Dr. Francis Zwiers (earth and ocean sciences) and his work on climate change were featured in a full-page article in the Discovery section of the National Post. Zwiers’s use of an advanced simulator to study the potential effects of global warming supports the theory that the global temperature is rising more rapidly than at any other time in history. “The physics is very clear,” says Zwiers. “You put more greenhouse gases into the air and it will warm up. The debate is about how much.”

Mary Kerr (theatre), costume designer for the Phoenix theatre, was featured in a full-page feature article in the Times Colonist. Kerr’s life as a respected teacher and one of Canada’s best known theatrical designers is explored in detail by writer Diane Dakers who likens Kerr to Alice in Wonderland. “Alice in Wonderland is a great analogy for me,” says Kerr. “People cross your path, you open a door, you slide down a hole, and you meet interesting people. It’s a wonderful life.”

In a Times Colonist article Summer McFadyen, chairperson of the UVic Students’ Society, reacted to a national public poll that says 76 per cent of respondents believe the government should increase funding to post-secondary education. “If the Liberal government is smart and paying attention to what Canadians care about then they’ll fund education,” says McFayden. “Canada is wealthier than it has ever been. There’s a huge surplus. There’s no reason the government shouldn’t be investing in social programs.”