Muslim mecca
NEWS: B.C. Transit service boosted /A3 ARTS: TV characters bring theatre to tots /A12 SPORTS: Stepping inside Royals’ rookie camp /A20
New place of worship reflects demand in Victoria Page A3
VICTORIANEWS VICTORIA Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Proudly serving Esquimalt & Victoria
FREE
Market Evaluation
Andrew Holenchuk www.AndrewHolenchuk.com www.EsquimaltProperties.com
250.744.3301 www.vicnews.com
DENISE SAVOIE RESIGNATION
UP FOR GRABS The sudden resignation of Victoria MP Denise Savoie from federal politics has opened the door of speculation on who might replace her. The election could also be the first big political test of the region’s controversial multimillion-dollar sewage treatment project
Dirty Carpets?
Reporting As federal political parties adjust to the surprise of Victoria MP Denise Savoie’s resignation last week, the focus is turning to potential candidates and hot-button issues for the likely fall byelection. Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin is rumoured to be considering a run at the NDP nomination, an opportunity that would see him take leave of city hall during the climax of the Johnson Street Bridge project. “He’s made it quite clear among friends that he’s got aspirations for higher office,” said Mat Wright, former communications director for 2011 Liberal candidate and former Oak Bay mayor Christopher Causton. “I think he’s going to look at this as an opportunity he can’t miss.” Fortin’s office refused comment on his potential candidacy. Former Conservative candidate Patrick Hunt said he will be making a decision next week on his candidacy. “I certainly haven’t ruled it out,” he said. “We’ll come with a game plan to win this time.” As a rule, byelections do not favour the governing party and local candidates tend to be magnified more than in a general election, said University of Victoria political scientist Norman Ruff. “All four parties have something to
prove,” he said. “The NDP will want to retain (the seat) as continuing evidence of (Tom) Mulcair’s leadership appeal while the Liberals are hungry to regain the seat as a sign of some party revival.” The Conservatives are able to run a strong campaign, Ruff added, while the Greens will be hoping for some “contagion” from Elizabeth May’s success in Saanich-Gulf Islands to become the first Green MP in 2011. PLEASE SEE: Sewage project, Page A6
2 Rooms & 1 Hallway
79
$
00 SAVE $32
Whole House Package
99
$
00 SAVE $68
4 Rooms & 1 Hallway. Wall-To-Wall Cleaning.
Area Rug Cleaning
25
Who’s in charge? Victoria MP Denise Savoie will step down Aug. 31. Nicole Turmel, the NDP whip, and her office will take over administration of Savoie’s office until a byelection is called, likely for this fall. Political representation for Victoria will be unofficially assumed by EsquimaltJuan de Fuca MP Randall Garrison, a member of the NDP caucus.
Call Today to Book!
GREAT PACKAGE SAVINGS! Deluxe Cleaning Every Time At No Extra Charge! We Use Only HomeSafe TM Cleaning Products.
2 Rooms & 1 Hallway Wall-To-Wall Cleaning.
w w w. n a t i o n w i d e c a r p e t c l e a n i n g . c a
Black Press file photo
Victoria MP Denise Savoie has announced her retirement from federal politics due to health reasons. The race is on to find a replacement.
▲
Black Press file photo
Speculation is swirling on the prospect of Mayor Dean Fortin running under the NDP banner.
Daniel Palmer
%
OFF
FREE Pick-Up & Delivery!
250-727-0777 Coupon Expires September 2012 Coupon Expires June 8, 12, 2012 Use Your Smart Phone To Scan This QR Code And Request Your Cleaning Quote Now!
Some Restrictions Apply. Maximum Room Size 225 Sq. Ft. Not Valid With Other Offers. Not Valid For Apartments or Condos. Combined Living/dining Rooms Count As 2 Rooms. Taxes, Waste Handling, & Energy Charges Extra.
VB6