Ottawa tops up fund for humanitarian groups as climate disasters take their toll Get another COViD-19 booster in the fall, Canada’s immunization panel recommends

cines are “preferred,” NACI said Novavax’s Nuvaxovid should be offered as a booster to adults 18 years of age and older who are “unwilling or unable to receive an mRNA vaccine.” Source: ctvnews.ca/health colleagues,” notes the college. On top of the five-day suspension, BCCNM says Perkull has agreed to undergo remedial education related to “interpersonal conflict in the workplace” and “interdisciplinary care planning,” as well as the scope of registered nursing practice and professional standards.

Source: ctvnews.ca/health

Central bank still likely to hike at least once or twice more, however.

After two years of painfully high prices, inflation in the United States has reached its lowest point in more than two years — 3 per cent in June compared with 12 months earlier — a sign that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes have steadily slowed price increases across the economy.

The inflation figure the government reported Wednesday was down sharply from a 4 per cent annual rate in May, though still above the Fed’s 2 per cent target rate. Over the past 12 months, gas prices have dropped, grocery costs have risen more slowly and used cars have become less expensive. From May to June, overall prices rose 0.2 per cent, up from just 0.1 per cent in the previous month but still comparatively mild. At the same time, underlying inflation remains persistently high and a nagging concern for the Fed, which is all but certain to increase its key interest rate again when it meets in two weeks. The Fed has raised its benchmark rate by a substantial 5 percentage points since March 2022, the steepest pace of increases in four decades.

Slowest pace since 2021

The year-over-year inflation figure for June marked the mildest such increase since March 2021, when the current bout of painfully high inflation began as the economy roared out of the pandemic recession... Source: cbc.ca/

BCMa Celebrates Eid ul adha at Newton athletic Park Surrey

On June 28th, the Eid-ul-Adha Prayer was held at the Newton athletic park Surrey. Thanks to the determination and dedication of event organizers and the management committee of BCMA’s Surrey Jamea Masjid. Thousands of Muslims poured in, to perform Eid ul Adha Prayers, the Sunnah Way. A large number has been increasing in

Muslim Communities for 4-5 years.

At this Eid ul Adha prayer the Seniors, Women, Children, Adults, and Youth from every shape, colour, creed, and language came together for one reason only, to commemorate the Quranic tale of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. The celebration was attended by BC Premier

Hon. David Eby, BC United leader Kavon Falcon, Surrey Mayor Brenda Lock, SurreyNewton Federal MP Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal, Provincial Labour Minister Mr. Harry Bains, MLA Jagrup Brar, and MLA Jinny Sims. Irshad Khan did the MC. BCMA Surrey/Delta branch Chairperson Mohammed Janif welcomed attendees at the event, followed by a speech delivered by BCMA President Mr.

Asad Gondal.

Mohammed Mouadh Surrey/Delta spoke on the importance of celebrating Eid Al Adha and the message of Hzt Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The Eid prayer led and concluded with a Khutba from Mufti Mohammed Mouadh

Event photographs at Pg 11

Canadian Muslim Media Club Celebrates 156th Canada Day at Taste of Lahore

By: Naveed Waraich,

Liasion CMMC

On July 1, We are thrilled to share our incredible Canada Day celebration at Taste of Lahore, Surrey: where the Canadian Muslim Media Club(CMMC) proudly united with esteemed community leaders! The event commenced with a powerful rendition of the Canadian National Anthem, filling the air with pride and camaraderie. As we stood together, our hearts swelled with love for this remarkable country we call home. The highlight of the festivities was undoubtedly the cutting of a beautifully decorated 156th Canada Day cake that symbolized unity and togetherness. Sharing laughter and joy, we commemorated Canada’s birth and the values that make it truly exceptional.

During the program, our CMMC Di- rectors and respected community leaders took turns addressing the gathering, expressing their admiration and gratitude for Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism. Their words resonated deeply in our hearts, reaffirming the strength of our inclusive society and the importance of fostering harmony among all Canadians. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended the event, lending their voices to the celebration of Canadian values and unity. Together, we are building a brighter future, where diversity is celebrated and embraced wholeheartedly. Let us continue to cherish our wonderful multicultural nation, working hand in hand to create a harmonious Canada where every citizen feels respected, heard, and included.

Event photographs at Pg 11

Canada’s premiers urge Ottawa to advance infrastructure to boost economic growth

WINNIPEG - Canada’s premiers have ended their annual three-day conference in Winnipeg with a request that Ottawa boost economic growth and trade.

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, who hosted the meeting, says the premiers have asked for a dedicated meeting with the prime minister to discuss infrastructure pri- orities. Stefanson says partnerships are needed to keep Canada competitive, but Ottawa must respect the unique jurisdictions of each province. She says the provinces are united in their goal of advancing infrastructure in communities and between jurisdictions, including economic trade corridors.

The premiers have also raised con- cerns about the bail system, asking Ottawa to reform the Criminal Code to prevent crime from repeat violent offenders.

They also say the federal government could help address staffing shortages in the health-care system by streamlining recruitment through immigration.

Source: ctvnews.ca/politics

what is Canada doing to crack down on goods produced using forced labour?

Canadian gold mining company Dynasty Gold are benefiting from the forced labour of Uyghurs in China.

Corporate watchdog to investigate Nike, Dynasty Gold over allegations they benefited from forced Uyghur labour Canada’s corporate watchdog announced Tuesday it would launch an investigation into two companies over allegations that they benefited from slave Uyghur labour, shining a spotlight on the country’s approach to preventing the use of forced labour.

Sheri Meyerhoffer, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), says she has enough to launch an investigation into allegations that Nike Canada and

Advocates have called for better enforcement of Canadian law when it comes to the use of forced labour to produce goods. Since Canada introduced its first law to fight forced labour in 2020, it has intercepted just one shipment of goods linked to such practices. The Canada Border Services Agency says that shipment, too, was released after an appeal from the operator. Here is a look at what Canada has done to prevent the use of forced labour, the challenges of enforcement and how international approaches vary.

Who are the Uyghurs?

According to Global Affairs Canada, more than one million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities are being imprisoned in China, because of their religion and ethnicity. Human Rights Watch says at least one million Uyghur and other Muslims in Xinjiang have been arbitrarily detained in what China calls “re-education” or “vocational training” camps, in prisons or “pre-trial de- tention” facilities. China routinely denies accusations, including from Canada’s House of Commons, that its treatment of Uyghurs amounts to genocide.

The Chinese government began its campaign against what it described as extremists and terrorism in 2014 after a series of violent attacks it blamed on Uyghur extremists or separatists.

A 2022 report by the United Nations said China may have committed crimes against humanity.

How has Canada responded?

In 2021, Canadian MPs passed a motion saying China’s treatment of the Uyghur population and other Turkic Muslim minority groups amounted to a genocide, according to the definition set out in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

The motion — which passed 266 to 0 — was supported by all opposition parties and a handful of lawmakers from the governing Liberal Party. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and most of his cabinet were absent for the vote. The Integrity Declaration of Doing

Business with Xinjiang Entities, first introduced in July 2020, required Canadian companies to file declarations they are not directly or indirectly sourcing products from Chinese entities implicated in forced labour or other human rights violations related to Xinjiang. But according to the Supply Chain Risk Report 2023, released in January by aid agency World Vision Canada, statistically 7.5 per cent (or one in every 13) imported products that come into Canada could be made by an enslaved labourer...

Source: cbc.ca/news

Premiers say they’re concerned — and confused — about Ottawa’s plans for the future of the RCMP

Federal government says it’s reviewing the RCMP’s contract obligations to provinces. Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said she and other provincial leaders are in the dark about the federal government’s plans for the future of the RCMP, despite the fact that they rely on Mounties to keep parts of their provinces safe. “We’re very concerned because there is no indication what the federal government’s plan is moving forward,” Stefanson, chair of the Council of the Federation, said Wednesday as the premiers wrapped up three days of meetings in Winnipeg. Like many provinces, Manitoba uses the Mounties as a provincial police force through a contract policing arrangement. Provinces and territories pay 70 per cent of RCMP costs and the federal government pays the rest.

The current contracts are up for renewal in 2032. Federal Public Safety Minister Marco

Mendicino has launched a review of how that arrangement is working.

“How it looks going forward will very much be a function of the ongoing conversations that we’re having with provinces, territories and municipalities,” Mendicino told CBC News back in May. But Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said there haven’t been open discussions yet. “They do seem to send a mixed message about whether they’re committed to maintaining contract policing,” she told reporters Wednesday. “It’s left some provinces like ours, where we are expanding our sheriffs in anticipation that they may not want to continue expanding the service.”

Provinces grappling with RCMP vacancies

B.C. Premier David Eby said the premiers also discussed the large number of RCMP vacancies across the country.

“We have officers that have to work extended shifts that are increasingly strained and stressed and then going off on leave, making the problem worse,” he said.

“We don’t see a clear path from the federal government about filling those vacancies.” That almost looks as if the force is being wound down just through attrition.

- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

The RCMP has seen a drop in the number of applicants in recent years, raising concerns about its ability to properly police.

The force’s independent advisory board recently wrote a report warning that if the RCMP doesn’t attract more cadets, it “will be even more challenged to meet its service delivery commitments under the provincial, territorial and municipal police service agreements.” .. Source: cbc.ca/news

Eid ul Adha Celebrates at Newton Athletic Park Surrey.

Canadian Muslim Media Club Celebrates 156th Canada Day at Taste of Lahore

Masjid Rahmah’s Canada Day Community event connected and created memorable moments with the community to celebrate values of inclusion;openness and pride with family and friends. It was a full day of great food, festivities, and family fun activities.

Sajid and Raza’s Community Picnic at Bear Creek Park