Lys Morton, Author at The Discourse.

From local comedy to international dramas, Vancouver Island Short Film Festival has it all

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● April 18, 2023

Returning to in-person viewing while keeping their online streaming, Vancouver Island Short Film Festival celebrates its 18th year. The Discourse gives a review of what films you can expect to see.

A gathering of people stand in a parking lot in front of dorm buildings as they listen to an announcement.

For many students, B.C. housing crisis threatens access to education

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● April 13, 2023

Vancouver Island University is building new housing and offering support, but more help is needed to ensure equitable access.

2019 Nanaimo Record Show guests peruse records in a large hall. Even with how large the hall is, it's still packed with vendors and guests.

‘You never know what you’re going to find’ at the Nanaimo Record Show

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● April 11, 2023

The Nanaimo Record Show brings music lovers and vendors from around the Island and Lower Mainland together to find gems for their collections.

Danielle Baker and her baby on home porch in front of where abandoned building once stood.

Bylaw notes ‘lack of resources’ in securing abandoned properties

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● March 30, 2023

After concerns were raised by community members regarding a near miss, The Discourse explores what bylaw actions can be taken to secure abandoned residential properties.

A hand holds up a collection of ocean themed books. In the background are shelves of books. The ocean themed books include The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Kraken by Wendy Williams, Fathoms by Rebecca Giggs, How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler, and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt

Windowseat Books breaks the mold with a new kind of book club

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● March 16, 2023

At the new Read Wild Book Club, participants each choose their own book to read, rave and discuss.

Members of NANDU, a peer run drug consumption group, sit in chairs watching a nurse demonstrate how to administer Naloxone.

Fact checking claims about NANDU and peer-run safe consumption sites

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● March 2, 2023

The Discourse takes a look at some claims about NANDU and safe consumption sites with registered nurse Sarah Lovegrove.

A rear view of people with placards and posters on global strike for climate change.

Nanaimo Climate Pledge wants residents to know their actions can make an outsized difference

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● February 9, 2023

The new pilot project aims to motivate Nanaimo residents to take action to address the climate crisis while studying how communication translates to action.

In face of another projected deficit, Vancouver Island University imposes hiring freeze

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● February 2, 2023

An internal letter acquired by The Discourse tells Vancouver Island University staff “immediate action” is required to reduce spending.

Two people stand in front of a booth and hold up a poster

B.C. student unions fight for financially accessible education

By Lys Morton ● Vancouver Island ● January 26, 2023

At Vancouver Island University, the student union helps students manage their money while pushing for broader change to lessen the financial burden.

A black and white photo of a Haitian woman walks past a UN truck parked on the sidewalk and half blocking the street.

Local filmmaker brings Canada’s betrayal of Haiti to light

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● January 24, 2023

Nanaimo-based filmmaker Elaine Brière discusses her film Haiti Betrayed: How Canada Destroyed a Democracy and why film gives voice to human rights.

Lys Morton

From local comedy to international dramas, Vancouver Island Short Film Festival has it all

For many students, B.C. housing crisis threatens access to education

Bylaw notes ‘lack of resources’ in securing abandoned properties

Windowseat Books breaks the mold with a new kind of book club

Fact checking claims about NANDU and peer-run safe consumption sites

Nanaimo Climate Pledge wants residents to know their actions can make an outsized difference

In face of another projected deficit, Vancouver Island University imposes hiring freeze

B.C. student unions fight for financially accessible education

Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society name change to Ballenas ‘in discussion’ for years,’ says CEO

10 ways to better support tenants with vulnerabilities due to income, age or disabilities

‘I want it to stop’: Tenants and advocates allege bullying by non-profit housing provider

Q and A: What are vulnerable tenants rights in non-profit housing?

Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?

Seniors left in distress — or dead — for days in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society units

Lys Morton

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