Opinions

Saanich’s rental bylaw system puts the onus on students, not landlords

"Saanich’s rental bylaw system, does little to protect students from inadequate housing conditions. Instead, the current system largely holds students — not landlords — responsible for bylaw violations of Saanich…

The unfair public image costs of “policing poverty”

"Should police officers be on the front lines of dealing with people who, for a multitude of reasons, cannot afford housing in Victoria? Of course not. But the answer is…

A misleading solution: “Compostable” plastics are horrible for the environment

Thanks to the demands from eco-conscious consumers in Victoria, compostable plastics are popping up everywhere. But there’s a catch: all compostable plastics are ending up in landfills, where they cannot…

EDITORIAL | Our house(ing market) is on fire

Canada is facing is a crisis, and for that reason we decided to focus our latest issue on housing — to shed a brighter light on those impacted by rising…

(Not so) new kids on the Bloc: the Bloc Québécois’s resurgence in the 2019 Canadian federal election

"The resurgence of the Bloc Québécois in the 2019 federal election isn’t just a momentary spike in populist politics. Instead, the party’s resurgence following a near-decade of disappointing election results…

Colonialism at Christmas: How homogeneous holiday traditions damage society

These days, everyone, not only Christians celebrate Christmas. But what effect on society does this cultural norm have?

LETTER | Re: UVic Campus Security officer photographs Divest protesters outside Michael Williams Building for ‘personal interest.’

"As standard operating procedure, Campus Security members photograph, record and take notes during numerous events on campus to provide an accurate record and to assist in further inquiries as needed.…

LETTER | Peaceful protests on campus

"Activities on campus by any persons is not considered a security threat except in the most serious circumstances," writes Keith Cascon, Security Manager with UVic Campus Security. "If that phrase…

EDITORIAL | The decade in review: 10 years of people demanding change

As we approach the night when the ball drops on the decade, the Martlet staff muse about the activism and protests that have shaped the past 10 years, and will…