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BC NDP asked to form government
In a provincial election unlike any other, the New Democratic Party of British Columbia was asked to form government on Monday, more than a week after the polls closed.
According to Elections BC, NDP Leader David Eby led the party to win 47 seats.
conference on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
However, Elections B.C. says two ridings — Surrey-Guildford and Kelowna Centre — will hold automatic judicial recounts as the margin of victory is less than 1/500th of the total number of votes cast.
met with British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin Monday to accept his position as premier-elect and will hold a press
Eby released a statement Monday afternoon saying it is an “incredible honour” for the NDP to be elected for the third time.
“People want their elected representatives to deliver results. With renewed determination, we will build on the progress we’ve made to reduce daily costs like car insurance and childcare, hire thousands of health care workers and get you a family doctor, deliver homes you can afford, and make sure our economy works for everyone–not just those at the top. Continued on Page 7...
Infamous crime boss becomes pivotal figure in India-Canada
spat
As diplomatic relations fray between India and Canada over the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader, the spotlight is now turning to one of the South Asian nation’s most notorious gangsters. RCMP earlier in October accused Lawrence Bishnoi of colluding with Indian government agents to kill and harass members of the Canadian Sikh diaspora. That comes in the wake of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in 2023 that New Delhi was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen – claims that India has strongly denied. Continued on Page 6...
Sri Lanka and India have become victims of Canada’s ethnic vote bank politics.
“Vote bank politics” is a South Asian term which refers to the cultivation of a community to secure their votes. In some cases, a blind eye is turned to undesirable elements, like terrorists, among these communities. Such a blind spot may lead to domestic as well as international problems.
Canadian political parties attempt to get the support of various ethnic groups living in Canada. This cannot be deemed objectionable as it is mandated by democratic electoral politics. But in the case of the Sri Lankan Tamil and the Sikh ethnic groups in Canada, political parties’
Surrey's Bains is Canucks Hero after 1st goal
Saturday night was special for Arshdeep Bains, who scored his first NHL goal for Vancouver Canucks on home ice.
Continued on Page 6...
South Asian trucker who hauled cartel's cocaine to Canada pleads guilty
Ayush Sharma, an Ontario truck driver who shuttled cocaine and heroin into Canada for a high-volume drug ring has quietly waived his extradition and struck a plea deal in California, all while most of his co-accused are still fighting extradition from Canada or are fugitives in Mexico.
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vote bank politics has had direct implications for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and India.
A statement released by India’s External Affairs Ministry on October 14, blasted Trudeau of indulging in vote bank politics without nay regard for India’s territorial integrity.
On the action taken against the Indian High Commissioner in the case relating to the assassination of Sikh terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Indian government said: “This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts.
Continued on Page 13...
Eby
Deputy Prime Minister announces new actions to build secondary suites and unlock vacant lands
Across Canada, too many properties are underused or vacant—from unused basements, to empty office towers, to vacant lots—and could be used to build more homes. By making it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites to their existing homes, and unlocking vacant lands and underused federal properties for housing, we can build the supply of homes Canada needs to make housing more affordable for every generation.
Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, alongside the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, announced significant progress in the federal government’s work to unlock more land in our communities for housing.
to build more homes
First, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance announced technical guidance for lenders and insurers to offer mortgage refinancing for homeowners looking to add secondary suites to their homes, starting January 15, 2025. These mortgage insurance reforms, as well as the forthcoming Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, will make it easier for homeowners to convert an unused basement into a rental apartment or a garage into a laneway home to increase density in our communities. Secondary suites can help homeowners pay their mortgage with a new rental apartment and bring families closer together. For example, a retired couple may wish to downsize into a new laneway home or in-law suite, so their children could raise their young family in the property’s existing home.
Discarded cigarette sparked East Vancouver fire that displaced 11 residents
An east Vancouver fire that displaced 11 people from three homes was caused by a discarded cigarette.
“This ignited combustibles and spread to trees and nearby homes,” according to an update Wednesday from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services about the Oct. 7 fire in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood.
“A reminder that smoking material should only be discarded in a metal container of water or sand. Never off balconies, in planters, out of cars or around vegetation.”
The fire broke out in the 1000-block East
Pender Street at about 8 p.m. on Oct. 7. The fire burned for more than three hours, with flames reaching as high as 30 metres and jumping to nearby trees. It took 55 firefighters to battle the blaze.
Capt. Matthew Trudeau had said the fire started on the back deck of a duplex on East Pender with front and back units.
“The deck collapsed after catching fire, and it appeared the crash ruptured a gas line,” he said at the time. One person was treated for smoke inhalation but there were no other injuries among the 11 displaced residents.
In a Canadian first, BC elects record number of female MLAs
The B.C. election has produced a Canadian first with women being more than half of those elected.
Of the 93 people voted into the legislature, 49 identify as female, which is 52.7 per cent — up almost 10 per cent from the last election.
The NDP caucus has fully embraced the move to gender equity with 31 women
and 16 men. The Conservatives also have a number of women MLAs — 18 women and 26 men — which is 40.9 per cent women. “For us, that’s when you hit one of the definitions of gender parity is like 40 per cent of either gender in that direction, so a huge win for the Conservatives as well so good work, everyone,” said Chi Ngyuen, executive director of Equal Voice said.
19 charged in 'violent' drug trafficking ring in northeast BC: Police
Federal prosecutors have approved charges against 19 people, eight of them still at large, after an investigation into what police are calling a violent drug trafficking network in northeastern British Columbia.
they have also seized a "large quantity" of drugs, firearms and cash.
Members of B.C.'s Combined Special Enforcement Unit (CSEU) say those arrested have been causing "significant harm" to the Peace Region, and the charges are the cumulation of work that started in 2022.
Investigators say in addition to the arrests,
Earlier this year, CBC's The 5th Estate investigated a string of deaths and disappearances in the community of Dawson Creek, B.C., believed to have been linked to increased violence from the illicit drug trade. Investigators did not say whether any of those arrested are believed to be linked to the deaths or disappearances reported previously. None of the approved charges are for violent crimes, though Sgt. Brenda Winpenny described the alleged trafficking ring as violent, and illegal weapons charges are among the violations. Winpenny also thanked local police in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson for their co-operation in the efforts to make the arrests. Police in those communities have been struggling with a rise in violence in recent years.
RCMP dismantles largest drug superlab in Canadian history, operating in BC
RCMP federal investigators say they have dismantled the largest drug superlab in Canadian history. Assistant Commissioner David Teboul the RCMP’s commander of federal policing for the Pacific Region, told reporters on Thursday that several months of investigative work into a transnational organized crime group involved in the production and distribution of massive quantities of illicit drugs revealed the most sophisticated drug superlab in Canadian history. Police seized illegal firearms, synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, he said. Over the weekend, Teboul said numerous enforcement actions and
search warrants were executed related to the drug superlab in Falkland, B.C., and other locations in Surrey.
“As a result, investigators seized approximately half a tonne of hard drugs, including … 55 kilograms of fentanyl, 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, 35 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of MDM, and six kilograms of cannabis,” Teboul said.
He added that investigators seized 89 firearms, including handguns, AR15 assault rifles and submachine guns, many of which were loaded and ready to use.
Winnipeg man charged, 2nd sought in attack on BC singer AP Dhillon’s home
RCMP in British Columbia say one man has been charged and another is wanted in relation to an attack on the Vancouver Island home of a popular Punjabi singer.
The attack, which was filmed from the perspective of one of the alleged attackers, happened at the Colwood, B.C., home of Amritpal Singh Dhillon, known professionally as AP Dhillon, on Sept. 2.
Police say the attackers shot at the home multiple times before torching two vehicles.
In a media release, West Shore RCMP said one of the suspects, 25-year-old Winnipeg man Abjeet Kingra, was arrested in Ontario on Wednesday. He has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent and arson and was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Police are still looking for the second suspect, 23-year-old Vikram Sharma, who
they said was last known to live in Winnipeg, but is believed to now be in India.
Sharma is wanted on a warrant on the same charges as as Kingra.
He is described as South Asian, five-feet nineinches tall and weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Sharma’s whereabouts or with other information is asked to contact RCMP at 250-474-2264.
BC headed back to the polls with nine potential byelections
It looks like many British Columbians may be heading back to the polls sooner than expected.
A wave of byelections is set to hit the province as ten municipal leaders prepare to leave their posts for a seat in Victoria.
The list includes seven councillors, two school trustees, and one mayor: Provincial law mandates that a byelection must occur no later than 80 days after the Chief Election Officer is appointed, usually within weeks of a formal resignation.
Nathanael Lauster, an associate professor of sociology at UBC, believes the number of byelections could provide a valuable opportunity to gauge voter sentiment following the lengthy and tense BC election.
“There may also be some connection as to how people are feeling about provincial
parties,” Lauster told 1130 NewsRadio.
However, he notes that voter turnout is likely to be a stark contrast to the millions who participated in the October polls.
“Voter engagement gets stronger as you go up towards higher levels of government. So in that sense, these municipal elections, I wouldn’t expect turnout to be as high regularly, let alone when we’ve had such recent elections fervour that people might just be exhausted and not paying attention as it is.”
Lauster is most intrigued by the byelection process in Vancouver, which is likely to happen early next year. As OneCity councillor Christine Boyle steps into her new role as NDP MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain, leaving two councillors not aligned with Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC majority.
For generations, Canada’s vibrant Indian diaspora has been an integral part of our society. From starting businesses to advancing our workforce, Indian immigrants have significantly contributed to Canada’s growth and prosperity—just as they are doing in the U.S.
Today, Canada and India share a solid international trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching USD $9.36 billion in 2023. Canadian Pension Funds have cumulatively invested over USD $75 billion in India, viewing
it as an increasingly favourable investment destination. With a growing Indian diaspora of over 2 million people in Canada, the potential for future growth is immense. Yet, despite these encouraging figures, the current trade numbers fall short of the true potential between these two vibrant democracies.
A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has been a shared dream for many in both nations. A decade and a half in the making, this agreement would have greatly boosted economic ties. Yet, time and again, we’ve seen potential agreements halted by domestic political tensions, bringing us back to square one.
Recent events have pushed this relationship to an all-time low. Allegations from the Canadian government, still awaiting court verification, have cast doubt on these strong economic and social ties.
Continued on Page 5...
Canada Must Reject Extremism In Dispute with India Timeline
Vote counting in the British Columbia provincial election will finally conclude next week with judicial recounts set for two ridings.
Elections BC says the province’s Supreme Court has confirmed recounts in Kelowna Centre and Surrey-Guildford will take place on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8.
Both ridings saw the margin of victory within the threshold to trigger judicial recounts after the final tally this week of mail-in and absentee ballots from the Oct. 19 election. The NDP candidate is leading his Conservative opponent by 27 votes in Surrey-Guildford, while the margin between the Conservative candidate in Kelowna Centre over her NDP opponent is 38 votes.
Surrey-Guildford was the only riding where the winner changed during final ballot count, giving Premier David Eby’s NDP the narrowest of majorities with 47 seats.
The B.C. Conservatives, a party that won less than two per cent of the popular vote in the last election, surged to hold 44 seats in the latest vote, while the Green Party took two seats.
Atul Purohit brought the vibes of Vadodara to Aria Hall in Surrey on October 27. The music was traditional tabla and dhol, soothing yet high energy
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Canada Must Reject Extremism In Dispute With India
Continued from Page 4...
Over a year ago, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen wanted in India for various crimes, was killed in British Columbia. Canada’s defence of Nijjar without acknowledging his criminal background or his questionable path to permanent residency raises critical questions: How are individuals with criminal records gaining access to Canada, and how are they passing background checks? Canadians want, above all, to live in safety, and it is the duty of our government to ensure that those who seek asylum and security here pose no threat to our way of life.
For Canada to continue as a haven for a better life, we cannot allow individuals with questionable backgrounds to undermine the vision of peace and security that new Canadians seek. This moment calls for a larger reset in our political priorities, shifting focus from diaspora appeasement to Canadian national interests. Diversity is Canada’s strength—one that should unite us in a shared Canadian dream, not divide us for short-term political gain.
This atmosphere of mistrust risks the enormous potential for cultural, social, and economic cooperation between Canada and India. India, currently experiencing rapid growth with an 8.2% economic rise in FY 2023-24, boasts booming sectors in manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Canada’s advanced technology, resources, and world-renowned agro-processing industry stand to gain from a more robust partnership with India. Yet, today’s trade figures don’t reflect the vast possibilities of a truly collaborative relationship. Experts suggest that with ambitious agreements, we could double or even triple our bilateral trade. But this requires a strong, trusting partnership built on mutual respect, sincerity, and continued positive engagement.
In a time when democracies like the U.S. and its allies are striving to counterbalance global challenges, conflict between Canada and India creates an unnecessary wedge. Instead of fostering unity, Canada’s stance forces the U.S. to mediate between two of its closest allies, distracting from broader global priorities.
Continued from Page 1...
The Indian national was on a work permit in Canada when he started hauling loads of drugs, allegedly for a Mafia-linked Montrealer, Mexican cartels and American narcos.
Ayush Sharma, 25, was caught red-handed delivering 19 kilos of drugs to a garage in Montreal, a victim of an elaborate undercover operation.
The smuggling ring moved large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin from Mexico to Los Angeles and then into Canada aboard transport trucks, with one branch feeding Ontario and another Quebec.
When the U.S. Department of Justice unveiled “Operation Dead Hand” in Los Angeles in January, there were 15 people named in two indictments, including five living in Canada.
Sharma was one of them. A Brampton-based commercial truck driver, he was the youngest
Continued from Page 1...
Rogers Arena was rocking after the Surreyraised Bains pounded home a rebound midway through the second period of a 4-3 win over the Sidney Crosby-led Pittsburgh Penguins. Bains, 23, earned first-star accolades for what turned out to be a game-winning goal for the Canucks. In a post-game interview, Bains said the Sedin twins told him they had a feeling he'd score his first regular-season goal that night.
"I've been hearing that from a couple guys, and they're all pretty happy for me," he told reporters. "It almost felt like it was meant to be."
Continued from Page 1...
Mr Trudeau’s government has upped the stakes in recent weeks, expelling India’s top diplomat in Canada after he refused to be questioned about the case.
Bishnoi’s alleged involvement highlights what Canada says is the long arm of India’s criminal underworld and its capacity to carry out violence far from home.
Bishnoi, in his early 30s, heads “one of the most feared terror syndicates” in South Asia, according to India’s federal anti-terrorism body. His gang, described in Indian court filings, numbers around 700 and includes suspected militants and drug runners in Canada, the US and the United Arab Emirates. Mr Trudeau’s government says Bishnoi coordinated with Indian officials to target dissidents overseas, specifically Sikh activists living in Canada who support the creation of an ethno-religious homeland in India
of those arrested. He faced extradition to the United States for a trial in California.
At a bail hearing in Brampton in February, court weighed allegations by U.S. prosecutors, including that Sharma had made previous drug smuggling trips on behalf of the narcos.
His plea for bail was rejected by Justice David E. Harris. Although Sharma has no previous criminal record, he also has few ties to Canada. He is not a Canadian citizen nor permanent resident.
With his bail denied, Sharma waived extradition on March 11, and was transferred to the United States on March 27. He was held in custody by U.S. Marshals pending a court appearance, held on April 3, which took less than five minutes. Judge Charles Eick refused his release saying someone facing a stiff drug sentence is presumed a flight risk and danger to the community.
Bains later gave the special puck and goalscoring stick to his parents.
With the Canucks leading 3-2, Daniel Sprong fired a shot that rebounded off a pad of Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. Bains skated hard to net and shot the puck in for his first NHL goal, which followed a pair of preseason tallies for the 23-year-old rookie.
Fans and observers were quick to congratulate Bains on social media, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"A hometown hero in the making," Trudeau subtweeted on X. "Congrats on your first NHL goal, Arshdeep!"
called Khalistan. Canada had been investigating the Indian government’s involvement in the 2023 gunning down of Mr Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian separatist activist who is considered a terrorist by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. New Delhi has repeatedly dismissed allegations that officials were involved in the attack. In the past, Bishnoi has been linked with Sikh militant groups, an irony considering he is now accused of targeting Canadians campaigning for Khalistan. He and his gang have had strong connections with Sikh separatist elements, some of whom operate from Pakistan, court documents show.
India’s federal anti-terror body also alleged that Bishnoi and his associates were involved in the 2016 jailbreak of a suspected Khalistani separatist and that they attacked a police facility in 2022 in the northern Punjab state with sophisticated weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades.
Investigation of BC escort accused of drugging, stealing from clients was 'sloppy' and 'reckless': judge
The investigation into allegations a B.C. woman drugged and stole from men who hired her as an escort – leaving one victim dead – was marked by “professional negligence, recklessness, and operational failures,” according to recently published court documents. (opens in a new tab)
Judge Mark Jette made his comments on the conduct of police when sentencing Jessica Kane, who pleaded guilty to six counts of theft over $5,000 in April of this year. Kane was originally charged with 21 crimes. The additional 15 charges – one count of manslaughter, seven counts of administering a drug to commit an indictable offence, four counts of fraud, two counts of extortion and one additional count of theft over $5,000 – were stayed after the sentencing.
“The Crown’s theory was that Ms. Kane, while working as an escort, drugged a series of clients, then stole their personal property and/or monies
from bank and credit card accounts,” the Aug. 30 decision said. In an agreed upon statement of facts, Kane admitted to thefts totalling a combined $92,650, including one instance where she took $50,000 in cash from one man’s closet. All six victims were men who had contacted Kane through the website LeoList with the intention of paying her and an unnamed second woman for sexual services.
“Ms. Kane admits that five of the named victims were highly intoxicated, and a sixth was in medical distress when she committed the theft offences,” the decision said, adding that Kane did not admit to drugging the men and that the agreed upon statement of facts was “silent” on the question of whether she provided the men with sexual services.
The guilty pleas came after a series of pre-trial hearings in which Jette identified 20 separate breaches of Kane’s Charter rights during the course of an 18-month investigation.
Discarded cigarette sparked East Vancouver fire that displaced 11 residents
An east Vancouver fire that displaced 11 people from three homes was caused by a discarded cigarette.
“This ignited combustibles and spread to trees and nearby homes,” according to an update Wednesday from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services about the Oct. 7 fire in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood.
“A reminder that smoking material should only be discarded in a metal container of water or
sand. Never off balconies, in planters, out of cars or around vegetation.”
The fire broke out in the 1000-block East Pender Street at about 8 p.m. on Oct. 7. The fire burned for more than three hours, with flames reaching as high as 30 metres and jumping to nearby trees. It took 55 firefighters to battle the blaze. Capt. Matthew Trudeau had said the fire started on the back deck of a duplex on East Pender with front and back units.
BC NDP asked to form government
Continued from Page 1...
There is so much more work to do to lighten the load for people,” Eby said in a statement.
B.C. Lt. Gov. Janet Austin also published a statement via X announcing Eby’s win.
“As Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, I have spoken with Premier David Eby, who has advised me that he is prepared to continue as Premier of British Columbia,” she said.
BC Conservatives Leader John Rustad took to social media Monday evening, acknowledging that his party would not form the province’s next government.
“We have made history in BC. Just 18 months ago, the Conservative Party of BC was at 2% in the polls, had no members, no money, no team,” he shared. “But what we did have was grit, determination and a massive grassroots
movement that would make the impossible happen. I am immensely proud to lead a party that went from zero seats to 44 and almost government in just a year.”
“I accept the results of this election. I thank our Elections BC workers for their hard and dedicated work.
“While there are still judicial recounts to be completed, it’s now clear that our party will not win enough seats to form government in BC. I am ready to begin the important work of leading BC’s Official Opposition,” Rustad said.
The Oct. 19 election night ended inconclusively, with results too close to call.
After over a week of recounts in ridings where the difference was within slim margins of votes, and a final count from Oct. 26 to 28, Elections BC announced the results Monday evening.
Abbotsford teacher banned for sexual assault of intimate partner
An Abbotsford teacher who was sentenced for the sexual assault of an intimate partner has had his teaching certificate revoked.
The decision against Khaled Hanafi Dardir was signed Oct. 16 and posted online Tuesday (Oct. 29) by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.
Acting commissioner Donnaree Nygard wrote in the decision that Dardir was employed as a middle school teacher in Abbotsford when he was charged with three offences in July 26, 2021: one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault. The school district suspended him from teaching on Aug. 18, 2021.
The document indicates that Dardir pleaded guilty to all three charges on April 14, 2023 and was sentenced in January 2024 to a conditional discharge and two years of probation.
The district previously disciplined Dardir in June 2020 for harassment and sexual harassment of a colleague, Nygard wrote.
In her decision, Nygard stated that revoking his teaching certificate is now an “appropriate
consequence.”
“Dardir’s criminal offences are of a nature that undermines the confidence of the public in the profession and in the education system,” she wrote.
Nygard said Dardir’s conduct occurred more than once and over a period of time. As well, she said he was violent towards an intimate partner and “his conduct was a breach of the trust that underpins such relationships.”
The decision revokes Dardir’s professional certificate of qualification, which was issued on Jan. 19, 2017.
He could now choose to re-apply for a certificate of qualification or for an independent school teaching certificate or other authorization to teach in the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system.
However, Nygard wrote that, in such an instance, the director of certification will be permitted to review the facts of the revocation decision, any document or evidence gathered during the investigation of the matter, and any evidence that he breached the agreement.
Surrey truck driver among fugitives sought by Crime Stoppers
A Surrey truck driver who fled to India two years ago to dodge sentencing for smuggling cocaine across the Canadian border is among Crime Stoppers' 'least-wanted trick-or-treaters."
Raj Kumar Mehmi is one of five fugitives named in a news release issued Tuesday (Oct. 29) appealing to the public to be on the lookout.
The five – Mehmi, Duc Quan Phung, Kevin Asi Gonzales, Andrew Joseph Smid and Rabih Alkhalil – all face serious charges, the release notes. In the case of Alkhalil, Crime Stoppers has partnered with the national BOLO (Be On the
Look Out) Program to offer a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his capture.
Alkhalil, the release states, escaped from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam more than two years ago with help from two men posing as contractors. He is wanted for murder, conspiracy to commit murder and being unlawfully at large.
As with Mehmi, Phung and Gonzales are wanted for drug-related offences, it continues, while Smid faces "a raft of charges" involving stolen property, fraud, identity theft and more.
On October 25th 2024, the BC India Business Network celebrated Diwali with nearly 350 guests at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver. The Chief Guest for the festive occasion was Consul General Masakui Rungsung who warmly wished the guests a happy Diwali and appreciated the Indian diaspora for celebrating Diwali. The event included cultural performances, the best of Indian cuisine, silent auction, door prizes and networking.
ICICI Bank Canada was the presenting sponsor as in previous years, and the platinum sponsor was Scotia Wealth Management. Many
other sponsors generously contributed and helped make the event a great success.
One of the major highlights of the evening was the giving away of 4 awards.
1. BC–IBN Business Family of the Year Award 2024: Kalala Organic Estate Winery
2. BC–IBN Community Leadership Award 2024: Dr. Joanne Curry
3. BC–IBN Community Leadership Award 2024: James Howey
4. Appreciation Award 2024: Dawood Shakir (For outstanding contribution to the success of BC–IBN
APPLIANCES REPAIR SERVICE
First-year international students face barriers to accessing food banks
Concerns are being raised about a local food bank’s policy of not offering services to international students in their first year of postsecondary schooling.
“The Greater Vancouver Food Bank says they are not providing food to international students in their first year, which is awful,” said Jaskaran Singh, an international student activist with Team We Care Canada. He says the policy makes life harder for students new to the country who may lack resources and support.
“If we want to help international students, this is the one thing we can get rid of,” he said.
“The Vancouver Food Bank has this policy saying, well, they are supposed to have some money saved, so we are not going to give them or allow them to get food for a year,” she said.
According to federal guidelines, international
students applying for a study permit this year have to show they have access to just over $20,000 to qualify.
“That’s not going to get very far, with the rents being what they are and the cost of living in Vancouver,” Carr said
“It’s just so hard.”
She also points out the problem is systemic and is not unique to the GVFB.
“I’m not going to fault the food bank, because they have been overloaded. So many families and seniors have had to turn to them,” Carr said.
“I think senior governments need to step in to help.” Neeraj Walia with the Guru Nanak Food Bank says they provide food to all international students, and he hopes the GVFB will follow their model.
Prices for unleaded, diesel, premix and kerosene drop while gas prices to increase
The prices of unleaded fuel, diesel, premix, and kerosene will drop, while the price of gas will go up starting tomorrow.
Unleaded fuel will drop from $2.73 to $2.62 per litre, diesel will drop from $2.33 to $2.18 per litre, Kerosene will have a 12 cents drop from $1.79 to $1.67 and premix will drop from $2.55 to $2.43.
The price of a 4.5kg cylinder of gas will increase from $14.80 to $14.97 and a 12kg cylinder will now cost $39.91.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) CEO Joel Abraham says ensuring affordability for Fijian families remains
at the forefront of their efforts.
Abraham says this recent adjustment reflects FCCC’s commitment to shielding consumers from the pressures of global market fluctuations.
He says they recognize the impact of rising costs on everyday life, and through diligent monitoring and regulatory measures, FCCC aims to keep essential commodities like fuel within reach, particularly for those most vulnerable.
He adds by holding the line on prices, they are not only supporting household budgets but also reinforcing our commitment to consumer welfare and fair market practices.
Commission of Inquiry into FICAC
A senior Australian jurist and current Judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji, Justice David E. Ashton-Lewis has been appointed as the sole Commissioner to inquire into the recent appointment of the Commissioner of FICAC, Barbara Malimali.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has signed off for the Commission of Inquiry, the Commissioner to be appointed and the counsel assisting the Commissioner.
The Commission of Inquiry will assess and determine whether the appointment process of Malimali was conducted with integrity, fairness, and transparency, in accordance with the law.
The inquiry will also examine whether there were any improper or unlawful influences in
the process leading to the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.
The Terms of Reference of the Commission will also consider whether the process and the appointment of Commissioner Malimali were unlawfully or improperly influenced by vested interests, including current FICAC cases or investigations involving high-profile individuals, such as Members of Parliament, Ministers, and senior public servants.
Justice Ashton-Lewis was previously appointed by the President in 2023 to chair the Constitutional Tribunal to inquire into allegations of misconduct against former Chief Justice Kamal Kumar. Chief Justice Kumar passed away before the Tribunal could commence hearings into the allegations.
Tension at bail hearing
Tension was high yesterday during a bail variation hearing for Carpenters Fiji managing director Daniel Whippy.
The argument was on whether a medical procedure could be conducted on him locally.
Mr Whippy appeared before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza charged with a count of counselling the commissions of an offence.
In court, prosecutor Sera Fatafehi confirmed that FICAC was still stern in objecting to the variation which involved Mr Whippy’s travel overseas for a knee replacement procedure. When asked by Ms Hamza whether treatment was available, she said a local doctor was aware of the new procedure Mr Whippy
needed, however the doctor was not available to give his opinion.
A doctor from Nasese private hospital in his report stated a need for Mr Whippy to have a knee replacement, but that it was not urgent.
Defence lawyer Suruj Sharma pleaded to the court and prosecution to consider at the state of his client.
He said Mr Whippy “has been in agony everyday”.
Mr Whippy is charged alongside coaccused, former National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor, who faces a charge of abuse of office. The pair are alleged to have amended the findings of investigations into an MH warehouse fire in April 2018.
PM wishes Happy Diwali to everybody
With thousands of Hindus celebrating Diwali tomorrow, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged communities to celebrate this auspicious day by showing the spirit of Diwali and showing kindness to those people going through difficulties during this time. He says Diwali is a very important and meaningful
holiday where we celebrate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Rabuka says this is also a good time to show kindness to other beliefs.
He adds seeing people from other beliefs wearing Diwali clothes today shows that we empathise with those who believe in Diwali as a celebration of good
Driver escapes death
A Nadi taxidriver escaped death yesterday when his vehicle burst into flames after colliding with an oncoming private car.
Police confirmed the 61-year-old was heading towards Lautoka when he allegedly failed to give way to a car turning into the Nadi International Airport. Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu said no one was injured in the accident.
“The accident at around 10.30am. A 61-yearold driver heading towards Lautoka failed to give way to the second vehicle that was making a turn into the Nadi International Airport,” said Mr Bautolu.
“The two vehicles collided and the vehicle that was heading towards Lautoka caught fire.” He said investigations into the accident were continuing.
Gangster shot dead in Amritsar encounter
A gangster was shot dead following an encounter near the Beas area here on Wednesday while his accomplice, who had escaped by jumping into the river, was arrested later.
They both were involved in the killing of a commission agent, Gurdeep Singh, who was shot dead in broad daylight in Sathiala in Baba Bakala subdivision a week ago. The deceased was identified as Gursharan Singh, a resident of Harike, while his accomplice Paras Singh was of Noordi village.
The police arrested Paras from a nearby
village with the help of drones. Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrate Bikramjit Singh visited the spot and carried out a probe. He interacted with SSP Charanjit Singh and DIG, Border Range, Satinder Singh.
Hours after the murder of Gurdeep Singh, gangster Satpreet Singh, alias Satta Naushehra, of Landa Harike gang took the responsibility. Gurdeep Singh was a friend of rival gangster Balwinder Singh Donny of Munn Ghanshampuria gang currently in Portugal. Landa Harike was declared a terrorist by the Government of India in December last year.
Amritsar City air most polluted in Punjab
Amritsar remained the most polluted city in Punjab during the week prior to Diwali. The city’s air quality index (AQI) ranged between “moderate” and “poor” category.
As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Amritsar district’s AQI for five days from October 26-30 remained 228, 310, 160, 185 and 185, respectively. On October 30 last year, the AQI in Amritsar was 195.
On October 27, when Amritsar’s AQI (310) dipped to the “very poor” category, other cities where air pollution is being monitored by the Punjab Pollution Control Board i.e. Ludhiana, Mandi Gobindgarh, Patiala, Jalandhar and Khanna recorded much better air quality. The AQI in these cities was 152, 219, 202, 157 and 136, respectively.
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawney said higher pollution levels in Amritsar could be mainly due to the changing weather condition since very few incidents of stubble burning were reported in the district.
KK Gill, an expert with the agrometeorology department of the PAU, said as compared to
districts like Ludhiana or Patiala, temperature in Amritsar was generally low due to its being a border district. “When the mercury drops, it leads to temperature inversion, a phenomenon where cold air gets trapped near the ground beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing pollutants from dispersing upward, hence higher pollution,” she added.
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawney said higher pollution levels in Amritsar could be mainly due to the changing weather condition since very few incidents of stubble burning were reported in the district.
Karunesh Garg, Chief Engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board, said in western Punjab (Pakistan), stubble burning was rampant at this time, which could be seen through satellite. “We have no control over that and air quality gets deteriorated if smoke from the neighbouring country blows into this side,” he said. In contrast, Ludhiana recorded a lower AQI during October 26-30, which was 159, 152, 145, 127 and 133, respectively. On October 30 last year, the AQI in Ludhiana was higher at 250.
India-China Disengagement: Progress On The Ground, Doubts In The Air – Analysis
The Sino-Indian agreement on patrolling arrangements in eastern Ladakh is a significant achievement for New Delhi. From the outset of the Chinese actions of 2020—the establishment of blockades at six points and massing troops
on the border—India has sought to deal with the situation in a measured manner. On the one hand, it confronted the Chinese at the blockade points and also amassed troops on the border, signifying a defensive rather than offensive intent. On the other hand, it pressed Beijing through firm and steady diplomacy to roll back its action.
In this way, and by applying military pressure by occupying the Kailash heights overlooking Spanggur Tso, New Delhi managed to resolve four of the six blockade points by July 2022. These points were transformed into buffer zones, where neither side would patrol. Two blockades, in the Depsang Bulge and the Charding Nala in Demchok, proved more difficult. For two years, talks between military and civilian officials did not yield any results. Then suddenly, a few months ago, things changed, and after a flurry of diplomacy, we have a settlement that goes well beyond the deals that had been arrived at on the other blockade points.
Statements from officials in New Delhi last week signalled that China and India have managed to resolve the issue of the Depsang Bulge and the Charding Nala. The deal announced on 21 October appears to be a multi-layered one which is likely to be rolled out in various phases. As a first step, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a summit in New Delhi, said that “the disengagement process with China has been completed”. This has been followed by what Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced at a briefing—“an agreement has been arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the line of actual control in the IndiaChina border areas.” Both said that through this deal, the situation that had arisen in 2020 in eastern Ladakh had been resolved.
Reports quoting sources in the Army say that “a detailed agreement outlining the modalities of disengagement as well as patrolling was concluded at the Corps Commander level on Monday”. As a result, the Chinese blockades will be lifted this week, and the two sides will begin coordinated patrolling in the Depsang Bulge and Demchok. So in Depsang, the Indian side, which had been blocked at the so-called Y-Junction, will now be able to patrol to PP 10, 11, 11A 12 and 13 from which they
had been blocked in March 2020. In turn, China will also patrol certain areas, though it is not clear as to which ones. An important innovation here will be that the patrolling, which will begin at the end of the month, will be coordinated by the two sides to prevent the troops from coming face to face. Sources added that “patrols will be spaced in such a manner that there would be no faceoffs.” Another report said that as soon as the deal was struck, both sides began disengaging by dismantling prefabricated sheds and tents that were being used to house equipment, vehicles, and troops.
The report had said that Indian and Chinese troops would now pull back from their forward positions in the two sectors by 28-29 October.
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This leaves little doubt that on the pretext of an investigation, there is a deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains.”
“Prime Minister Trudeau’s hostility to India has long been in evidence. In 2018, his visit to India, which was aimed at currying favour with a vote bank, rebounded to his discomfort. His Cabinet has included individuals who have openly associated with an extremist and separatist agenda regarding India. His naked interference in Indian internal politics in December 2020 showed how far he was willing to go in this regard.”
“That his Government was dependent on a political party, whose leader openly espouses a separatist ideology vis-à-vis India, only aggravated matters.”
“Under criticism for turning a blind eye to foreign interference in Canadian politics, his Government has deliberately brought in India in an attempt to mitigate the damage.”
International relations expert C.Raja Mohan
noted that in most countries, especially democracies, “the cultivation of narrowly-based domestic constituencies for electoral reasons has its unfortunate consequences for the conduct of foreign policy.”
Recalling the 2018 visit to India by Trudeau, Raja Mohan noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is more than eager to serenade visiting leaders in his home state of Gujarat, did not travel to Ahmedabad to be with Trudeau. Despite repeated efforts, including at the highest political levels, to flag the question of Sikh separatism in Canada, Trudeau was reluctant to address India’s concerns.
Norton also noted that, in contrast to the past, foreign governments have begun to act on Canadian soil against Canadian citizens who they consider threatening to their interests. Verbal protests have been substituted by action on the ground. The assassination of Sikh terrorist Nijjar allegedly by Indian agents in June 2023 is an example.
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Disengagement at 2 friction points in Ladakh in final stages: Sources
Troop disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh following a key agreement firmed up between India and China is in the "final stages", official sources said on Tuesday.
On October 25, Army sources had said the process is likely to get completed by October 28-29. nThe agreement framework was "signed" first at the diplomatic level and then militarylevel talks took place, Army sources had said, adding the nittygritty of the agreement was worked in the Corps Commander-level talks, which was signed last week. Adhering to agreements between the two sides, Indian troops then began to pull back equipment to rear locations in these areas.
"talks were still under way" for other areas. Sources have said that patrolling will begin at these points once the disengagement that began last week is completed and both sides will move their respective troops and dismantle temporary structures. Eventually, they added, the areas and patrolling status is expected to be moved back to preApril 2020 level. The patrolling will be done by armed personnel and structures to be dismantled include temporary sheds and tents, a source said.
The process follows the agreement firmed up between the two countries on patrolling and disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a major breakthrough to end the over four-year standoff.
The disengagement at the two friction points is in its "final stages", an official source said on Tuesday. Sources last week said the agreement was arrived at only for these two friction points, and
The ties between the two Asian giants had nosedived following a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.
PM Modi celebrates Diwali with troops at Kutch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with BSF, Army, Navy and Air Force personnel at Lakki Nala in Sir Creek area in Kutch, Gujarat. Modi left for the Sir Creek area after addressing the National Unity Day event at Kevadia in Gujarat on the occasion of Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary. In Kevadia, Modi said India was working for one nation one election and one nation one secular civil code. Sir Creek is an extremely inhospitable place, due to the very hot days and very cold nights. The terrain is challenging. Modi has been celebrating Diwali
