Annex for sale City looking for interest in aging former warehouse. PAGE 7 Explanation eyed Beekeepers examine findings on colony collapse. PAGE 21 Key romance Couple duels with pianos at Island Symphony concert. PAGE 3
Pirates pick up victories PAGE 28
www.nanaimobulletin.com
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
Event helps youth speak against hate BY CHRIS HAMLYN THE NEWS BULLETIN
Nanaimo youth are speaking out about experiences with hate-motivated behaviour and discrimination. The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society presents Stand Up, Speak Out – Youth Against Hate, Saturday (April 21) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beban Park Social Centre. The dialogue is a chance to listen, be heard and make changes. It features a panel of 11 youth representing immigrants, refugees and aboriginals. Samantha Letourneau, CVIMS diversity coordinator, said discrimination involving youth is something everyone should be concerned about. “There’s a report from Stats Canada that talks about the increase in hate crimes in the country, and teenagers and young adults account for a significant portion of them,” she said. “They’re not only the perpetrators, but also the targets.” People are often targeted based on race, faith or sexual orientation, and many incidents go unreported. “Someone might not be
VOL. 23, NO. 151
LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN
Quickfacts ◆ YOUTH EVENT takes place Saturday (April 21) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Beban Park Social Centre.
aware what they experienced was a deliberate target, but often if the victim lays charges, there is the fear of the retaliation that would come of that,” said Letourneau. “We’ve heard a lot in our society about bullying, but this goes beyond bullying. It’s targeting someone in often violent cases.” The seminar not only allows young people to talk about what’s happening and what they’ve experienced, but why it’s going on in the community. “If we don’t talk about it and examine why this is happening, it’s hard to find out what steps are needed to build a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone,” said Letourneau. The afternoon includes a photovoice exhibit, where panel members use a camera to record, reflect and critique the issues of discrimination and hate. ◆ See ‘DIALOGUE’ ‘ /7
RACHEL STERN/THE NEWS BULLETIN
Trenton Pombert, 8, attempts to walk in a straight line while wearing Fatal Vision glasses to help learn about the effects alcohol has on people’s ability to see and function. The activity was one of several during Law Day at the Nanaimo courthouse Saturday. For a full story on the event, please see page 6.
Introducing Nanaimo’s first GLUTEN FREE VEGAN restaurant. www.rawmbas.ca
#101-572 STEWART AVE., NANAIMO
250-591-2114
Check out our menu on facebook.
Winner of Best Vegetarian Dish “Bite of Nanaimo” 2011
www.countryclubcentre.com
News Bulletin staff honoured News Bulletin employees won the jackpot in Richmond Saturday at the annual Ma Murray Awards. Reporter Toby Gor man and advertising manager Sean McCue took home the gold in their categories at the awards hosted by the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspapers Association and held at the River Rock Casino. Gorman won the business writing award for his story about beekeepers hoping to rebound from decimating losses to their stocks the year prior. His ongoing coverage of the issue continues on page 7. “The goal is always to tell the best and most accurate stories which reflect Nanaimo, its residents and businesses,” Gorman said. “To be recognized for doing that is a great feeling.” McCue won the best collaborative ad design award, for circulation over 25,000, for the four-page Report to Community from the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation. Advertising representative Chantal Richard took home the silver ad campaign award, with a front-page banner for Nanaimo Health Shop. Donna Blais also won the silver classifieds award for the News Bulletin’s overall classified section. Former Nanaimo city councillor Merv Unger, a former News Bulletin editor who ended his long career in newspapers as publisher of the Business Examiner, earned the Eric Dunning Integrity Award. News Bulletin publisher Maurice Donn ended his year-long role as president of the community newspapers association at the gala event, which saw hundreds of representatives from across B.C. gather to celebrate the best in community journalism.