For the birds
Jim Barry a welcome sight to his feathered friends Page A3
NEWS: Pro-amalgamation group takes next step /A7 ARTS: Comedy duo seeks audience’s ear /A8 SPORTS: Shamrocks bring Mann Cup final back /A11
OAK BAYNEWS Wednesday, September 4, 2013
BOORMAN’S
SINCE 1933
80 Real Estate, Insurance & Property Mgmt.
2045 Cadboro Bay Rd.
250-595-1535 boorman.com
vicnews.com
Schools open under cloud in district Bargaining sessions underway as school year begins Charla Huber News staff
It’s business as usual for grade school students in Greater Victoria. At least for now. While teachers and school support staff are back at work and are providing regular services, the unions representing the two groups are gearing for a return to the bargaining table. CUPE locals representing support staff meet with the Provincial Bargaining Committee today (Sept. 4) through Friday in hopes of securing a new contract. Education Minister Peter Fassbender said he is hopeful a settlement with clerical staff, custodians, bus drivers and other supInside port staff can be achieved without picket lines disrupting classes. The n Labour disputes minister wouldn’t comment directly are becoming a on talks, except to say school distradition at backtricts are working to set up “savings to-school time accounts,” as they will be required Our View, A4 to fund wage increases within existing budgets for support staff. “Hopefully something will come out of that,” said Gilles Larose, CUPE 382 president. “We pay taxes just like everyone else. Everything is going up (in price) and our wages haven’t been reflecting that.” If an agreement isn’t reached soon, Larose said, it will most likely result in a provincewide strike with about 27,000 CUPE union members on the picket lines, including about 1,100 custodians, grounds and maintenance workers from CUPE 382 within the Greater Victoria School District. “We have been without a contract since June of last year (2012),” Larose said. The contract expired after a two-year wage freeze was imposed across the B.C. public service sector. CUPE is seeking raises of two per cent per year.
PLEASE SEE:
Teachers’ union, Page A3
Hot stuff
Lt. Roger Stewart with the Oak Bay Fire Department holds his “month” in the justreleased 2014 Greater Victoria Fire Fighters Calendar. The calendar is part of a regionwide effort to raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Victoria General Hospital. See story, page A2. Danielle Pope/News staff
Heart patient’s widow shows gratitude Oak Bay woman gives direct help for patient care Don Descoteau News staff
Connie Carter feels strongly about the value of Oak Bay firefighters’ first responder efforts. Her late husband, Al, who was fitted with a pacemaker, received treatment
OAK BAY tomf@vreb.bc.ca
250-360-4821
from a fire crew in 2008 after Carter called 911. They helped stabilize his heartbeat at that time with the use of a defibrillator, but a second call some time later was not successful. Nonetheless, the experience made an impact on Carter. “What I was impressed with was not only their speed in getting there, but the fact they were so caring and compassionate,” she said. “Oak Bay should be very proud of the work they do.” During this year’s 75th anniversary
celebrations for the fire department, Carter asked what she could do to help out. The topic of defibrillators came up and she was told the department was using three external units that were nearing the end of their serviceable life. Rather than contribute to the firefighter’s benevolent fund, she decided to donate a new unit to the department.
PLEASE SEE:
New equipment, Page A10
Handcrafted from finest materials,this modern castle is situated in a premier Oak Bay location over looking Gonzales Bay. The views are South and West and are truly magnificent. The elevated hillside location maximizes superb ocean and mountain views, offering a wind protected warm location with all day sun from sunrise to brilliant sunsets. The home was crafted with the very best materials boasting exquisite woodwork and fine craftsmanship. With so many wonderful and special features and the very best exposure, it really is a must see! Offered at $2,495,000
Buying or selling in Oak Bay? Give me a call. Area specialization does make a difference!
Royal Le Page Coast Capital Realty INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED