Miracle 581- Oct 7, 2022

City of Surrey & Vancouver Mayoral Candidates Race

If an election were to be held today, the Conservative Party would win more seats than the Liberals, the latest seat projections from Nanos Research show.

In the last two federal elections,

Nanos projections show Poilievre’s Conservatives winning more seats than Trudeau’s Liberals

the Conservatives edged out the Liberals on the popular vote but failed to win the most seats, al lowing Justin Trudeau to form consecutive minority govern ments. “You know, in the past, the Conservatives have led but

Candidates

haven’t been efficient at convert ing into seats. But now in the lat est Nanos seat projections that we have, we actually have the Conservatives winning more seats than the Liberals, which means there would be a chance

of not just a Liberal defeat, but of the Conservatives having a chance to form a government,” said Nanos Research’s Nik Nanos on the latest episode of Trend

Armed forces to stay out of politics, says Gen Bajwa

WASHINGTON: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as sured the nation on Tuesday that the armed forces have distanced themselves from politics and want to remain so.The army chief also re iterated his pledge to leave after the completion of his second three-year term in two months, saying that he would do as he promised earlier. He made these remarks at a lunch at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington. According to the people who at tended, Gen Bajwa addressed the gathering before the lunch and then

also made informal remarks while talking to his guests. He reminded the nation that reviving the coun try’s ailing economy should be the

Jinny Sims, Surrey Forward

Kennedy Stewart Forward Together, Fred Harding NPA’S

Colleen Hardwick TEAM

Mark Marissen Progress Vancouver Ken Sim ABC Vancouver Gordie Hogg, Surrey First Doug McCallum, Safe Surrey Coalition Brenda Locke, Surrey Connect

Sukh Dhaliwal, United Surrey

Bilal Cheema Surrey First

Zubeen Sahib United Surrey

Adil Awan Independent, Richmond

Rahim

GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES

FOR COUNCIL VOTE

AGUIRRE, Philip

Philip’s education and experience in business make him an asset to be the voice for local businesses.

FOR MAYOR

SIMS, Jinny

Jinny’s involvement in politics has been a lifelong venture fueled by her passion for education and her desire to advocate for working people.

She began her political path as BC Teachers’ Federation president in 2004. She was elected as the MP for Newton-North Delta in 2011 and then the MLA representing Surrey-Panorama in 2017 and 2020. Jinny has proven she is the experienced leader that will move Surrey forward.

SAFETY CHARTER

It’s been four years, and nothing has been done nothing to protect you and your family.

Jinny Sims and Surrey Forward will:

• Improve the protection of your home by adding a new fire hall in the downtown core.

• Stop spending on the misguided effort to change policing from the RCMP to a Surrey Police Service. Instead, we will work together to create the best police service for Surrey at the lowest possible cost and create a citizen safety plan.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Everyone in Surrey deserves a safe and affordable home. We need to hold the line on housing costs.

Jinny Sims and Surrey Forward will:

• Double the number of affordable housing permits issued

• Provide a secondary suites amnesty period to ensure housing is safe for all those who are renting in our community.

BETTER TRANSIT

We need to make Transit more usable so Surrey can reduce time and money spent on gas, parking, and cars.

Jinny Sims and Surrey Forward will:

• Ensure that the SkyTrain grows to include Newton through to South Surrey.

• Extend operating hours and Increase the frequency of buses to one every ten minutes.

He’s a Certified Professional Accountant with a UVIC Bachelor of Commerce degree. Currently the Executive Director of the Newton BIA, and since 2007 owned and operated the Old Surrey Restaurant, an integral part of the Newton community for 48 years.

BANDONG, Ramon

Ramon wants to use his financial background to improve housing affordability.

As a first-generation Filipino-Canadian advocate for interracial harmony, inclusion, and diversity. Learning from his parents, who sold their successful business and faced struggles as a new immigrant, all to move their family to Canada.

LIU, June

June has a life-long interest in politics and community activism.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SFU and enjoys volunteering in her community. She started her career by working at the City of Surrey as a youth outreach worker and program facilitator.

MALHI, Paramjit S

Paramjit’s career and pursuits have all been driven by a mission to stand up for his community.

He’s been a lawyer since 2015, focusing on Family Law, Child Protection, Criminal Law, Civil, and Traffic matters. In his spare time, he volunteers on the Fraser Health Crisis phone lines to support those in a mental health crisis.

MANDER, Arsh

Arsh wants to use his engineering knowledge to build safe communities for Surrey families.

Moving to Canada in 2008 with his family, he completed his engineering degrees at BCIT and UBC. Then, started his career at BC Hydro, working in distribution design.

PIDCOCK, Theresa

Theresa wants to create a community where families can feel safe, loved, and valued.

After 15 years in finance, Theresa wanted to have more impact. So, she became an education assistant working with at-risk children and those with diverse and complex needs. Working her way up to become the First Vice President of CUPE 728 and also sits on the CUPE BC Women’s Committee, NWDLC, and CUPE Metro.

TOOR, Dr. Jody

Jody wants to align efforts of all people, organizations and sectors to create a healthy community.

She’s been a proud resident of Surrey for most of her life with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Jody is a board-certified Integrative Medicine Doctor with a PhD focused on women’s and mental health.

Authorized by Tobi Abisoye, financial agent

2022 BC’s Civic election at full swing

the Democracy is a type of government, which is called the elected government of the people. And its beauty is that national, provincial, and local government elec tions are held at the appointed time. And the people should elect the candidates of their choice and give the running of the country in their hands.

There are developed countries like North America and European coun tries where elections are announced after the completion of the fixed term in a very systematic manner. Standing in line in a perfectly disciplined man ner, the people exercise their fran chise and are content to vote for their favorite candidate. And in a few hours, the name of the selected candidates is announced.

In Canada, all working people get three or four hours off from their work to vote.

Apart from this, the facility of advance polling IN Surrey, on Oct 5,8,9,& 12 from 8am to 8pm and voting by post is also available. Thus, the federal and provincial governments fulfill the duty of providing all opportunities to the people to express their opinion.

Now the civic election in BC, its momentum is visible in every city in British Columbia.

And a long list of candidates is also visible in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and Surrey...

Surrey has eight mayoral candidates and 82 councilors and school trustee candidates.

Similarly, many candidates are stand ing for municipal elections in other cities as well.

Thank Allah (swt), two or three Mus lim candidates were elected in the last civic elections in BC. Some of them are in the field again. More than 12 Muslim candidates are in the Mayoral ,Councilors and School Trustees race.

In Councilors list, Mr. Bilal Cheema a Surrey resident is a candidate from “Surrey Team First” Mrs. Zubeen Sahib from “United Surrey” in Surrey, Mr. Adil Awan and Mr. Mohamud Ali Farah as an independent candidates, and Mr. Rahim Othman for councilor from Richmond Community Coalition in Richmond Mr. Imtiaz Poppet and Adel Gamar are mayoral candidates from City of Vancouver and Coquitlam. Mr. Ghlam Firdos ,and Mr. Mo Darwish from Burnaby/Tri Cities, Mr. Ali Toot ian from Maple Ridge, Ms. Nasimah Nastoh, Mr. Matiul Alam for Surrey and Team Vancouver School Boards Trustees, Ms. Honieh Barzegari for City Council, Vancouver.

They are introducing themselves by going to mosques, gurdwaras and in big events. Every candidate is trying to do work hard. Now as a commu nity it is our duty to do whatever we can physically and financially for these candidates.

The financial problem is one of the bigger issues of each candidate and we have to support not even finan cially and do at least volunteer work with all candidates in door knocking, in campaign offices.

By the time you are reading this, there will be only 7 days left in the election. Even in this short time you can do a lot. Choosing a good candidate is very a important not only for the present but also for the future. push your a family ,family friends and circle of friends as well as in other communities. And explain the importance of their duty and necessity.

Thus, there is a close contest between five members for the mayoral elections in Surrey.

It also seems possible that no sin gle slate can achieve significant success, as everyone’s favorite shows up in Surrey.

It also looks like the mayoral candidate can’t cross around 40,000 Votes and the competition will be very tough. As compared to Burnaby, Richmond and Vancouver turnout, City of Surrey will be tuff battle ground, now see what will happen on October 15, 2022.

Despite that, we all have to do our duty and do not neglect or beat any one. Because the problems of our city are increasing, and we all must look at it seriously. Issues like increasing violence in cities, gun violence, polic ing, LTR with Translink and need to in crease buses, property tax need to be solved as soon as possible.

The growing population in Surrey City has created difficult problems such as shortage of housing, lack of medical facilities, shortage of staff in hospitals, long waiting times in emer gency and lack of patient care, which require qualified candidates who understand them. I don’t even know how to solve it.

Apart from this, there is also a need for city infrastructure, tourist attractions and a large expo center.

Mayors, Councilors, and School trus tees play a key role in solving the problems of cities and selecting good candidates is the most important is of your time.

At the end Miracle Media having a very good wishes for their success in 2022 Civic election of BC,. With one more request to all voters please come out for vote by your choice to select any 8 candidates for City Councilors and almost 6 School Trustees in major cities and please don’t think any difference between any Muslim candidate’s color, culture language and back home. What do you think?

Laysa Lil Insana illa ma’ sa’aa

That man can have nothing but what he strives for.

13 Metro Vancouver mayors running again in the 2022 civic election

ed in 2018, there was a turnover of 13 mayors within major municipalities.

Elections BC stipulates candidates seeking to have their names added to the ballot must sub mit their necessary filings between August 30 and September 9. The civic election in each ju risdiction is scheduled for Saturday, October 15.

The incumbents of major cities

by Jim Cessford’s 10,535 votes.

Langley City Mayor Val van den Broek: Val van den Broek, who has a background in law enforcement, is running again for a second term. She won in 2018 with 2,447 votes versus Peter Fassbender’s 2,240 votes.

With

the 2022 civic election day across British Columbia now just under one week away, the vast majority of the candidates vying for a local government seat have already made their intentions public.

Within Metro Vancouver, 13 mayors of 17 of the region’s largest municipal governments have confirmed their incumbency. At least four may ors will not be running again. Conversely, in the lead-up to the 2018 civic elec tion, nearly just as many mayors, nine of them, decided not to court voters’ favour any longer, and move on. After all the ballots were count

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley: Mike Hurley is seeking a second term in office, after ousting longtime mayor Derek Corrigan in 2018. He won 26,260 votes four years ago, against Cor rigan’s 20,333 votes. Hurley was previously the assistant fire chief of Burnaby. Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart: Richard Stewart is seeking a fifth term. In 2018, he won with 16,462 votes versus Adel Gamar’s 6,373 votes. Stewart was the BC Liberals’ MLA for the riding of Coquitlam-Maillardville from 2001 to 2005, and a city councillor from 2005 to 2008. He has been Coquitlam’s mayor since 2008.

Delta Mayor George Harvie: The former chief administrative officer of the City of Delta is seeking a second term as mayor.

In 2018, Harvie led with 12,325 votes, followed

Maple Ridge Mayor Mike Morden: Mike Morden is seeking a second term as may or. He was previously a city councillor for two terms. In 2018, he won with 11,287 votes — well over Ernie Daykin’s 4,481 votes. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West: If re-elected, this will be Brad West’s second term as mayor. He overwhelm ingly secured his mayoral seat in 2018 at the age of 33, with 86% of the votes (10,236). West was previously a city councillor for three terms from 2008 to 2018, winning his first election at age 23.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie: Malcolm Brodie has led the City of Richmond for two decades, after winning his first mayoral election in 2002. Prior to becoming mayor, he was a two-term city councillor. Brodie won the 2018 race with 30,452 votes, far ahead of the 7,942 votes of Roy Sakata.

Source: dailyhive.com/vancouver

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Follow Canada’s lead on vaccine rule, Maine businesses tell U.s.

‘It would just be fair’ for restrictions to be re moved on both sides, says one business advocate American travellers can freely cross Canada’s border without having to make sure they’re carrying proof of vaccination — but Cana dians entering the United States do not yet have the same experience.

Canada dropped all COVID-19 related travel restrictions — including proof of vac cination — on Oct. 1. However, an Oct. 4 update published by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada was a reminder for eign travellers must still be fully vaccinated to fly, ferry or drive into the country.

According to a fact sheet from the U.S. De partment of Homeland Security, those with out U.S. citizenship crossing a border will still be asked to verbally confirm they are ful

ly vaccinated and may have to provide proof they received a jab approved by the Centers for Disease Control. Some businesses near the border in Maine say they are hoping the U.S. government will follow Canada and re move all travel restrictions for those enter ing the country, particularly from nearby communities in New Brunswick. “It would just be fair, right?” said Alf Anderson, execu tive director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. “One side treating the other the same way. I think [that] would be terrific.”

When reached for comment, the U.S. De partment of Homeland Security directed CBC’s questions about restrictions to the CDC, which did not respond prior to publi cation...Source: ctvnews.ca

oPeC+ to cut oil production by 2 million barrels a day next month

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Su preme Court said on Wednesday that for mer prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan should have approached the parliament regarding his reservations against recent amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance instead of bringing the matter to the apex court.

Justice Shah is a part of the three-member Supreme Court bench — also comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan — that took up Im ran’s plea, which claims the new NAB laws are and “violation of fundamental rights”.

During the hearing today, Justice Shah said that the public had trusted Imran by electing him a member of the National As

sembly. “Why did he leave the assembly without the wish of the people of his con stituency?” he inquired, adding that the PTI chief could have raised his objections against the NAB ordinance in the parlia ment as well.

The hearing

At the outset of the hearing today, Imran’s lawyer Khwaja Haris presented his argu ments before the bench, claiming that the new amendments had rendered the ac countability law “ineffective”. “In the past, the Supreme Court had declared corrup tion cancer for the country,” he recalled.

“Public officeholders were never given exemption in any accountability laws that were made.

Source: Dawn.com

Govt to call out army in case of march on capital

Move by alliance will boost sagging crude prices

The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting coun tries on Wednesday decided to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices, a move that could deal the struggling global economy another blow and raise politically sensitive pump prices for U.S. drivers just

ahead of key national elections. Energy ministers meeting at the Vienna headquarters of the OPEC oil cartel cut production by two million barrels per day starting in November at their first face-to-face meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pan demic. Besides a token trim in oil production last month, the major cut is an abrupt turna round from months of restor ing deep cuts made during the depths of the pandemic and could help al liance member Russia weather a looming European ban on oil imports.

In a statement, OPEC+ said the decision was based on the “uncertainty that sur rounds the global economic and oil market outlooks.”

Source: cbc.ca/news

ISLAMABAD: Just a day after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice Presi dent Fawad Chaudhry claimed all the ar rangements for his party’s long march to the federal capital were in their final stages, the government decided to call out army and deploy troops in Islamabad if PTI chief Imran Khan gave a call for the march. The decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting, chaired by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, held to evolve a strategy to tackle the muchtrumpeted march by the PTI.

Ottawa has been pressing the Taliban for months on women’s rights, fighting terrorism

Canadian government officials have met with representatives of the Taliban on at least 13 occasions in Qatar since it swept to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, documents ob tained by CBC News reveal.

The documents, obtained through access to information law, show David Sproule, Cana da’s senior official for Afghanistan, has been — along with various Global Affairs Canada (GAC) officials and representatives of allied

countries — pressing the Taliban for commit ments on extending the right to an education to women, fighting terrorism and granting safe passage to Afghans who want to leave the country. Unlike foreign affairs departments in the U.S. and Pakistan, Canada does not provide regular updates on its talks with the government in Afghanistan.Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly declined an interview request for this story, but Prime Minister Jus tin Trudeau told journalists Wednesday morn ing that Canada has no intention of recogniz ing the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government.

“The reality is, along with international part ners, we have to continue to press on them to respect womens’ rights, to make sure the girls can go to school, to help the safe passage of people who want to leave Afghanistan. There is a need to engage even though we will not be recognizing them,” he said.

In a statement, GAC spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod emphasized how Sproule has been engaging the Taliban informally, with allied countries, and all would continue to press them on human-rights related issues, fighting terror and other “key priorities.”

Source: cbc.ca/news

Official sources told Dawn that Pakistan Army would be deployed in the capital city’s Red Zone to stop the entry of protestors in the high security area. The meeting decided that the security of all important buildings and the Diplomatic Enclave located in the Red Zone would be handed over to the Pa kistan Army during the protest march. The army troops would be called out in aid of civil administration under Article 245 of

the Constitution, which says that “armed forces shall, under the directions of the fed eral government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.” PTI Chairman Imran Khan had recently told a gathering in Taxila that his long march would give this time a ‘surprise’ to the government, which was clueless about his plan. He said the march on Islamabad was aimed at pressing the author ities to hold early elections. While he has yet to give a final date of the protest, he has repeatedly said the government would find itself unable to control the ‘sea of people’ if and when they reach Islamabad on his call. At the meeting, it was decided that Sindh police and personnel of paramilitary forces, including Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC), would be requisitioned to assist the capital police force during the protest...Source: ctvnews.ca

armed forces to stay out of politics, says Gen Bajwa

first priority of all segments of so ciety, adding that without a strong economy the nation would not be able to achieve its targets.

“There could be no diplomacy either

To be Continued from Page 1 without a strong economy,” said the army chief in his address to an audience which included a large number of Pakistani dip lomats.After the lunch, Gen Bajwa went to the Pentagon for a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

According to the ISPR, Gen Bajwa called on retired General Lloyd James Austin III, Sec retary of Defence; Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan, National Security Adviser; and Wendy Ruth Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State.During the meetings, matters of mutual of interest, regional security situation and bilateral co operation in various fields were discussed.

The army chief thanked the US officials for their support and reiterated that assistance from “our global partners shall be vital for rescue/rehabilitation of the flood victims in Pakistan”.S

imran should have raised concerns against NaB amendments in parliament instead of sC, observes Justice shah

Canadian officials have met with Taliban more than a dozen times since kabul fell: documents

United Surrey Condemns McCallum City Council Meeting of Insider Politics

trying to rubber stamp 48 development ap plications a mere 12 days before the election.

The longstanding tradition of cancelling all City Council meetings within the election writ period is being followed by every mu nicipality in BC with the exception of Sur rey, according to Dhaliwal.

Dhaliwal

commits to review all develop ment approvals rubber stamped at to night’s meeting

Surrey, BC – United Surrey Mayoral can didate Sukh Dhaliwal is calling out Mayor Doug McCallum’s latest example of cloakand-dagger politics with tonight’s baf fling City Council meeting. By once again choosing insider quid pro quo politics over accountability, ethics and impartiality by

“Doug McCallum is now taking care of his friends and political backers in the open with the scheduling of this meeting,” says Dhaliwal. “With the prospect of re-election now nearly impossible, McCallum is disal lowing speakers and offering one last mass approval of developer projects for his insid ers that have dominated City Hall for the past four years.”

A review of the proposed meeting agen da - (https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/ files/media/documents/AGN_RCLU_Cur

rent_2.pdf) – shows a mix of development applications, zoning re-classifications and bylaw amendments all devoted to clearing the way for a range of development propos als. Further, the City of Surrey is mysteri ously claiming to have received “No Public Hearing Correspondence (received up until noon on September 29, 2022),” seemingly indicating that not one resident or interested party has signed up to speak. In the midst of an election campaign where such a meeting is entirely inappropriate, this is a claim that cannot be backed up by the facts. On the contrary, United Surrey has been contacted by several parties who did sign up to speak on several of these applications, only to be left off the agenda when published on the City of Surrey website.

If elected as Mayor with a majority caucus

on City Council, Sukh Dhaliwal is commit ting to a detailed audit of all approvals made at tonight’s City Council meeting.

“The United Surrey Ethics and Accountabil ity Governance Plan has already committed to a forensic audit of all development ap provals (https://unitesurrey.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2022/09/2-1.jpeg) exactly because of this kind of behaviour,” explains Dhali wal. “As Mayor, I will immediately review all development-related decisions made at tonight’s meeting because they deserve the light of comprehensive public scrutiny.”

With deep skepticism about the current Mayor’s concern with transparency and maintaining the public trust, United Surrey is imploring McCallum and his fellow in cumbent electoral candidates to reconsider tonight’s meeting.

Surrey Forward Commits to Safety Charter Police and Fire Services to be Improved to Protect Residents and Businesses

Surrey, BC When elected, Jinny Sims are her Surrey Forward team will act im mediately to stop spending money on the misguided effort to change policing from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service.

Instead, money will be invested in crime and fire protection.Surrey Forward will demand a community safety plan from the integrated police service that will reduce violent crime, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of petty crime and eliminate gang activity.

In addition, Surrey Forward will invest in a new fire hall, add much-needed safety equipment to protect residents of high rises

from fires and medical situations and dra matically increase the number of firefighters.

“For too long, the conversation about safety in Surrey has been about the colour of the uniforms of the police service,” said Jinny Sims, Mayoral candidate for Surrey For ward. “Enough. We need to invest in actual community safety. The people of Surrey want criminals arrested. They want organ ized crime pushed out of Surrey. They want firefighters to be able to respond to any emergency.”

“The costly boondoggle that was started by Brenda Locke and Doug McCallum must

end now. Funds have been pulled from the City Corporation to pay for the millions and millions of dollars committed to this folly.”“Brenda Locke now wants to spend even more to undo her action. People have told me they want a Mayor who makes the right choice the first time, not a Mayor who tries to spend her way out of mistake after mistake.”

“By creating a safety charter, the residents of Surrey can rest easier knowing that the Surrey Forward team is committing to their personal safety. No more investing in a per sonal police service for Doug McCallum or

How do Surrey’s mayoral candidates compare on these election issues?

Housing

1. As an im mediate relief to renters, BC Housing should give subsidy to all the residents of BC, depend ing on their income. As the rents have in creased sub stantially in the last few years, BC Housing should also increase maximum rent limits for eligibility.

2. More city housing should be built.

3. Developers should be asked to build rental buildings, along with condominiums.

4. More co-op housing projects should be created. Health care

1.Government will be asked to increase the number of doctors at the Surrey Memorial Hospital, as well as family doctors.

2. Ask the government for more specialists

and medical equipment.

3. Will make efforts to get new hospital ready in a reasonable time.

Development

1. Development of high-rises, low-rises, and office towers will continue. But the city should make sure that roads are widened to accommodate increased traffic.

2. City should also make sure that the area schools have sufficient capacity to absorb new students, otherwise more classrooms should be built.

3. City should also make sure that there’s a park nearby so that kids can play.

Public Safety

1.The Police officers will be told to remem ber that the role of Police is to “Serve and Protect”.

2. Lots of patrolling in sensitive areas.

3. Fast response-time to calls.

4. The monthly stats would be made public.

5. Police Officers would receive the best training, uniforms, and equipment.

6. No racism will be tolerated.

Governance

1. Senior staff would be hired by publicly ad vertising the positions

2. A maximum of 3 months would be needed to approve single houses, and up to 6 months would be taken to approve high-rise and lowrise buildings. Repairs and reconstruction permits would be issued within a month.

3. Reports of approved projects would be made public immediately.

4. In order to save money, some projects would be handled internally instead of out-sourcing.

5. Would try to maximize advertising revenue.

Child-care spaces

1. Will encourage more entrepreneurs to open day care centers

2. Subsidized the training of ECE students

3. Provide grants and loans to entrepreneurs Post-Secondary spaces

1. Will build a new 20,000 student commu nity college

2. Will increase the student spaces at KPU and SFU

3. UBC campus will be built as soon as possible Community facilities 1.Recreation facilities would be subsidized for all citizens depending on their income.

2. All 60+ seniors would get free pass to all

community centers.

3. New community centers would be built as the area would demand. Arenas, pools, bas ketball courts, soccer fields would be created where ever needed.

4. All downtown city areas would be cleaned regularly.

5. More libraries would be built Transit

1. Would ask TransLink to complete SurreyLangley Skytrain extension in 4 years.

2. Ask Provincial government to build Skytrain extensions from King George sta tion to White Rock, and Scott Road station to Newton Exchange.

3. Ask TransLink to immediately start direct bus service from Surrey city center to UBC, SFU, Airport, Abbotsford, and Maple ridge, and to White Rock via 152 Street

4. Ask TransLink to increase bus service on 319, 320, 323, 324, 325, and R1 routes

5. Start night bus service on routes like R1, 323, 502, 319

6. Extend the service hours on some routes to midnight.

Surrey Libraries Offers Read to Baby kits for Parents of Newborns in Surrey

Throughout October, Surrey parents who have welcomed a baby to their families this year are invited to come to any Sur rey Libraries branch, sign up their baby (or themselves and other family members) for a library card, and to pick up a Read to Baby kit. Inside each kit is a keepsake baby book

information on free literacy programs

services

to Baby kits

at Surrey Libraries.

per family,

By: Seline Kutan | Director,

Brenda Locke. Surrey Forward will invest in you.” Sent by: Stephen Carter Surrey Forward

Bangladesh faces power blackout after national grid fails

power would be fully restored.

Officials of the state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board said power transmission failed somewhere in the eastern part of the country. All power plants tripped and elec tricity was cut in the capital Dhaka and other big cities, said Hasan.

Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian, wound two journalists

A Palestinian man has been shot dead and at least two others have been injured by Israeli forces in the town of Deir al-Hatab, east of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, the Pal estinian health ministry said.

The malfunctioning of Bangladesh’s power grid led to blackouts across 75-80 percent of the country. Large swaths of Bangladesh have been left without electricity after a grid fail ure, a government official said, adding that authorities were working to gradually restore the power supply in the country of 168 mil lion people. Bangladesh’s power grid malfunc tioned at around 2pm (08:00 GMT) on Tues day, leading to blackouts across 75-80 percent of the country, Bangladesh Power Develop ment Board official Shameem Hasan told the Reuters news agency. An investigation was under way to ascertain the reason for the grid’s collapse and power had been restored in 45 percent of the regions hit by the blackouts, he said. By nightfall, it was still not clear when

Bangladesh’s recent impressive economic growth has been threatened by power short ages since the government suspended opera tions of all diesel-run power plants to reduce the cost of imports as prices have soared.

The diesel-run power plants produced about 6 percent of Bangladesh’s power generation, so their shutdowns cut output by up to 1,500 megawatts. Earlier this month, Faruque Has san, president of Bangladesh Garment Manu facturers and Exporters Association, said that the situation is so serious that garment fac tories are without power now for four to 10 hours a day. Bangladesh is the world’s secondlargest garment exporter after China, and it earns more than 80 percent of its total foreign currency from these exports each year. .Source: aljazeera.com

Alaa Zaghal, 21, “died of a bullet wound to the head fired by the occupation [Israeli] army,” a statement on Wednesday read.

At least six other Palestinians, including two journalists, were wounded by Israeli fire, medics at the scene said.

The Israeli army confirmed it was conduct ing a military operation in the village of Deir al-Hatab. Local residents said the army had surrounded a house inside the village, kill ing Zaghal and shooting at a local media crew that was covering the incident.

Two journalists from Palestine TV were shot by Israeli soldiers, one in the hand and another in the shoulder, pictures released by the television station showed. Mahmoud Fawzy and Loai Samhan were seen bleed ing and being taken away by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The violence was the latest to hit the north of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, an area that has seen near-daily raids, many of them deadly, by Israeli troops since

March. Nablus has increasingly become a target for Israeli operations following the emergence of a new armed faction, a loose coalition of Palestinian fighters called the Lions’ Den. The arrest of one of the group’s members by Palestinian Authority security forces last month sparked clashes in the city between security forces and local gunmen, killing one. The Israeli military said soldiers went into the camp to apprehend an indi vidual suspected of “terror activity”. During Monday’s operation, “two suspects attempted to carry out a ramming attack against IDF soldiers. The soldiers responded with fire and neutralised the two suspects”, said the Israeli military.

Prince Mohammed’s lawyers argue PM title ensures legal immunity In kashmir, India’s home minister says no to talks with Pakistan

as deputy prime minister and defence min ister, was named prime minister by royal decree last week, sparking concern from human rights activists and government crit ics that he was looking to skirt exposure in cases filed in foreign courts.

RIYADH: Lawyers for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have argued that his appointment as prime minister quali fies him for immunity from lawsuits in US courts, including one related to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Prince Mohammed, who previously served

His lawyers had previously argued that he “sits at the apex of Saudi Arabia’s govern ment” and thus qualifies for the kind of im munity US courts afford foreign heads of state and other high-ranking officials.

Last week’s royal decree “leaves no doubt that the Crown Prince is entitled to statusbased immunity”, his lawyers said in a fil ing on Monday in a case brought in 2020 by Khashoggi’s fiancee, Hatice Cengiz.

Source: Dawn.com

The world is unlikely to meet a longstand ing goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030, the World Bank has said, citing the effects of “extraordinary” shocks to the global econ omy, including the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In a new report re leased on Wednesday, the World Bank said higher food and energy prices had hindered a quick recovery after COVID-19 dealt the “biggest setback” to global poverty in dec ades. It added it expected the pace of pov erty reduction to further stall this year as global growth prospects fade following Rus sia’s invasion of Ukraine, an economic slow down in China and rising inflation. “Given current trends, 574 million people – nearly 7

percent of the world’s population – will still be living on less than $2.15 a day in 2030, with most in Africa,” the Poverty and Shared Prosperity report said. In a statement, World Bank President David Malpass called for major policy changes to boost growth and help jumpstart efforts to eradicate poverty.

Source: aljazeera.com

Russia-Ukraine live blog: Putin amends partial mobilisation order

• Russian President Vladimir Putin amends the partial mobilisation order to defer student conscription, following a wave of criticism.

• The Russian leader earlier signed a law to formally annex four Ukrainian re gions, a move dismissed by Ukraine and the international community.

• Ukraine and Russia spar over control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, where the electricity supply is “fragile”, ac cording to the IAEA.

Zelenskyy says three villages in Kherson region recaptured from Russia

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says three villages in the country’s south ern Kherson region had been recaptured from Russian troops.“Novovoskresenske, Novogrygorivka and Petropavlivka… were liberated in the last 24 hours,” he said in a video posted on social media, adding that the counter-offensive “continues”.

Source: aljazeera.com

India’s Home Minister ruled out talks with Pakistan and says he is ready for dialogue with Kashmiris during his trip to the region Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – In dia’s Home Minister Amit Shah has rejected the possibility of dialogue with arch foe Paki stan over Kashmir during his second visit to the Indian-administered part of the disput ed region since its autonomy was scrapped three years ago. “Some people tell us to talk to Pakistan,” he said while addressing sup porters at a rally in the Baramulla district on Wednesday. “Why should we talk to Paki stan? We will not talk.” Shah said he wanted to speak to Kashmiris instead. India has re fused to hold talks with Pakistan, whom it accuses of supporting groups fighting to take the Muslim-majority Himalayan region out of India. Both India and Pakistan claim all of Kashmir but govern only parts of it. In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed an article in the Indian constitution

Source: aljazeera.com

that gave limited autonomy to Kashmir and divided the region into two centrally admin istered territories – Kashmir and Ladakh. Shah, a close aide of Modi, hailed the deci sion and said the constitutional provision was a “hindrance in the development of the region”. “You people come to mainstream and choose development to go forward,” said Shah, who arrived on a three-day visit to Kashmir on Monday. “We want Kashmir to become a paradise of India.” The home minister reiterated his government’s aim to “wipe out terrorism from Kashmir”. The government had invoked terrorism to scrap the region’s special status.The senior leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised job quotas for the Pahari people, which would be the first quotas awarded on the basis of language. The Pahari are a tribal community of both Muslims and Hindus who speak the Pahari language, which is distinct from Kashmiri. Political observers see his quota decision as part of a campaign by Modi’s BJP to woo Pahari voters. “Before the abrogation of Article 370, the Gujjar and Bakerwal [tribal communities] and Pahari did not get benefits,” Shah said in Rajouri in the Jammu region. “Modi removed Article 370. Now you will get a reservation [quota].”

Source: aljazeera.com

Iran organises more counterdemonstrations as protests continue

Tehran, Iran – Another round of counterdemonstrations have been organised in support of the Iranian state as protests that formed after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody on September 16 approach the end of their third week. Pro-government demonstrations in north ern Tehran began in the early afternoon on Wednesday and are expected to last several hours. Like the two previous rounds, they were announced via state media and mass text messages, and were expected to con demn “recent riots and the crimes of sedi tionists”. Wednesday marked the 19th day since the start of the protests, during which dozens have been killed and many arrested. The authorities have not released an official tally. Ali Salehi, the capital’s attorney general, announced Tuesday that 400 people arrested in “riots” in Tehran have been released so far

after committing never to repeat their acts. A senior lawmaker briefed by intelligence authorities said the same day that an un known number of “leaders of the riots” will remain imprisoned.

With the school year having started, videos of school children and teenagers taking their hijabs off and chanting slogans have been widely shared on social media.

Goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 out of reach, report says

Important Events of Makkah & Madina

The Makkan Period

cheerfully started giving shape to Islam’s first-ever mosque which would be known as Masjid-an-Nabi (Prophet’s Mosque).

The building was soon constructed of clay and tree trunks with palm leaves serving as a thatched roof. The Messenger of Allah himself took part in the construction and the following year he enlarged its precincts to cover an area of 2475 square meters.

the indigenous inhabitants of Madina, who believed in the Message of Islam and rallied to the help of the Prophet. They welcomed him to their city, and fought alongside him against the pagans of Arabia. It was their faith and selfless devotion which cemented Islamic unity and brought many a glorious victory for Islam.

The

Prophet’s entry into Madina ush ers in a new phase for the divine mes sage. Islam gaining fresh followers began to assert its strength and soon started to spread out over the four corners of the Arabian Peninsula.

In the previous chapters we have already noted that the Prophet was 53 years of age at the time of his auspicious migration. In Madina he spent the remaining 10 years of his life and it was here that other brilliant as pects of his immaculate personality became fully manifest. The divine call now entered a decisive stage and many important events took place in Madina, which eventually laid a firm foundation for the spread of Islam to the furthest reaches of the globe. Here we shall study some of the major landmarks in the life of Prophet Muhammad (S) and Is lam at Madina.

1. The Building of the First Mosque

The entry into Madina was followed by the building of the mosque, the first-ever for the Muslims who had just emerged from years of oppression in Makkah. It was one of the most important landmarks for Muslims who now had a centre of their own for open un inhibited gatherings, a school for learning the Qur’an and a headquarters for receiv ing necessary instructions from their leader. Gone were the days of secret underground meetings in Makkah, where the fear of per secution had always weighed heavily for the faithful. Yathrib which from now onwards was Madinat-an-Nabi (city of the Prophet) or Al-Madina al Munawara (illuminated city), provided a free open atmosphere for the growth of the true faith. Makkan immigrants mixed with the lo cal populace, the ‘Ansar’ (Helpers), and

All Muslims enthusiastically assembled there for the daily prayers, which were led by the Prophet himself. He used to deliver sermons there, teach the Qur’an and the laws of Islam to the faithful, discourse with his companions, prepare them for ‘Jihad’ (holy struggle) and would look into their problems and other relevant issues. Thus, the Mosque was actually the headquarters of the first-ever Islamic State established by the Messenger. It still stands majestically today, frequently enlarged and beautified throughout the last fourteen centuries. The tomb of Prophet Muhammad (S) is situated within its enclosure, and draws millions of Muslims from all over the world.

2. Fraternization

The second important step taken by the Prophet in Madina was the fraternizing of ‘Muhajireen’ (Makkan Immigrants) with the ‘Ansar’ (Madinite Helpers) in the bonds of Islamic brotherhood. He fraternised each Muhajir with an Ansar, joining them to gether as brothers in faith. And he himself clasped the hand of his beloved cousin Ali bin Abi Talib (a) as the supreme symbol of brotherhood, fraternity and solidarity in the Islamic society.

Before proceeding further let us say a few words about the Muhajireen and the An sar, who formed the pillars of the Islamic State. Allah, the Exalted describes them in the Qur’an as follows:“And as for the first and foremost of the Muhajireen (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers), and those who fol lowed suit in good deeds; Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him; and He has prepared for them gardens wa tered by running streams, therein dwelling forever; that is a supreme triumph.” (9:100)

The Muhajireen as the name suggests were the Muslim emigrants from Makkah who had followed the Prophet of Madina to safeguard their faith and to escape persecu tion from the infidels. They had embraced Islam in its early formative years and most of them had steadfastly endured severe pain and hardship in the way of liberty, truth and justice. On the other hand, the Ansar were

At the time of the H4ra most of the Mu hajireen were poor and possessed nothing, but the Ansar displaying the finest exam ple of Islamic brotherhood, provided them with their needs such as houses, money and food. They lodged them in their own hous es, shared their wealth with them and gave their daughters in marriage to the Makkan Muslims. Such were the Muhajireen and the Ansar - brothers sharing food, clothing and residence, and defending and helping each other as ordered by the Almighty. From them we learn patience, self-sacri fice, fraternity, piety and devoted zeal to spread the call of Islam to less fortunate people around the world.

3. The Islamic State

The other important event after the Hijra was the establishment of the Islamic State and Government by the Prophet, who by ap plying the gradual unfolding of divine com mandments, moulded the hitherto ignorant Arabs into a real Islamic society. Expound ing the eternal miracle of the Holy Qur’an and setting his own divinely inspired per sonality as a practical example, he firmly erected the pillars of justice and virtue. In short, Prophet Muhammad (S) presented to the dark world seething under tyranny and oppression, the most perfect ever constitu tion - spiritual, social and political and a key to their salvation both in this mortal life and the hereafter.

4. Jihad

The next stage was Jihad or holy struggle, a thing not known in Makkah. It was the natural consequence to the setting up of a state. Unbelievers, ever-intent to stamp out the divine call but seeing Islam finely knit unto a secure state, resorted to arms, and the Muslims had to follow suit to defend their faith, and according to Allah’s injunc tions went out to do battle with the aggres sors. The first ever battle between Islam and blasphemy occurred in the second year of the Hijra at a place called ‘Badr’ in which the new-found Islamic State, assembling a modest force of only 313 Muslims defeated a vastly outnumbering army of disbelievers. The victory led to many other battles and skirmishes with the Makkan infidels, who each time came out in larger numbers to avenge their previous setbacks, but by Al lah’s Grace suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the faithful. The victories brought strength and cour age to the Muslims and helped facilitate the spread of Islam and monotheism to the far thest reaches of polytheist Arabia.

5. End of Jewish Plots and Treacheries

Ever since the Prophet’s entry into Madina, the treacherous Jews had vehemently op posed him and his Islamic call, evoking memories of their hostility to the previous Prophet, Jesus Christ (a), half a millennium ago. The crafty Jews entered into an alli ance with the polytheist Quraish in a bid to stamp out Islam. They conspired to kill Prophet Muhammad (S) despite the fact that he was lenient towards them and had treated them kindly, hoping to convince them of Islam’s truth. But eventually as Jewish plots and aggressions increased, he

had no choice other than to take up arms against them, in order to protect Islam and the Muslims. At the battle of Khaiber which is famous for Imam Ali’s (a) heroic exploits, the Prophet defeated them ending Jewish intrigues and conspiracies in Arabia.

6. The Treaty of Hudaibiyah

Another important landmark in the Proph et’s life and progress of the Islamic call was the treaty of Hudaibiyah.

One night Prophet Muhammad (S) had a dream in which he saw that he and his companions were entering the precincts of the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah to perform the ‘Tawaf’ (circumambulation), but the infidel Arabs were trying to obstruct their entrance.

Following the dream, he decided to go to Makkah with some 1,500 Muslims to per form the pilgrimage. It was in the sixth year of the Hijra, and when the party arrived at a place called Hudaibiyah, the infidels con fronted them and blocked all routes to Mak kah. After some deliberations the infidels and the Prophet concluded a treaty, stipulat ing that the Muslim party would for the mo ment go back to Madina, but would return the next year for performing the pilgrimage. There were some other terms too.

As per the treaty the Messenger and his companions turned back to Madina, but the next year the Prophet along with a group of Muslims entered Makkah - 7 years after his historical migration - to perform the Um rah ritual (the lesser pilgrimage). Thus, his dream came true, and it was another undeni able proof of his Prophethood.

7. The Conquest of Makkah Next followed the great event in the history of Islam, that was the conquest of Makkah, the then bastion of ignorance and disbelief. With it, idolatry was purged from the great er part of Arabia once and for all, and Al lah’s Sacred House the Ka’aba was cleansed of the filth of man-made objects. The event took place during the month of Ramadhan, in the year 8 A.H. and Makkah was liberated without a fight. Almighty Allah instilled the hearts of the idolaters with such fear that when Abu Sufyan, the leader of the infidels, and his men, saw the Muslim forces they were struck with awe and meekly surren dered. Thus the Messenger and his compan ions entered Makkah triumphantly, smashed the idols, performed the Tawaf, and returned to Madina. The conquest of Makkah and the purging of idols from Holy Ka’aba proved a great victory for Islam. Following the event which is famous for Muhammad’s (S) magnanimity towards his archenemies, the Makkan pagans, who all accepted Islam, people started embracing the true faith in multitudes.

8. Monarchs, Heads of State and Tribal Chiefs Invited to Islam Allah bestowed victory upon His Prophet in his many battles, and the Muslims were now strong. Since the light of Islam had expelled ignorance from the greater part

Where did the tradition come from?

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day the second Monday of October.

Thanksgiving weekend. For many, this long weekend really kicks off the au tumn season. People across the coun try will spend it raking leaves, harvesting, shutting down the family cabin, and hope fully eating a delicious meal surrounded by friends and family. But where did this tradi tion come from?

In 1621, the pilgrims at Plymouth Planta tion, Massachusetts, held the first Thanks giving in North America, giving thanks for the end to a drought and a bountiful har vest. Without the help of the Wampanoag, who shared planting, hunting, and fishing knowledge and techniques, the pilgrims would have died. Some records say the first official Thanksgiving likely predates this event by around fourteen years.

But let’s try again — we’re thinking of our neighbours to the south.

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving in Canada,

The History of Thanksgiving in Canada

or at least the land that would become Can ada, has its own history, separate from our American counterparts.

Traditions of giving thanks long predate the arrival of European settlers in North America. First Nations across Turtle Island have traditions of thanksgiving for surviv ing winter and for receiving crops and game as a reward for their hard work. These tra ditions may include feasting, prayer, dance, potlatch, and other ceremonies, depending on the peoples giving thanks.

When it comes to European thanksgivings in Canada, we have a few tales to tell.

As the story goes, in 1578, English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew gave thanks and communion was observed, either on land at Frobisher Bay, in present day Nuna vut, or onboard a ship anchored there. The explorers dined on salt beef, biscuits, and mushy peas and gave thanks through Com munion for their safe arrival in then New foundland. This is now accepted as the first “Canadian” Thanksgiving, forty-three years before the first “American” Thanksgiving.

Forty-eight years later on November 14, 1606, inhabitants of New France under Samuel de Champlain held huge feasts of thanksgiving between local Mi’kmaq and the French. Though not known at the time by the settlers, cranberries, rich in vitamin C, are credited with helping avoid scurvy. The neighbouring Mi’kmaq likely intro duced the French to cranberries, or as they

called them, petites pommes rouges (little red apples).

Champlain’s feasts were more than an an nual affair. To prevent the scurvy epidemic that had decimated the settlement at Île Sainte-Croix in past winters, the Ordre de Bon Temps (Order of Good Cheer) was founded, offering festive meals every few weeks. Medical treatises recommended bet ter nutrition (more food) and entertainment to combat scurvy. However, despite this history of uniquely Canadian thanksgivings, our modern con cepts of Thanksgiving were influenced by our American neighbours. Foods that are associated with a “traditional” Thanksgiv ing, such as North American turkey, squash, and pumpkin, were introduced to citizens of Halifax in the 1750s by the United Empire Loyalists, who continued to spread this “tra ditional” fare to other parts of the country.

Today Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday of October every year, or at least it has been since Canadian Parliament declared it so on January 31, 1957. Before this, Thanksgiving in Canada had been held sporadically, often coinciding with other major events and anniversaries.

In 1879, Thanksgiving was officially de clared a national holiday to be held on No vember 6th. The most recent date change to the second Monday in October was largely a result of the first and second world wars, which we officially remember each year on

National day for Truth and Reconciliation

tion to honour survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public com memoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

regulated employees, may already recog nize the federal holiday as a paid day.

Private sector employers with provisions on statutory days may also want to observe the day as they did last year, while consultations continue on the best way to observe the day moving forward.

November 11, Remembrance Day. This was so that the two holidays would not fall on the same weekend.

As Thanksgiving in Canada has historically been celebrated on several different dates, it is fitting that, even though it is observed on Monday, families are equally as likely to cel ebrate on Saturday or Sunday.

Most Canadians embraced the change of date to October, since that period better co incides with the actual completion of har vest in much of the country.

Parliament officially declares Thanksgiving as “a day of general thanksgiving to almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.” While this man date for Thanksgiving may not be observed by all Canadians in its entirety, the ideas of being thankful, of spending time with fam ily, and sharing a delicious meal still remain.

Source: canadashistory.ca

Miracle’s Note: If we enjoy every Statutory Holiday then we should know about that.

Anational day to commemorate the history and legacy of the residen tial school system honours the resil ience, dignity and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors and remembers the children who never came home. It’s a chance to engage and educate people about B.C.’s colonial history and how it has im pacted Indigenous communities.

History of National Truth and Reconciliation Day

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad. Orange Shirt Day grew out of her own experiences and the experiences of oth er residential school survivors who attended St. Joseph’s Mission near Williams Lake. It’s a day to honour the healing journeys of residential school survivors and their fami lies and a time to engage in meaningful dis cussions about the history and legacy of the residential school system.

Orange Shirt Day has become an important opportunity to open up dialogue on anti-rac ism and anti-bullying. This day is meant to also encourage deeper reflection, learning and public dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to name September 30 as a federal statutory day. It is observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This directly responds to the Truth and Rec onciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80. Action #80 calls upon the federal gov ernment, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, “to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconcilia

Currently, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday. It only applies to federally regulated workplaces, which in cludes organizations such as banks, airlines and the post office.

Update on consultations in B.C. In spring 2022, Government consulted with B.C. residential school survivors, In digenous partners and communities. These groups communicated that the creation of a new provincial statutory holiday is a way for British Columbians to participate in events on the day, publicly acknowledge the his tory of the residential school system, and commit to deepening their own understand ing of how these institutions continue to im pact Indigenous communities.

Government has expanded this engagement by seeking input from B.C. employers and employees. This includes whether to es tablish September 30 as a statutory holiday under the Employment Standards Act, start ing in 2023, so that employees have time to personally commemorate and reflect on the meaning of the day.

For 2022, the Province has advised public sector employers, including K to 12 public schools, that the same process should be followed as last year. September 30 should again be observed as a statutory day of re membrance for those employees who are normally entitled to federal and provincial statutory days. This supports these employ ers to plan ahead, manage their workplaces and ensure service delivery is maintained where required. As with other statutory days, essential services that people depend on will continue to operate such as health and social services.

It will be at the discretion of other work places how to recognize the Day. Some col lective agreements, including provincially

National Truth and Reconciliation Day in B.C.

This decision to establish a statutory day will be informed by the ongoing engagement with residential school survi vors, Indigenous partners and communities. Engagement with employers and workers will help to understand the potential im pacts, opportunities and mitigation meas

ures should a new statutory day be created. The timeline for a decision will be based on what is heard during the engagement with Indigenous Peoples as well as employers and workers. For this year, the Province is advising public sector employers to observe the day in the same way as they did last year. We expect many private sector employers will choose to do the same.

Source: 2.gov.bc.ca/gov/

English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew had the first Canadian Thanksgiving in 1578.

Prevalence of Chronic diseases and Risk Factors among Canadians aged 65 years and older

Your Health Part 1

73% of individuals aged 65+ years have at least 1 of 10 common chronic diseases

of the most common chronic diseases and conditions:

Hypertension 65.7%

Periodontal disease 52.0%Footnote2

Osteoarthritis 38.0%

Ischemic heart disease 27.0%

Diabetes 26.8%

Osteoporosis 25.1%

Cancer 21.5%Footnote3

COPD 20.2%

Asthma 10.7%

Mood & anxiety disorders 10.5%

Prevalence of common behavioural risk factors:

9.5% report daily or occasional tobacco

8.3% report exceeding low-risk drinking

77.3% consume fruits/vegetables less than 5x a day

40.1% & 28.1% report a BMI in the overweight & obese categories

60.6% do not meet physical activity

46.8% report trouble falling asleep

Source: canada.ca/en/english Risk factors for Hypertension in Canada.

By: Alexander A. Leung, Tracey Bushnik, Deirdre Hennessy, Finlay A. McAlister, and Douglas G. Manuel

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardio vascular disease and accounts for more than 10% of the population-attributable fraction (PAF) for mortality worldwide.

Hypertension affects almost 1 in 4 Canadian adults,Note2Note3 and the lifetime inci dence of developing high blood pressure is estimated to be 90%.

Over the last several decades, impressive gains have been made in improving hyper tension detection, treatment, and control,but comparatively little work has been done in promoting primary prevention, a subject of growing interest. Encouragingly, accumulat ing evidence suggests that healthy lifestyle factors (such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity) contribute to lowering blood pressure and that managing these risks can offset, at least to some extent, ge netic predisposition towards hypertension and the development of subsequent cardio vascular sequelae.

Further, community-based approaches can be effective in reducing blood pressure along with other cardiovascular risk factors in the population.The possible impact of an aging population,worsening levels of obesity, sed entary lifestyles,and high sodium consump tionNote21 on the burden of hypertension calls for a better understanding of the major risk factors associated with hypertension.

Previous studies have commonly reported older age, increased body mass index or waist circumference, and family history of hypertension or premature cardiovascular disease to be significant predictors of high blood pressure. However, many existing prediction models were limited to people of white ethnicity and individuals without

diabetes. As a result, their generalizability is limited. Moreover, few models have exam ined the association of nutrition, physical activity, or lifestyle with hypertension, and none have been derived in Canada. Quanti fying the major risk factors for hypertension by means of high-quality measured data in Canada is important for informing health policy and targeted interventions nationally.

To this end, using data from the first four cy cles of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), this study examined the major risk factors for hypertensive status among Cana dians aged 20 to 79 years, and employed a composite risk score to predict hypertension in women and men across a wide range of ages. Source: 150.statcan.gc.ca/

Motion Commemoration Muslim Holidays in Burnaby Passed Unanimously at City Council

(From: The Bc Muslim Association (Bcma)

October 3, 2022 - Burnaby, B.C.)

Members of the BCMA media team, Masjid Al-Salaam (Canada Way, Burnaby), and the Muslim community of Burnaby presented to the Burnaby City Council on a motion to recog nize Muslim holidays and celebrations.

This motion, drafted in collaboration with members of Burnaby’s united Muslim com munity, calls for the recognition of impor tant Muslim holidays like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, which are particu larly meaningful to the city’s entire Muslim population.

The motion was put forward by Burnaby City Councillor Alison Gu and seconded by Councillor Pietro Calendino. It was passed unanimously by Mayor Mike Hurley, Coun cillor Sav Dhaliwal, Councillor Mike Hill man, Councillor Dan Johnston, Councillor

While the motion is not yet a formal statu tory holiday such as Christmas, it is a mile stone for the Muslim community such as addition to the City of Burnaby calendar as an observed holiday, City’s social media and websites, highlighting work being done by local Muslim charities and the community and observing iftars.

The BCMA was founded 56 years ago to provide spiritual and social support for the Muslim community of B.C. Today, for the benefit of Muslims we support 19 branch es and chapters, 22 satellite musallas, 2 schools, and cradle to the grave services for 100,000 Muslims in the province.

As part of our commitment to building strong and meaningful relationships between Mus lims and other communities we are working with organizations, communities, and gov ernments across B.C. and Canada to support Muslims and the beautiful image of Islam.

The motion resolved that:

A. THAT the City of Burnaby adds the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid alAdha, to its official celebrations and obser vations calendar.

B. THAT the City acknowledges Ramadan on its social media and website.

Conservatives winning more seats than Trudeau’s Liberals

To be continued from Page 1

Line. While a federal election is unlikely anytime soon, given that the Liberals and the NDP have a governing deal until 2025, the seat projections show the Conservatives winning 108 seats if an election was held to day, compared to 106 seats for the Liberals. Much of this has to do with the Conserva tive Party’s projected performance around the Greater Toronto Area, where the Liber als have previously dominated.

The projections also show the NDP win ning 41 seats, the Bloc Quebecois winning 24 and the Greens winning 2.

Nanos added that there are 57 ridings that are too close to call.

Some of these suburban ridings around To ronto, such as those in Oakville and Burl ington, had been considered “traditionally very strong” ridings for the Liberals in the last two elections, Nanos said. But the pro

jections now suggest these ridings are lean ing Conservative or too close to call. If an election were to be held today, the Conserv ative Party would win more seats than the Liberals, the latest seat projections from Na nos Research show. In the last two federal elections, the Conservatives edged out the Liberals on the popular vote but failed to win the most seats, allowing Justin Trudeau to form consecutive minority governments.

“You know, in the past, the Conservatives have led but haven’t been efficient at con verting into seats. But now in the latest Nanos seat projections that we have, we actually have the Conservatives winning more seats than the Liberals, which means there would be a chance of not just a Lib eral defeat, but of the Conservatives having a chance to form a government,” said Nanos Research’s Nik Nanos on the latest episode of Trend Line.

ctvnews.ca

C. THAT the City investigates the possibil ity of co-hosting a yearly iftar dinner once during the month of Ramadan at sunset, collaborating with the local Muslim com munity, and in the Ramadan spirit of inclu sivity and community, also invite groups and leaders representing other major faiths and First Nations.

D. THAT the City use the month of Ram adan to highlight the work being done by

Muslim charities and the Muslim commu nity in the city.

This motion serves as an illustration of how all communities are welcomed and recog nized in Burnaby’s rich cultural diversity and shows support for the tens of thousands of Muslims who call the city home.

By:Muhammad Asad Gondal President, The BC Muslim Association

AmAFHH FOODS LtD. is looking for a Cook (One vacancy) in the Lower mainland.

Full time, 40 hours/ week to start immediately employment conditions: Day, evening, Weekend working hours from 11:00 am to 7:30pm

$17.00 / hour

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Colleen Jordan, Councillor Joe Keithley, and Councillor James Wang

Public Inquiry Into Four Years Of Mccallum development Approvals Needed

for mayor, says if voters elect a Surrey First council on October 15, he will launch a pub lic inquiry into Doug McCallum’s four-year approach to approving development appli cations in the city. “Last night’s stampede to approve more than 50 land use applications showed that Doug McCallum does not care what the public thinks when it comes to de veloping Surrey,” said Hogg. “At the same time, there was a complete disregard for any sort of fair or ethical process around approv ing development applications. Last night was the last straw and it’s time to shine a light on the last four years.

“This looked and felt like payback time and we need to get to the bottom of this rigged system that has become part of Doug Mc Callum’s legacy,” said Hogg. “Last night

was just the most recent example of playing fast and loose with development approvals.

Surrey residents and developers want a fair and transparent process. Every application should be treated fairly, and no one should need a special friend in the mayor’s chair to bring their project or application forward. I want a process and city council that is com pletely fair and transparent, I wouldn’t stand for anything less.”

“Last night was like winning the lottery for those applications,” added Councillor Linda Annis. “The approvals gave applicants a huge windfall that begs all sorts of questions. Why the rush? Who benefits, and what is their re lationship to Doug McCallum? Surrey tax payers have had a rough four years under this mayor and a public inquiry that looks

at development approvals under Doug Mc Callum would give residents and developers more confidence that they are being treated fairly.” Annis says she has never seen 50-plus applications pushed through in her four years on council.“We normally have 10 to 15 applications on any given council night, but last night had nothing to do with good plan ning or community consultation,” said An nis. “Last night Doug McCallum went too far with his friends first approach, and the voters of Surrey have had enough. A lot of people made a lot of money last night with those approvals and a public inquiry will shine a very bright light on what was a very dark night for our city.”

From: Gordie Hogg & Linda Annis

Values based Public Service: Bilal Cheema Councilor canditae “Surrey First”

My journey has been a unique one. As like many others, I was born to immi grant parents – coming fromfaraway lands to carve out a positive future for their children and families. I have been blessed to grow up with parents who always taught me to help others. The mantra went, “Help others and your creator will help you.” This was my fa ther’s lived experience.

I have struggled to fill his shoes my whole life. Understanding the world around us is criti cal; especially today, where change is occur ring fast and furious. How do we understand the world around us when there are constant changes and more opinions then people? We live in an era of distractions. We are con stantly bombarded with information. Infor mation to some represents misinformation to others. The political discourse is negative and divisive. The world is changing; people are struggling and the impacts of global events can affect our lives here in Sur rey. How do we decipher between noise and

the issues that matter to most people?

From a young age, we were taught about val ues. These universal values have stood the test of time. There are many to choose from but some that come to mind include truth, respect, courage, fairness and compassion.

There are many more. These values ground us, a protection of sorts. Don’t get me wrong, we are human and we are prone to mistakes. But if we hold on to these values and have faith, we will always know the path back.

I have strived to hold on to these values in everything I do, in every relationship I have encountered. It’s a constant struggle in to day’s world, but what’s life without its strug gles and challenges!

After many years of community service, I have stood up. After being encouraged for years by elders and friends, I have stood up. After understanding and listening to the needs and aspirations from across our city, I have stood up. I have stood up for you. However, for those who know me, I have al

ways been standing. I have always fought for recogni tion and inclusion. I have always fought for diverse voices to be heard by legis lators and decision makers at all levels. I have always encouraged, like my father did, for you to be included and counted. Your voice matters. Your perspective matters. Your values, our values - matter. Now, it’s up to you. Actu ally, it’s up to us. We are in this together. We have an opportu nity to change the trajectory of our city. Our city needs to be open to you, its resi dents. Our city needs truth. All parts of our city need to be included in our planning. Our city needs a fair approach to development and growth. Our city can be so much more that we currently are. We just need some

courage. Our city can be a world class city. Our city deserves its respect. Our city needs to be inclusive and accessible for everyone. We just need to have some compassion. Everything is built and confirmed by our values. My name is Bilal Cheema and I am standing for city council as part of the Surrey First Team.

On October 15 th - together, we can do better.

New poll finds housing, homelessness top issues ahead of B.C. municipal elections

of municipal elections on Oct. 15 is housing and homelessness.Thirty-nine per cent of those surveyed said it’s top of mind — more than double those who said health is the big gest concern.

The poll was conducted by Research Co. and commissioned by the Cooperative Housing Federation and other housing organizations.

Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Cooperative Housing Federation, says it’s not surprising housing affordability is the top issue, but the magnitude of concern is a bit unexpected, es pecially after the pandemic health emergency.

municipal governments.

By: David P. Ball ·

‘When’s it going to change — when we’re all homeless?’ asks Vancouver renter.

Construction worker Ivon Escobar says she doesn’t know what she’ll do if her rent rises again. The 27-year-old’s “tiny” Vancouver studio costs $1,600 a month. “Which is basi cally one of my paycheques,” she said. “I just can’t afford it much longer.“If they raise my rent like last year — if it gets more expensive than I pay right now, honestly I don’t know what I can do. My friends have the same feel ing.” Escobar is not alone. A new poll of 2,000 adults found the top issue across B.C. ahead

“People who had been concerned about the housing crisis over the last decade have seen those concerns sharpen,” he said. “In the up coming municipal election, we know the is sues will resonate.”

‘People overwhelmingly support taking action’

Armstrong said it’s not news that British Co lumbians are upset about climbing housing prices — which are on the rise again after a few years of slow-down. But the poll found that many voters support specific, concrete solutions — many of which could involve

Among the results, eight in 10 people support giving city-owned land to non-profit and coop housing developments for new affordable units. Nearly three-quarters backed “stream lining municipal permitting and rezoning processes to fast-track development of rental housing,” with a focus on affordable rents. And 68 per cent supported “affordable hous ing targets” aimed at meeting Indigenous residents’ needs. “People overwhelmingly support taking action to address the housing crisis by cutting red tape and making better use of public land, as well as removing barri ers to allow for a diversity of housing options to meet people’s needs,” the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association said in a statement.

According to Penny Gurstein, director of the University of B.C.’s Housing Research Col laborative, today’s real estate volatility has ex acerbated many people’s fears their housing could become precarious, if it isn’t already. “We have to remember that just five per cent of the housing market is being addressed by the public sector — by subsidies or outright building — it’s really not very much com pared to what’s being done in other coun

tries,” she said. The Research Co. poll was conducted using online panels — and weight ed to reflect the population. For comparison purposes only, a random sample of the same size would yield a 2.2 per cent margin of er ror — 19 times out of 20. The results “should send a clear message to all incumbents and candidates seeking municipal office this fall that they need to bring a real commitment and real ideas to the table,” Research Co. poll ster Mario Canseco said in a statement.

‘When’s it going to change — when we’re all homeless?’ Gurstein said municipal politi cians can ignore the findings — and the pub lic’s anger about housing — at their own peril. But there’s “a great opportunity” for govern ments to buy, acquire or use their own land for new affordable housing, she said.

For Escobar, it’s time for cities to end plati tudes and finger-pointing.

“I honestly don’t get where they’re putting their attention right now,” she said. “Because everything I think is important and should be changed isn’t changing — homeless peo ple, drugs, rent. “When’s it going to change — when we’re all homeless?”

Source: cbc.ca/news

Voices of Muslim women gains charity status and announces leadership changes

Press Release:

Organization set to promote leader ship education for all women and girls

SURREY, BC - Voices of Muslim Women Foundation (VMW) is proud to announce that we are a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

“I couldn’t be more grateful for receiving registered charity status this year. VMW has built a solid foundation imagined and actu

alized by Muslim women in our community since 2017,” said Aisha Amijee, Founder of Voices of Muslim Women and an instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. “We are now able to curate empowering programs for women and girls and further that impact tenfold with our ability to fundraise and be recognized as a registered charity status. It has been rare in B.C. that a board led by all women of colour has raised an organiza tion like Voices of Muslim Women from the

ground up,” said Amijee.

After leading the organization for five years, Amijee has also decided to pass the torch to her successor, Misbah Naseer as the new Executive Director. Naseer brings years of experience in Planning and Project Manage ment in Public Service and will be supported by Shahin Khan as the Deputy Executive di rector who has supported VMW in various roles from its inception.

VMW is committed to empower all wom en and girls to become connected and in formed leaders through educational and professional development opportunities. All women and girls are welcome with open arms to their programs and events as well as their scholarship program. To receive up dates about upcoming events, programs and workshops and to donate, visit www.voic esofmuslimwomen.com.

Approving more than 50 development applications at final council meeting is the last straw: Gordie Hogg Surrey, B.C. Oct4, : Gordie Hogg, Surrey First candidate

Meet and Greet session with city of Surrey’s Mayoral and Councilors candidates at Madina Masjid

Photographs at Page 18

On Sep 30, The Masjid Anwar e Madina Surrey committee invited City of Sur rey Mayoral and Councilors candidates after the Friday prayer in its Parking lot. The candidates meeting arranged under the tents and sitting arrangements for audience with refreshment services provided nicely.

Surrey First, United Surrey and Surrey forward Mayors and councilors candi dates were present and one independ ent Mayor candidate was also invited.

The meeting started with Talawat e Quran e Pak, after that Mr. Afroze Dean wel come all the Candidates and guests.

He invited Mr. Bilal Cheema from Surrey First Team, Mr. Cheema said that ” I am not new for you and whole community and eve ryone knows about my services. He intro duced his Surrey First Mayor Candidate Mr. Gordie Hogg sitting Member of Parliament (with Ms. Linda Anis councilor candidate) he briefed his slate plans for City of Surrey, after that from United Surrey Ms. Zubeen

Sahib introduced herself and its party leader vision. Mr, Sukh Dhaliwal from United Sur rey sitting Member of Parliament said in his addressed that I am involve in Muslim com munity since two decades, and I raised your voice in Ottawa, and plans about Surrey betterment he explained, so I hope you will not forget me on Voting Day of Oct, 15. He also introduced his rest of the candidates. Third Mayor candidate from Surrey For ward Ms. Jinny Sims invited by Mr. Feroze Dean at stage and first she introduced her

all Councilors candidates team then ex plained her plans about City of Surrey core issues and how to handle all these.

In last independent Mayor candidate Mr. Kuldip Pelia told about the City of Surrey ma jor problems and how to solve, if he will select.

The Question and Answers session was continue after each Mayor addressed.

Note: The Miracle requests to everyone please listen carefully to every candidate when he or she will among you and dis cussed the City’s issues properly.

Pakistani Canadian women’s Society (PCwS) hosts meet and greet with MLA Eby

to a Meet and Greet with MLA David Eby in Surrey at the residence of Mrs. Farzana Alam, PCWS’s Director. Mr. Eby is the member of the Legisla tive Assembly of British Columbia for VancouverPoint Grey and is currently seeking the leadership of BC NDP.

Photographs at Page 18

On Sep 29, the Pakistani Canadian Women’s Society (PCWS) invited women from the community and the Miracle Media Group

Dr. Babra Rana, president of PCWS said then introduced Eby to the guests and shared details about the work PCWS has engaged in over the past years

including fundraising on the recent floods in Pakistan, educational events for women and Pakistan festival. The event was MC’d by Ms. Bushra Ahsan who thanked the guests in advance for participating in the discus sion and stressed that as women, they have to make sure their voices are heard and that provincial policies are inclusive of their per spectives as every woman in the room is a powerhouse on her own. She also thanked MLA Rachna Singh for her help in coordi nating the event. Mr. Eby was then invited to say a words. He touched upon his ob servations about health care, housing and homelessness and drew from his experi

ences as a lawyer. He was then asked sev eral questions about healthcare including emergency and ambulance response times, shortage of doctors and the lack of regoni tion of foreign credentials. Other questions on the topics of high inflation, food security, unaffordable housing, climate change, rise in gender-based violence, Islamophobia and funding for non-profits were also asked. Mr. Eby explained his position on each of the topics and his plans to address them if he becomes the Premier. He also took note of suggestions to improve the health care sys tem. At the end, Ms. Ahsan thanked Mr. Eby and all the guests for a vibrant discussion.

white Rock Muslim Association invites at “Meet your Muslim Neighbours”

Photographs at Page 18

On Oct 1, The White Rock Muslim As sociation committee invited “Meet Your Muslim Neighbour” in South Surrey Rec Centre. Mr. Asad Syed was the master of ceremony, and he did very well. Several Muslim and non-Muslim com munities were attending this event to learn more about Islam and its teachings. Mr. Syed invited few dignities members

included the Hon. MLA Harry, Bains, Hon. MLA Rachna Singh, Mayor Can didate Gordie Hogg and many others to address for relationship with Neighbour, Islamophobia, Racism. Dr. Hala given a very powerful presentation on “What is Islam” and described in details of 5 pil lars of Islam, Tuheed, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat and Hajj, she also talked about the history of first Muslim arrival in

Canada,Women roll in Islam, and how to deal with your neighbours. The Art and calligraphy, Hena, Portraits, frames stalls displayed at this exhibition and the audi ence shown their interest to learn about Islam through these big display pictures information and exchanged views among each other’s. A delicious refreshments were served to all the guests, and Coffee gift cards were also distributed.

Global Peace Alliance BC Society “End Racism, Build Peace” Event at Bell Center

a massive amazing event at Bell Perform ing Arts Center, President of GPA Niovi Pat sicackis did really work hard to arrange all items under one umbrella. Program started from 11 am by Ms. Patsicackis welcome note, Master of ceremonies were Ms. Gur preet Kaur and Ms. Raman Sangha Dhami, and they handle all the program nicely till the end around 4pm.

Photographs at Page 18

Several activities have been seen in sequence: •Orange Shirt Day, Speeches, Ladies fancy Shawl dance, Penal discus sion at “ End Racism, make peace, Power point presentations, International Day video

party, South Asian cultural Society “ song of Vietnam with dance performances, Philip pine pop song, African Descent Youth Cul ture’s traditional dance, Canada National Folk Art Society presented Chines dance, A speech delivered on “ Remembering our Humanity”, Nepalese Dances, Dance and Poet, Counselling Intern Meditation speed with participation, SD 36 Teacher, BCTF faculty advisor with students performance,, speech on “ A more equitable and peaceful world”, Classical dance style of India, Folk Dance, , Poet and dancer “One world fam ily”, Final video song,

Former USA President donald Trump’s Latest Political Scandal

By: Khadija Nadeem, Gr, 11

FormerUSA President Donald Trump’s name has been everywhere in the news lately but why has he suddenly become so politically relevant once more? Here’s a recap and explanation of everything that happened regarding Trump and his lat est legal jeopardy. The FBI did an unprec edented search of Trump’s home on August 8th, 2022 from which they seized two dozen boxes of documents. These included 11 sets of classified material, the nature of which has been and still is being kept private from the public eye. The president says he declas sified the materials he retained which he has full authority to do so yet, no evidence of his claim has emerged. Hence, the dispute.

These classified documents are restricted to those even within the United States Govern ment and are available only to those with a proven need to see them. Needless to say, the information is sensitive and carefully re stricted, removal of the documents is why

this issue has blown up so much. Any agen cy that creates records that become classi fied has the power to declassify them and in 1988, the US Supreme Court decided that the President has authority to classify and control the access to this important informa tion. But although Trump says this informa tion was declassified by himself there is no evidence to prove that any of the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago residence were cleared. Additionally, Trump is no longer president which takes away any authority he might’ve had and gives it to Joe Biden who is the current President of America. Here’s the defense we have from Trump so far; he claims he had a standing order during his time as president to have the documents removed from the Oval Office and taken to his residence and that they would be deemed declassified the moment they were removed.

Kash Patel, a former government official and US attorney, published that although White House lawyers failed to generate the paper

work to change the classification, it does not mean the information was not declassified. But was there even a standing order? Former Trump White House officials including two chiefs of staff and a national security adviser have said they knew of no such order and if they had, they would’ve opposed it. Fur thermore, such an order would still require the knowledge of officials who are charged with protecting the information. To go even further, a previous precedent set by Trump himself supports that any documents would need to be physically marked to reflect sta tus and that even a written announcement that something is declassified is insufficient. While Trump’s innocence on this matter is being settled, there are still other offenses he must face. Prosecutors cited three fed eral criminal laws as the basis for the FBI search, laws involving the removal of in formation related to national defense, hid ing government records, and obstructing a federal investigation which does not depend

In the end Thank you note presented to all the performers and the GPA members who took on the enormous task.

The performances of all the performers were all so very spectacular, the organiza tions who had tables had display informa tion given opportunities to learn.

Note: On behalf of Miracle Media, I got the opportunity to attend this amaz ing informative and cultural event for a few hours. Congratulations to all participants, artists, management and as well as all volunteer team and looking forward to next year!

on whether or not the information and docu ments in question were declassified. So did Trump do something wrong? Yes. Did he de classify those documents? We don’t know. Could Trump be prosecuted regardless? Yes. All questions everyone has been wondering about the answers to and as the investiga tion moves forward, more details will be revealed. Canadian laws have similar levels of classification for documents and informa tion but Prime Ministers do not retain access to government resources once their term has ended as US Presidents do.

On Oct 1, Global Peace Alliance, BC(GPA) presented

By:Asma Shums,

Up until a year ago, I was always looking to squeeze more and more into my days because I thought that was the only way to be productive. Just do more. But somewhere in my attempts to do more, I lost touch with the things I valued most. Now I’m experimenting with a simpler way of living—one that’s less stressful and more fulfilling. I am by no means immune to get ting caught up in the crazy pace of our cul ture, but I’m improving every day. Here are 30 of the most helpful tips I’ve picked up on the art of simplifying:

1. Select your top five.

What are the five most important things in your life? Have you ever found yourself at the end of the day feeling like you haven’t done anything you really cared about? De cide what you value most and commit your time to those things.

ier.

15 Things You Can do To Live More Simply

2. Say no.

We often agree to take on more than we can handle. Create some boundaries on your time. When you know your major priorities, saying no becomes eas

3. Switch off notifications.

Have you ever almost been asleep and then received an email, Facebook notification, or Instagram alert that woke you up? Switch these notifications off and check them at a time that works for you, not as they come in.

4. Limit media.

Rather than turning on the TV as soon as you get home, write down what you’re look ing forward to watching and turn it on when that show starts.

5. Simplify your wardrobe.

Great fashion is not found in owning more clothes but in owning the right clothes for you.

6. Spend time alone.

Solitude can be uncomfortable initially. When we slow down, we can hear our inner

anxieties and stress more clearly. Rather than ignoring these, listen to what they have to say.

7. Eat slowly.

If you’re anything like me, you may see eat ing as a distraction from the wonderful world of productivity. Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh’s guidebook How To Eat (Mind ful Essentials) is packed with some great tips on how to slow down and find enjoyment in every meal.

8. Clear your desk.

Our physical space is symbolic of our men tal space. Do you really need the 25 pens, 12 highlighters, and two staplers? Clear your desk of the nonessentials. Think about what you use, and discard the rest

9. Establish routines.

Routines can provide us with a focused time to commit to specific actions. Look at your morning routine and evening routine and ask yourself how you can edit them to be more nourishing.

10. Live frugally.

Once I started thinking more carefully about my shopping habits, I realized I didn’t need as much as I was used to buying. Take the

time to consider your purchases.

11. Minimize.

Life is easier to operate when you’re sur rounded by less stuff. Do a room-by-room decluttering which can help you decide what’s actually worth keeping.

12. Don’t tolerate debt.

Stop spending more than you earn, and com mit to taking small steps to pay off your debt every month. Enjoy the physical and mental freedom that comes from being debt-free.

13. Downsize.

It’s incredible how much more room we have when we’re careful with the things we bring into our home. When you own less, you don’t need as much space.

14. Discover enough.

“More” is not an answer. What point are you trying to reach? Figure out what enough is for you so you know when to stop mindlessly accumulating.

15. Declutter before organizing. Organization doesn’t have to mean neatly packing away everything you own. The best way to organize your stuff is to get rid of most of it.

asmashums@gmail.com

Vancouver dawoodi Bohras Help Clean Up The City Of Mission

picking up waste, including plastic and oth er trash that had been dumped by the road. The initiative was undertaken in collabora tion with Mission Environmental Steward ship Society, whose vision is to “Keep Mis sion Beautiful” and to help stop littering and dumping. Executive Director Michele Chap man said, “The Mission Environmental Stewardship Society was happy to partner with the Vancouver Dawoodi Bohra com

munity in an initiative to clean up the harbour area along the Fraser River in Mission today.

On World Cleanup Day, members of the Dawoodi Bohra community of Vancouver gathered at the main road on Harbour Ave nue along the Fraser River to tackle the waste problem. Volunteers of all ages came from Burnaby, Surrey, Abbotsford and Maple Ridge in BC and picked up over 300 of garbage.

The Dawoodi Bohras spent over two hours

It is great to see engaged com munity members of all ages and from different towns working together to help us pick up 304 pounds of litter and dumped furniture. We look forward to collaborating with the commu nity in future endeavors.”

Locals also stopped by, with one comment ing that it was nice to see their city being cleaned up and another expressing surprise that “out of towners” were doing the job. One of the locals also said that he would be happy to help next time.

The leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Com

Latest climate disasters and development in Environmental impacts

By: Khadija Nadeem, Gr, 11

The world has had this a long time com ing, it has been known for quite a while that climate change is no longer something abstract from the future, but something tan gible that is affecting all of our lives. Heatwave warnings and wildfires con firm the authenticity of climate change and the clear danger it presents.  Locally, wildfires majorly affect BC’s overall carbon balance as massive pulses of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. Emissions have been calculated and record ed to over hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide in the last couple of years for Canada and our greenhouse gas tally shows that those emissions are double and triple the size of emissions from powering our homes, vehicles, and industries. In many statistics, wildfire numbers are recorded as natural disturbances instead of impacts of human economic activity but the fact of the

matter is that we need to have the awareness to recognize that wildfires represent climate change in action, the consequences of hu man use of fossil fuels for energy.

Climate change is a costly force of nature that affects our economies, wildlife, and environment, and its impacts on our socie ties and communities are also significant.

Take a look at a country like Pakistan, that’s still developing. Despite being one of the lowest carbon emitters in the world, Paki stan is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change including heightened natural disasters or what the UN Secretary-General described as “monsoons on steroids”. It’s flooding now, but Pakistan and many countries like it are in the mid dle of general mismanagement regarding climate change, it’s a large umbrella under which are a range of extreme weather events. The statistics are tragic with over 3 million people affected, over one thousand killed

and injured, and crops and livestock and property and housing destroyed and the statistics go on and on and on.

But who bears the responsibility for a tragedy like this?

Certainly not a low carbon-emitting country like Pakistan right?

Many have argued that the Global North should pay for the unbelievable losses and damages but the follow-through on that is unlikely.

With so many displaced, the impact of cli mate change puts things into perspective. Who bears the weight of devastation like this? Not only are economies and societies and people’s livelihoods suffering from the direct impacts but everyone around the world is miserable knowing this has

Pakistan return to the drawing board after England series loss

munity of Vancouver, Huzeifa Aftab, said “Caring for the environment is a key goal for the Dawoodi Bohra Community worldwide and is part of our global Project Rise initia tive that includes helping to keep our planet clean and safe. The Dawoodi Bohras of Van couver are a small part of a bigger worldwide initiative and are enthusiastic about keeping the environment free of waste.”

happened to innocent people who were not deserving of this outcome.

Experts anticipate food insecurity, public health nightmares, massive internal dis placement, and the potential for greater migration.

The effects of climate change are so evident that our governments and our communities can no longer deny their impacts, how much longer will we go before we drive our earth to its end? We must reflect on these catastro phes and push for change that will build our systems up to be resilient against the climate crises we are facing. Change starts with us, with our awareness and our engage ment, and our education.

LAHORE:

The series loss to England has forced Pakistan into some soul-search ing but skipper Babar Azam remains con fident that his side will iron out the issues with the T20 World Cup fast approaching. England clinched the seven-match series 4-3 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday after whipping the hosts by 67-runs in a game where Pakistan were never in the hunt to chase down a target of 210 after losing batting mainstays Babar and Mohammad Rizwan early on. The defeat in the decider came after another one-sided game in the

sixth T20 where England walloped Pakistan in reaching a target of 170 with 5.3 overs to spare. Babar, however, is backing his side to bounce back from the chastening defeats with the World Cup opener against arch-ri vals India less than three weeks away.

“Many things have come out clearly before the World Cup and we will sit down to think and discuss each issue to get their solutions at the earliest,” Babar told reporters on Sun day, admitting he was worried with the con tinuing travails of Pakistan’s middle order. Pakistan’s batting template hinges on open

ers Babar and Rizwan getting runs. In Sun day’s defeat, it was pretty evident that the middle-order batters lack the punch to play game-changing innings. “We were chasing a score above 200 and we had to show posi tive intent but after Rizwan and I fell early, we couldn’t recover,” said Babar negating the impression that the coaching staff was unable to remove the players’ flaws. Instead, he said that it was a question of players regaining form. “When a player is struggling for form, he wants to use different methods to come out from the lean period

and perform. Hopefully we will remove the flaws soon.”More worrisome for Pakistan was that the manner of their defeat on Sun day saw several fans turn on the home team. with batter Khushdil Shah leaving the field in tears after being dismissed.

304 Pounds Of Trash Collected on Har bour Avenue along Fraser River on World Clean-Up Day MISSION, Sept 22,: