into what’s going on to mark the month of Halloween at the Nanaimo Museum through a conversation with Steph Kveton, the museum’s programming coordinator. And to mark the 20th anniversary of CHLY, Joe speaks with Dr. John Black, professor Emeritus at VIU who was instrumental in getting the station of the ground. The Phantoms -(Ghost) Riders in the Sky Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Host Joe Pugh reports on the ceremonies at Maffeo Sutton Park to mark the first national Day for Truth and Reconciliation. He also speaks with Andrew Gage from West Coast Environmental Law about the implications of a BC Supreme Court Justice’s decision not to extend the injunction that had been in place at Fairy Creek since April. Finally coverage on the city’s public consultation about what to do with the space located at the Terminal and Commercial intersection. Alice Cooper - Elected Jim Jarrat - Raining Cats and Dogs Elise Boulanger - It Started in The Garden Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Host Joe Pugh speaks with Dr. Alexander Netherton, professor of political science at Vancouver Island University regarding the results of the recent federal election. He also speaks with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the BC Union of Indian Chiefs, who says the election campaign diverted attention from indigenous issues. Stephanie Fung from the Unite Local 40 speaks about a protest put on by workers outside of the Coast Bastion Hotel this week. And finally a conversation with Sheila Gurrie, Nanaimo’s director of legislative services regarding the city’s new animal responsibility bylaw. Alice Cooper - Elected Jim Jarrat - Raining Cats and Dogs Elise Boulanger - It Started in The Garden Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Host Joe Pugh speaks with Andrew Gage from West Coast Environmental Law regarding some upcoming hearings related to logging at Fairy Creek. He also completes our series of interviews with the local candidates for the federal election by speaking with Stephen Welton of the People’s Party of Canada. Still with the election, Andrea Marantz from Elections Canada explains the reasons for and potential fallout from a shortage of polling staff. And finally, conversations with Kathleen Reed, an avid diver who discovered hundreds of dead sea cucumbers off the coast of Nanoose Bay, as well as Dr. Isabelle Côté, marine ecology professor at Simon Fraser University who has since been investigating. Music: Alice Cooper - Elected Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Host Joe Pugh investigates the Back to School plan from kindergarten to grade 12 students in BC. He speaks with Dale Burgos, executive director of Communications with school district 68 about what the plan is, as well as with Teri Mooring, president of the BC Teachers Federation on her organizations concerns. Joe also speaks with Dr. Sandra Allison, Medical Officer for the Central Island Region of Island Health about the plan. CHLY’s Elijah Robinson also speaks with Nanaimo’s Kory Breaden, who recently set a world record after playing the video game Call of Duty Warzone for a 145 hour marathon session. Music: Jude Cole - Back To School Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Contributor. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Following Sunday’s announcement of a federal election, co-host Elijah Robinson speaks with Andrea Marantz, BC Spokesperson for Elections Canada, about the changes Canadians can expect while voting amidst a pandemic. Elijah also speaks with Melissa Chirino, Chairperson of the BC Federation of Interviews with the Candidates from the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Riding in the upcoming federal election. Lisa Marie Barron of the NDP, Paul Manly of the Green Party, Tamara Kronis of the Conservative Party, and Michelle Corfield of the Liberal Party. Music: Elected - Alice Cooper Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Co-host and producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Following Sunday’s announcement of a federal election, co-host Elijah Robinson speaks with Andrea Marantz, BC Spokesperson for Elections Canada, about the changes Canadians can expect while voting amidst a pandemic. Elijah also speaks with Melissa Chirino, Chairperson of the BC Federation of Students, about the Influence the Vote campaign, which is aimed at mobilizing student voters in the upcoming election. Host Joe Pugh escorts CHLY’s Summer Camp Cub Reporters into the field where they speak with Barber Dave Lawrence of That 50’s Barber Shop to learn more about his Fresh Start Back to School fundraiser. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced their provision of funds for a local initiative; Elijah speaks with Dr. Chris Gill of VIU about HarmCheck and how the money provided will aid his development of potential lifesaving technology. To conclude, Joe leads CHLY’s Cub Reporters into Nanaimo City Hall, where they speak with Mayor Leonard Krog about being the leader of a municipality. Music: Elected - Alice Cooper Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Co-host and producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

In the wake of the latest report from the International panel on climate change, host Joe Pugh speaks with Heather Baitz of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub, as well as Jeremy Holm, Director of Development Approvals at the City of Nanaimo to find out more about plans to tackle the climate crisis on a local level. Elijah Robinson checks in with Erika Berg, fire information officer of the BC Wildfire Service on the provincial wildfire situation. And finally an interview with Kamal Parmar, Nanaimo’s new Poet Laureate on her role, her style and the genre of Haiku. More information on The City of Nanaimo’s Climate Initiatives: 1.       ReImagine Nanaimo infosheet “How We Adapt”: https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/property-development/reimagine-nanaimo/3---reimagine-backgrounder---how-we-adapt-stay-green.pdf 2.       Quickly Understand Doughnut Economics and the Nanaimo doughnut economics model: https://www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/reimagine-nanaimo/news_feed/quickly-understand-doughnut-economics 3.       ReImagine Nanaimo GetInvolved page with information on exploring options scenarios workshops: https://www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/reimagine-nanaimo 4.       City’s Green Initiatives site with links to climate action initiatives and information on other corporate and community environmental initiatives  https://www.nanaimo.ca/green-initiatives Music: Hot Hot Heat - You owe me an IOU Tally Hall - Haiku Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Co-host and producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Elijah Robinson speaks with new RCMP Superintendent Lisa Fletcher on her recent appointment and approach to policing in the city. Plus Joe Pugh talks to Dr. William Weller about the Perseid meteor shower lighting up the skies this week. He also speaks with Bryony Dixon, the artistic managing producer of Nanaimo Fringe about the festival which is set to take centre stage this week. And a conversation with Pender Island couple Chris Hall and Stef Lowey who recently celebrated an entire year on only eating food they grew, raised, or caught themselves. Finally Joe speaks with Jane Hamilton from the Regional District of Nanaimo about some Goats who have recently come under their employ. Music: Perseid - Joe's in Town JJ Abrams - Theme From Fringe Wild Bill Emerson and the Swamp Cats - Living off The Land Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Co-host and producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Host Joe Pugh Speaks with Bill Sims, General Manager of Engineering and Public Works with the City of Nanaimo on plans for a transit hub on Terminal Ave. He also talks with Derek Downes from the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre about a white Raven they’ve been taking care of. Plus a conversation with Taimi Mulder regarding the Earthquake situation in BC following a magnitude 8.2 quake in Alaska this week. Finally a conversation with 17 year old filmmaker Mackai Sharp who won the people’s choice award at the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival for his documentary “Before The Beauty is Gone” Music: The Guess Who - Bus Rider The White Raven - Seconds Conscious SSION - Earthquakes Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Newscast. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

In the wake of the provincial government’s announcement of funding further research into the grounds of former residential school sites and Indian Hospitals, Elijah Robinson talks to 'Na̱mg̱is Chief Don Svanvik about the nation’s plans to search the grounds of the former St. Michaels’s residential school for unmarked remains. Joe Pugh speaks with Professor Laurie Meijer Drees from VIU about the history of the Nanaimo Indian Hospital, which was also included among the grounds to be searched. Joe also speaks with Emilee Gilpin, managing editor of Indiginews, and Lauren Kaljur, editor of the discourse Nanaimo about a successful court challenge made by a media coalition to alter the terms of the Fairy Creek injunction. Finally Nanaimo Ladysmith MP Paul Manly offers his thoughts on federal election speculation. Music: Fountain Bather- Anyone Else Fountain Bather - Better Off Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Co-host and producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Host Joe Pugh talks to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh at Departure Bay Beach about election speculation. He also checks in with Parksville native Alicia Butterworth who is heading to Tokyo to compete in the Olympic Steeplechase. Plus a conversation with Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation on recent purchases of multiple Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea. And, Joe speaks with Nanaimo Children’s author Lindsay Ford about her latest book, based on a historical nationwide movement that started in Ladysmith. And finally Elijah Robinson speaks to Glen Foster of the Glen Foster group ahead of his upcoming local concert. Music: The Olympic Anthem Weezer - Island in the Sun The Glen Foster Group - Three Man Band Program Team: Joe Pugh — Host and Producer. Elijah Robinson — Co-host and producer. Jesse Woodward —Production Assistance. Arbie Fru—Technical Assistance. Theme Music: Ah Venice - Good Company (2020) Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca. Find us on social media: Twitter: @chly1017FM Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.