Commentary on the snap provincial election, researchers studying a tire toxin that is killing salmon in Island streams, predictions about our El Niño winter. Here are what VIU experts are talking about this month:
Early election criticism
Premier David Eby calling a snap provincial election two years into a four-year mandate and on top of municipal elections is “bad for democracy,” says Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU's Jarislowsky Chair in Trust & Political Leadership. Read his interviews in the Times Colonist and CHEK News.
VIU researchers expand search for tire toxins to hot spots
Researchers at VIU’s Centre for Health and Environmental Mass Spectrometry are increasing their search for tire toxin hot spots. The centre is one of many research groups studying this chemical that can kill fish in streams. Read the Yahoo article.
Alum takes on leading role at Village Farms
VIU Master of Business Administration alum Deepak Anand has been appointed the Vice-President of Government Affairs for Village Farms International. Read more in the Netherlands Journal.
Mariners return to the pitch
The VIU Mariners are back on the pitch for the 2026 PACWEST soccer season. The women are chasing a third straight provincial title, while the men are looking to climb the standings after last season. The teams talk about the upcoming season withNanaimo News Now.
RockVIU gives a taste of university life
New students got a feel for university during RockVIU. The event, held September 8 at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, combined fun and festivities with information about university life and services. Read the Nanaimo News Bulletin article.
VIU researcher examines how technology shapes young athletes
VIU researcher Dr. Jordan Herbison is studying how technology shapes young athletes’ development. Herbison is examining whether technology supports four key parts of positive youth development: connection, confidence, competence and character. Read more from Vancouver Street and Education News Canada.
History student explores VIU’s journey from college to university
VIU history student Steve Wood explored the evolution of Malaspina College to Vancouver Island University during a presentation in early September. Wood interviewed staff and faculty from the early days of the post-secondary institution as part of a history project. Read more in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Professor weighs in on El Niño forecast
Scientists predict this year’s El Niño will be especially strong and is expected to intensify in the coming months. VIU Geography Professor Dr. Jeff Lewis spoke with Castanet News and The Times Colonist.
CUPE president highlights vital role of workers at VIU
In advance of the Labour Day holiday, Tiffany McLaughlin, President of CUPE Local 1858, spoke with the Nanaimo News Bulletin about the important role CUPE workers play in Vancouver Island University operations.
VIU and Ha’oom partnership puts salmon science in First Nations hands
VIU and Ha’oom Fisheries Society are helping put salmon science in the hands of First Nations. Five Nations will own tools that can identify salmon stocks in 24-48 hours, supporting faster, Nation-led decisions, local training and stronger fisheries management. Read more from Genome BC and The Tyee.
VIU centre connects Nanaimo to global leisure research
VIU's World Leisure Centre of Excellence connects Nanaimo to a global research network built around one core idea: leisure, recreation, arts and parks aren’t optional extras. They’re infrastructure. Read more about it in this Nanaimo Prosperity Corp article.
VIU Mitacs intern uses storytelling to address drug crisis stigma
Christopher Hauschildt, a Master of Arts in Global Leadership student at Royal Roads University and a Mitacs research intern at Vancouver Island University, talks about his work with Walk With Me, which addresses the toxic drug crisis. Read the Royal Roads article.
Retired professor tells Cathedral Grove’s story
“We’re just awestruck.” Retired VIU Forestry Professor Bill Beese speaks with CBC Radio about the magic of Cathedral Grove, which won a five-week competition to be named BC's Best Roadside Attraction. Watch the segment.
VIU program brings teacher education to communities
VIU has started a new teacher education program for people in rural and remote communities. Robin Gibson from the Sunshine Coast spoke to CBC’s All Points West about what it means for him to train as a teacher without leaving his community. Listen to the CBC broadcast.
VIU political expert explores rise in uncontested mayoral races
What’s behind the multiple uncontested mayoral races popping up across Vancouver Island this fall? Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, weighs in on what may be driving the trend. Read more from CBC.
Deep Bay advances marine research and education
The Deep Bay Marine Field Station opened in 2011 with a mandate to support sustainable aquaculture of shellfish and kelp, train a new generation of students and educate the public about shellfish aquaculture and the marine environment. Read more about this unique VIU research facility in The Collective.
Foot and ankle research inspires career path
Jakob Tortorelli’s passion for sports drew him to VIU’s Kinesiology program with a goal to become a physiotherapist. An opportunity to work with a researcher who focuses on foot and ankle stability has put him on the path to a rewarding career. Read more from the Council on Undergraduate Research.
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