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Shortage of cold and flu medicine still plaguing Island pharmacies

A lack of cold and flu medicine – especially for kids – persists at pharmacies across Vancouver Island and across the province.

Historic Point Ellice House closing in Victoria

A well-known historic site and museum in Victoria is closing its doors due to what it calls a lack of funding. On Wednesday morning, Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens announced it was closing down effective immediately.

Point Ellice House in Victoria is pictured. (Point Ellice House/Facebook)

Saanich police bust ring allegedly selling vape products at Greater Victoria schools

More than $100,000 worth of vaping products have been seized by Saanich police detectives who say the items were being marketed and sold at schools throughout B.C.'s capital region.

The seizure was made Friday at a business in the 700-block of Vanalman Avenue, marking the culmination of a months-long investigation by the Saanich Police Department. (Saanich police)

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Nanaimo high school teacher placed on leave following creep-catcher sting

A Nanaimo high school teacher has been placed on leave as the school district investigates allegations that he tried to meet up with someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy on the dating site Grindr.

John Barsby Secondary School in Nanaimo. (Google Maps)

Caught on cam: Orcas delight BC Ferries passengers sailing between Vancouver and Victoria

A family of transient orcas put on a show for passengers aboard a large BC Ferries vessel this weekend.

'Plant a rose bush': Victoria community remembers Alfred 'The Flowerman' Sillem

A longtime Victoria resident known for his colourful floral bouquets that earned him the nickname "the Flowerman" has died.

104-year-old B.C. veteran to walk 104 laps around retirement home for charity

Well-known Vancouver Island centenarian John Hillman has just celebrated his 104th birthday, and now he plans to hold his annual fundraising walk around his retirement home courtyard for charity.

Life-sized driftwood sculpture exhibit to raise money for Vancouver Island wildlife centre

A Victoria artist who builds life-sized sculptures of local wildlife entirely out of driftwood is bringing her works to downtown Victoria to help fundraise for Wild ARC, an animal rehabilitation centre in Metchosin, B.C.

Police identify man in Victoria restaurant assault

Police say they have identified a man who is accused of attacking a patron at a restaurant in downtown Victoria last week.

Langford considers ending artificial turf program on city boulevards

Langford city council will soon vote on whether to keep installing artificial turf along city boulevards, or go back to using sod.

Langford assistant fire chief dies after battle with cancer

Firefighters and city officials are mourning the death of Langford's assistant fire chief following his battle with cancer.

Researchers: Inbreeding a big problem for endangered orcas

With population numbers so low, researchers believe inbreeding may be an issue for the critically endangered southern resident killer whale.

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Upgrading Safe Third Country Agreement about reassuring Canadians: PM Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he feels it is his role to see the Safe Third Country Agreement upgraded, in order to make sure Canadians can continue to have confidence in Canada's immigration system.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and then-U.S. vice-president Joe Biden walk down the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on December 9, 2016. (Patrick Doyle / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Han Dong resigns from Liberal caucus amid foreign interference allegations

Han Dong has announced he will be sitting as an independent MP after being the subject of foreign interference allegations.

Foreign mothers of Canadian children seek escape from ISIS detention camp

A group of lawyers is racing against the clock to get Canadian children and their foreign-born mothers onto a plane that will soon be dispatched to repatriate detainees from prison camps in northeast Syria.

Budget 2023 to detail crackdown on 'junk fees' for consumers: federal source

A federal source says the coming budget will detail how the Liberals plan to go after hidden or unexpected consumer fees, following the United States announcing its own crackdown on these charges.

Canada broke a population growth record in 2022: StatCan

Canada's population grew by more than one million over the course of one calendar year, breaking previous records, a new Statistics Canada report says.

Police find 2 more bodies at site of Old Montreal fire; first victim identified

The death toll from last week's massive fire in Old Montreal has risen to four, Montreal police confirmed. Julien Levesque, a police spokesperson, said Wednesday evening that two more bodies were retrieved from the historic building that went up in flames last Thursday.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper says Canada needs a 'Conservative renaissance'

Canada needs a 'Conservative renaissance,' former prime minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday, but he cautioned that Pierre Poilievre should wait until an election before telling Canadians how he might run the country.

5 things to know for Thursday, March 23, 2023

Joe Biden is coming to visit Canada this week for the first time as U.S. President, Canada’s population grew by a record amount in 2022 and Ukrainians overseas have until mid-July to apply for a free temporary visa to Canada. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Gwyneth Paltrow ski collision trial set for family testimony

Two daughters of a retired optometrist suing Gwyneth Paltrow are expected to testify on Thursday about the lasting effects of their father and Paltrow's 2016 ski collision as the trial takes on an increasingly personal note on the third day of proceedings.

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Victoria 80-year-old wears different colour of rainbow every day to spread joy

It all began after Robin Jones bought a pair of yellow, zebra-striped shoes. He now has outfits in eight different colours, so he can wear a different one every day.

'I was shocked that they were willing to go this far': B.C. palliative patient gifted beloved pizza for meaningful meal

After spending more than four months in hospital, Sanjeeve Seeburn and his wife Sandy were thinking back on that “magical” summer day they spent at a rural lavender farm – and the pizza they were served there.

'Silent superheroes': B.C. barber inspired by single mom and superhero gives back to kids in need

"What he does is amazing!" The story behind a Nanaimo barber who was inspired to help thousands of children-in-need get new back-to-school clothes and supplies.

Hugging cat befriends dog missing both front legs in Victoria

Katie Thorne's cat Otis loves to hug, so naturally that's how he greeted her new, two-legged dog named Mama Roo.

B.C. widow finds unexpected love while performing in blind choir

Before she experienced the worst year of her life, Debbie Barnswell simply sang for fun. It wasn't until she lost her husband of 32 years and diabetes stole her sight that Debbie found singing could also provide comfort.

Video of B.C. woman's unique birthday surprise receives millions of views

"I was crying laughing!" Adam finds out how a Victoria woman's childhood haircut inspired a surprise birthday video that's been viewed by millions.

B.C. senior embarks on daily walks to pick up litter and spread kindness

When Tom Kile retired, he made a commitment to maintain his physical and mental health. Now, his daily walks help keep his neighbourhood clean.

'You don’t expect an owl to come down your chimney': Victoria woman inspired to paint by unlikely visitor

When Beth Doman arrived home that night, she was greeted by a peculiar sound coming from her fireplace.

'He was shocked': Vancouver Island couple overcome odds to build growing family

Kathy and Mike are constructing a big Lego set together, which is similar to assembling a great love story. Although they were doing everything right, it felt like things were going heartbreakingly wrong.