Asian Star - March 25, 2017 by The Asian Star Newspaper

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www.theasianstar.com AsianStar logo Saturday, April 25, 2015 6:42:48 PM

Vol 16 - Issue 08

Liberals propose $28.6B deficit in 2017 budget

The future is coming at you, fast, and the Liberal government says it knows you’re getting anxious — and potentially angry. Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered a federal budget Wednesday that aims to get Canadians ready for a changing world and potentially shield the Liberals from the forces that brought U.S. President Donald Trump to power. “Everyday folks who work hard to provide for their families are worried about the future,” Morneau said in his speech to the House of Commons as he tabled the 2017 federal budget, the second since the Liberals formed a majority government in 2015. Continued on Page 7... Keeping the power of giving alive:

Mr. Sukhdev S. Sidhu Read on Star & Style Page 8...

SABA’s Luncheon with purpose

Read on Star & Style Page 8...

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Indian MP slaps air steward 25 times with slippers for not getting a business-class seat After a lawmaker thrashed an airline official for not getting a business-class seat, India’s carriers are rallying around to create the nation’s first “no-fly” list in a bid to bar unruly passengers from flights. Outraged at not getting premium seating, Ravindra Gaikwad, a member of parliament belonging to a regional party in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition, on

Ganga & Yamuna now living entities - with all constitutional rights In a landmark ruling by the Uttarakhand High Court in Nainital, River Ganga and River Yamuna have been accorded the status of India’s first living entity and shall have all the fundamental rights available to a person under the Indian Constitution. Uttarakhand HC has also ruled that the Centre should form a Ganga Administration Board for cleaning and better maintenance of the most sacred river of the country. Advocate Lalit Miglani of Uttarakhand HC told News18 that the present matter dealt with the issue of Khannan (Stone crushing) by the boundaries of River Ganga. “The matter was with regard to how industries are using material from River Ganga’s boundary and involving in activities of stone crushing. Continued on Page 6...

Thursday refused to deplane after his flight landed in New Delhi. With a sandal, Gaikwad repeatedly hit a shift manager who was sent to calm him down, while threatening to throw the man off the aircraft, flag carrier Air India Ltd. said in a statement the same day. Video of the incident showed him pushing the airline employee toward the door. Continued on Page 8...

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Supreme Court to hear ‘honour killing’ extradition case

A long-running legal battle heads to the Supreme Court on Monday as two B.C. residents accused of arranging the honourkilling of a young relative in India continue to fight the federal government’s efforts to extradite them. Jaswinder (Jassi) Sidhu was found dead in a canal in India in 2000. India has been trying for years to extradite Malkit Sidhu and Surjit Badesha, both of Maple Ridge, B.C., to face trial. They are the mother and uncle of Sidhu, a B.C. woman whose body was dumped after her throat was slashed in Punjab. Her young husband, Sukhwinder (Mithu) Sidhu, was badly beaten and left for dead. She was allegedly targeted for secretly marrying the rickshaw driver, a man of much lower social status, instead of the older man her family had arranged for her to wed in Canada. Indian courts asked to have the pair extradited to face trial, but a surrender order signed by former Justice Minister Peter MacKay was challenged and ultimately struck down by a B.C. appeals court last year. The ruling said the pair could be subject to violence, torture or neglect based on India’s human rights record. Badesha’s lawyer Michael Klein says the pair could be in danger if sent to India, and Canada is obliged to protect them. The Supreme Court of Canada will hear an extradition case Monday related to the 2000 death of Jassi Sidhu. “Both of these people are elderly and both have health issues and that makes them more vulnerable in an Indian prison system, especially one which has been characterized as quite brutal,” he said. But in a 46-page submission to the court, the attorney general of Canada said the B.C. appeal court “erred” and called its decision an “unwarranted interference” with the minister’s order to return alleged perpetrators in the “brutal and notorious ‘honour’ killing of a Canadian citizen.” It said the ruling jeopardized Canada’s ability to live up to its obligations to extradition treaty partners. “The need to fulfil Canada’s obligations in relation to extradition is always a crucial factor precisely because of the objectives of the extradition regime including the importance of seeing justice done in the jurisdiction in which crimes are committed and the need to prevent Canada from becoming a safe haven for criminals,” it reads.

IIO takes Vancouver Police Chief Palmer to court over probe into fatal shooting B.C.’s police watchdog is taking Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer and seven of his officers to court over what it considers a lack of cooperation with an investigation into the fatal shooting by cops of a man outside a Canadian Tire store last year. On Nov. 10, police converged on the store in a mall near Grandview Highway and Rupert Street after reports that a large man in camouflage had entered the premises and stabbed a store employee. When the suspect left the store he grabbed an 82-year-old man and held him hostage at knifepoint before being shot by police. Daniel Peter Rintoul, 38, died at the scene. A police officer was also hurt during the incident. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO), which investigates police shootings, designated a number of Vancouver police officers as “witness officers,” meaning they were present at the scene, but were not

believed to have caused or contributed to Rintoul’s death. But in the months since the shooting, the seven officers in question have refused or

failed to attend interviews requested by IIO investigators, according to a petition filed in B.C. Supreme Court. The sticking point is a request by the cops to be provided disclosure from the IIO, including cellphone and security-camera video footage

of the shooting incident, before they can be interviewed. “They have demanded, through their counsel or union representative, preinterview disclosure of certain investigativefile materials in the IIO’s possession as a precondition of any IIO interviews,” says the petition. “The petitioner is not prepared to provide the witness officers with the requested pre-interview disclosure, although it is prepared to provide some limited materials on the day of the interview, prior to the interview commencement.” The petition says that on March 6 the IIO wrote to Palmer and demanded that he order his officers to comply with their statutory duty to cooperate with the investigation by attending interviews. “Chief Palmer replied in correspondence dated March 13, 2017, and advised Continued on Page 4...

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Trudeau should learn a lesson from India about playing ‘Muslim Vote Bank’ politics By Tarak Fateh: In this interconnected world of ours, no news is foreign and no country is safe from the after-effects of earth-shaking events across the globe. This is especially true if such events take place in democratic countries bound together with respect for liberal secular rule of law, not religious dogma that reinforces medieval misogyny. On Saturday, the people of India who share many of the institutions we Canadians hold dear, gave a shock to the ruling elites and chattering intelligentsia that has sent them reeling into their private clubs, shocked that the ordinary Indian had stood up to the Indian Mullahs who control the supposed Muslim Vote Bank and the traditional caste-based voting among the country’s Hindu majority. In state elections of India, the prize of the largest state Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the crown and Prime Minister Modi’s rightwing BJP was supposed to bite the dust as various religion and caste-based parties joined hands to defeat Mr. Modi’s provincial team. To sum up the shock verdict Indians gave to politicians pandering to the Muslim

vote (about 30% of the electorate in some constituencies), the Muslim-majority city of Deoband that produced the ideology of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda had an 80% Muslim

population, yet the only Muslim candidate on the list suffered a defeat at the hands of a Hindu running for the BJP. Never in recent history have India’s Muslims so aggressively rejected the advice of self-styled Muslim community leaders invoking “Islamophobia” every time anyone objected to India’s archaic Muslim laws that permitted child marriage, instant divorce and “temporary marriage” of teenage girls to visiting Arab Sheikhs. Now comes a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among

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1,340 Canadian voters that does not bode well for Prime Minister Trudeau and his Islamophobia-promoting MP, Pakistanborn Iqra Khalid that raises the spectre of Canadians being vilified as racist of they criticise any aspect of Islamic Sharia Law or history. Of the Canadians surveyed, 40% think the motion put forward by Khalid should remove the focus on one specific religion, while 31% said that all religions should be mentioned in the motion, and only (14%) say that the motion should be left as is. The Forum Research poll reports that “More than seven-in-10 favour amending this motion in some way; even 71% of Liberal supporters would see revisions to it.“ Chances are the Islamist-inspired motion will go through Parliament as the opposition Conservatives seem to not have a spine while the NDP is only too happy positioning Islamists as victims. But come election time, Trudeau should realize that if in India, voters can stand up against Islamism, then he may have a short lifespan in the renovated residence of the prime minister. Continued from Page 3... he ‘had decided to seek legal advice’ on the matter,” says the court document. One of the lawyers for the cops told 100 the IIO that his client would not attend 100 the interview unless he was given a full 95 95 opportunity to first refresh his memory 75 with video recordings of the incident. But 75 the IIO responded by say that viewing of pre-interview video had the potential to distort officers’ memories of the shooting 25 incident. “The IIO further stated that 25 5as it was interested in determining not VICTOR BAINS 5only what actually occurred, but also the 0officers’ perception of the event, any risk 0 that outside information could alter or affect the officers’ memory needed to be closely guarded against,” says the petition.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Ganga & Yamuna now living entities Continued from Page 1... This is weakening the boundaries of the River Ganga and is therefore making it dangerous for nearby settlements as the chances of floods are only increasing by such activities,” said Miglani. Last Friday, Uttarakhand HC slammed the Union government as well as the state government for having misplaced priorities like locating the missing River Saraswati but doing “nothing concrete” in cleaning River Ganga. The matter has been decided by the division bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Alok Singh. The same bench had expressed serious concern last week as to why the Supreme

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Mukesh Ambani leads 101 Indian billionaires Continued from Page 1... The list has been topped by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates for the fourth year in a row. He has been the richest person in the world for 18 out of the past 23 years. Gates has a fortune of US$ 86 billion, up from US$ 75 billion last year, followed by Berkshire Hathaway chief Warren Buffet with a new worth of US$ 75.6 billion. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos added US$ 27.6 billion to his fortune; now worth US$ 72.8 billion, moving into the top three in the world for the first time, up from number five a year ago. US President Donald Trump is ranked 544th on the list with his net worth of US$ 3.5 billion. India is home to 101 billionaires, the first time it has more than 100 super rich individuals. The US continues to have more billionaires than any other nation, with a record 565, up from 540 a year ago. China is catching up with 319, Germany has the third most with 114 and India has the fourth highest number of billionaires. There are nearly 20 people of Indian-origin who have made fortunes in various nations across the world, led by UK-based Hinduja brothers ranked 64th with US$ 15.4 billion net worth, Indian-born tycoon Pallonji Mistry, who controls the 152-year-old Mumbaiheadquartered engineering giant Shapoorji Pallonji Group at the 77th spot with US$ 14.3 billion net worth and petrochemicals major Indorama co-founder Sri Prakash Lohia at the 288th spot with US$ 5.4 billion net worth. Mistry’s younger son Cyrus is embroiled in a legal battle with the Tata Group after he was suddenly ousted as chairman of Tata Sons, a

position he had held since 2012. Ambani, 59, leads the pack of Indian billionaires, coming in at the 33rd position with a net worth of US$ 23.2 billion. Forbes said the “oil and gas tycoon” sparked a price war in India’s hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio last September. His younger brother Anil is ranked 745th with a net worth of US$ 2.7 billion. The younger Ambani sibling “orchestrated the merger of his Reliance Communication’s telecom business with that of rival Aircel, controlled by Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan. The combine, which awaits regulatory approvals, will be the country’s fourth-largest mobile phone operator,” Forbes said. Next on the list of Indian billionaires is ArcelorMittal chairman and CEO Lakshmi Mittal on the 56th spot with a net worth of US$ 16.4 billion. Forbes said the Indian steel baron regains his status as the world’s second richest Indian on an uptick in steel prices and demand. “The world’s biggest steelmaker also got a reprieve from import tariffs on steel imposed by the US and Europe and a one-time USD 832 million saving from a new labour contract signed last year with its US workers,” it added. The list includes only four women billionaires from India, led by Savitri Jindal and her family at the 303rd position with a net worth of US$ 5.2 billion. “After declining last year, the fortune of steel and power clan, whose matriarch Savitri Jindal chairs the OP Jindal Group, rose as steel prices recovered,” Forbes said. Smita Crishna-Godrej from the Godrej

LOCAL

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Liberals propose $28.6B deficit in 2017 budget Continued from Page 1... It includes about $5.2 billion for skills development as the government plans to help Canadians adapt their education and employment training to a diversifying economy at a time when the lower price of oil has meant the natural resource sector can no longer be counted on to provide jobs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or sustain federal revenues. Measures include letting out-of-work Canadians go back to school or receive new job training without having to give up their employment insurance benefits, a pilot project to test ways to make it easier for adults who have already been in the workforce to access student loans and grants and doing more to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to young people. The Liberals do not just want to help Canadians find jobs in the future. They also want to try and bring that future about. The budget commits nearly $3 billion to support innovation over the next five years and promises to develop an innovation and skills plan that will target six sectors the Liberal government see as good bets for spurring economic growth and creating well-paying jobs: advanced manufacturing, clean technology, the agri-food sector, digital industries, clean resources and health and bio-sciences. As the Liberals work to ensure everyone can find a job in the new economy, they are also giving a boost to many who were left behind by the traditional one, such as women and those from indigenous communities. The budget commits $7 billion over the next decade to help increase access to affordable child care, will allow women to begin maternity leave earlier and provides more financial support for those caring for an ill or aging relative â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all seen as ways to help increase the participation of women in the workforce. The budget document, for the first time in Canadian history, also includes a section on how many of its measures impact men and women in different ways, with a promise to do a deeper gender-based analysis for the 2018 budget. While this budget is relatively thin on net new spending, all these new promises still come with a cost, especially since the federal government is still footing the bill for the gigantic, ongoing commitments from last year. Canadians can expect a five-cent increase in EI premiums in fiscal 2018-19, up to $1.68 per $100 of insurable earnings, with some of that additional cost coming from the measures that will give more people access to benefits.

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ndi n itici n be t ig t ttend nt it i e 25 times for not getting a business-class seat Continued from Page 1... Gaikwad reportedly told ANI news that the flight attendant insulted him first. What did he say, that I hit him with my hand? I hit him 25 times with a slipper,” Gaikwad said. Gaikwad first complained to a flight attendant before deciding to raise his concerns with the manager he was shown striking in the video. “[The steward] said ‘I will complain to [Indian prime minister Narendra] Modi’, so I hit him,” said Gaikwad. “Should I have to listen to this abuse?” After the altercation, the manager, Shivkumar, told the The Times of India that Gaikwad broke his glasses.

“He misbehaved with me, he even broke my glasses,” Shivkumar said. “I never expected this could happen… God save our country if this is the culture and behaviour of our MPs.” Air India said it had informed the MP’s staff in advance that the aircraft didn’t have a business class. The passenger was accommodated in the first row of the alleconomy plane because he wanted to take that particular flight, the carrier said. State-run Air India and members of the Federation of Indian Airlines have decided to ban the MP from all their flights with immediate effect, and sought the government’s support to enforce a “no-fly” list, they said in a statement Friday.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

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A Montreal mosque is facing a police complaint and rebukes from the larger Muslim community after a video of an imam delivering a sermon in which he asks for Jews

to be killed surfaced online. The sermon took place at the Dar AlArqam Mosque in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saint-Michel neighbourhood on Dec. 23, 2016. The video was posted to the mosqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YouTube channel three days later. The imam in the video is Jordanian cleric Sheikh Muhammad bin Musa Al Nasr â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he was reportedly an invited guest of the mosque. In the video, the imam says in Arabic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;O Muslim, O servant of Allah, O Muslim, O servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me,

come and kill him.â&#x20AC;? Part of the phrase references an 95Islamic hadith, which interprets the words and 75 actions by the Prophet Muhammad. 100 The video was brought to the attention 95 of Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Brith Canada, which filed a complaint with Montreal police on 25 75 Monday. The organization said it is5 totally unacceptable that a mosque would allow 0 25 this to go on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is inciting violence, and this is inciting radicalization,â&#x20AC;? said 5Harvey Levine, regional director of Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Brith 0 in Quebec. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s against the law and has to be stopped,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding that the complaint was filed with the Montreal hate crimes unit. Montreal police confirmed they received a complaint, but would not provide any more information. The president of the Muslim Council of Montreal, Salam Elmenyawi, wants to know why the imam was invited. He says the mosque should apologize. He added that the Dar Al-Arqam Mosque is not one of the more than 40 institutions the council represents.

Chinese fraud suspect loses bid to make evidence public to help refugee claim A Richmond B.C., businessman wanted by Chinese authorities for fraud has lost a bid in Federal Court to pry open blacked-out information he argued would help his refugee claim. Shiyuan Shen came to Canada in 2007, claiming authorities were hunting him for political reasons by bringing trumpedup charges and using torture to manufacture evidence against him. Shen, who runs a kitchen cabinet company, was named in an Interpol warrant in relation to a $20-million fraud scheme involving a Shanghai steel company. He lost a bid for asylum in 2013, but a new refugee hearing was ordered, based on potential evidence that was withheld by the federal government. On Thursday, a Federal Court judge refused to make public redacted sections of two reports that explored whether a police officer employed by Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Security Bureau (PSB) could gain entry into Canada. Shenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal team argued that the protected

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Truck teetering off Hwy 17 hangs on by its tool box A driver walked away with minor injuries after a crash sent his truck teetering off the edge of Highway 17 in Delta, B.C. on Thursday. Delta fire Chief Kelly McLenaghen says although his crews had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate the male driver, a tool box installed underneath the flatbed truck saved his life. “Luckily for the tool box — that saved his life,” the fire chief said, describing a steel box in the undercarriage which measured three feet by three feet. “He was hanging by a thread there until we secured him.” Sharlene Brooks, a spokesperson with Delta police, says the truck was driving westbound past Tannery Road when it clipped a semi-truck. There was minimal damage but the collision sent the driver careening headfirst through a steel railing separating the highway from railroad tracks below, pushing aside a concrete barrier. “The truck was hanging about 70 to 80 feet [of a] drop to the train tracks below,” said

McLenaghen. “The guy must have been pretty scared inside.” Rescue crews immediately secured the truck to one of their fire engines after they arrived. McLenaghen says he believes the driver was in the precarious spot for about 15 minutes

before they were able to extricate him, making the rescue especially difficult. The driver was sent to hospital but McLenaghen says he was able to walk on his own. All westbound lanes were reopened as of 5 p.m. PT after crews installed temporary railings.

Quebec man arrested in Turkey after being ccu ed being eni figu e A Quebec man accused of providing weapons training to terrorists in Syria was being detained in Turkey, according to press reports in that country. Wassim Boughadou was arrested at Adana airport on March 10 as he was attempting to fly to Istanbul, a report on CNN’s Turkish affiliate reported Thursday. Calling him a senior ISIL official, the reports said he was on his way to Europe and possibly Canada when he was arrested by counterterrorism police. Video showed him being led out a courthouse by two escorts, who put him into a van. He was being held for terrorist financing and membership in a terrorist group. The RCMP referred questions to Global Affairs Canada, which said officials were “in contact with local authorities to gather additional information” about the matter.

“Consular services are being provided to a Canadian citizen who has been detained in Adana, Turkey, as well as to their family,” said spokesman Austin Jean . The arrest comes as Western counterterrorism agencies are bracing for the return of foreign fighters as ISIL loses turf in Syria and Iraq. The Montreal-born 25-year-old was one of several Quebec college students under RCMP investigation over alleged extremism when he left for Turkey in 2012. Police began probing the group after the owners of a Montreal gun range overheard one of them saying he wished the targets they were shooting at were infidels. Boughadou’s name has since surfaced at the terrorism trial of his brother-in-law Ismael Habib. Habib has claimed Boughadou convinced him to leave Canada to avoid police scrutiny.

Hells Angel associate convicted in major cocaine conspiracy gets 10 years in jail A Hells Angels associate who was convicted in a major cocaine conspiracy has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. James Howard, 39, was one of eight men arrested following a reverse sting operation conducted by undercover RCMP officers between January 2011 and August 2012. The sale of 500 kilograms of cocaine was negotiated in what was intended to be the first in a series of continuing transactions. In September, Howard and three other

co-accused were convicted following a trial before B.C. Supreme Court Justice Carol Ross. Howard was found guilty of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking but acquitted of conspiracy to import cocaine. In imposing sentence on Howard on Thursday, the judge said he played a “relatively senior role” in the conspiracy and was motivated by profit. The conspirators paid a total of $4 million

for the first shipment of what they believed was to be 200 kilograms of cocaine, with a further 300 kilograms to be delivered at a later date. Howard met with the undercover cops, participated in the negotiations, and was in direct communication with his co-accused David Giles and Kevin Van Kalkeren — who the Crown argued

were the key players in the conspiracy, and delivered the second instalment of $2 million to the cops. He was introduced to the cops, who were posing as members of a South American drug cartel, as the “transportation guy,” the man who would organize the work force to take delivery of the drugs.

LOCAL

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Federal budget promises $2.2 billion for Metro Vancouver transit In its 2017 budget, the federal government has promised $20.1 billion in funding for public transit, to be divvied up over the next 11 years, and to eliminate the public transit tax credit. That’s $2.2 billion for transportation projects in Metro Vancouver, the mayor’s council on regional transportation said. The budget, released Wednesday afternoon, the federal government will dole out funds to

each province using a formula of 70 per cent on ridership and 30 per cent on population. In addition, another $5 billion in funding will come from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The public transit tax will also be nixed, effective June 30. “Available evidence suggests that this credit has been ineffective in encouraging the use of public transit and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” the budget reads. The budget noted recent projects in the Lower Mainland, including the six station

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additions to the Vancouver Broadway station, as “ambitious” projects and ones that this funding will support as construction moves to the next phases. Mayors’ council on regional transportation said they welcome the proposed funds. “Today’s historic federal investment in transit and transportation is a game-changer for our region and the largest in Metro Vancouver in 20 years,” council chair and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a press release. The estimated contribution from the government’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) builds upon an initial commitment of $370 million for local transit projects in 2016, which at a combined total of almost $2.6 billion marks the single largest federal investment in Metro Vancouver transportation in at least 20 years. “TransLink is doing great work in rolling out the first phase of the 10-Year Vision which is adding more bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus service region-wide this year, but these new services are playing catch up from years of under-investment,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, vice-chair of the mayors’ council. “With today’s federal budget, we are closer than ever to putting shovels in the ground for Surrey LRT and the Broadway subway so we can move more people around our growing region on transit.

A female driver has died after her sedan was struck by a van at the intersection of 152 Street and 72 Avenue Wednesday evening. Surrey RCMP say the green GMC van was traveling eastbound on 72 Avenue, striking several vehicles in the 14000-block. It continued along 72 Avenue to 152 Street before it collided with the sedan at approximately 6:30 p.m. The driver of the sedan, a 62 year-old female from Port Coquitlam, was pronounced dead at the

scene. Her 84-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital. Mounties are continuing their investigation, and say alcohol is “being considered a factor” in the collision. The driver of the van, a 68 year-old male, was also injured and taken to hospital. He has since been arrested. Callers are asked to quote file number 2017-37825.

Liberal, NDP MPs help pass anti-Islamophobia motion The House of Commons has passed M-103, a non-binding motion condemning Islamophobia and religious discrimination. All NDP and nearly all Liberal MPs supported the motion, which passed 20191. The majority of Conservative MPs voted against, with leadership candidate Michael Chong and Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton voting in favour. Mississauga Liberal MP Gagan Sikand and Barrie Conservative MP Alex Nuttall both abstained. The vote follows months of bitter debate and a series of protests and counter-protests across the country over whether the private member’s motion would limit free speech or single out Islam for special treatment in Canadian law. It had additional symbolic significance in the emotional aftermath of the Jan. 29 mosque shooting in Quebec City, where six Muslim men were killed. The motion was tabled by Mississauga-Erin Mills Liberal MP Iqra Khalid on Dec. 5, 2016. She spoke to reporters after the motion passed Thursday. “I’m really happy that the vote today has shown positive support for this motion and I’m really looking forward to the committee taking on this study,” she said. Khalid’s motion calls on the government to do three things: • Condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination. • Quell the increasing public climate of hate and fear. • Compel the Commons heritage committee to develop a government-wide approach for reducing or eliminating systemic racism and religious discrimination, including Islamophobia. The latter would require the heritage

committee to collect data on hate crime reports, conduct needs assessments for affected communities and present findings within eight months. Liberals rejected an attempt by Saskatchewan Conservative MP David Anderson to remove the word “Islamophobia “ from the motion and change the wording to “condemn all forms of systemic racism, religious intolerance and discrimination of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus and other religious communities.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Parents of child who died in Vancouver daycare want reform

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years to create new and affordable childcare spaces. Although specific details on how this funding would roll out have not been released, the announcement has some daycare advocates calling for it to be used to 100 reform B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s system. Shelley Sheppard and Chris Sainiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 95 15-month-old son Macallan Wayne Saini died in an accident at a daycare on Jan. 18, 75 2017. The exact circumstances of Macallanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death are still under investigation, but the grieving parents say the daycare industry needs to be more affordable and accountable. 25 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simply throwing money at the problem to5 create more spots in an unsafe and poor quality system is not the answer,â&#x20AC;? said Saini, in0statement on Wednesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need a comprehensive and effective plan to make daycare about

quality education, safety, accessibility and affordability.â&#x20AC;? The couple have specifically endorsed the $10-a-day child care system put forward by the NDP and other advocates. Across Canada the daycare industry is provincially regulated although the federal government provides some funding. In B.C., daycare centres only need a licence if they have three or more children who are not siblings in their care. Costs are not capped and parents are generally charged market rates. In Vancouver, waitlists can be years long and average daycare costs can top $1,400 per month. Childcare advocates say there are three major issues facing B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childcare: a shortage of daycare spaces, expensive costs, and inadequate pay for daycare workers. David Macdonald, a senior economist for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely only one of those areas â&#x20AC;&#x201D; increasing the number of daycare spaces â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will be alleviated with this new federal funding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In provinces like Quebec and Manitoba where the fees are capped, there may be some some interest in reducing the fees parents pay. In provinces where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a market system like British Columbia, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely the funding will be used to reduce fees because the province doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t control the fees â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no mechanism to do so,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

LOCAL

Ottawa’s housing strategy offers $1 billion a year The Justin Trudeau government’s new national housing plan promises about $1 billion a year for the next decade to help bring housing costs into reach for more Canadians. Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s second budget, revealed Wednesday, promises a “renewed partnership” with provinces, and an additional $11.2 billion over 11 years to increase housing affordability. That is on top of last year’s budget commitment to fund “low-cost loans and new

financing tools to encourage municipalities, housing developers and non-profit housing providers to develop more affordable rental housing units.” A centrepiece of Morneau’s budget is skills development, to help people adapt to a rapidly changing economy, focused on agri-food, digital industries, “advanced manufacturing,” clean technology and bio-sciences. Employment Insurance premiums are

going up five cents next year, while parental leave can be extended to 18 months, at a lower rate of one third of average weekly earnings. Operating deficits continue to soar in the federal government’s plan, projected to go from $23 billion in the current fiscal year to $28 billion in 2017-18. The budget forecasts the government would still be in the red $19 billion by 2021-22. Trudeau campaigned in 2015 on a promise to run deficits no larger than $10 billion a year and balance the operating budget by 2019. Aaron Wudrick of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation said weaker projected revenues combined with new spending will see the debt pile up to the point where interest costs alone will be $143 billion over the next five years. Wudrick praised some measures, including a promised spending review for government departments, a commitment to expand free trade between provinces and an effort to crack down on tax evasion. Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose said the government’s vaunted tax cut for the 100 middle class last year has been eaten away by tax95 and fee increases. “It’s like they’re nickel 75 diming everyone,” Ambrose said. and Burnaby MP Kennedy Stewart, the federal NDP’s B.C. caucus chair, pointed to cuts of 25 more than $1 billion for Canada’s climate change framework over two years. 5 “After promising real change, Justin Trudeau 0 adopted Stephen Harper’s environmental assessment process and climate change targets,” Stewart said. “This budget shows British Columbians the Liberal government is more of the same.”

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Fake city worker robbing businesses, warn RCMP Surrey RCMP are warning the public about a man disguised as a city worker who allegedly conned his way into businesses to steal employees' belongings from staff rooms. On March 19, three separate businesses in the Guildford area reported that a man had come and asked to check the water pressure, according to a statement issued by police. The man, who called himself "Kevin," was allowed inside some stores and left alone in at least one of them, said Cpl. Scotty Schumann. Some employees later found the man "rummaging" through their belongings in staff rooms, claiming to be looking for leaks. Other businesses only realized that they'd been duped when they looked at surveillance footage after "Kevin" had gone. The suspect is described as 5'5" with darker skin and no accent. RCMP said he may also

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

c binet ini te d fi e g e n ent c e ue t c A B.C. cabinet minister from Surrey is under fire for handing out government cheques to a local community group from his B.C. Liberal Party campaign office.

Peter Fassbender, minister of community, sport and cultural development, was photographed giving two Government of B.C. cheques, worth a total of $75,000, to the Surrey Newton Rotary Club while in his campaign office March 18. The money was provided in his capacity as minister. But the setting, in Fassbender’s party campaign office, surrounded by reelection material and large B.C. Liberal signs, is drawing criticism because it makes the taxpayer money look like it comes from the Liberal party and not the province. “It’s highly inappropriate and it shows a complete disregard for what British Columbians have done — they work hard, pay

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their tax dollars and see their tax dollars being used for partisan purposes,” said Glen Sanford, the B.C. NDP’s deputy provincial director. “It’s a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars.” “I own this, I should never have done it,” he said. “It’s a mistake and it will never happen again, I can assure you. I know the difference. It was just one of those mornings where there was a screw-up with everyone coming to my constituency office.” Fassbender said he did one set of photos with part of the group in his MLA constituency office that Saturday morning — which is normal procedure for an MLA announcing local money — and then another group asked him for a photo later and he was already at his campaign office. “They came and I took a picture, and I said whatever you do don’t have any B.C. Liberal stuff in the background because it’s not a campaign thing,” said Fassbender. “I should never have allowed them to take a picture there.” The optics of using government money for partisan purposes is heightened because Surrey is a key battleground in the May 9 election campaign. Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle that fled after hitting a pedestrian last weekend. Just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening, a woman was walking from the east to west side of the intersection at Victoria Drive at Williams Street when she was struck by a southbound vehicle. She was hit by a newer model silver Volkswagen Jetta that didn’t stop and was last seen

NDP Leader John Horgan has promised an NDP government would support annual funding for Surrey’s Wraparound Program which helps students out of what he calls the “pipeline” that would take them into gang life. “I was on the wrong track when I was in high school and I was saved by teachers and mentors who stepped up for me,” he said Friday at a news conference. The program for at-risk youth has been dealing with a wait-list of up to 30 kids, despite a one time financial boost of $270,000 in April of 2015 from the B.C. government. Horgan says that would change under an NDP government. “Our commitment today is a B.C. NDP government will fund a $500,000 contribution to the Wraparound Program so the funding can be stable and secure.” Two years ago, the federal government signed a contract to provide $3.5 million over five years to fund the prevention program but its financial future beyond that is unclear. Surrey’s Wraparound launched in 2009 as a partnership between the Surrey School District, the city of Surrey and the RCMP with

turning west within two blocks of the collision. The 62-year-old Vancouver woman was hit by the front of the car, causing her to go onto the hood and windshield, before flying several metres in the air and landing in the northbound traffic lane. She was taken to hospital where she remains in serious medical condition. Officers from the VPD Collision Investigation Unit

the goal of bonding youth to their school, community and home by building positive relationships.

Kids as young as 11 years old are identified as candidates for the program through schools or by the police. Former RCMP Inspector Garry Begg, who is running for the provincial NDP in the riding of Surrey-Guildford, says it’s a valuable program. “I know that it works. And it has actually changed the lives of young people. I also know that every year it’s been a battle to secure funding.” The B.C. NDP has criticized Victoria for not providing more money as the number of shootings in Surrey dramatically increased in 2015 more than doubling the number in 2014.

collected evidence from the scene, spoke with many witnesses, and located video footage of the incident and the suspect vehicle. Based on the evidence collected, police believe the driver should be aware that they hit the pedestrian, as the vehicle will have a cracked headlight lens on the driver’s side, and possible other front end damage. “We are asking the driver to come forward and provide their

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version of the incident,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “We have video of the incident and photos of the vehicle. It’s only a matter of time before we identify the person behind the wheel.” Anyone, including body shop employees, who may have information about this collision, or who knows the location of the vehicle, is asked to contact police at 604-717-3012 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Soaring rents push homelessness to all-time high in Vancouver’s DTES

A report released by an advocacy group says the average cost of rent in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside has gone up just as homelessness in the neighbourhood has hit an all-time high. The Carnegie Community Action Project says over one thousand people — equal to one in every 18 people in the neighbourhood — were homeless in 2016. They say the lowest average rent at singleroom occupancy hotels is up to $548, meaning people on social assistance are left with only $62 to pay for necessities after housing every month. They say they found several hotels charging one thousand dollars per month, and so they’re calling on the province to increase social assistance rates to be able to meet the cost of living and to build more low-income housing.

LOCAL

Saturday, March 25, 2017

i n ut

11 yr old girl loses 2 limbs after infection d ct t ug t in uen

e e e ficti n n e Chasing Kismet

The story is written by Indo-Canadian author Amrita Kaur Lit. Lit lives in Surrey, British Columbia. Her writing regularly

appears in several local newspapers and magazines, as well as on her personal blog, ‘Amrita Literature.’ Chasing Kismet tackles deeply convoluted human issues that will particularly resonate with Indian and South Asian readers. From the intricacies of family

and community dynamics to the lack of mental health support, the protagonist’s experience is one that will feel intimately familiar to many. Written with dazzling emotional depth and profound cultural insights, Chasing Kismet will remind you that family roots have a way of following us—no matter how hard we pursue a new destiny. The novel is about the journey of an IndoCanadian female who sets out to discover her roots, but becomes uprooted instead. It has been released for purchase on Amazon on March 10th, 2017. There will also be a pop up book sale at Unit 353 8158 on 128th street in Surrey, BC at Shahi Fashions in Payal Business Centre on March 26th, 2017.

Man charged in 5-year-old sex assault case in Surrey A 46-year-old Surrey man has been charged in connection with a five-year-old sexual assault case RCMP describe as random and violent. Police say a woman was walking near 133 Street and 68 Avenue in the Newton area of Surrey on the evening of June 2, 2012, when she was attacked by a man. “The man, not known to the victim, is alleged to have physically and sexually assaulted her while threatening to kill her,” said Cpl. Scotty Schumann. Schumann says the Social Victims Unit and Lower Mainland Forensic Identification Section recently

made a break in the case that led them to a suspect. Timothy James Wyslouzil has been charged with sexual assault using a weapon, choking and/or suffocating while committing a sexual assault, unlawful confinement, uttering threats and sexual assault causing bodily harm. “Investigators have been working diligently on this file for some time now,” Schumann said. “The break in the evidence has just recently occurred but because the matter is before the courts, I’m not able to speak to the specifics of that evidence.”

On an otherwise routine Tuesday evening in February, 11-year-old Nupur Mate was complaining at home about a headache. The Mississauga girl had a 39 C fever and her symptoms seemed to be those of a common cold or influenza. But when Nupur couldn’t stop shivering, her family took her to the emergency room at nearby Trillium Hospital. That hospital visit became the first of two times her parents were told their daughter had influenza and could recover at home. The third time Nupur’s parents took her to the hospital, her heart stopped, and she had to be resuscitated. Nupur has since had two limbs amputated — her left arm and right leg — and is surviving on dialysis at the Hospital for Sick Children, following a diagnosis of a serious bacterial infection caused by streptococcus A. Her family is now questioning why Trillium Hospital doctors didn’t pick up on the severity of Nupur’s symptoms sooner. “One day, fever — OK. But three days, plus the pain … you don’t just say ‘oh, it’s flu,’” her mother Sunita told. Sunita said her daughter rarely gets sick. This time was different. Initially, the family’s doctor advised rest and Tylenol to keep Nupur’s fever down. Then, when the family went to Trillium on Feb. 21, they waited four hours to see a doctor, Sunita said, adding that nurses were dismissing her concerns that her daughter had something worse than the flu. Frustrated, Sunita and Nupur went home to rest instead. The next morning, Nupur woke up wincing with severe pain in her left arm and right leg,

so they again rushed her to the emergency room.“Everything points to influenza B,” Sunita recalled the doctor saying, but that diagnosis didn’t sit right with her. “As far as I know, flu meant whole body pains, not in a particular part,” she said. It turned out a bacterial infection was attacking Nupur’s body at a rapid pace. By Friday, her hands and feet felt cold to the touch. “As a mom, I was doing all that I can. I put socks on her, I was rubbing her hands. After one hour, she said she doesn’t have any feeling — she was completely numb,” Sunita recalled. Nupur’s blood pressure was plummeting in the ambulance back to Trillium, her mom said. “She was so pale. It was the first time I felt I was losing my daughter,” Sunita said. Soon after arriving, Nupur’s heart stopped. “I heard a nurse say, ‘She’s dead,’ then everyone, doctors and nurses, rushed over.” Sunita says 10 to 15 doctors took turns performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on her daughter. Nupur stabilized and was taken to SickKids. Her body was pumped with antibiotics to stop the infection from attacking more of her insides, Sunita said. While on life support for more than a week, and 17 days spent in the ICU at SickKids, blood culture tests finally revealed the real diagnosis: Nupur had a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus A. The next revelation was that they had to amputate to stop it from spreading, and there was no saving the limbs Nupur had been complaining about: Physicians had to cut her left arm above the elbow and her right leg partially below the knee, her mom recalled.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Canadian Blood Services looking for ethnically diverse donors, aged 17 to 35

Last weekend, Liberal candidate, Jas Johal, former TV journalist, officially opened his campaign office in Ironwood Plaza. Many residents and Liberal supporters attended. Pictured are from left to right Ken Johnston former liberal MLA, now city councillor, Bill McNulty councillor, Jas Johal candidate, Kal Rangi realtor and long time Liberal, Richmond Mayor Malcom Brodie.

Suspended Victoria police chief to face discreditable conduct hearing Suspended Victoria Police Chief Frank Elsner should face a disciplinary hearing for discreditable conduct and deceit, two retired judges have concluded. In 2015, the Police Complaint Commissioner ordered an external

investigation after allegations surfaced that Elsner had exchanged inappropriate messages on Twitter with a member of another police department who was also the spouse of a subordinate Victoria Police officer. Elsner was suspended in April 2016 after more allegations of misconduct surfaced,

including that Elsner had attempted to influence a witness and attempted to delete information from Victoria Police computers. The judges were asked to examine the final investigation reports and determine if there was enough evidence to proceed to a disciplinary hearing under the terms of the Police Act. In her review of the investigation retired judge Carol Baird Ellan concluded there was enough evidence to hold a disciplinary hearing into three allegations that: “Chief Constable Elsner did engage in conduct with a spouse of a member under his command which constituted a conflict of interest and/ or breach of trust in circumstances in which he knew, or ought to have known, would likely bring discredit to the Victoria Police Department.” Baird also found enough evidence for the hearing to look at allegations that Elsner provided misleading information to an investigator, used police equipment for purposes unrelated to his duties, and encouraged a potential witness to make a false statement.

A stem cell drive scheduled for downtown Vancouver on Sunday hopes to add more ethnically diverse donors to the Canadian Blood Services registry. “It’s so hard to find a match,” said organizer Bhavraj Saran. Saran’s 8-year-old niece Muskaan Gill had Krabbe disease and died in 2015 after she was unable to find a stem cell match. “We could not find one because there’s not many people of Indian descent who are registered,” said Saran. “It was honestly so tough — we even did a worldwide search but the match wasn’t enough.” According to the Canadian Blood Services, 69 per cent of the current stem cell registry is Caucasian. “For every ethnic grouping we need more people to register,” said Canadian Blood Services spokesperson Trudi Goels. Saran organized Sunday’s event, scheduled for 2 p.m. PT at Jack Poole Plaza, to

encourage to encourage more people of ethnic backgrounds to register as donors. “It falls so perfectly with people fighting against racial discrimination because people from different backgrounds will be there,” he said. ‘”If we get 5,000 people out and we get them to register, there has to be some matches and hopefully we can save some lives.” Goels said the Canadian Blood services is looking for healthy individuals from diverse backgrounds who are between the ages of 17 and 35. She said transplant physicians have asked for younger individuals so the recovery time is faster. Canadian Blood Services is also specifically targeting males in stem cell drives. “The risk of rejecting the transplant reduces when the donor is male,” said Goels. Goels said there are more than 800 patients waiting for a stem cell match in Canada.

Exercise, diet better than medicine for treating Type 2 diabetes, says UBC group Taking medication to tightly control and lower blood glucose levels is the advice frequently given by doctors to the 400,000 B.C. residents with Type 2 diabetes — but it’s a “misguided” approach, according to the University of B.C. Therapeutics Initiative. More than $1 billion is spent annually on diabetes drugs in this province, but in its latest bulletin to doctors, the TI says a growing body of research casts doubt on the effectiveness of Type 2 diabetes treatment. Doctors should focus instead on prescribing lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, exercise and healthier diets instead of medications to many patients, it says. Type 2 diabetes, characterized by resistance to insulin, is largely caused by obesity, lack of exercise, high-carbohydrate diets and aging. With the exception of a drug called metformin, many glucose-lowering

medications like insulin can lead to weight gain or potentially cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can lead to falls, driving accidents or even loss of consciousness, the TI says. More than half of Type 2 diabetes

patients take such medications. (Insulin is an essential medication for those with Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for less than 10 per cent of all diabetes cases in B.C.). The TI, an independent body that provides advice to doctors, said the optimal blood glucose level target is actually unknown in Type 2 diabetics, and there’s still no conclusive evidence that taking medications to lower blood glucose levels will decrease complications of the condition. Such complications include kidney disease, blindness, cardiovascular disease, strokes and amputations. Dr. Tom Perry, a Vancouver internist and clinical pharmacologist with the TI, said doctors tend to minimize harms when prescribing drugs to patients. At the same time, he says that he’s had few “star” diabetic patients willing to put in the hard work to shrink waistlines, exercise and change diet patterns. “It’s kind of frightening because we don’t really have the right evidence for treating the Type 2 epidemic. What we’ve been doing is not very scientific,” he said, adding that publicly funded (as opposed to pharmaceutical industry-sponsored) research trials are needed to study the best treatment approaches. Vancouver endocrinologist Dr. Tom Elliott said he’s in general agreement with the TI that some doctors may be over-treating Type 2 diabetics.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

18 i Saturday, March 26, 2016

DREAM CARPET

LOCAL

Saturday, March 25, 2017

More Vancouver renters decry loophole used to sharply raise rents Residents of a building in Vancouver’s Fairview Slopes neighbourhood are adding their voices to demands that the province close a legal loophole that allows landlords

to sharply increase rent. The renters of the 11 suites at 1016 West 13th Avenue say their landlord is petitioning the province to raise their rents by 35 per cent. Under the province’s Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord is allowed to raise a tenant’s rent by no more than the inflation rate plus two per cent. Currently that rate is 3.7 per cent. But a loophole allows landlords to use a geographic increase clause to increase the rent by much more if they can successfully argue that similar units in the area rent for more. “When we talk about affordable housing, this is one of the things — it’s a problem,” said Joanna Reid, a tenant who has lived in the building for six years. The building was purchased by Nicolaou Properties in 2013 for $3,200,000, according to a local realtor. The owners did not respond to requests for comment. Reid currently pays $1,059 for her

suite. A 35 per cent increase would raise her rent by $371 per month. According to the CMHC 2016 rental housing report, the average rent for a onebedroom in that area is $1,295. Reid claims the ordeal began with the building manager approaching each tenant individually to negotiate a rent increase above the legal limit. But she said she started talking to others in the building to determine what was going on and to discuss their rights. “I didn’t know any of my neighbours by name before this happened,” she said. “The more people you speak to, the more you realize you’re not alone. Everyone’s going through it but people aren’t talking about it because they don’t have the resources or the support.” Last week, renters in the West End similarly complained of a shocking rent increase under the guise of the same loophole. Reid said some of the tenants have lived in her building for up to 25 years. Fed up with the stress of of the ordeal, two of them agreed to sign fixed-term leases — another loophole that would permit the landlord to raise the rent above the legal limit by the end of the term. “I’m hoping our MLAs will get together and fight for us in the legislature, holding the housing minister responsible not after the election but right now, and taking that geographical clause off the table, because no one is safe,” Reid said.

How the budget will affect your pocketbook Changes to credits, taxes and other rules in the federal budget will affect Canadians who take the bus, care for loved ones, smoke, or are trying to have a baby. Overall, experts suggest the Liberals have taken a very cautious approach to their second fiscal roadmap, making tweaks and investing in many different areas, but not racking up huge spending or introducing dramatic changes that will hurt or help the average Canadian. “This is just routine housekeeping,” said Ian Lee, a professor at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, of the measures announced Wednesday. Canadians who have claimed their public transit passes for a tax break will have to start looking elsewhere for refunds starting on June 30, 2017. After that date, any transit pass purchased won’t be eligible to submit to the Canada Revenue Agency next spring. “We found that it was not doing what it was intended to do,” explained Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Specifically, the credit was supposed to encourage the use of public transit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of the individual “boutique” credit, the Liberals say they are investing on a broad scale – to the tune of $20 billion over 11 years – to improve transit systems and encourage usage across Canada. “That was going to a lot of people who didn’t need it,” said Lee of the ill-fated credit, which dates back to the Harper government. Indulging in your chosen vice may get slightly more expensive with increases to taxes levied on alcohol and cigarettes. The excise duties charged to manufacturers and importers of these products are going up, which means higher costs passed along to consumers. According to officials within the department of finance, that will translate to a 53-cent increase on the cost of a carton of 200 cigarettes, a 5-cent increase on a 24 pack of beer, a 7-cent increase on a bottle of spirits and a 1-cent increase on each litre of wine. What that means is the average consumer is now going to see an HST and GST charge on their receipts after using a ride-sharing service, just like they would on a regular taxi ride. The budget states that this will effectively “level the playing field” in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. The sale of Canada Savings Bonds peaked in the 1980s, but the federal government says the program simply doesn’t make sense anymore. The bonds are no longer as popular, the budget argues, and therefore no longer a cost-effective or reliable source of funds for the government. Lee says their demise was a long time coming. “That’s been discussed for literally years,” said Lee. “The financial markets have matured and there’s many other financial instruments available.” Ottawa will discontinue new sales of the bonds this year, gradually phasing out the program and honouring “all outstanding retail debt.” What that means for anyone holding

Canada Savings Bonds is that their value will have to be transferred elsewhere – to a registered education savings plan, for example, or by moving it into a savings account. “You can cash (remaining bonds) in without penalty at any time at any financial

institution in Canada, without any penalty or special fees or charges of any kind,” said Lee. All Canadians trying to have a baby who have relied on medical technology (artificial insemination, IVF, etc) to help them conceive may now qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit to offset costs not covered by insurance. Ride-sharing’s free ride when it comes to HST/GST rules is officially over. The definition of a taxi business is being amended under the Excise Tax Act so it will include ride-sharing services, including UBER and Lyft, as of July 1, 2017. That will include people who struggle with medical infertility (who already qualify for this credit) as well as same-sex couples and single Canadians who may not have a medical issue, but need medical intervention in order to have a child. The measure will come into effect immediately. The government is taking three different tax credits that currently apply to family caregivers in Canada (infirm dependent credit, caregiver credit and family caregiver credit) and mashing them into a single credit – dubbed the Canada Caregiver Credit. The new version, which the government says will make caregiver credits heftier and accessible to more people, will apply to Canadians who care for their loved one – whether or not they live with that person. The credit will provide tax relief of up to $6,883 for expenses linked to the care of dependent relatives with infirmities like brothers, sisters, parents and adult children. For people caring for minor children or their spouse/common-law partner, the amount tops out at $2,150. “These particular credits are nonrefundable, so you have to pay tax to get value from them,” noted David Macdonald of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. “The bottom third of the income spectrum doesn’t pay tax. Providing care means you’re probably going to be making less money. So the more care you provide, the less this becomes useful.” Until now, you needed a doctor’s approval to apply to the government for the disability tax credit. Effective tomorrow, however, Canadians with impairments that make them eligible to receive the credit can ask a nurse to provide that same approval. This, according to the government, will allow people living in areas where access to a doctor may not be readily available to get their applications off to Ottawa more quickly.

LOCAL

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Trudeau pressed to discipline male Liberal MP who joked about female Tory MP being a stripper Female Conservative and NDP MPs are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discipline a male Liberal MP who made what they say is an offensive, sexually suggestive

remark at a meeting of a House of Commons committee two weeks ago. The MPs on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and Security were settling down for their meeting on March 8 when the cellphone of Conservative MP Dianne Watts went off. Watts’ daughter was calling and Watts had programmed her phone to sound a jaunty ringtone whenever she called. But the ringtone prompted Liberal MP Nicola di Iorio to say, “Where’s your pole to slide down on?” Though the March 8 meeting of the public safety committee was held in camera, the National Post learned of these details earlier in the week from those present at the meeting and, on Thursday, confirmed the account of the meeting with Watts herself. The press and the public are prohibited from attending in camera meetings. Only MPs, their political staff, and House of Commons staff were present. All those present — there might have been 20 or 25 — are normally bound not to discuss what is said at an in camera meeting but, given the extraordinary nature of di Iorio’s account, some present at this meeting, provided accounts of di Iorio’s comments. Those individuals asked not to be identified. Watts, however, agreed to speak on-therecord about the incident. “Clearly, [it was] an inappropriate comment and I was taken aback by virtue of him saying that to me,” Watts said. “I just said, I beg your

pardon? And he repeated it! “Suffice to say, everyone in the room was taken aback by those comments. It was very uncomfortable for staff and other members of Parliament including myself,” said Watts. “Clearly, when a comment is made to a woman about sliding down a pole, clearly that’s, you know, a reference to a stripper pole and I think that’s how everybody took it,” Watts said in a telephone interview from her riding in Surrey, B.C. “It was disturbing.” Conservative MP Karen Vecchio, who also present at the meeting, confirmed Watts account when interviewed by the Post Thursday afternoon. Other MPs also confirmed the account though asked they not be identified. After what was described as a few awkward moments, the March 8 meeting, held in a Parliament Hill committee room, continued. After the two-hour meeting, di Iorio caught up with Watts and, while Watts could not recall the exact words, Watts said he acknowledged “by the look on your face” that what he apparently meant as a joke was not received that way. “I’m paraphrasing … but he said, if you were offended, I didn’t mean it,” Watts said. Di Iorio’s office, contacted Thursday morning, said he would be available to speak about the matter late Thursday but had not responded to an interview request by 5:30 pm E.T. He was in the House of Commons Thursday afternoon for Question Period Watts did not pursue the matter further but the chair of the committee, Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, did. Oliphant, interviewed Thursday, said that while he can neither confirm nor deny the incident as it occurred in camera, confirmed that the Liberal whip, Pablo Rodriguez, has information about di Iorio. Rodriguez, who was in the House of Commons Thursday, did not immediately respond to calls. “I just think it’s up to the prime minister to decide how to deal with it,” Watts said. “I was shocked to learn that the prime minister has known about this for two week,” said Vecchio. “Why is this not a priority for this feminist PM?

From taxes on alcohol to GST on Uber rides:

The top seven ways this budget will help or hit your pocketbook Sin taxes are going up: You’ll be paying more for both booze and cigarettes thanks to some small increases in the federal excise tax on alcohol and tobacco. The tax on beer, wine and liquor is going up immediately by two per cent — that adds about a nickel to the cost of a case of 24 in Ontario — but will rise with the cost of inflation each and every year. The excise duty on a carton of cigarettes jumps from $21.03 to $21.56. End of the bus tax credit: Budget 2017 ends the public transit tax credit that allowed commuters to claim a non-refundable tax credit equal to 15 per cent of the cost of their bus or transit passes. Fertility treatments for gay couples: Budget 2017 clarifies for the medical expense tax credit so that same-sex couples and single people can now claim a credit for expenses related to fertility treatments or the equivalent. New caregiver credit: As part of a push to streamline the tax system, Budget 2017 replaces the existing Caregiver Credit, the Dependant Credit and the Family Caregiver Tax Credit with what will now be called the Canada Caregiver Credit. Student loan overhaul: The Canada Student Loans is broadened and expanded. Part-time students will get financial assistance as will

students who are parents. And a pilot project will be set up to allow adult workers to get a grant to go back to school. Taxing tourists: Non-residents and nonresident tour operators used to be able to get a GST/HST rebate for accommodation. No

more. That rebate will be repealed. Uber cheap no more: The federal government says it levelling the playing field for taxi services competing with ride-sharing services like Uber by forcing Uber and others to pay GST and HST just like cab companies do.

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NATIONAL

Saturday, March 25, 2017

n di n deficit c nce n b n Liberals’ second budget

e d

Number of Canadians naming government spending as a top issue has almost doubled since 2015 As the federal government prepares to release its second budget since winning the 2015 election on a promise to run “modest deficits,” a new analysis of polling data by the Angus Reid Institute finds deficits and government spending increasingly on the minds of many Canadians. The Institute’s latest quarterly analysis of public opinion data from more than 5,400 Canadian adults finds deficits and spending to be the third most-mentioned concern when Canadians are canvassed on the most important issues in the country today, behind only health care and the economy in general. Moreover, the number of respondents naming the deficit as a top concern has nearly doubled since Justin Trudeau’s government took office. That said, the Prime Minister himself remains popular. More than half of all Canadians say they approve of his performance, though relatively few do so “strongly.” Key Findings: • 54 per cent of Canadians approve of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s performance,

essentially unchanged from last quarter. The PM is most popular in Atlantic Canada, and least so in Alberta • One-in-four Canadians (26%) say their standard of living has declined in the last year, the lowest percentage to have said this since tracking began in 2010 • The percentage of Canadians who name

“the deficit/government spending” as a top issue has increased or stayed the same in every edition of this quarterly survey since the Trudeau government took office, from 12 per cent in December 2015 to 22 per cent now.

Justin Trudeau’s trip to Aga Khan’s Bahamas island cost more than $127K Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s controversial family vacation to a private island in the Bahamas owned by the Aga Khan cost Canadian taxpayers more than $127,000, including thousands of dollars in per diems for government employees who also made the trip. According to documents tabled in the House of Commons, overtime and shift differentials alone for the RCMP officers who accompanied him cost $18,735. The force paid another $53,253 in travel, accommodation and per diem costs. Trudeau’s flight to the Bahamas aboard a CC144 Challenger cost the Department of National Defence $32,000, plus another $1,720 for food, beverages and associated fees. Trudeau has come under fire in the House of Commons for taking the trip over the Christmas holidays and for his office’s initial refusal to disclose where he was vacationing. Billionaire Aga Khan is the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims. Trudeau was accompanied on the trip by MP Seamus O’Regan and his husband, as well as Liberal Party president Anna Gainey and her husband, Tom Pitfield, a key member of Trudeau’s election campaign team. Trudeau has defended the trip, arguing that the Aga Khan is a longtime family friend. He has reimbursed taxpayers $4,895 for the trip — the cost of commercial plane tickets for him and his family. Government security rules require that the prime minister not travel on commercial aircraft — even for personal vacations with his or her family. However, that has not stopped ethics commissioner Mary Dawson from launching an investigation into a complaint filed by Conservative MP Andrew Scheer. The documents tabled in the House of Commons reveal that government employees made the trip to the Bahamas, in addition to Trudeau’s usual RCMP protective detail. The Privy Council provided a “tour technician,” who charged the government $6,305 in expenses. Air transportation cost

$2,263, other transportation cost $1,349, meals and incidentals racked up $626, and hotel accommodation was $461. The technician also charged the government $1,604 in per diems for their time on Bell Island — the Aga Khan’s private island. However, that wasn’t the only person accompanying the prime minister to charge per diems for the trip. Global Affairs picked up the tab for $15,173 for staff who travelled to the Bahamas — $1,267 of which was for per diems. Transportation cost $11,978 and the bill for accommodation was $1,927. In the documents, Global Affairs indicates the staff were needed to ensure Trudeau had access to a diplomatic courier service. “Global Affairs Canada, through the diplomatic courier service, arranges the transportation of all Government of Canada assets to international destinations specified by the PCO (Privy Council Office), which may be required during the prime minister’s period outside of Canada.” Global Affairs and the Privy Council Office have not yet responded to requests from CBC News for more information, including why employees would have claimed per diems while staying on a private island. New Democratic Party Leader Tom Mulcair said the cost to taxpayers of Trudeau’s trip to the Bahamas was “completely outrageous.” Mulcair said it was “scandalous” that Trudeau is only reimbursing $4,895 of the $127,000 price tag for the vacation. “He should start setting an example. His way of comporting himself is inadmissible.” During question period, Conservative MP Blaine Calkins went on the attack, demanding to know why taxpayers were left holding such an expensive tab. “The prime minister made a conscious decision that it’s the responsibility of the taxpayer to pay for his luxury travel. When did the prime minister forget that it’s his job to serve Canadians and not the other way around?”

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Federal budget rains money on seniors... and only drips it on the young Young people across Canada are facing far more difficulty saving up to buy a home than their parents did. But they merited no mention when Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced the creation of a National Housing Strategy (NHS) designed to give every Canadian a “safe and affordable place to call home” in the federal budget speech on Wednesday. But who did make that part of the speech? Seniors — the very same people who have seen the value of their homes skyrocket in recent decades in some Canadian cities. The omission was noted in a budget study by Generation Squeeze, a group that advocates on behalf of younger generations. It found that the Liberal government’s second federal budget, which projects a $28.5 billion deficit in 2017/18, earmarks spending of about $23,000 per person aged 65 and over, compared to over $9,000 per person aged 45 to 64 and about $5,500 per Canadian under the age of 45. The 2017 budget found an extra $720 in spending for people over 65, and only $88 per person under age 45, the study added. “There is language about child care, there is language about a housing strategy, there’s language about more for post-secondary,” Generation Squeeze founder Paul Kershaw said of the budget in an interview. “But when you look at the dollar values that are identified with the new language, the dollar values are modest, not much more than rounding errors.” Spending on OAS, a program that hands monthly payments to

Canadians over the age of 65 (with a clawback that kicks in at certain income levels), is set to grow by $3 billion this year, to $51.1 billion.

That spending is expected to ratchet up to $63.7 billion by 2021, an increase of $12.6 billion. This is more than the entire value of the investments promised for the NHS over the 11 years of its life, Generation Squeeze noted. And it’s money that’s going to a richer class of Canadian. A BMO Economics study from 2014, the last year for which income data is available, showed that seniors are “four times richer than their parents were at the same age in the mid-1980s.” “Many Canadians 65 years and older have benefited from strong equity, bond and real estate markets, rising participation in the workforce, and higher pension benefits,” the study said. Kershaw also provided calculations showing that, when you adjust for full-time hours, the typical Canadian between the ages of 55 and 64 makes $54,080, more than the $47,600 made by people aged 25 to 34 years old.

Canada, Europe ‘not building walls’- EU trade chief Canada and the European Union are powerful partners in the fight to combat the protectionist, anti-trade rhetoric that has gained momentum in the United States and United Kingdom, says the EU’s Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom. “We’re not closing barriers, we’re not

building walls,” Europe’s top trade chief said in reference to U.S. President Donald Trump and his campaign promise to build a wall along the Mexico border. “We stand up to fair trade, to good trade, transparent trade, sustainable trade, a trade where we both win,” she told host Rosemary Barton. Malmstrom was in Canada for a two-day visit, meeting with Canadian counterpart Francois-Philippe Champagne and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, with whom she worked closely during last year’s final negotiations of CETA, the Canada-EU trade deal that comes into provisional effect in the coming weeks. Touted by officials on both sides as the gold standard in trade deals, CETA will be the template for future accords with other countries, Malmstrom hopes.

CETA “is setting a role model for us,” she said. “We want to have this as a blueprint for many other trade agreements.” Malmstrom says she is currently negotiating deals with about 20 partners around the world, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In the wake of last year’s unexpected one-two political punch of Brexit and Trump’s win, the EU isn’t wasting time bolstering its ambitious trade agenda — or shoring up its own credibility as a global champion of free trade, according to Patrick Leblond, an international trade specialist at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont. It’s not just Europe with a leadership role to play on the world stage — Canada too is positioned alongside the EU to push for more open borders and trade, he added. “You need a counterbalance to the protectionist message coming out of the United States, and Canada and the EU will need to co-operate in case the U.S. decides to start launching trade wars at everyone, raising tariffs, blocking other countries’ access to the U.S. market,” he said. “That will require a unified response. Canada has been talking the talk and seems to be willing to walk the walk, and the Europeans seem to be doing the same.” Malmstrom admitted the EU is “worried about some of the signs” coming out of the United States, including possible border taxes and high tariffs.

NATIONAL

SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Nepal to strap Everest climbers with GPS device

Bangladesh wants UN to recognise 1971 genocide Bangladesh today said it would reach out to the UN to declare March 25 as Genocide Day globally, in remembrance of the atrocities carried out by the Pakistan Army on the same day in 1971. “The letter is ready...it will be sent to the United Nations by this month,” Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq told reporters. “A delegation will go to the UN this month with a proposal to observe March 25 as Genocide Day globally while the foreign ministry, through the Bangladesh embassies and high commissions across the world, will campaign to get support

from other countries in favour of our proposal.” The UN General Assembly in 2015 declared December 9 as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. The minister said no genocide took place on December 9 “but here in Bangladesh we witnessed one in March 25, 1971”. “ So, we will propose the UN to shift the Genocide Day to March 25,” Huq said. Bangladesh Parliament earlier this month unanimously adopted a resolution declaring March 25 as the Genocide Day.

Some climbers attempting to scale Mount Everest during the upcoming spring climbing season will be strapped with a GPS device to locate them in case they are in trouble and to prevent false claims of reaching the summit, officials said Monday. Hundreds of climbers are expected to attempt to climb the world’s highest peak in April and May, but only a few will be fitted with the devices as an experiment. The chief of Nepal’s tourism department, Durga Dutta Dhakal, said the devices, costing about $300 apiece, would help locate climbers who are in trouble on the mountain so rescuers can be sent. The devices will also track the movement of the climbers while they are on Everest. The data will be checked after they get back from the mountain to determine whether they reached the summit and should be issued a climber’s certificate. Last year, an Indian couple claimed they scaled the peak and received a certificate from mountaineering authorities, but it was later determined that they had altered their photo on the summit. It was a huge embarrassment for Nepalese mountaineering authorities. Climbers only need a photo showing them

on the 8,850-meter-high (29,035-foot-high) summit and a report from a governmentassigned liaison official. The officials, however, rarely stay on the mountain to monitor the climbers. Climbers are also covered with heavy clothing, climbing gear and oxygen masks,

making it difficult for them to be clearly recognized in photographs. The 2017 spring climbing season is expected to be busy on Everest. Hundreds of climbers were able to scale the peak last year following two years of disasters on the mountain. The 2015 season was scrapped after 19 climbers were killed and 61 injured by an avalanche at the base camp triggered by a massive earthquake. In 2014, an avalanche at the Khumbu Icefall killed 16 Sherpa guides.

India eyes deal to repair Afghan aircraft NEED WORKERS, PAY ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCE

India is considering whether to pay for repairs to grounded helicopters and transport planes from Afghanistan’s air force, signalling a willingness to step up military assistance for Kabul that has irked Pakistan in the past. India estimates it would cost close to $50 million for new parts and repairs to 11 grounded Soviet-made Mi35 helicopters and seven transport aircraft, after sending a team of experts to assess the Afghan air force’s needs last year, the Indian ambassador to Kabul told Reuters. Afghanistan has repeatedly asked India to increase military assistance, as it struggles to fight Afghan Taliban insurgents who have taken swathes of territory since most foreign troops left the country in late 2014. New Delhi’s readiness to provide more military help, while limited, underlines its

desire to help Kabul as other regional powers including Russia and China look to increase their influence in Afghanistan. “We have been looking at the scale of the challenge the ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces) faces, particularly in one segment, close air support,” ambassador Manpreet Vohra said in an interview in Kabul this week. “We are trying to see how we can help. They have a large number of attack helicopters and transport aircraft grounded for want of spares, for expiry of certification,” he said. India will decide whether to approve the proposal after final costing is done within a few months. Most of Afghanistan’s small air force dates from the Soviet era, but sanctions against Russia mean Western donors that fund the military cannot pay to get grounded aircraft flying again.

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INDIA

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Will back quota till constitutional basis exists

Jharkhand BJP legislator Sanjiv Singh has been named in the murder of former Deputy Mayor of Dhanbad Neeraj Singh and an FIR filed against him, the state police said. The FIR was lodged by Abhishek Singh, brother of the late Neeraj Singh, against five persons, including BJP lawmaker Sanjiv Singh, according to a police officer here. The Jharkhand government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing. Dhamnad’s former Deputy Mayor Neeraj Singh and three other people travelling with him in a vehicle were gunned down on Tuesday. According to the post-mortem examination report, more than 20 bullets were pumped into Neeraj Singh. He was cremated on Wednesday. The supporters of Neeraj Singh have called for a shutdown on Thursday in Dhanbad. Shops and schools were closed. The Jharkhand Congress has demanded a CBI probe in the murder. Police sources say that the murder may be the outcome of a family feud. Neeraj Singh belonged to a family of coal mafia Suraj Deo Singh.

1% tax on cash payments above Rs 2 lakh goes

The government has done away with the 1% tax on cash payments of over Rs 2 lakh for the purchase of goods or services after it banned cash dealings above that limit from April 1. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in his Budget for 2016-17, had provided for the seller to collect tax at the rate of 1% from purchaser on sale in cash of goods or offering any services exceeding Rs 2 lakh. Tax collection at source limit for cash purchase of bullion was kept at Rs 2 lakh, but for jewellery, it was fixed at Rs 5 lakh. However, in the Budget 201718, he brought in a provision banning cash transaction above Rs 3 lakh. This was lowered to Rs 2 lakh through an amendment.

UP puts brakes on ‘Mulayam Travels’, ‘Lalu Transport’ The roads of Agra and Firozabad have for long seen a unique kind of traffic menace — ‘neta’ buses. These are buses which usually do not have the required documents but have names claiming political connections, such as ‘Mulayam Singh Yadav Travels’ and ‘Lalu Prasad Yadav Transport’. The owners of these buses, which number 70 in Agra and more than 200 in Firozabad have used these names to get away with traffic and other violations. Now transport officials have begun a clampdown against ‘neta’ buses, beginning with penalizing them, in an attempt at removing them from the roads altogether. With the new political dispensation taking

charge of the state government, transport officials have been asked to ensure that such vehicles do not operate on city roads anymore. According to officials of Agra Roadways, these buses, which operate on major routes such as Etawah, Mainpuri, Etah, Lucknow, Delhi and Aligarh, have been a cause of concern for the transport department for a long time now, as they not only cause a loss of 30-35% in revenue per month, but also misbehave or charge arbitrary fees from passengers. Their modus operandi is simple — park buses outside the depot and get tourists to board them first.

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of the reservations to see whether the really underprivileged were getting the benefit. Gehlot also said the government wasn’t considering any further proposals for reservations and was bound by the Supreme Court’s existing ceiling of 50 per cent quotas. The statement comes at a time when Jat groups have been demanding OBC status demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. “Yes, it is everyone’s urge that reservations should be enhanced but the SC has imposed a ceiling of 50%. My ministry is not looking at any reservation proposal as of now,” Gehlot said after a debate that saw 17 MPs participate. The government also sought to put the Congress on the mat today asking if it would support the Centre’s move to strip central universities, Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, of their minority status.

Note: Programme can be change.

Putting the now-on-now-off controversy around BJP’s support for the reservation policy to rest, the government today said it would continue to support quotas till the time the constitutional basis for these quotas exists. “Until inequities and discrimination plague society and the constitutional basis for reservations to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes exists, our government will back the policy. We will remain in favour of reservations. There should be no worry on this count,” Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawarchand Gehlot said in Lok Sabha replying to the debate on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which includes some communities from Odisha in the SC list. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had on the eve of Bihar elections in 2015 favoured review

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SC to go digital in 200 days: CJI Khehar Case files without papers are inconceivable in India’s three-tier judiciary which is hard pressed for space to store them but the Supreme Court is attempting just that by planning to go digital in 200 days. Chief Justice of India J S Khehar declared on Thursday that the SC will go almost paperless in six to seven months. “We will electronically pick up records from trial courts and high courts. There will be no need for appellants to file those records. The appeal just has to state the grounds on which the petitioner is challenging a judgment in the SC,” said the bench also comprising Justices D Y

Chandrachud and Sanjay K Kaul. Every year, on an average, as many as 70,000 appeals get filed in the SC. Each appeal, which contains trial court and HC records in addition to documents cited as annexures, runs into over 100 pages. Bigger the stake and larger the law firm engaged to file the appeal, the bulkier the petitions, running into several volumes, each volume running into 200 pages. This means, on an average, every year around 70 lakh pages of white sheets, the ones used in the SC are slightly bigger than an A4 sheet, get used in petitions filed in the SC.

‘Pak Army unlikely to allow shift in ties with India’ The “controlling influence” of Pakistan Army and intelligence services on Islamabad’s “core state policies” is unlikely to allow any strategic shift in its ties with India, a top expert

on South Asia has suggested. “US policymakers, for their part, have come to terms with the reality of Pakistan’s deep state. As a practical matter, they find it nearly impossible to get anything important done on security issues without working through the Pakistani military and intelligence services,”

Daniel Markey, from the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in an op-ed piece in The Cipher Brief. This, he said, has been especially frustrating for Americans who would have opted to use their influence to tip the scales in favour of a more transparent, accountable system grounded in the constitutional rule of law in Pakistan. “US policymakers also cite the controlling influence of Pakistan’s military, often complemented by a permanent establishment, as a reason to doubt prospects for any sort of ‘strategic shift’ by Pakistan on ties with militant proxies, relations with India, and expanding the nuclear programme,” he said. Markey said academic and policy analysts generally agree that Pakistan’s army and directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), exert a controlling influence over most of Pakistan’s core state policies.

CJI urged to help improve biz ranking A day after turning down senior BJP leader LK Advani’s plea to defer for four weeks the hearing on petitions challenging a trial court’s decision to drop criminal conspiracy charges against him and several others, the Supreme Court today adjourned the Babri Masjid demolition case for two weeks. On behalf of Advani and other BJP leaders, senior advocate KK Venugopal told a Bench of Justice PC Ghose and Justice RF Nariman that they had to appear before another Bench in a part-heard matter. The Bench allowed Venugopal’s request, but directed the parties to file their written submissions before April 7, the next date of the hearing. On Wednesday, Justice Ghose—who is due to retire on May 27—had declined Venugopal’s request to defer the hearing for four weeks and wondered if the accused wanted the case to be heard after May. It had then fixed the matter for

hearing on Wednesday. Sixteen years after a Lucknow Special Court dropped the charge of criminal conspiracy against senior BJP and VHP leaders in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case on a technical ground; the saffron leaders may be in for some legal trouble as the Supreme Court has indicated that it might revive it. “People cannot be discharged like this on a technical ground,” the Bench had said on March 6. It had hinted at allowing the CBI to file a supplementary chargesheet against them. The top court is seized of the CBI’s petition challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court order upholding the trial court’s order to discharge senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh and other. The case against Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and VHP leader Acharya Giriraj Kishore has abated following their death.

Man held for posting objectionable photo of UP CM A man has been arrested in the city for allegedly posting “objectionable” picture of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on social media, police said. Rahat Khan was arrested in Dankaur area on the complaint of Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth

outfit founded by AdityaNath. “A case has been registered and accused arrested,” said Dankaur police station in charge Rajpal Tomar. According to the complaint, Khan uploaded the objectionable photo of the UP CM and posted comments on his Facebook page.

Shiv Sena MP booked for assaulting Air India staff A Shiv Sena MP on Thursday repeatedly hit an elderly Air India officer with sandal in a brazen burst of fury over being unable to travel business class despite having insisted on boarding an all-economy flight. Ravindra Gaikwad, the Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra’s Osmanabad, slapped and, by his own claim, hit 60-year-old duty manager Sukumar 25 times with his sandal when the official went to persuade him to disembark after he refused to alight, holding up the aircraft for over 40 minutes. The national carrier has filed two FIRs against the MP, known for his strong-arm tactics, while Shiv Sena has sought an explanation from him. While one FIR relates to assault, the other is for holding up the aircraft. Police said the officer, Sukumar, has been sent for medical examination and based on its

report a case will be registered. According to an Air India spokesperson, its duty manager at Delhi airport was hit with slippers several times by Gaikwad, who complained about having to travel economy - on an all-economy flight — even though he had a business class ticket. “The MP turned violent, broke the duty manager’s spectacles, tore his shirt, hit him with slippers 16-17 times,” Air India sources said. Gaikwad had heated argument with AI officials at the time of boarding the plane in Pune for the national capital too over the flight not having business class seats. According to the airline, Gaikwad was booked on an open ticket in business class with Air India, which allows a passenger to take a flight on any date.

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PUNJAB

Saturday, March 25, 2017

in nce ini te c tc e t fic c bribe near Doraha

Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal caught two traffic cops while they were taking bribe from a commuter near Doraha this morning. Manpreet referred the matter to Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh. Later, DIG, Ludhiana Range, SK Kalia suspended Manjit Singh and Harjit Singh of the Khanna police and initiated an inquiry. Sources said Manpreet was on his way to Chandigarh from Ferozepur in his Innova. He was driving the car, which had no beacon or escort vehicle. When he reached near the Gurthli bridge, he spotted the duo taking bribe for not challaning a motorist. Harjit folded his hands and asked Manpreet to pardon them. “The government pays you around Rs50,000 per month as

t ing

salary and you people are still resorting to corrupt practices. You should sit at home. There is no room for corruption,” the FM told him. When Harjit asked Manpreet to “shoot” him rather than taking “strict” action, the minister said, “There are many people who don’t have jobs… You are still getting a handsome salary.” A day after giving compulsory retirement to three traffic cops over challaning of a Sikh girl, Commissioner of Police Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh on Thursday shifted over 100 traffic police personnel who were found unfit for the job during a recent exercise conducted by senior cops. Their ranks range from constable to inspector. “These cops have been sent to other departments,” Kunwar Vijay Pratap said.

Amnesty wants new govt to listen voice of people The new government must pay heed to the call of over 6 lakh people in the state who have joined hands with the Amnesty International India in seeking justice for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This was stated by Amnesty International India during a discussion at Press Club here today. An SIT formed by the Home Ministry in February 2015 to reinvestigate closed cases related to the massacre received a third

extension in February. It has now been given time till August 2017 to complete its probe. The SIT has told the Supreme Court that it had identified 59 cases for reinvestigation out of 267 closed by the Delhi Police after the massacre. Of these, it has closed 38 cases and filed charges in four. The Supreme Court is hearing a public interest litigation on the functioning of the SIT filed by Gurlad Singh Kahlon.

We will realise martyrs’ dreams: Manpreet Affirming that the ruling Congress was committed to realising martyrs’ dreams, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal said today that the state government would put an end to corruption, unemployment, illiteracy and the drug menace. Paying tributes to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, besides Rajmata Vidyawati and Battukeshwar Dutt, at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Hussainiwala, Manpreet also remembered the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle who had died for the motherland. He said the state government would spend Rs4 crore on the beautification of the memorial, adding that industries would be set up in the border districts to provide employment to residents. Congress MLAs Parminder Singh Pinki, Satkar Kaur, Davinder Ghubaya and Kulbir

Singh Zira were present, besides Commissioner VK Meena, Deputy Commissioner Ramvir, DIG Sukhchain Singh Gill and SSP Gaurav Garg.

Pinki apprised the Finance Minister of the problems being faced by the people in border areas.

Govt wants drug rehab centres in PPP mode The Punjab Government has asked all Deputy Commissioners to find NGOs or corporate houses willing to run governmentowned drug rehabilitation centres, and start skill development activities there. The smooth functioning of the centres has become government’s priority. There are 22 drug rehabilitation centres — two in Tarn Taran and one each in other districts. Pathankot does not have a rehab centre. Last week, the Cabinet had announced to set up a Special Task Force for dealing with the drug menace in the state. Earlier this week, during a meeting with DCs, the Chief Minister said the rehab centres could be run under the private-public partnership (PPP).

Sources said the Chief Minister asked about the occupancy rate in government-run rehab centres. He was surprised when told that the average occupancy was just 20 per cent. After the SAD-BJP alliance got a drubbing in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, the-then government decided to open drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across the state. About Rs 100 crore was spent on the construction of the centres. The drug de-addiction centres are functioning smoothly, but the rehab centres have failed to attract addicts treated in the de-addiction centres. All centres have 50 beds each; the lowest occupancy rate is three and the highest, 22.

PUNJAB

Saturday, March 25, 2017

c n ict

inte e t in id u

Advocate General Atul Nanda has not found any conflict of interest between Navjot Sidhu’s office as minister and his work on television shows. Capt Amarinder Singh confirmed that he has received the report on the issue, Media Advisor to the CM said. In the circumstances, the CM said there was no hindrance to Sidhu’s continuation on TV shows. The AG was of the opinion that no violation of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, or the Code of Conduct applied in this case. Sidhu “faces no legal bar in continuing with his work on the show, precluding the need for any change in the Culture portfolio,” Nanda observed in his four- page report. The AG was asked by the CM whether there was any prohibition or restriction in the continuation of Sidhu’s work as celebrity guest on a popular comedy show as such work may amount to a conflict of interest. Citing the Constitution, the report concluded that the role and function of celebrity judge on the show is not an office of profit under the Government of India/ the

Khaira: Appoint neutral observers from Delhi Aam Aadmi Party MLA Sukhpal Khaira said today that the party rank and file has demanded that the Delhi leadership, including Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak, should withdraw from the affairs of the state. Having already said that the absence of CM face in Punjab and too much interference of the Delhi leadership had taken a toll on the party in the state Assembly elections, he said a total re-structuring of the Punjab unit was required where a new team of president, working committee and frontal cells should be built. Criticising some of the decisions of his own party, Khaira said, “Even AICC chief Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who somehow did not want to hand over Punjab’s baton to Capt Amarinder, chose to bow down before the call of the people. This they did in the interests of the party. This is actually a victory of Capt Amarinder and not that of the Congress”. “Likewise, as our party was being targeted as being an outsiders’ party, our Delhi leaders instead went ahead and showed their over participation. They should have ideally helped build an organisation here and left on time. But they did not even listen to our suggestions and stayed back for ticket distribution too. We faced several allegations at that stage, bringing down the graph of the party,” he added. Without naming his colleagues, the Bholath MLA said, “Many Punjab leaders simply indulged in sycophancy and did not share real situation, which added to the problem. Punjab results will affect our prospects in other states too. Our party’s national convener was getting projected as a PM face. It has dampened the growth of the party nationally. If we improve in the next two years, we can make a mark by 2019.”

state government. It is not even an office under the Government of India/ state government. “Hence the continuation of such work would not invite the disqualification of holding of an office of profit within the meaning of Article 191(1).” There is no impediment to the minister continuing with his work on the show in terms of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, which sets out various disqualifications under Sections 8, 8-A, 9, 9-A, 10, 10-A, 11-A.

Bhagat Singh museum sought in Ferozepur Thousands of Punjab Students’ Union (PSU) activists took out a march here today to urge the state government to convert the double-storeyed building in Turi Bazaar locality, which was a hideout of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s Krantikari Party, into a museum-cum-library. Rajinder Singh, president, PSU, said, “We have already organised more than 200 meetings across the state to make people aware of this building’s importance.” Kranti Kumar Katiyar, whose father Dr Gaya Prasad used to run a pharmacy at this place, said the government had granted this

building the status of a protected monument after a long struggle, but nothing had been done to develop it. Earlier, HC Arora, a Chandigarh-based advocate, had filed a plea in the High Court, seeking heritage status for this building. Subsequently, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Heritage and Museums had issued a notification in December 2014 under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964. However, no funds were allocated for the restoration and preservation of the building, following which Arora moved the court again.

FIJI

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Man jailed after raping wife

Australia is largest tourist market for Fiji - Koya Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya says the Australian market alone constitutes 49% of total visitor arrivals to Fiji and Australia still remains our largest market for tourists. This was highlighted by Koya after he was asked by Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka to explain why tourism arrivals from Australia have been weak. Koya says visitor arrival from Australia has been growing steadily at an average rate of 3 percent from 2012 to 2015. He says Fiji recorded 360,370 visitor arrivals from Australia last year.

Koya highlighted that the provisional results for January this year shows that 30,128 Australian arrivals which is a 3.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. He says whilst the visitor arrivals showed a decreased last year Fiji has remained one of Australia’s top 10 destination in 2016. He says Tourism Fiji is also strengthening its inhouse capacity in the area of content marketing, social media, digital marketing and communications by recruiting additional personnel for its regional office in Australia.

“The standard interest rate is 12 per cent and it should not go beyond that. If customers are being charged with exorbitant fees than they should feel free to knock on our doors.” Ms Kumar said they had also dealt with cases where moneylenders were not registered. “In this instance one is not obliged to even pay these moneylenders because they need to be registered as the law requires,” she said. Let them take you to the Small Claims Tribunal. In the first instance, they themselves are already breaching the law by not registering.” Ms Kumar said the council would not hesitate to assist people who had been taken advantage off by money lenders.

Landowners demand $20m compensation from State A GROUP of landowners is demanding $20 million compensation from the Government for the use of their land for Tavua Town. In 1937, an area of native land owned by the mataqali (landowning unit) Tilivasewa was required by Government for the town. And in 1950, the Tavua Rural Local Authority recommended an alternative new market site. The Tavua Tikina Council meeting in the same year approved an exchange of land for the new proposed market site. Since then, the mataqali claims, it has not received any form of financial return from the Government. Speaking on behalf of the mataqali, Tevita Ralulu said no proper consultations were done with landowners prior to the building of the market on the new site and also on the construction of businesses

in town. “The market is now located opposite the village and is in the town area but the land is ours and the town council is totally lost on the land issue as I had spoken with the administrators,” he claimed. “Landowners are entitled to the financial returns but we have not received any of it since the establishment of the town on our land.” Mr Ralulu claimed for the past two years, the mataqali continuously made requests to Government to look into the issue because there was no proper consultation done with landowners for Government to build a market in that area. He claimed the landowners had raised their concerns through letters to the Government, including the Minister for Local Government, Parveen Kumar, and requested for compensation.

A 33-year-old man has been charged for reckless or negligent acts under the Crimes Decree for allegedly failing to confine his dog which contributed to the death of a 12-yearold boy last Sunday in Navua. The accused has also been charged for not having a proper dog license. Police Director of Traffic Mahesh Mishra says the 66-year-old driver who is alleged to have hit the 12-year-old boy has been charged with dangerous driving causing death. The 33-year-old dog owner and 66-year-old driver will be produced at the Suva Magistrates Court today.

Public hospitals, health centres and nursing stations will have more manpower once the Ministry of Health and Medical Services fills in the 242 vacant nursing positions which were advertised by the ministry last December. This was revealed by Health and Medical Services Minister Rosy Akbar in Parliament yesterday in reply to a question by Opposition member Josefa Dulakiverata. Ms Akbar said the ministry was in the process of filling these positions. “Nursing stations are equipped and manned by nurses. Only one nurse per

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Mishra is calling on animal owners to ensure their pets and livestock are confined at all times as this was a tragic accident that could have been avoided. The 12-year-old boy of Tokotoko Navua passed away in the tragic accident in Navua Town on Sunday. According to police, the boy was riding his bicycle towards Navua Town when a dog ran after him and in the process he swerved onto the road and collided with a vehicle. Police say the driver also tried to swerve but could not avoid coming into contact with the boy who was being chased by the dog.

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serve to not only denounce the offence and punish the man, but to also send the message that marital rape would not be tolerated. “When sexual intimacy is egoistically used to despoil marital union in order to advance a felonious urge for coitus by force, violence or intimidation, the court will step in to protect the sanctity of marriage, vindicate justice and protect our laws and State policies,” he said.

Dog owner charged after death of 12-year-old boy

Moneylenders warned The Consumer Council of Fiji has warned moneylenders to be mindful of the interest rates they charge their customers. Speaking during the council’s Labasa private sector engagement on Wednesday, council’s chief executive officer Premila Kumar said consumers had their rights protected under the Moneylenders Act. Ms Kumar said they were aware of cases where moneylenders continued to charge ridiculous interest rates. “I am aware of instances where customers are charged more than 200 and even 400 per cent interest for money they borrow,” she said.

A 42-YEAR-OLD father of three, who pleaded guilty to assaulting and raping his pregnant wife, will spend five years behind bars before he is eligible for parole. High Court in Lautoka judge Justice Aruna Aluthge said even though the man’s wife had accepted his apology and that incarceration would mean separation from his family, the laws of the country had to be applied. He sentenced the Rakiraki man to six months imprisonment for assault causing bodily harm and eight years for rape, the sentences to run concurrently. The incident happened in October last year after the man confronted his wife, accusing her of engaging in extramarital affairs. After a heated argument, he punched her on the face before sexually assaulting her. Justice Aluthge said the sentence would

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nursing station. Staff issues have always been a problem. Doctor shortages and nurse shortages,” she said. “As these positions are filled, I can assure you that more nurses will be allocated to health facilities around the country.” Meanwhile, Ms Akbar also clarified in Parliament that all health facilities were mandated under the Public Hospitals and Dispensaries Act to close for lunch. However, she said all medical officials were instructed to be rostered to attend to patients during this time.

PAKISTAN

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Pak court may block FB to prevent blasphemy The Islamabad high court is considering blocking social media sites like Facebook to prevent dissemination of “blasphemous” content against Islam.The court will take the decision on March 27. Blasphemy against Islam is punishable

by penalties ranging from fine to death in Pakistan. While hearing a petition, IHC chief justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said,

“Block Facebook till the issue is resolved.” “We don’t need social media if it cannot stop blasphemy .” The petition heard by Justice Siddiqui was filed against five bloggers, Salman Haider, Ahmed Waqas Goraya, Asim Saeed, Ahmed Raza Naseer and Samar Abbas who have been accused of spreading blasphemous content through FB.The five bloggers recently went missing. The Federal Investigation Agency informed Siddiqui that a case was registered against the “blasphemers”. “One person was also arrested on suspicion of spreading blasphemous content,” the director general of FIA told the court. He said that around 70 people running controversial pages on social media had been identified but many of them were living abroad. He said the FIA had contacted Facebook and Interpol.

Memorial seeks security to celebrate Bhagat Singh’s anniversary Pakistan’s Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking security to mark the death anniversary of Indian freedom fighter, citing threats from “religious extremists”. The foundation’s chairman advocate Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi filed a writ petition yesterday contending that the organisers of the March 23 event should be provided with security. Qureshi said threats had been received from “religious extremists” for the event. “We had requested the provincial government and police high ups to ensure

security for the function but they did not respond positively,” Qureshi said. He said the Punjab chief secretary, inspector general of police and DIG operations Lahore have been denying protection and security at public place which is a fundamental right of every citizen of the country. Advocate Qureshi requested the court to order the respondent authorities to take security measures for the upcoming event in order to protect the lives of the participants and public at large. Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh would take up the petition tomorrow.

n ected b e ect nic b n n b und ig t PIA looks to score more customers In a bid to capture market share from its Middle Eastern competitors, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has notified prospective passengers that it remains unaffected by a recent ban on electronic items on US and UK-bound flights. “Did you know? You can carry your laptop/ tablets onboard US bound PIA flights,” the airline tweeted, reports Dawn. Earlier this week, the US had announced a ban on large electronic devices such as laptops or cameras on board flights from up to a dozen Middle East nations, prompted by reports that terrorist groups want to smuggle explosive devices in electronic gadgets. The UK soon followed suit. The restrictions are especially unfortunate for Gulf carriers like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, since a large proportion of their revenue comes from passengers who

change planes at their hubs and have other options that avoid affected airports. The US ban on electronics affects flights from international airports in Amman, Jordan, Kuwait City, Kuwait, Cairo, Egypt; Istanbul, Turkey, Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar,

and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The British government also banned passengers flying directly to Britain from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Turkey from taking laptops and tablet computers into the plane cabin.

Suspected terror bid foiled at Lahore airport Pakistan’s security forces today foiled a suspected terror bid at the international airport here and seized weapons and ammunition. During a routine inspection at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, the Airport Security Force personnel stopped a vehicle and found a weapon and a huge cache of

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ammunition upon checking, Dawn reported, quoting officials. The security personnel confiscated a .223 bore rifle, seven magazines, and dozens of bullets from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, a resident of Lahore, was detained and handed over to the police for further interrogation.

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NRI

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Attacks on Indians in USA are hate crimes The recent attacks on Indians in the US are “hate crimes” and not a simple law and order issue, the government said with an assertion that national interest will not be compromised for the sake of strategic partnership with that country. Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj expressed confidence that the Trump Administration will not let these incidents become a trend and is keeping a close watch on it. “We do no treat these incidents as law and order matter. It is not as simple as that. From our side, we are saying that these are 100 per cent incidents of hate crime,” she said, adding that the investigation should be carried out from such a perspective. The minister was making statement on three incidents of attacks on Indians in the US. On February 22, 32-year old Srinivas Kuchibhotla was shot dead by a US national in Kansas city, while on March 2 Harnish

Patel, a US national of Indian origin, was shot dead. On March 4, Deep Rai, a US national of Indian origin, was shot by an unknown person in Kent near Seattle. “We are taking up this matter at the highest level. We are watching if there is any trend being set,” Swaraj said. She said the US administration is saying that the attacks were individual acts of hate crimes and no trend should be seen in these incidents. CPI leader D Raja voiced apprehension that the strategic partnership could come in the way of India taking up this issue with the US. In her response, Swaraj said, “Strategic partnership does not mean that we will compromise with our national interest... Do not think that we will remain silent because of strategic partnership. The strategic partnership is secondary. First comes the security and safety of our nationals.”

No need for IT industry to worry about curbs on H-1B visas, says govt The Centre on Thursday said there was no reason to worry about the curbs on H-1B visas+ or the job security of Indian IT professionals working in the US for the time being as the Indian government is in talks with the Trump administration on the matter. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said regarding H-1B and L1 visas+ for professionals, four bills have come to the US Congress but they have not been passed. She said the government was engaging with the US at the highest level to ensure that the interests of Indian people or the IT industry are not affected. Swaraj said the government was taking steps so that the four bills regarding H-1B and L1 visas are not passed in such a form. The foreign secretary had met US Congress members who had been all praise for Indians, the minister said. “So there is no reason to

NRI charged with murder of one-year-old in UK An Indian-origin man was on Tuesday charged with the brutal murder of a one-yearold boy and critically injuring the toddler’s twin sister, believed to be his children, in north east London. Bidhya Sagar Das, 33, was arrested on

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worry about it as of now,” she added. “We are conveying to them that IT professionals are not stealing jobs but contributing to the US economy and making it stronger,” the minister said. Addressing concerns by MPs during the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Swaraj said it would not be correct to say that there has been a change in the US policies after the Trump administration has come to power. She pointed out that even before Donald Trump became President, there had been a “flip-flop” in the H-1B visa policy by the US. “In 1990 when H1B visas were first introduced, the cap was 65,000. In 2000, during NDA, it was raised to 1,95,000 for three years. In 2004 the number of these visas was again reversed to 65,000 by the US. So there has been a flip-flop on this policy even before Donald Trump government,” she said.

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Sunday after Scotland Yard launched a manhunt for him on finding the two children in a critical condition in a flat in

Hackney area of north-east London. The boy, known locally as Gabriel, died in the early hours of Sunday and the girl, Maria, continues to fight for her life in hospital. Das is expected to appear before Thames Magistrates’ Court in London later on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination in relation to the boy is due to take place after which formal identification can take place. The Metropolitan Police said detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, led by detective chief inspector Dave Whellams, continue to investigate. “This is clearly a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the two young children,” Whellams said. According to local reports, the twins lived on the top floor of the building on Wilberforce Road near Finsbury Park in London with their Romanian mother, Cristinela Datcu, and Indian-origin father. Horrified neighbours had reported a woman, believed to be the children’s mother, rushing out of the home screaming, “My kids, my kids!” shortly after 11pm on Saturday.

Indian-origin British lawmakers condemn UK terror attack Indian-origin British lawmakers on Thursday condemned the horrific terror attack in the heart of London and said the country “stands together” to show that it will not be defeated by terrorism. Priti Patel, the senior-most Indianorigin Cabinet minister, paid tributes to the police officer stabbed to death by the lone attacker at the gates of the Parliament building on Wednesday. “The terrorist incident in Westminster was horrific and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and relatives of those who died and with the injured victims,” Patel said. The events that unfolded are being thoroughly investigated and we all stand together to show that we will not be defeated by terrorism, the minister for

international development said. “I commend the police, emergency services and medical staff for the swift action and bravery they showed yesterday. They put themselves in harm’s way and in danger to help and protect people. I pay tribute to PC Keith Palmer for his courage and bravery. His family have my condolences and he will be in all of our thoughts and prayers,” Patel said. Shailesh Vara MP, a former justice minister, said in the House of Commons that Britain stands united against the “evil ideology” of the terrorists. “The message that we need to take away is that this evil ideology is not only an attack on Western countries and the values that we hold so dear but it is an evil that seeks to destroy our way of life across the world,” he said.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017 Saturday, March 25, 2017

Kapil Sharma BEATS UP Sunil On A Flight Popular standup comedians Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover and team were on board an Air India flight, after doing stage performances in Australia. The His team was travelling business class and even before the flight could land in Delhi, Kapil got too high in spirits! Kapil, who was completely sloshed, walked up to his co-actor Sunil Grover’s seat and started hurling abuses at him. In a flash of a second, he held Sunil by his collar and started beating him up black and blue. A shocked Sunil did not retaliate and took the blows. Both got out to the aisle area between the economy and business class

and continued fighting. Kapil was heard saying lines like, “Tu hai kaun? Tera show flop gaya tha, tu mera naukar hai, tu Australia mein bhi jo show kiya khud se woh flop tha…” Continued on Page 3...

Sanjay Kohli Would Touch My Breasts & Demand Sexual Favours The Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai controversy between Shilpa Shinde and producer Binaifer Kohli took an extremely unexpected and ugly turn this afternoon. Shilpa has filed a sexual

harassment case against the producer of her former show (Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai) Binaifer Kohli’s husbandSanjay Kohli. And we brought it to you promptly. Now, here are the details of Shilpa’s charges on FIR. I had been working in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai since November 20. Our set was located at Palghar. Right from the

beginning, Sanjay Kohli has always behaved in a way that would put me to shame but, I preferred ignoring because you come across such kind of people in the TV industry very often. Often, he would he pass remarks like: I like you a lot. You are very sexy. You are very hot. And while saying such things, he would hug me forcefully and would touch my waist and breasts. I would resist but he would brush aside the incident saying: Oh, it was a mistake. Come on yeh sab toh chalta hai. For a long time I kept quiet because my money was pending with him and I feared that I would not get my hard-earned money. However, Sanjay’s behaviour never changed and this disturbed my mental peace. I spoke to his wife Binaifer Kohli who asked me to stay quiet. Instead of supporting me she threatened me saying that she would throw me out of the show and ruin my career.

Kangana gifts herself a 3-storeyed bungalow for her 30th birthday Kangana Ranaut, who’s been planning to venture into filmmaking for a while now, marked her 30th birthday on March 23 by gifting herself a three-storey bungalow close to her current residence in Khar. Work on the interiors of the property, which will serve as an office space, has already begun. We has now learnt that awardwinning interior designer, Shabnam Gupta, has been working closely with the actress, meticulously planning the details. “Kangana wants the office to be glamourous. She is simultaneously working on the interiors of her home in Manali,” a source close to the actress told Mirror. Kangana had laid the foundation stone of her home in Himachal and begun

work on the construction of an organic farm in January. Last seen in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Rangoon, the actress has wrapped up Hansal Mehta’s Simran and now moves on to film Manikarnika – The Queen of Jhansi. “After that, she’ll begin work on her directorial debut. She will make an announcement mid-2017 about the upcoming production venture,” the source added

Baahubali 2 to release in highest number of screens in Indian history With it grand sets, epic performances and hair-raising suspense, SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Conclusion became the most-anticipated film of the year. The second instalment of the blockbuster franchise is slated to set another milestone by releasing at maximum number of screens ever. The film will release in 6,500 screens, which is highest ever in Indian history. It seems that Baahubali 2 will cross the colossal mark set by its prequel, which stands tall at a turnover of more than Rs 600 crore. The filmmaker plan to encash more from the eager anticipation, as the cinematic magnificence of the first instalment is set to roll all over again

for its fans.

mid-day

have you heard? Bollywood

Thursday, March 23, 2017 | www.mid-day.com | twitter.com/mid_day | epaper.mid-day.com

Bobby Deol, who has been missing in action for a while, has been signed by NEW producer Sohail Maklai for a25, mystery thriller as solo lead hero. Bobby is also Saturday, March 2017 START slated to feature in the remake of 2014 Marathi film, Poshter Boyz

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY

Sallu beats Akki, Hrithik to become highest tax-payer

Shreyas Talpade, Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Kunal Kemmu had visitors on the set of Golmaal Again. The Smurfs, who have been appointed brand ambassadors of happiness by the United Nations, declared the film unit as the happiest in Bollywood. Brainy Smurf and Smurfette regaled the comic caper’s cast and crew with their antics

Salman Khan edged past his contemporaries, including Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan, to become the highest advance tax-payer for the financial year 2016-17. According to an income tax report based on data of advance tax paid by top 10 industry folk till March 2017, the Sultan star has paid tax of R44.5 crore. Given that the amount he paid in the last fiscal was R32.2 crore, Sallu’s annual income is estimated to have grown by over 39 per cent. Inching close to this figure with R29 crore as advance tax is Akshay Kumar, who enjoyed a string of hits in the past year. Hrithik Roshan came third (R25.5 crore). New entrant, actor-comedian Kapil Sharma surprised the I-T department by reporting an income hike of 206 per cent in a year with a payment of R23 crore as advance tax. He had paid R7 crore in the last fiscal. Filmmaker Karan Johar and 24-year-old actress Alia Bhatt (R4.33) also debuted on the list. Among actresses, Alia was second only to Deepika Padukone, who paid R10 crore in tax.

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R44.5CR Melody time Gunjan Utreja, who was last seen hosting reality show, The Voice, features in singer Jubin Nautiyal’s music video, Piya Reprise. This is the first time he has danced in a track. He says, “Jubin is a wonderful singer and has created some magical music. I feel blessed.” Gunjan will next be seen in the second season of the web series, Return of Mickey Vickey. “It will be funnier than before,” he promises.

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Shardul Pandit returns to the daily soap scene after six years with Kuldeepak. Last seen in Bandhini, he had to work on his look for the new show. Just before the shoot began, the makers felt he looked too young for the character. He was determined to prove them wrong. After a round of discussions with stylists, he finally managed to convince them.

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New Released Bollywood Films Mar

Naam Shabana *ing: Taapsee Pannu Akhshay Kumar

Telly actress Nia Sharma may have been slut-shamed for her dare-to-bare snapshots on Instagram, but it has hardly deterred the gutsy girl. Currently holidaying in Maldives, Nia has been flooding her social media account with swimwear snapshots. The actress, who features in Vikram Bhatt's web series, Twisted, says, “Let the temperatures soar.”

Apart from her sartorial elegance, Neha Dhupia is also showing penchant for quirky hairstyles. She has been flaunting braids tied up in multi-coloured cords on the adventure reality show she hosts. Cool and funky, we think.

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Apr

Jagga Jasoos *ing: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif

Apr

Sarkar 3

*ing: Amitabh Bachchan Jackie Shroff

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Bollywood

This picture of Deepika Padukone and Neetu Kapoor is bound to set tongues wagging affectionate chemistry. Honestly, when was the last time we saw them together? It’s indeed overwhelming to see them together after quite a long gap. However, we wonder what these two beautiful ladies were talking about… Hmmm! Deepika Padukone, who was in Bangalore to spend some time with her family, is back in the city and the gorgeous babe has been making stunning appearances every day since her return. Deepika was seen at the HT Most Stylish Awards 2017 and she looked ravishing wearing MILLY Michelle Smith outfit. Woah! Deepika Padukone and Neetu Kapoor’s this pic from HT Most Stylish Awards 2017 is sure to raise many eyebrows! At the award show that took place tonight, Deepika was seen bonding big time with Ranbir’s mom Neetu Kapoor. Now we all know that Ranbir and Deepika share a history. Of course it’s been ages since they broke up but the break up hasn’t affected her equation with Ranbir’s mom Neetu Kapoor at all! Just look at their body language.. it speaks volumes about them both. We always knew that Ranbir’s mom was fond of Deepika and from what it looks like, her fondness for her has grown immensely in all these years. Just one look at this picture and you would know that Deepika and Neetu share a very warm and

Kapil Sharma BEATS UP Sunil Grover On A Flight

Continued from Star & Style Page 1... According to our sources, the passengers on board could not believe their eyes. They were so shocked and scared that a couple of them even wanted an emergency landing. However, the other team members somehow got Kapil in control and the situation just about got handled. Grover was in tatters and has still not recovered. You may recall that Sunil and Kapil have always had a strained equation. In the past as well, Sunil quit Comedy Nights With Kapil as he asked for a hike and Kapil, who was the producer and host of the show, refused to comply. He went on to join hands with Manish Paul and came up with his own comedy show Mad In India. The show didn’t do very well and Kapil’s show also witnessed a dip in the TRPs. On realising that they both need each other, Sunil and Kapil re-united. And now, Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover have unfollowed each other on Twitter. We hear that the fight got so ugly that something big can happen. Will Grover quit the show or bear more humiliation? Not just Grover, Kapil’s show’s other team members have been very unhappy with his behavior of late. Sources tell us that since the time Kapil has started work on his next film Firangi, he has started addressing his team members as ‘TV Walo’ and sometime his tone is so not appropriate.

At the HT Most Stylish Awards 2017, the Bajirao Mastani actress got crowned as the most stylish global icon of the year. The actress has been making some wonderful appearances as she was on a promotional spree for her Hollywood debut film. No wonder she won the award for the most stylish global icon. Apart from Deepika and Neetu, others present at the award show were Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra, Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Disha Patani, John Abraham, Pooja Hegde and Parineeti Chopra.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Bollywood HOROSCOPE Aries

Libra

March 21 - April 20

Sept. 24 - Oct 22

Children’s needs could be more costly than you anticipated. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn’t been well. Be cautious of making any residential changes this week. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

Acknowledge your lover’s needs. Don’t allow someone to do a job that was designated specifically for you. When the work is done, they may serve you for a change. Family members may want you at home, when your heart is telling you to spend time with someone you recently met. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.

Taurus

Scorpio

April 21 - May 20

Oct 23 - Nov 22

You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. Visit those less fortunate than your self; be sure to help them with their personal problems. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Use your added discipline to get what you want. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

Sagitarius

May 20 - June 21

Nov 23 - Dec 22

Cancer

Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what’s been going on. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues this week. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

Capricorn

June 22 - July 23

Dec 23 - Jan 20

You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this week. Do not make rash decisions about your personal life. You should consider getting into self improvement endeavors. Romantic relationships could be under pressure. Your lucky day this week will be Monday.

Leo

You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Do your job and then spend some time with family; you’ll be glad you did. Things aren’t as they appear. You have a lot to offer. Your lucky day this week will be Monday.

Aquarius

June 24 - August 23

Jan 21 - Feb 19

You should consider getting into self improvement endeavors. Travel if it’s needed to start the ball rolling. If everyone wants to do their own thing, let them. In return, the satisfaction you get is enough for you. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

Virgo

You can expect insincere gestures of friendliness this week. Get back down to earth and to basics. You could be attracting individuals who are anything but good for you. Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

Pisces

August 24 - Sept 24

Feb 20 - March 20

Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts. You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize. Don’t let anyone take credit for a job you did. You’re in the mood for love. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

Stepping into the fifth year of joy and togetherness

Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship. You may find that female colleagues will be more help than you anticipated. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. Relationships will become stronger. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday.

Gemini Friends from your past may come back into your life. You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. You can get support from groups that you belong to if you’re willing to step out on a limb and voice your opinions. Your communication skills are at an all-time high. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARGUN

Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Try not to donate to organizations if you can hardly afford to take care of yourself. Don’t be too open or put your faith in unreliable coworkers. Your lucky day this week will be Monday.

Sargun Bajwa celebrating her fourth birthday with her elder sister Eikam, great grandma, grand parents, mum and dad.

HT Most Stylish Awards 2017 winners list: Deepika Padukone, Varun Dhawan, Shahid Kapoor win big An ultra glamorous night as celebs dazzled at the red carpet at the HT Most stylish Awards 2017. It was a rather starry evening as Deepika Padukone, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Disha Patani, Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sidharth Malhotra came under one roof to attend the prestigious award show. Like every year, this year too some of the most stylish men and women from the industry were honoured with an award. Let’s take a look at who won big at the HT Most Stylish Awards 2017. Fresh Face Of The Year (Male) – Sooraj Pancholi Fresh Face Of The Year (Female) – Disha Patani Most Stylish Global IconDeepika Padukone Breakthrough Performer Of The Year (Male) – Nawazuddin Siddiqui Breakthrough Performer Of The Year (Female) – Taapsee Pannu Youth Icon Of The Year (Male) – Ayushmann Khurrana Youth Icon Of The Year (Female) – Parineeti Chopra Popular Actor Of The Year – Varun Dhawan

Most Stylish Actor Of the Year – Shahid Kapoor Most Stylish Superstar Of The Year- Ajay Devgn HT Most Stylish Readers’ Choice Awards Winner (Male) – Sidharth Malhotra

HT Most Stylish Readers’ Choice Awards Winner (Female) – Shraddha Kapoor Star Of The Millennium – Amitabh Bachchan HT Most Stylish Timeless Couple – Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor Mandira Bedi and Manish Paul hosted the HT Most Stylish Awards whichw as being held at Taj Land’s End, Bandra.

BOLLYWOOD PERSONALITIES’ BIRTHDAYS

YOGRAJ SINGH MARCH 25

CHITRANGADA SINGH MARCH 28

AKSHAYE KHANNA MARCH 28

MANDANA KARIMI MARCH 29

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Eshwar Shakti

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Movie Review

Phillauri â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anushka Sharma produces and stars in Phillauri, a light supernatural romantic entertainer that is directed by Anshai Lal. Phillauri also stars Suraj Sharma (in his first proper Bollywood movie), Diljit Dosanjh (fresh off the critical acclaim he received for Udta Punjab) and Mehreen Pirzada (who had made her debut with the Telugu movie Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha). Phillauri has Anushka Sharma playing a friendly ghost that has nothing to do with Casper. The movie also tries to address the still prevalent practice of marrying a girl or a boy to a tree (and sometimes dogs too) that continues in some parts of India. But the big question is â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will Phillauri manage to impress the audience like Anushka Sharmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden production, NH 10? Read our review ahead to find out the answerâ&#x20AC;Ś Kanan (Suraj Sharma) is a NRI rapper who is pressured into marrying his childhood sweetheart Anu (Mehreen Pirzada) by his family. Though he loves her, he is confused about spending the rest of the life with just one person (itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another matter that they began their relationship since school days). As both the families prepare for the wedding, the family astrologer discovers that Kanan is a manglik, so to prevent any complications in his married life, they have to get him married to a tree first. Though reluctant to adhere to this, Kanan complies for his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake and gets married to a tree, which is later cut down. But what he does not know was that the tree is the abode to the spirit of Shashi (Anushka Sharma), and it is her that Kanan actually married. Shashi is now stuck with Kanan, who has to now grapple with an unwanted spirit as well his own insecurities with regards to his

Suraj Sharma and Anushka Sharma shine in this comic ghost story

marriage. On a separate track, there is also Shashiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love story with a singing village Casanova Roop Lal Phillauri (Diljit Dosanjh), who leaves her with a promise of returning and marrying her. But he never doesâ&#x20AC;Ś Phillauriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength lies in the lighter moments that mostly reside in the first half, even though the basic premise here is similar to Tim Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corpse Bride. The best bits about the movie involve Suraj Sharma, the talented actor who made his name on the international circuit with his starring role in Life of Pi. From his reaction to hearing about marrying a tree, to his first interaction with the ghostly Shashi, Suraj Sharma is in absolute fine form. He is also fine in the portions where he had to show off his apprehensions about his upcoming marriage (even if they sound mostly baseless). Too bad that someone reminded the director that Phillauri is produced by Anushka Sharma, so the movie loses focus while trying to shift the spotlight to her story. Mehreen Pirzada is quite apt for her role as the lovelorn bride, and her drunken emotional outburst towards her confused beau is quite well-done. As an actress, Anushka Sharma is fine in her role and she does justice to both iterations of her character. Though her character as the human Shashi isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully realised (for a strong woman of her era, she certainly chose an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;easyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; path to

end her problems), Anushka does best with what she can do with the role. The effects involved in creating her ghostly avatar are

quite nice, though the CGI sucks towards the end of the movie. If the first half of the movie held some kind of promise thanks to Suraj and Anushkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spirited performances, the second half of the movie lets Phillauri terribly down, and there is no redemption anywhere here. The major blame falls on the humdrum writing involved in developing the snooze-worthy romantic track between Shashi and Phillauri. The pace that was threatening to slow at several junctures in the first half takes a nose dive in these portions. Despite Diljitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earnest performance, Phillauri is not captivating a character, and his chemistry with Anushka is almost zilch. In fact, Suraj and Anushka had

a better chemistry to show. His characterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mysterious disappearance can be easily guessed if you ever bothered to pay attention in your history class. That twist is also heavily borrowed from Robert Pattinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tearjerker Remember Me. Nothing wrong with borrowing an idea, but I am not a fan of using a real-life tragedy that leaves an impact even after so many years, to drive your plot while not doing any kind of justice to the event. Even Kanan and Anuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s track gets a slipshod conclusion after being ignored for nearly the entire second half in favour of Shashiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Coming to think of it, there is nothing new that the movie offers you storywise when it comes to both the love stories. The climax is an absolute let down and never seems to end, coupled with some really lazy resolution and average special effects. Barring Duma Dum, none of the songs make any kind of impact and their frequent inclusion just taxes your patience. Phillauri has some spirited performance from its lead actors, unfortunately, the same spirit has not gone into the making of the movie. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s started off as a promising film ends up as a boring and a tiresome hotchpotch by the end. Going by the nearly empty theatre hall where I watched the movie and the muted response the movie received at the end, I am sure #ShashiWasThere is actually scaring people away from the screens.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Bollywood

After ABCD 2 and Dilwale, Badrinath Ki Dulhania becomes Varun Dhawan’s third Rs 100 crore film Ever since he debuted in Student Of The Year, Varun Dhawan has entertained us time and again. From Badlapur and ABCD 2 to Dilwale and Badrinath Ki Dulhania, we have seen him deliver some fantastic performances. But that’s not it. The actor has proved his mettle at the box office too. Varun has not had a single flop till now. All his films have worked at the box office and while you might not see the actor rake in huge numbers, no one can take away the fact that he has been consistent. And with Badrinath Ki Dulhania, he has delivered yet another hit. In fact, after Badrinath Ki Dulhania crossed the Rs 100 crore mark today, it is now his third 100-crore movie. His two releases in 2015 – ABCD 2 (Rs 105.74 crore) and Dilwale (Rs 148.72 crore) have already achieved this feat. And last year, Dishoom also came close to doing it. But it is Badrinath Ki Dulhania which gave given him his third 100-crore film. And with that, he is the only nextgen star to have three films that have entered the coveted Rs 100 crore club. Check out the lifetime collections of all his films right here: With this, Varun Dhawan has surely established himself as a bankable star. As trade expert, Akshaye Rathi, had revealed to us earlier, “Varun Dhawan has totally established himself as a bankable star with

Badrinath Ki Dulhania. If you look at most of the actors, then you will realise that most of them have virtually wasted their entire career trying to prove that they can act. But the job of a star is not to act, his job is to get tickets sold at the box office. And Varun is someone

who has time and again, before the release of every film, kept saying that ‘I just want to entertain.’ That is a star’s job. Only if you can do that, only if you can play to galleries, only if you can work for the entertainment of the paying public, will you succeed like this. And Varun has his sensibilities, has his intentions right, which is what makes him the bankable star that he is!

March 15, 2017

15 ਮਾਰਚ, 2017 ਮਾਨਯੋਗ ਂ ਂ ਹਾਨੂੰ ਕ�ਦਰੀ ਇਸ ਖ਼ਤ ਰਾਹੀ ਅਸੀ ਤੁ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਲੇ ਖਕ ਸਭਾ ਉੱਤਰੀ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਦੀ ਸਲਾਨਾ ਕਿਵਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਗੀਤ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਿਵਚ ਆਉਣ ਲਈ ਸੱਦਾ ਿਦੰਦੇ ਹਾਂ। ਇਹ ਸਮਾਗਮ 25 ਮਾਰਚ, 2017, ਿਦਨ ਸ਼ਿਨੱ ਚਰਵਾਰ, ਸ਼ਾਮ 6.00 ਵਜੇ Bombay Banquet Hall 7475 – 135th Street, Surrey, Bc, Canada ਿਵਖੇ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ। ਹੋਰ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਹੇਠ ਿਲਖੇ ਨੰਬਰਾਂ ਤੇ ਫ਼ੋਨ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਤੁ ਹਾਡੀ ਹਾਜਰੀ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਦੇਵੇਗੀ।

Respected You are cordially invited to attend our “Annual Meet and Dine” with the Central Association of Punjabi Writers. This evening of poetry and song will be held on Saturday, March 25 , 2017 at 6:00pm at Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 – 135 Street, Surrey, BC, Canada. Your presence is important to us and we look forward to seeing you. If you need any further information please contact any of the following organizers at their telephone numbers shown below th

Charan Singh, (President) Ph: 778.564.0331 Pritpal S. Gill, (General Secretary) Ph: 604.726.8410 Rupinder Roopi Khaira (Treasure) Ph: 778.892.9731

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Person of the week

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Keeping the power of giving alive:

Mr. Sukhdev S. Sidhu

Having been born and raised as Indians, donation is the value that are taught to us since our childhood, I would actually say that it is one such thing, which we have seen while growing up, whether in our grandparents, parents or any elderly person that has come across. However, with the change in time and living conditions, and with the fast paced life these values are not our priorities, but there are some people who are still living these values in busy countries like Canada too. Sukhdev Singh Sidhu has set up an example of living our cultural values for everyone. "I believe there is nothing bigger the purpose of our lives than helping others in whatever means we could", smiled Sukhdev.

Sukhdev Singh Sidhu is a businessman by profession and owns Bestway foreign exchange in York Center, Surrey. He is inspired by his father in regards to all the social work and now inspires a large number of people to join in. On his recent three months trip to India, he arranged two eye-care camps, through which needy people has been helped with the required treatments. These camps have helped people with 647 of them receiving lens, 2429 of them getting appropriate vision glasses,1949 of them acquiring desired medicines.For the very first time he said that they organized an oral-care camp, comprised of four doctors. The camp catered to 450 patients. Also he arranged for one blood donation camp. All these camps were free of charge and the funding was arranged by donations and contribution of Bhai Kanhaia Charitable society. "We are happy with the kind of help we get by the community. It shows that people do care inspite of their busy schedules", said Sukhdev. The society also accomplished the project of facilitating electricity through solar panels. Apart from this, he keeps upgrading the books in the library at his native village that was

started around 15 years ago. For female students in and around his village, he started Bhai Dunichand College, that initially had arts and commerce

fields, and while his trip to India this time, he facilitated the college with Science as well. These camps help people from around 100 villages, giving them an opportunity to get treated. Sukhdev is planning the next similar camp in January next year and inspires other people to contribute as well.

SABA’s Luncheon with purpose

SABA’s business luncheon was a very special occasion where BC’s Finance Minister Michael De Jong interacted with media as well as public and gave them a detailed overview of Provincial Budget 2017. He gave an insight of how the government is planning to reduce premium for MSP and how they are thinking of bringing about new

additions to the education fund in BC. He also had given the local media an opportunity to interact one on one with him where he explained the growth of IT Sector in the province and the reasons to why the other developed countries have an eye on that field in BC.

He did throw the light on his experience with India’s trip and BC’s interest in strengthening business links with India, especially in regards to the lumber Industry. The short and sweet networking event was appreciated by all. The event took place on March 22, at Crystal @York.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Classifieds JOBS

Vacancies for Framer-Helper MN Framing Ltd. located at 6281 Knight Street, Vancouver BC V5P2V9 has an immediate vacancy for Framer Helper. Job Title: Framer Helper Number of Vacancies: 1 Location of work: Job requires on-site at various job sites within the lower mainland. Job Type: Full time, permanent position with 30-40 hours per week. Overtime at the rate of 1.5 times after 40 hours per week. Compensation: $20 per hour Benefits: WCB Coverage with 4% vacation pay Key duties: • Load and unload construction material and taking them to job site, • Move tools, equipment from storage to job site; • Assist framer with forming and framing related work; • Help put up, level, and

JOBS install building framework • Remove rubble and clean work areas, machines and equipment to maintain a clean and safe jobsites • Perform other related job duties as required Job requirements: Some experience as a labourer will be an asset but not mandatory. Training provided on site. Work conditions: • Physically demanding, handling heavy loads, combination of sitting, standing and walking • Able to work long hours, weekends and outdoor in various weather conditions Contact: If you meet the requirements, please send your resume at mnframing@ hotmail.com. Only those who our basic expectations will be contacted for an interview. We thank you for your interest in our company! ------------ Mar 09-2017

NOW HIRING Bus Driver Gobind Sarvar School, located at 8820 – 168 Street, Surrey, B.C. is looking for a school bus driver living in Abbotsford area. If you are licensed to drive a school bus, please email your resume and driver’s abstract to: info@gobindsarvar.ca or call Jaspreet at 604-930-2122 for further details.

JOBS Vacancies for FramerCarpenter MN Framing Ltd. located at 6281 Knight Street, Vancouver BC V5P2V9 has immediate vacancies for FramerCarpenter. Job Title: Framer-Carpenter Number of Vacancies: 2 Location of work: Job requires on-site at various job sites within the lower mainland. Job Type: Full time, permanent position with 30-40 hours per week. Overtime at the rate of 1.5 times after 40 hours per week. Compensation: $26 per hour Benefits: WCB Coverage with 4% vacation pay Key duties: • Read & Interpret blueprints, drawings & sketches to determine specification; • Estimate height, width, length & other proportions;

JOBS • Measure, cut, shape & assemble the major structural elements of a wood-framed buildings using woodworking machines, power tools and hand tools; • Build house foundations, Construct building framework including wall, beams, partitions, floor, doorframes, ceilings; • Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures; • Be able to understand building materials and building codes; Job requirements: • Completion of High School • 2-3 years of experience in trade or completion of 3-4 year apprenticeship program Work conditions: • Physically demanding, handling heavy loads, combination of sitting, standing and walking • Able to work long hours,

JOBS weekends and outdoor in various weather conditions Contact: If you meet the requirements, please send your resume at mnframing@ hotmail.com Only those who our basic expectations will be contacted for an interview. We thank you for your interest in our company! ------------ Mar 09-2017 fice n ge e ui ed We need a office manager to hire and give training to workers and staff. Must have 3 years of experience in management. Punjabi and hindi speaking is required. Salary will be based on experience. Please call : 604-722-5000 ------------ Feb 18-2017

LOOKING FOR CLASS 1 TRUCK DRIVER A trucking company, Planet Pride Logistics, located at 11411 Shell Road, Richmond BC V7A3W7 has immediate vacancies for 5 Long Haul Truck Drivers. Term of employment: Full time, Permanent Position Shifts: Weekdays, Weekends, Evenings Salary: $23.50 per hour for 50 hours per week, overtime after 60 hours of the rate of 1.5 times with Vacation pay of 4%. Requirement: Class 1 driving license with Air brake endorsement

Duties: Drive and operate company’s long haul trucks within all over Canada, receive and relay information to central dispatcher, maintain log book, bill of landing. Do pre-trip, en-route, posttrip inspection for any mechanical or body defect, reports incidents to the manager immediately and accurately. Please send your resume at planetpride.logistics@ gmail.com or fax at 778-297-4402 Gill to Furmaan Kaur Gill

Saturday, March 25, 2017 Abbotsford, B.C: Community Safety Meeting for Parents and Youth followed by Questions and Answers Session. When: 4:30pm Doors Open and 5:00pm Start time, March 18th, 2017 Location: W.J Mouat Secondary School, 32355 Mouat Dr, Abbotsford Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar will be hosting a Community Safety Meeting to raise awareness on gang related issues and to also discuss positive programs for South Asian youth in Abbotsford. Community Leaders, Parents and youth are invited to bring their suggestions. Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar has started a Community Awareness Team which includes Community Partners, Parents and youth who will bring important issues arising in front of the community and have open talk and solutions for these issues. They understand that the issues are not a quick fix, but as a team they would like to actively and meaningfully learn from and share information with different segments of the community to enhance knowledge and skills. Community and Policing Partners for this event are Abbotsford Community Services and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit-BC -----------------------------------------South Asian Seniors - Filing Income Tax Returns Free From February 26th 2017 to May 2nd 2017. Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian Seniors that during the Tax filing period we can help you to file your Income Tax Returns for the year 2016 free of cost, through the community volunteer program of Canada Revenue Agency, from February 26th 2017 to May 2nd 2017. If you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility Criteria are as follows 1.Single individual with annual income limit up to $ 30,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $ 40,000. 3. Adult with one child annual income up to $ 35,000, add the income limit by $ 2,500 for each dependent child. Interest income not over $ 1,000.00 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income , no business or partnership income and no capital gain or loss. Sin# card and photo identity will be required to prove the documents. Project funded by Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors. If you are eligible then please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for

further information. -----------------------------------------South Asian Seniors - Filing Income Tax Returns Free From February 26th 2017 to May 2nd 2017. Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian Seniors that during the Tax filing period we can help you to file your Income Tax Returns for the year 2016 free of cost, through the community volunteer program of Canada Revenue Agency, from February 26th 2017 to May 2nd 2017. If you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility Criteria are as follows 1.Single individual with annual income limit up to $ 30,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $ 40,000. 3. Adult with one child annual income up to $ 35,000, add the income limit by $ 2,500 for each dependent child. Interest income not over $ 1,000.00 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income , no business or partnership income and no capital gain or loss. Sin# card and photo identity will be required to prove the documents. Project funded by Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors. If you are eligible then please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 9945 for further information. -----------------------------------------Free Self Employment Program offered by PICS Are you unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week? Are you thinking of launching your own business? Join PICS for an information session on PICS’ Self Employment Program at one of PICS Offices: Suite 205, 12725 80th Ave, Surrey – Every 2nd Wednesday of the month OR 8153 Main St (near Marine Dr), Vancouver – Every 3rd Wednesday of the month All info sessions are from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM This program offers • Business Start-Up Training • Business Plan Writing • Business Advisor Support • Networking Events • Support During Business Launch Period Seating is limited. To attend a session, please preregister at Katarina.Low@pics.bc.ca or 604-5967722 Ext 150 ------------------------------------------

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VACANCIES FOR LONG HAUL TRUCK DRIVERS A trucking company, New Moon Express Ltd., has immediate vacancies for 10 long haul truck drivers. Job Position: Long Haul Truck Driver Number of Vacancies: 10 Term of employment: Full time, Permanent with 50 hours per week. Location of work: Travel across Canada and USA with base at 12403 Old Yale Road, Surrey BC V3V 3X9 Shifts: Weekdays, Weekends, Night, Evenings Salary: $23.50 per hour for 50 hours per week, overtime after 60 hours per week at the rate of 1.5 times. enefit 4% vacation pay Credentials: Class 1 or A driver’s license with air brake endorsement. Experience: On the job training will be provided Additional Skills: • Basic English is required to understand road signs and fill log book. • Be able to work in individually or in a team • Clean driving abstract Types of trucking and equipment: Flatbed, Van, Refrigerated Type of Travel: Long Haul, Regional, Provincial/

Territorial, National and International. Duties: • Drive and operate company’s long haul trucks to transport goods and material • Receive and Relay information to central dispatcher • Perform pre- trip, en-route and posttrip inspection for any mechanical or body defect • Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting goods • Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption • Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain log books • Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers and customers using communication devices and on-board computers • Report incidents to the manager immediately and accurately. How to apply: Please send resume at newmoonexpressltd@gmail.com Only those who meet our basic expectations will be contacted for interview. We thank you for your interest in our company!

VACANCIES FOR LONG HAUL TRUCK DRIVERS A trucking company, SB Trucking Ltd. has immediate vacancies for 10 long haul truck drivers. Job Position: Long Haul Truck Driver Number of Vacancies: 10 Location of Work: Travel across Canada and USA with base at 12403 Old Yale Road, Surrey BC V3V3X9 Term of employment: Full time, Permanent with 50 hours per week. Shifts: Weekdays, Weekends, Evenings Salary: $23.50 per hour for 50 hours per week, overtime after 60 hours per week at the rate of 1.5 times. Benefits: 4% vacation pay Credentials: Class 1 or A driver’s license with air brake endorsement. Experience: On the job training will be provided Additional Skills: ic ng i i e ui ed t unde t nd d ign nd fi g b e bet in indi idu in te e n d i ing b t ct Types of trucking and equipment: Flatbed, Van, Refrigerated Type of Travel: Long Haul, Regional, provincial/

Territorial, National and International. Duties: i e nd e te c n ng u trucks to transport goods and material ecei e nd e in ti n t cent dispatcher e e t i en ute nd t ti inspection for any mechanical or body defect n u e c g i ecu ed e in accordance with safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting goods ec d c g in ti n u e ice distance travelled and fuel consumption d ini te bi ding nd nu electronically maintain log books unic te it di tc e t e d i e and customers using communication devices and on-board computers e t incident t t e n ge i edi te and accurately. How to apply: Please send resume at sbtrucking@hotmail.com Only those who meet our basic expectations will be contacted for interview. We thank you for your interest in our company!

DISHA CLUELESS Saturday, March 25, 2017 ABOUT SOTY 2 »P19

mid-day

Thursday 23.03.2017

Hitlist

R5 lakh ka

filmi fatka

Court penalises Bhojpuri producer for making frivolous copyright claim just before release of Anushka’s Phillauri

Kapil Sharma shot with a bunch of comedians, including Raju Shrivastav (far right in above picture) as Sunil Grover (below right) kept away from the sets

Raju ban gaya mediator Rival stand-up comic to broker peace between Sunil, Kapil post mid-air fracas; will also ask latter’s mom to intervene

WITH just three days left for its release, Anushka Sharma’s Phillauri found itself in legal wrangle as Bhojpuri actor-producer filed a copyright infringement case against the rom-com in the Bombay High Court. The court, however, did not entertain the complainant, Dashrath Rathod, and, in fact, slapped a penalty of R5 lakh for the last-minute move. In a declaration suit, Rathod claimed Phillauri is a copy of his 2013 trilingual film, Mangal Phera, and also demanded a stay on its re-

lease this Friday. A source informed, “The court did not find any prima facie case and dismissed Rathod’s call for a stay. He has now filed an appeal against the order.” Advocate Nagesh Mishra, who appeared for Rathod, said, “We feel it [the order] is not justified. Once we get a copy of the order in hand, we will appeal to the court for a hearing.” Lawyers Bhavik Patel and Kiran Desai, who are representing the Phillauri makers, refused to comment on the case. The film is Anushka’s second production venture after NH-10 (2015), and stars Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma and her in lead roles.

‘Once we get a copy of the order in hand, we’ll appeal to the court for a hearing’ Lawyer representing Bhojpuri actor-producer

‘No conflict of interest with Yash Raj’ YRF discovery Anushka Sharma on her parallel career as an independent producer AFTER a dream debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), Anushka Sharma went on to star in four more Yash Raj Films’ projects, her last outing being Sultan (2016). However, despite being part of YRF’s talent pool, the actress launched her own production house in 2014, along with brother Karnesh. As she gears up for the release of Phillauri, the second venture under her home banner, Anushka says

there is no conflict of interest with YRF. “Yash Raj has a talent management wing, which is independent of their production house. They manage my work, but that doesn’t make me an in-house talent. I have been associated with Adi [Aditya Chopra, YRF boss] for many years, but when I decided to turn producer, I didn’t pick up the phone and ask him for permission. It was only when I met him [that I told him about starting my own production house]. He said

Kapil Sharma Admits He Is In Love, Shows Picture Of Girlfriend Ginni

it was a superb idea,” she says. The actress adds she has never been under any obligation to give her nod to a YRF project because she was their ‘discovery’. “Adi offers me a lot of films and I agree to do one only if I like it.” Her association with YRF, she says, has instilled professionalism in her. “It is obvious that we have brought in good things from them into our company.”

Kapil Sharma has been hiding his love affair for the longest time. He keeps on flirting with all the heroines who appear on his show, and never admits to being in a relationship. However, he has finally made up his mind to say, ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’. Kapil took to Twitter to say that he was going to share something special. It made all of us wonder as to what he was going to show. Many fans were guessing that it was going to be some celebrity who was to attend his show for the first time. Some even guessed that it maybe something about a movie assignment that he has signed on. But no one was ready for what he shared. He took to Twitter to share a picture of him with his

DESPITE a public apology over being assaulted mid-air, Sunil Grover doesn’t seem eager to return to Kapil Sharma’s comedy show. Sunil, who plays Dr Mashoor Gulati and Rinku Devi among a variety of fun characters, hasn’t turned up for shoot for two consecutive days. Co-artistes Chandan Prabhakar and Ali Asgar, who were also at the receiving end of Kapil’s ‘drunken rage’, have chosen to stay away from the set too. The producers, along with the channel officials, had to rope in a bunch of stand-up comics, including Sunil Pal, Raju Shrivastav and Ahsaan Qureshi, to keep the show going. Now, Raju has intervened to bring Sunil back on The Kapil Sharma Show, on the headline act’s insistence. “When I spoke to Kapil, he told me these things [fights] keep happening and it will be sorted soon. But I told him it was pretty serious this time. I’ve offered to sit down with both of them to end the matter. I still have to get in touch with Sunil since he is not in Mumbai. We are planning to meet this Saturday,” he says. Runners-up of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge season 1, Raju says he’d like to advise them not to drink if they lose their mind and can’t behave properly in public. To ensure that his peace meeting with Sunil is successful, he would also like to involve Kapil’s mother, who is often seen sitting in the audience. “We all have great respect for her and the presence of a senior person [during the Saturday discussion] will make a difference.” Raju adds this isn’t the first time that Kapil has offended Sunil. “He had earlier shared with me his concerns regarding Kapil, but didn’t think of quitting the show. This time, he seems firm in his decision [not to work with Kapil], but I hope things get sorted. I feel this matter is maligning the stand-up comedians’ fraternity; that shouldn’t happen.”

girlfriend, Ginni. Kapil said, “Will not say she is my better half .. she completes me .. love u ginni .. please welcome her .. I love her so much:) (sic).” We never knew Kapil will be such a sweetheart about announcing his love in front of the world. Ginni, whose real name is Bhavneet Chatrath, has been his childhood friend and has also appeared with him on the show, Hans Baliye. Ginni also posted on her Facebook account about being engagement to Kapil. She also went on to post about the impending wedding. As her Facebook account isn’t verified, so we can’t be sure whether or not the

‘I have offered to sit down with both of them... We are planning to meet this Saturday’ Raju Shrivastav

engagement news is true. So we shall have to wait for Kapil only to come out in the open and inform us.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

i 5

Saturday, 2, 2016 Saturday, April April 2, 2016 i 5i 5

Vol. 6 No. 31 Saturday - April 2, 2016 - Tel: - Tel: 604-591-5423 E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com 604-591-5423 - -E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com Tel: 604-591-5423 E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com Vol. 6 No. 31 - Saturday - April 2, 2016 - Tel: 604-591-5423 - E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com

31 -- March Saturday Vol. 8 No.Vol. 08 6- No. Saturday 25, 2017- April 2, 2016

Vancouver’sskyline skylinetotorise riseamid amid an office-tower building boom Vancouver’s an office-tower building boom Toronto home prices may jump 25% in 2017 Stuck in your housing situation in Toronto? Vancouver’s skyline to expect rise amid anyears office-tower building boom next two due to competition. it Suisse is optimistic his building tower tower is optimistic his building will will he $240-million $240-million Credit CreditSuisse/ Suisse/ Mr.Mr. Shokri others expectnext two years due to competition. it Suisse he Shokri andand others say say theythey The landlords who will likely suffer The landlords who will likely suffer next two years due to competition. start to fill as the completion date gets closer. start to fill as the completion date gets closer. it Suisse tower is optimistic his building will SwissReal tower theheart heart many of the new towers to start signing SwissReal tower ininthe of ofamany of the new towers to start signing tenant he $240-million Credit Suisse/ Mr. Shokri and others say tenant they expect with cycle starting to mirror others that New proof it’s ‘vicious circle’ a result of the current boom are ownas aasresult of the current boom are ownThe landlords who will likely suffer Franz Gehriger, the CEO of SwissReal Franz Gehriger, the CEO of SwissReal start to fill as the completion date gets closer. downtown Vancouver will leases as they getget to completion. downtown SwissReal Vancouver will bethe be heart leases as many they closer to completion. Thattenant tower of ofcloser the new towers to startThat signing The first time Jessica Whitehead andinSean analysis. ers of Shokri said. Asare ownersolder ofasolder buildings, Mr. Shokri As abuildings, result of Mr. the current boomsaid. GroupGroup who bought the the original historic who bought theCEO original historic Franz Gehriger, of SwissReal completed ininless than a ayear, but sosofar,far, will is is partly because companies in Vancouver, completed less than year, but partly because companies in Vancouver, downtown Vancouver be leases as they get closer to completion. Thatnew developments ended badly: TD Economics Kosonic lost a bidding war on a home in In a neighbourhood over in the nearbywell, in the suburbs, well, new developments in the suburbs, stock-exchange building in 2002 before parters of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. As stock-exchange building in 2002 before partGroup who bought the original historic only one tenant has signed up to move in. which do want to be in new, energy-efficient

T T

only onethey tenant upthan to move which be in new, energy-efficient completed in a year,in.but so far, doTriangle, iswant partlyto because companies in Vancouver, Toronto felt ahas littlesigned let less down. Junction the Junkins blame families which have already experienced neringnering with Credit Suisse to develop it,before said it, which have experienced well, newalready developments inhigher the higher suburbs, The tenant has committed forfor a a10th of to buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. with Credit Suisse develop said stock-exchange building into2002 partThe tenant has committed 10th of buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. only one tenant has signed up move in. which do want to be in new, energy-efficient But after countless other offers, they’ve like theirs for keeping would-be first-timevacancy rates in recent years, may have have the main group interested in leasing Vancouvacancy rates in already recent years, may which have experienced higher the 370,000 square feet – leaving a state of As well, he said, prices in the new thenering mainwith group interested Credit Suisse in to leasing developVancouit, said the 370,000 square feet – leaving a state of As well, he said, prices in the new The tenant has committed for a 10th of buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. trouble asvacancy compete each other. reached a that grimisacceptance: may skynever buildings home buyers renters. ver office space these days is the technology ratescompete in with recent years, may have troublethey as they with each other. emptiness unusual for they an office will as come i Saturday, July 25, 2015down in the theoffice mainspace groupthese interested Vancoudaysinisleasing the technology the is370,000 square feetoffice – leaving of Saturday, Aslikely well, he said, prices in the new emptiness that unusual for an sky- a 4state buildings will likely come in 4 Isaac i Julyhis 25, 2015down In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred- sector.ver win. Junkin and wife, Julie, bought Those companies make their deciscraper in this city. Even so, a huge shift in trouble as they compete with each other. sector. In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Credver office space these days is the technology Those companies make their deciemptiness thatso, is unusual for aninoffice sky- buildings will likely come down itin the scraper in this city. Even a huge shift 4 i Saturday, Julyin25, 2015when “Depressed the right word, house 2012 business tenancyisn’t is expected as the regionbut their three-bedroom In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred- sector. Those companies make their deciscrapersays. this city. as Even a huge shift dejected, Kosonic was in just the two of them. Now, they have two business” tenancy isinexpected theso,region experiences something it has not seen bebusiness tenancy is expected as the region Whitehead works as a teacher with the kids — and a third is on the way. experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much Toronto District School Board and Kosonic The Junkins say they need another experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rathbedroom and another bathroom to fore: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rather than for specific committed tenants. which is committed speculative construction rath- accommodate their growing family, er“This thanis kind forofofspecific tenants. uncharted territory for Vaner ofthan for specific committed couver, ” said Mehdi Shokri, aterritory principal with “This is kind uncharted for Van- tenants. but the spike in housing prices makes “Thisteam isShokri, kindatofAvison uncharted territory the capital markets Young. couver, ” said Mehdi a principal with for Van- it impossible for them to upgrade to couver, said Mehdi Shokri, a principal with a more suitable home. To put that in “But I don’t markets see a ”big disaster occurring. ” the capital team at Avison Young. perspective, a semi-detached home The ICredit Suisse is onlyteam the at most Avison “But don’tthe seecapital a tower bigmarkets disaster occurring. ” Young. in Toronto is currently selling for an visible and furthest of aasecond I along don’t see big disaster The Credit“But Suisse tower is only thewave mostoccurring.” average of $1.08 million. of new office towers planned fortower VancouThe Credit Suisse is only the most visible and furthest along of a second wave Toronto’s housing market is likely to stay lack of clarity on housing speculation makes “I think there’s a lack of movement ver and somevisible key suburbs. A first cluster and furthest along of a second wave of new office towers planned for Vancoustrong for the rest of the year, with home prices predictions difficult, Caranci said. A housing and I think the people who are most of towers – some twooffice million square feet –for Vancouof new towers planned ver built and downtown some key in suburbs. Athree first cluster impacted are the people who are jumping as much as 25 per cent, amid hints that market driven by speculators seeking a quick was the past years. ver andtwo some key suburbs. A first cluster ofAnother towers – 11 some square feet trying to get into the market in the speculators are fueling demand and posing a profit boosts the risk of rapidly unwinding office million developments are – of towers – some two million square feet – potential risk to the economy, TD Economics’ price gains at the same time homebuyers are first place,” Isaac Junkin said. was built downtown in theofpast three years. proposed within blocks Credit Suwas built downtown in the past three years. is aAnother contractor. couple, bothand 31, West liveare in They purchased their home for $540,000. chief economist Beata Caranci said. A “strong contending with larger debt burdens, she said. 11 The office isse’s Exchange tower at developments Howe Another 11 office developments are “The risk is that if you were to have any an olderstreets, apartment in the Junction Pender evenbuilding while the office-vaproposed within blocks of Credit Su- Because they can’t afford something larger in Toronto home-price forecast is not a vote of proposed within blocks of Credit Suconfidence in market fundamentals, ” Caranci interruption in income or a downturn in the neighbourhood. have saved much cancy in theThey region toasinch isse’s rate Exchange tower atcontinues Howeupand West their neighbourhood, what was once a starter isse’s Exchange tower at Howe and West wrote Monday in a note to clients. “It’s getting economy, your landing in the housing market as they can toward a down payment but say house has become a forever home. up as a result of the firstwhile wave the of building. Pender streets, even office-vaPender streets, even while the office-vaharder to ignore warning signs that market is harder, ” Caranci said in an interview. they keep getting outbid — in at least one “Just having that ability to move into a But commercial brokerscontinues say the city is cancy rate in the region to inch cancy rate inasthe regiontowers. continues tolarger inch space ... was something that Canadian demand pressures are increasingly reflecting A possible foreign buyer’s tax, which has bidding war by as much $60,000. not about to be populated by ghost up as a result of the first wave of building. been the focus of policy debate on how to cool a result of the we’ve first wave of building. “Even in up theas five months been families or families in Toronto probably speculative forces.” But commercial brokers saybrokers the city is city is Residential prices in Canada’s largest the market, has been effective in other cities But commercial say ”the took looking, it’s gone from possible to impossible, for granted,” he said. “But I think it’s not about to In be about populated by ghost towers. to be 2016, populated by ghost towers. Kosonic said.not September the renters something that isn’t feasible to the majority of metropolitan region are forecast to grow 20 worldwide in the short-term, but also can to 25 per cent this year, up from a previous trigger unintended consequences, Caranci were first pre-approved for a mortgage of families at this point.” $550,000. But then the federal government It’s a trend the TREB dubs a “vicious circle” estimate of 10 to 15 per cent, according to the wrote. A tax imposed in Vancouver last year tightened mortgage rules, and the new stress and is watching closely in its 2016 Market report by TD Economics, part of TD Bank. pushed foreign investment into other areas, Toronto-area prices have climbed 19 per cent including Toronto. And a tax focused solely test pushed them out of the market. (That Year in Review. stress test requires buyers to prove they could The review contains a report by Ipsos that in the past 12 months, the fastest clip since on foreign investors wouldn’t discourage still make their payments if the interest rate suggests 40 per cent of non-recent home the 1980s, when a frenzied housing market speculators from Canada, she said. Bank of Montreal chief economist Doug were to jump to 4.64 per cent for a five-year buyers plan to spend $50,000 on home resulted in year-over-year increases of 55 per cent, Caranci said. Porter said last week that Toronto is clearly loan.) renovations, up from 23 per cent a year ago. “Evidence is building that speculative forces in the midst of a housing “bubble.” Caranci “We dropped $100,000 within a month,” “Now, you’re taking a home — that said Whitehead. “When we started saving otherwise would have been listed — off the are growing deeper roots, which raises the called the bubble debate a distraction because five years ago, $500,000 could probably get market, and you’re changing that home risk that prices will move closer to the top it’s usually not clear what’s happening in an something and it would be fairly decent — forever when you renovate it,” TREB director end of that forecast in the absence of policy economy until the cycle ends. “What we can say is that when comparing not huge by any means. But now, we only see of market analysis Jason Mercer said. “What measures,” Caranci wrote. As for next year, higher mortgage rates this housing cycle to previous ones that lack a condos.” might have been an entry-level single or At the end of both 2015 and 2016, about 60 semi-detached home, now has had more and fewer affordable properties will likely cut happy ending, Toronto appears to be moving per cent of potential homebuyers identified value added to it, so it’s in a different market the growth rate to 3 to 5 per cent, though a in that direction,” she said. as first-timers and said they were likely to segment.” But the sales of detached and semipurchase a home the following year, according detached homes in Toronto have dropped — to a survey conducted for the Toronto Real by 6.8 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively. Estate Board (TREB) by Ipsos. That’s led to those types of properties seeing But TREB didn’t follow up to see if those the largest price increases. intentions ended up in home purchases or Data collected in the 2011 census show unrealized goals. there’s another factor limiting the housing Proof of that limited supply can be found in supply: fewer baby boomers are downsizing. the declining number of active listings in the That’s because they need the space to house Greater Toronto Area — 5,400 on the market their adult children. in February, a nosedive of 50.5 per cent Roughly 42.3 per cent of Canadians aged compared to this time last year, according to 20 to 29 either moved back in with mom and statistics published by the TREB. dad or never left in the first place Canada “That’s led to more competition between wide, according to the census data. buyers and further upward pressure,” said That’s a jump of 10 percentage points in 20 Jason Mercer, the board’s director of market years.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Real Estate

Foreign buyers’ interest in Metro Vancouver housing levelling off Seven months after B.C. introduced a tax on foreign buyers in Metro Vancouver, their interest in the region’s real estate market

seems to be levelling off. Last month, foreign nationals accounted for about $93 million in residential sales in the region, or a little more than three per cent of both the value and number of all transactions, according to the most recent property transfer tax data. That’s well below the 16.5-per-cent value of all transactions recorded just before the regional tax came into force in August. But it’s still much higher than during the first month of the tax, when that percentage dipped below one per cent. The latest numbers suggest that activity involving foreign nationals rebounded slightly after the initial plunge, but has remained relatively static since October, clocking in every month since at between three and four per cent of

the total value and number of sales in Metro. The hottest market for non-Canadian buyers seems to be Richmond, where they accounted for 8.5 per cent of the total value of transactions in February and 11.8 per cent the month before. There’s still less than a year of available data on the impact of the tax, and overall sales activity has fallen across B.C. since the summer busy season, so direct comparisons are difficult to make. Still, the Vancouver region is starting to account for a much smaller portion of transactions involving foreign nationals across the province. In June and July of last year, 78.4 per cent of B.C.’s residential transactions involving foreign buyers were made in Metro. Following an abrupt dropoff in activity in August, that percentage has settled in at about half of all sales for the last four months. What remains to be seen is how recent exemptions to the 15-per-cent, foreign-buyer tax will impact B.C.’s housing market. Last week, the provincial government announced that the tax will no longer apply to skilled workers here under the provincial nominee program and foreign nationals who obtain permanent Canadian residency within a year of buying a home. The changes to the program are retroactive to August, and anyone who qualifies can apply for a rebate. The province estimates that will cut revenue by $1 million to $3 million for the first year of the tax.

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$65 billion seismic upgrade program T pitched to Ottawa Vol. 6 No. 31

Saturday - April 2, 2016

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Vancouver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building

A group that includes Green Party leader Elizabeth May, structural engineers and earthquake-safety advocates are pitching a bold $65-billion program to the federal government to promote seismic upgrades of buildings across Canada. The idea is that Ottawa would reimburse building owners 50 cents on the dollar after seismic upgrades are complete. The program would stretch over 25 years and build resiliency into homes and commercial and municipal buildings, particularly in British Columbia, to counter the risk from a massive B.C. earthquake, similar in extent to the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that hit Japan in 2011, killing more than 16,000 people, or from a shallow earthquake nearer the surface such as the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed 185 people. The program would also focus on the Ottawa and St. Lawrence river valleys, where a significant earthquake risk has been identified. Scientists have estimated the probability of a major earthquake causing damage in a populated area of British Columbia in the next 50 years at 30 per cent. The group’s idea is to start with a $16.7-million pilot program — potentially with about $10 million in funding from Innovation, Science and Development Canada — to do seismic upgrades of 18 commercial and municipal buildings and the houses of first responders. The plan also calls for incorporating green building upgrades to increase energy efficiency and to lessen the risk of damage from fire and flooding. The idea has drawn support from the City of Victoria and the District of North Vancouver, where the pilot projects are proposed to run. The Heiltsuk First Nation of Bella Bella may also become involved. It also has support from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. and University of B.C. seismic engineering experts. May, the Green Party leader, says she’s pitched the proposal to federal cabinet ministers, including Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi and senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office. She said the first step is to get seed money to prove out the concept with the municipalities of Victoria and District of North Vancouver. May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, believes there is interest from Ottawa, although she said nobody has made a commitment. “We don’t want to think about (a major earthquake) being that close, but it could be tomorrow,” said May. “So, let’s hope we have time and put together programs that are going to save thousands of lives and allow us to survive the after-event with shelter, transportation and infrastructure that still works.” May said there has also been interest from Vancouver Centre Liberal MP Hedy Fry, who is listed as a member of the group leading the proposal. Fry did not respond to a request for an interview. In a written response, Infrastructure Canada said it had received a copy of the idea, called Building Resilience in Canada, and is reviewing the proposal. Graham Taylor, a consulting structural engineer and one of the organizers of the proposal, said the only bright spot in upgrading buildings in B.C. has been the provincial seismic upgrades to schools.

he $240-million Credit Suisse/ SwissReal tower in the heart of downtown Vancouver will be completed in less than a year, but so far, only one tenant has signed up to move in. The tenant has committed for a 10th of the 370,000 square feet – leaving a state of emptiness that is unusual for an office skyscraper in this city. Even so, a huge shift in business tenancy is expected as the region experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rather than for specific committed tenants. “This is kind of uncharted territory for Vancouver,” said Mehdi Shokri, a principal with the capital markets team at Avison Young. “But I don’t see a big disaster occurring.” The Credit Suisse tower is only the most visible and furthest along of a second wave of new office towers planned for Vancouver and some key suburbs. A first cluster of towers – some two million square feet – was built downtown in the past three years. Another 11 office developments are proposed within blocks of Credit Suisse’s Exchange tower at Howe and West Pender streets, even while the office-vacancy rate in the region continues to inch up as a result of the first wave of building. But commercial brokers say the city is not about to be populated by ghost towers.

Mr. Shokri and others say they expect many of the new towers to start signing tenant leases as they get closer to completion. That is partly because companies in Vancouver, which do want to be in new, energy-efficient buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. As well, he said, prices in the new buildings will likely come 4 i Saturday, July 25, 2015down in the

next two years due to competition. The landlords who will likely suffer as a result of the current boom are owners of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. As well, new developments in the suburbs, which have already experienced higher vacancy rates in recent years, may have trouble as they compete with each other. In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred-

Recently completion of the program was pushed back 10 years to 2030. Half of the 342 schools slated for upgrades under the estimated $2.2-billion program have been completed or are underway. “The investment in the schools, by the time it is finished, will probably only represent between five and seven per cent of the investment we need to make as British Columbians to be ready,” said Taylor, who heads up TBG Seismic Consultants near Victoria and has been involved in the school-

upgrade program since it started at the end of the 1980s. “The advantages of spending the dollar now and reaping the benefits later are enormous,” said Taylor, who has also been involved in seismic research at the University of B.C. for nearly two decades. Instead of potentially $100 billion in damage, seismic upgrades will provide a more manageable amount of damage to deal with after a great earthquake, he said. And an economic analysis of the retrofit program shows it will have benefits itself in spurring economic activity, said Taylor. That is something that aligns well with a key component of the Justin Trudeaugovernment’s plan to stimulate the Canadian economy. The Liberals have pledged an additional $60 billion in infrastructure spending in the next decade, which added to already planned spending under the Conservatives now totals $125 billion. Southwest B.C. cities have had a spotty record in developing approaches to the seismically upgrading of privately owned older buildings that don’t meet modern building codes. In Victoria, a program to seismically upgrade heritage buildings — mostly unreinforced brick heritage structures — has progressed slowly. In North Vancouver, the city had hoped to spark seismic retrofits after a detailed scientific risk assessment released in 2015 showed upgrades could significantly reduce casualties and injuries and building damage, but that has not happened. In Vancouver, the city first identified a need more than 20 years ago to reduce the seismic hazard of its older, existing private building stock but has failed to create a proactive program to do so. In Vancouver, hundreds of buildings on a list of seismically-at-risk apartments, offices and commercial buildings compiled by engineering consultants for the city in the early 1990s — including aging brick apartments that provide rooms to the city’s poorest on the east side — appear to have had no seismic upgrades. City officials have said that help is needed from other levels of government.

it Suisse tow start to fill a Franz G Group wh stock-excha nering with the main gr ver office sp sector. Tho

Saturday, April 2, 2016

i 5

Saturday, March 25, 2017 -

Saturday - April 2, 2016

- Tel: 604-591-5423 -

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couver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building boom

edit Suisse/ he heart of er will be , but so far, to move in. or a 10th of ng a state of n office skyhuge shift in s the region not seen beboom much uction rathted tenants. tory for Vanrincipal with vison Young. r occurring.” nly the most second wave for Vancoufirst cluster square feet – three years. pments are Credit Sue and West he office-vanues to inch of building. y the city is host towers.

it Suisse tower is optimistic his building will start to fill as the completion date gets closer. Franz Gehriger, the CEO of SwissReal Group who bought the original historic stock-exchange building in 2002 before partnering with Credit Suisse to develop it, said the main group interested in leasing Vancouver office space these days is the technology sector. Those companies make their deci-

Amid all the hand-wringing over Toronto’s frothy housing market, Bank of Nova Scotia economists are recommending a tax on speculators, rather than a Vancouver-style levy on foreign buyers. It’s growing increasingly likely that policy makers will do something soon, given that many Bay Street economists and agencies around the world are calling for action, warning that the Greater Toronto Area is on the brink amid sharply rising prices. Some have suggested, at least as a starting point, that Ontario follow the lead of British Columbia, which slapped a 15-per-cent tax on foreign buyers of Vancouver area homes. Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa says that’s one of the options he’s considering. The B.C. tax had an immediate impact, driving down sales and depressing prices. The latest reading of the Teranet-National Bank home price index, however, suggests the latter may have been short-lived. And there are no hard numbers on the level of foreign buying in the scorching markets of Toronto and southern Ontario. Scotiabank chief economist Jean-François Perrault and his colleague, senior economist Adrienne Warren, suggest a foreign-buyer tax isn’t the way to go. On a longer-term basis, the issue is one of supply catching up with demand. But that won’t happen fast enough. “Compounding the supply-demand imbalance, there appears to be some evidence of speculative activity in light of the speed of price appreciation,” Mr. Perrault and Ms. Warren said in a report. “Based on the historical relationship between the sales-to-new listings ratio and

Real Estate

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price appreciation, current market conditions are more consistent with price appreciation in the 15-per-cent year-over-year range, roughly 10 percentage points less than the most recent readings.” And, thus, a house-flipping tax could be a quicker, interim solution. “The idea, simply, would be to raise the cost of speculation, without excessively interfering with the market mechanism,” the Scotiabank economists said. “Stricter enforcement of property owners paying a capital gains tax if the home is not a principal residence will begin to address speculation but more specifically targeted measures are needed,” they added. “A number of possibilities exist to do this, such as introducing a tax on sellers who flip a property within a certain period of time.” This could be done at either the provincial or municipal level, Mr. Perrault said in an interview, adding that what’s needed is a “solution with a fundamental impact on the market.” He and Ms. Warren aren’t suggesting how hefty a tax should be, or, for that matter, the length of time that determines a flip. But conceptually, Mr. Perrault said, policy makers might consider a “graduated system” with a declining tax rate over a two-year period. So, for example, speculators would be taxed more for flipping a home after six months than they would be at a year or 18 months. The main event, of course, is Wednesday’s federal budget, with Finance Minister Bill Morneau in something of a pickle because he doesn’t know how tax reform will play out in the U.S.

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c ti b n

You can count on deficits and more information on the infrastructure bank, but economists can only speculate on tax measures at this point. “While there are many unknowns, it appears Canada will be facing a U.S. economy with lower taxes and fewer regulations in the years ahead,” Royal Bank of Canada chief economist Craig Wright and economist Laura Cooper said in a lookahead to the budget. “There are also potential risks on the trade front, with ‘tweaks’ coming to NAFTA and a potential border-adjustment tax,” they added.

“In this challenging environment, the government should ensure that the budget does not disadvantage the Canadian economy. This implies staying away from tax increases while mapping out a credible medium-term plan back to a balanced budget. Ottawa’s biggest challenge comes from its robust spending plan, which results in deficit forecasts over the entire fiscal planning

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horizon, and poses the risk of higher taxes.” That’s the main event, but not the only one, with a couple of economic indicators also on tap. Statistics Canada starts off Tuesday with a monthly report expected to show a pick-up in January retail sales of about 1 per cent or better. The statistics agency also closes out the week with Friday’s reading on consumer prices, which economists expect will put annual inflation at about 2.1 per cent in February.

change 5 years fixed rate to 3.29% (30 days quick close, Hi ratio only

xed

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005 3 Year Fixed

2.69%

less than 20% down)

5 years fixed @ 2.64% 2 years fixed @ 2.24% 3 years fixed @ 2.49%

ought

Fixed Rate

5 years @ 2.59% 2 years @ 2.04%

Variable Rate 5 Year @ 2.00% (Prime-0.70)

• First, 2nd & 3rd Mortgages • Borrow against Partial share • Refinance up to 95% value, Consolidate Debts & keep existing low rate 1st mortgage. • Construction Mortgage in 1st or 2nd position • Renewals • Private Mortgages

“Weak energy prices from a year ago mean that gasoline is likely to provide a bit more lift to the headline inflation rate,” said Nick Exarhos of CIBC World markets. “Despite what was a softening in prices on the month, the annual rate edged higher to 20 per cent,” he said of pump prices. “That should be enough to offset the weakness in natural gas, leaving the headline inflation rate steady at 2.1 per cent.”

Saturda

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Garry Grewal

Vol. 6 No. 31

DIAMOND AWARD

Sutton Group - West Coast Realty

CLUB MEMBERAWARDS WINNERCOMMERCIAL OF FVREB’sMEDALLION TOP ACHIEVEMENT - Highest Dollar Volume Award - Commercial Top Sales Award

PLATINUM AWARD

COMMERCIAL MEDALLION CLUB MEMBER

FOR SALE

- Highest Dollar Volume Award

FOR LEASE

- Commercial Top Sales Award

FOR SALE

14.827 CRES A HOME OR ALE FS 1 BED AND 2 BED CONDO

Spectacular! Estate home on 14.827 Acres of high yield blueberry farm. Luxury NEW regal unfolds with the stunning front foyer, dual staircases, and elevated catwalk. LIS The TIN& walk great room is situated next to a gourmet chef kitchen w/ separate wok kitchen G Beautiful 800 sq.ft 1 bedroom apartment in media a highly desirable and room, beautifully in pantry. A room, yoga/ area exercise 8 bedrooms & multiple entertaining round outand thisdoor spectacular out upon south views of Mt. Baker or the maintained complex! Great floor rooms plan with patio off livinghome. roomGaze overlooking north views of the North Shore Mountains from outdoor patios situated both upstairs stunning courtyard, ponds and waterfall. LargeThis openiskitchen with great Radiant in and down. true luxury at itsstorage. best! The farm features healthy mature blueberry Duke, and Reca fee. ensuring crops throughout the season. Fully floor h/w heating and gas fireplacevarieties are included in Elliott, the maintenance In-suitesteady laundry, automated irrigation. Too much to list! Book a showing today! Asking $4,999,900

FOR LEASE PREMIUM OFFICE ACE SP HOTEL WITH 32 ROOMS FOR SALE FOR ALE S Picturesque location in the heart of beautiful British

MILLION

- Tel: 604-591-5423 -

2011, 2012 2006-2007 2011, 2012

E-mail: ads@the

PREC PREC

it Suisse tow start to fill a Franz G Group wh stock-excha nering with the main gr ver office sp sector. Tho

MASTER AWARD

2010

2013-2014 FOR SALE

FOR 4020SALE 272 T, S/ LEASE LANGLEY OFFICE FOR LEASE IN PAYAL BUSINESS CENTRE

N LIS EW TIN G

Office for lease: Located in the heart of Surrey in Payal Business Centre , this office is professionally designed. 5 offices, reception area, separate lunch room and full washroom. 1200 Sq ft. $2000 per month + GST

8318 oadof R eringconsists is ofmedical off and Columbia;cott this Streasure a business 32 rooms other ofessionals pr opportunity o t with the potential to expand up toan50 rooms. Its also includes purchase emium pr of�ice space ey, in Sur a 110 seat pub, fully licensed resaturant and a Liquor store BC. o Set beed t y allcomplet b f 2016, this his and hers closet. PLUS 2 underground secured parking stalls with loads of visitor parking. with lot size close to 45,000ifsqft. PNP or run yourart Storage locker on main floor for added convenience. Close to shopping, schools, restaurants state eelIdeal for BC the and ete concr st own business and and easy access to Hwy 99, 91 and Hwy 10. Asking $250,000 building willachieve er your offentrepreneurial ae etaildreams! mixtur of and r A very rare opportunity to own a beautiful Parisian feel Salon/Café in Contact for morespace details. Askingt $2,599,000 of�ice o ofessionals pr lookingor f a Historic Abbotsford. Wellspace established, with overlooking a loyal client this Spacious 2 bedroom and 2 bath condo with over 1300 sq. ft.establishment of living with a beautiful viewfollowing of the inside home or ftheir business. Space beautiful ers offy all brunch,da ea. Lunch long erm and t Afternoon T courtyard and pond! Well maintained property with laminate floors, crown moulding and neutral paint. This open floor In addition, this beautiful café offers so much more! Reservations for is ed. limit oday Callor et f &mor details. LADIES APPAREL BOUTIQUE FOR SALE

ONE IN

2006-2007 2004-2005 2008-2009 2004-2005 2013-2014 2008-2009

#106 Group 7565 132 St.,Coast Surrey. BC. Sutton - West Realty PH:604-572-3005 FAX: 778-574-4174 #106 7565 132 St., Surrey. BC. PH:604-572-3005 FAX: 778-574-4174

Saturday - April 2, 2016

he $240-million Credit Suisse/ Mr. Shokri and others say they expect SwissReal tower in the heart of many of the new towers to start signing tenant downtown Vancouver will be leases as they get closer to completion. That completed in less than a year, but so far, is partly because companies in Vancouver, only one tenant has signed up to move in. which do want to be in new, energy-efficient The tenant has committed for a 10th of buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. the 370,000 square feet – leaving a state of As well, he said, prices in the new emptiness that is unusual for an office sky- buildings will likely come 4 i Saturday, July 25, 2015down in the scraper in this city. Even so, a huge shift in business tenancy is expected as the region experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rather than for specific committed tenants. “This is kind of uncharted territory for Vancouver,” said Mehdi Shokri, a principal with the capital markets team at Avison Young. “But I don’t see a big disaster occurring.” The Credit Suisse tower is only the most visible and furthest along of a MASTER second wave PLATINUM of new office towers planned for VancouAWARD AWARD ver and some key suburbs. A first cluster of towers – some two million square feet – was built downtown in the past three years. Another 11 office developments are proposed within blocks of Credit Suisse’s Exchange tower at Howe and West Pender streets, even while the office-vacancy rate in the region continues to inch up as a result of the first wave of building. But commercial brokers say the city is not about to be populated by ghost towers.

DIAMOND AWARD

WINNER OF FVREB’s TOP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Vancouver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building

BUSINESS OR ALE S F

ATTENTION TRUCKERS!

PITA PIT FRANCHISE

Magni�icent luxury estate situate don 8.5 acres with over 8100 sq. ft of living space. Home includes 6 bdrms, 8 washrooms, a separate guest house and fruit 5 acres Pita has blueberry plants as well. This Wellstand. established Pit stunning home possesses every luxury possible with high ceilings, crown molding, stainless steel Franchise in rapid growing appliances,Granite counter tops, open �loor plan, large gym room, grand patio, sundecks, built in vacuum, top of the line security system, separate wok kitchen and much more! gorgeous home is situated in the Brentwood area ofThis Burnaby! middle of serene farmland yet only two minutes away from Aldergrove Town centre and with quick access R are oppor tunit y to to Hwy #1. The second house is rented as well as fruit stall.Rare opportunity to advantage of this stunning purchase a well established home! Call today for a personal viewing.

Attention Truckers! Permitted use for Transportation Industry and more. IL zoned The perfect turn key operation for those with a flair for fashion and wanting to run their own business! Located in the uptownOR DistrictFofALE New West busyGINA commercialRE area.Take advantage ACREAGE S in theIN ASKATCHEWAN - of 3 businesses S in land available. Two side by side lots that are one: 1. One year established Ladies Apparel & accessories Boutique 2. Complete professional alteration to be sold together. House is since franchise surrounded by highrises, residences, new established with love and a business owners delight don't miss this ATGRE INVES TMENT ORTUNITY! OPP in the same premises but segregated from the boutique. 3. Full website with two demolished. Commercial Land only. Please developments, commercial businesses and more. This opportunity! Please oach do staff, not ealtor contact orappry f business listing an with full workshop r location does school hot lunches and a large amount of info required. es, and acr el Hot velopment and PRIME OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASEAsking $75,000 INDIAN RESTAURANT FOR SALE online stores, social media presence and first page SEO4for alterations five star reviews. Owner selling duede contact for more details. Asking $649,000 catering ordering as well! Do not approach staff please site vailable a to the in next level withthe egina, of R this turn key business your ideas! City Prime office space on street level available for lease. Excellent location prime area Indian cuisine to health issues this is the perfect opportunity to take contact listing realtor for more details. Asking $209,000 each. not Saskatchewan. Prime location, Price is excluding inventory. Please contact for more details on this unique business. Asking $109,900 Perfect for a variety of usessteel including daycare, and take Lowf lease high traffic Established custom abrication and dine in business. aluminum eatout.Gr opportunity our area to own run y to be missed! or e Contact mor f martial arts Church use. with welding business withorservices that Central include:location aluminum custom and stock trailers, NEW LEASING OPPORTUNITY Contractand forrepair, more details. Asking $109,000 details. GROCERY STORE FOR SALE IN DOWNTOWN AREA mobile welding service, crane fabrication, fabrication of residential gates, security bars and much The Mann Corporate Centre is comprised of 23,000 square feet of 'A' Class office/retail space great exposure to Scott Rd. Contact for more details. more! Mon– Fri operation closed on weekends. Please contact me for more details on this hard to MORE 1000 Oa custom open floor 12,000 . forTyour preference. AIL S.F The & RET ACEOFFICE SP Ideal business opportunity well established Grocery and convenience store in busy downtown over three floors. A brand new facility with plan come by opportunity! Asking $149,000 FOR flexibility ALEandSallowsASE & LE designed to provide maximum for area. Excellent sales and profit. Full service store including UPS, cigarettes, world wide money Mann Corporate centre has beenAVAILABLE PRIME OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE many types of professional users who are seeking a high quality facility with great exposure. For sale Prime 1489 Sq ft office space for sale in busy retail/office complex in Surrey. transfers withDream Western union, slushies, Pizza or alehot dogs, FS fruits, vegetables, halal meats, atm, general Highlights include: State of the art facility with modern finishes, Underground secured Ideal for a variety office types. Visible from business 152 and centrally Established IndianofSweets and Restaurant locatedlocated. in high Asking traf�ic area of Scott Rd, Surrey. Perfect opportunity o andour own t excellent y lease bossterms surrounded by tons of parking provided. Free on site surface parking, more than 3 parking stalls per 1000 Sq ft. 24/7 groceries,vcleaning supplies more.be Low rent, Wide ariety egetarian v v menu eets. with xpanded Can sw tobe egetarian add e dishes non to the $350,000 with ell this and established w Pizza & turn key Indian 13737 96 ve, Central location entre A with City HD recording privilege. easy access to allCmajor routes. menu. Catering services provided regular clientele. Seating for 50. Complete turn key restaurant residential buildings commercial businesses. Perfect opportunity grab this security with Cuisine in y. unning Langle R successfull y or f FOB access and intercom. Please contact listing realtor for details on remaining space, square footage and pricing details. great business opportunity! Asking $129,000 #705 $465,000, #706 $335,000 PHARMASAVE FRANCHISE money making business it is gone! Contact details. Asking $189,900 the veLast ears before y�ixcellent with yedailfor more sales. Special occasions and even Private plan includes a large living room with gasShowers, f/p which Birthdays, open up ton Anniversaries, the spacious eating area. Extra large kitchen with lots of Wedding ceremonies. Wait...there's more! This beautiful treasure of a cabinets and counter space. Large laundrybusiness room, inoffers floor radiant heat,select extra shelving closets, 2 parking stallslinens, and storage gorgeous apparel,infurnishings, jewelry, gifts, locker. Great location with easy access tovintage shopping,treasures transit & Highway 91 & 99. PleaseA call listing realtor for more info. and home décor. beautiful, breathtaking turnkey operation this is a chance to own a niche business created and Asking $329,900

PAYAL BUSINESS CENTRE - 82 Ave & 128 St

CUSTOM TEELS &ABRICATION F BUSINESSOR ALEFS BUSINESS OR F SALE

PIZZA

INDIAN

Asset Sale- DBA "Pharmasave" well established franchise operating since June 2012. Increasing annual script count of approx 12,000/annum. Approx 2400 sq ft of ground floor space leased space w/5 year, 5yr, 5 yr lease + 1 st right refusal to tenant option to purchase the building. Open six days/week (6) doctor offices, High end Fantastic opportunity to run your own Pizza & Indian Cuisine Kroll software, and Oscarfood, CRM software use. Lease area of 2,400 sq.ft. Customized improvements. business! Excellent rated in4.5/5 by customers open 7 daystenancy a Business is runbusy professionally by atake Healthout Carewith Groupavailability Company- enormous expansionifpotential! Owner will week, very location for seating desired. Tons of tourists central to major sites in Hope provide training. Contact me foryear moreround, details. Asking $899,000

BUSINESS OR F SALE

N LIS EW TIN G

CUISINE

and integral area near grocery stores, city hall, local police station, motels and cinema. Well established, great sales and a complete turn key operation that will not last long! Asking $199,000

UNITS OR F SALE &

BUSINESS PIZZA & CURRY RESTAURANT FOR SALE

Close o ys t Da Inn, estern The & Best W Westward Inn o also eyhound the closeGr t station, taxi op st bus y stand and man Establishednear & turny. keycellent restaurant Prime apartments bPizza &ExCurry location & ey for sale. ation. turn oper location Thisk and is opportunity o not be Asking t missed! $139,900 complete turn key operation. Full kitchen in place and complete take out and

COLLECTION / CREDIT COMPANY FOR SALE- ONE IN A MILLION OPPORTUNITY! delivery service.Reasonable parking for space. Onlinesale ordering, Hair lease alonand S ample Business 23 years Established Credit Company for sale. Retail and Commercial collections, Located on media , Hwy verdale F Cloea,all ell arin place w for established business, y your o full website, raser social presence you! Make maintain, higher monthl y evenue. Asking r $69,900 CONVENIENCE & MINI MAR T entrepreneurial Judgments, Tenancy Order Collection, loansTORE andSoutstanding invoices.Take dreams come true. Contact for more details. Asking $109,000 Don't miss this to run yourbusiness own buyopportunity. ConvenienceAsking store/Mini advantage of chance this unique niche $229,000

mart! This well established business is well or-ganized, excellent set up, with all your essential sundries for sale as well as lottery AND the licensing to sell Pizza at this location! Busy area near parks, schools, residences it is the perfect small business! Ample of Well known and established Lighthouse Franchise on King George & 80th in Surrey. Take out opportunity to add your ideas to an already turn key operation! establishment andgreat Partysmall Orders are also handled. The website for all franchise locations is www.lighthouse.menu and they are on Facebook Don't miss this business prospect! Asking $149,000

BUSINESS FOR SALE

LIGHTHOUSE

INDIAN

CUISINE

as well. This business has been established in 2009 and has been run by the same owner since this time. As it is a take out and delivery. Establishment there is not a liquor license at this location. Asking $549,000

SIGNAGE & PRINTING BUSINESS FOR SALE

8321

CAFÉ FOR SALE

cellent 128 Ex locationSt

Asking in

businesses

uses. Asking

ATTENTION FOREIGN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS!!! 2 BABY ULTRASOUNDUNITS FRANCHISES FOR SALE! OR ALE F S

$349,000

(15299 VE)

$209,000 busy space theClose

space ariousat

Well established .Babyvestment UltrasoundinFranchise, 3D/4D ultrasound (not diagnostic), Private clinic for pregnant moms.ey Excellent opportunity o etail twefront r stor units in al Plaza Full turn key operation this easy to run niche market business e,is perfectStor for oindividuals or couples with is sale. Gr$899,000 Currently ocery leased to this or a Asking units f tw Medical/Health industry backgrounds. Beautifully set up office, low lease rate, excellent hours and easy to run with low overhead expenses. Professionals and New Immigrants with a healthcare background this is a perfect opportunity! Burnaby and Abbotsford locations available. Asking $125,000 each location

INVESTOR Of�ic NEWNG I LIST

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own your own busy Lighthouse Indian Cuisine Franchise! Prime location in Brickyard Station Plaza this fantastic business has Take out and dine in, beautiful décor, quality kitchen, Full Liquor license and full Indian Cuisine 95Menu. AveComplete & 152 940 sqft. is available for franchise. Contact me today for further turnSt., key operation enablesof�ice you to bespace your own boss with this established lease 2nd �loor including 3 small of�ices, meeting room info. on Asking $389,000 and reception. Also available 9400 sqft. space for lease. LOTS OF EXPOSURE.

UNIT FOR SALE

In Mughal Garden plaza 2 units available, approx 4875 sqft.Already leased to long term tenants, to be sold together. Asking $1.25 million

Contact for more info on this opportunity. Asking Only $69,000

17358

104A VE

RES TAURANT OR F ALE S

SURREY VERAS BURGER FRANCHISE FOR SALE

building

to be your own boss! Contact listing realtor for more details. Price : $339,000

J.J AINI S

PLAZA

VERAS BURGER FRANCHISE

8077 eas t KING GEORGE BLVD. The perfect retail

corner unit in busy plaza move in ready. Approx 1200 sq ft perfect for fast food, of�ice or retail Looking close for the perfect franchise well look no more! Established and award space. Easy access to highway, to all winning Vera's in busy Meadow Town Center with major anchors like amenities on Busy King George Hwy.Burgers Great Opportunity contact me today. Superstore, Cineplex Odeon, and many major Financial Institutions and major

retailers. Fully turn key operation with extra large patio, good lease, low franchise fees and beer licence. Current absentee owner this business is a great opportunity to be your own boss and take it to the next level! Asking $229,900

AUTO

BOD Y SHOPOR FSALE

Established auto y or bod shop our sale f own y! be boss y toda L NE IST W Well established ell anduto equipped e w Car A Center which IN G offers complete car &epair. truck inspection, service The ect perf opportunity our to own run businessy with a well ecognized r and established ve . automoti center Contact realtor or ef mor Askingdetails. $139,000

AUTO /TRANSMISSION/CAR REPAIR IN LOWER MAINLAND

Over 37 year well established Auto repair / Transmission Repair / car repair in

NEW G IN LIST

OFFICE ACE SP Large OR shop, ASE F3 Bays, LEample storage space available. the Lower Mainland.

8927

St Currently . 1100 of�ice or sqftand models vailable space lease inf a transmissions, services all makes of re manufactured automatic and standard, clutches, This is a confidential listing ar on eet 152nsd ey. in str differentials. Surr

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PAYAL BUSINESS CENTRE - 82 Ave & 128 St Approx.

11925

VE 95

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D SOLUNIT FOR LEASE

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ara small of�ice, oom andlunch designed and �inished.

growing area makes this an ideal location for your office. Contact listing realtor NEWNG I LIST

Station, restaurant and Public Transit. This space has 2 offices inside and lunch room as well as washroom. Perfect for Accountants, Notary, Great opportunity to get into a Franchised and or other consulting or Lawyer. The space can also be Immigration Located in a busy commercial plaza in the NE ED easy to operate CandyL business! This established IST W DUCuses as well. 1260 Sq. ft. converted INGPark Shopping heart of Surrey. Lots of traf�ic and close to franchise is located in Ocean Centerfor various REretail

NEW FRANCHISE

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

J.J SAINI PLAZA

BEAUTIFUL TURN KEY A SPALON / OR FSALES

Investment Opportunity in Hope. 7200 Sq. ft large Lot Fully near major anchor Safeway. This rapidly growing franchise currently has 22 locations within BC and Located in the heart in Payal Business Centre, this office is professionally designed. 5 offices, renovated home closeof Surrey to the Alberta. With unique product Imported from the US and UK this franchise is completely turn –key Downtown core.area, 2 separate bed, 2lunch bath reception room and full washroom. 1200 Sq ft Gross lease +gst. This easy to run and $20.00/sq full trainingftprovided. business is perfect for a couple and for those 850 sq.ft home to use as a rental Established auto body shop for sale be your own boss today! wanting to try their hand at being an entrepreneur. Asking $79,900 property. Asking $349,000 Well established and well equipped Auto Care Center which offers complete car &

OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE QUIZNOS FRANCHISE FOR SALE

Excellent opportunity to own your own franchise! Well established and recognized

Established Indian Sweets and Restaurant business located in high Quiznos Subs in Port Coquitlam will enable you to achieve your entrepreneurial traffic area of Scott Rd, Surrey. Wide variety vegetarian menu with dreams! Busy plaza with Earls, Safeway, Scotiabank, McDonalds, Bosley Pet Valu and much more! Residences and commercial businesses all around sweets. Can be expanded to add non vegetarian dishes to the menu. makes this an ideal location. Owners have run it for several years Catering services provided regular clientele. Seating for 50. Complete and are now ready to retire. Contact me for more details regarding turn key restaurant great business opportunity! Asking $129,000 this business opportunity. Asking $119,000

and

sqft

UNIT OR FASE LE ON T 72 & 132 Available for lease. Opp JR Furniture. Good mix of warehouse and of�ice space. Centrally can be run from home or elsewhere. The exclusive Franchise territory for Maple Ridge, Pitt plaza Banquet in Halls, Surr DONAIR BUSINESS located in light industrial zoning. APARTMENT Meadows and Mission is for sale. Fantastic recession proof business that enable children Of�ice for eat vestment sale! In Gr from 3-13+ learn and build withALE Lego bricks. FOR S Teach the fundamentals of S.T.E.M. (science, FOR ALE S #1 1016 Sq cellent xposure, Ft e 12,000 op S.F. ExRETAIL t �loor of�ice y space Khalsa within the MORE 1000 TO & OFFICE SPACE technology, engineering & mathematics). This unique business offers in School Workshops, Amazing opportunity to be your own boss! ,6960ey Surr 120 St Cent er x. comple ull ea F ar eddesignat or oom f classr space and addition Established After Schoolving EnrichmentliClasses, Week long Summer camps, Birthday Parties, preDonair School food outlet in prime busy Business AVAILABLE FOR SALE & LEASE Perfect space with of�ice space. ake vantage T ad ons of ofxposure t om visual fr . 128th e af�ic High st tr area in Langley. Already steady clientele from Classes and the Kidz Night1000 out programs. Realtor for128 more info2 on this cornerPlease of listing ft and 84. CD zoning allows v over sq contact gr in opportunity . $325,000.00 the ous numer businesses ounding, surr tons complexof eat vestment unique opportunity. Asking $79,000 bedroom with den 2traf�ic and lots of opportunity to expand the #2. 1920 sq ft of second vate �loor of�ices, droom,of�iceboar space. bath corned unit in business further. Low lease, and great area reception ea,ar chenette. kit cellent Ex xposure, e op t �loor of�ice y space wit Harleen dens. Gar make this the perfect turn key operation to own Khalsa Business er Cent x. comple ake vantage T ad ons of of xposure t visual fr e om 8077 KING GEORGE BLVD. Great unit available for lease facing King Asking location. centr busy $289,900 Surr your own business today! Asking $99,000 The perfect second floor office space for lease Within busy Triton Centre. Busy and 128th af�ic xcomple eat tr tovestment gr inGas opportunity . $550,000 George Blvd.. Greatstvisual and High retail exposure. Close shopping,

forORTUNITY more details. 1985 Sq.ft. OPP

Approx. 3100 SF of office space available for sale in the busiest plaza in Surrey. Close to Banquet Halls, retailshops & offices. Asking $749,000

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Two adjoining of�ices in a new across om fr SMH. ht Can or be boug Wellleased established Vera's busy Fraser ogether t Burger orfFranchise otal located a onspace t Highway of in an Cloverdale. Well maintained. establishment full turn key operation ready for you 1600 sqft ate. or separ

a busiest to

CENTRE oom/of�ice showr r Center

2590 sqft . etail R ande CUISINE space for LIGHTHOUSE sale INDIAN Asking $649,000

N LIS EW TIN G

LEARNING CENTRE FOR SALE

ACE VAILABLE SP A

., Surrey. -

ITALIAN

units long

Unique and established opportunity to make your entrepreneurial dream come true! This beautiful Café in the heart of White OFFICE Rock is a small business owners ACE SP OR ALE F S dream! Tastefully decorated 3100 excellent breakfast and lunch fmenu ofandsalerarely Approx. vailableSFor of�ice in ey. found…Liquor license as well! Outdoor seating back and front of premises, retailshops & Asking tons ofof�ices. $749,000 parking and many, many more high rises coming in the area currently make this a business owners dream come true.UNIT Turn keyORbusiness you! BUSINESS ALE Fready T and S waiting AA forKHALS Confidentiality agreement to be signed beforeopportunity! viewing the Take vantage ad will eat of have vestment in this gr business. ound Ideal etail/�loor Gr high $149,900 ceilings eys in busy Surr Khalsa Business Asking

OPPOR

Large loading door at the back of the unit. name with two locations in Whistler and one in Squamish this turn key operation will enable you to develop your passion into a profitable career. With excellent Fully carpeted office space lots windows support from the founders, this BC based company is looking for individuals who allowing plenty of light, security alarm believe in health and are community driven and are wanting to utilize that to let Entrepreneurial juices Contact cuisine for more details on the Green Moustache Atheir treasure gem offlow! Italian tucked away and 2 bathrooms. Contact for NEmore W info. term in tenants, to be sold Franchise and joining the Green Moustache family on W.4th! Asking $99,000 Hope! Open for lunch and dinner this quaint LISTING restaurant serves traditional Italian classics in a fantastic atmosphere and ambiance. Perfect casual dining for locals as well as tourist traf�ic. Attention centers,ready Early Childhood related businesses, Teachers and others with Educational backgrounds that Turn keylearning operation for youEducation to implement plaza. enjoy dreams working with Your dream to own your business has arrived. Reputable and your as children! a restaurant owner! Asking $219,000 established Bricks 4Kidz Franchise has over 320 franchises worldwide! This unique business

TOWING COMPANYOR FORFSALES UNIT ALE

Established and reputable towing company that serves clients throughout In den Mughal plaza Gar 2 theavailable, Lower Mainland. to run your ownsqft turn key business to oxIdeal opportunity appr .Already 4875 leased AskingAsking $279,900 $1.25 million in a niche market. Contacttogether. for more details.

FRANCHISE TUNITY

PIZZA BUSINESS FORDSALE SOL LD

GREEN MOUSTACHE FRANCHISE FOR UNIT AT 83tAVE & 130 ST Fully �inished y sideata sideSALE b orunits str otalFORaLEASE f Are you passionate healthy lifestyle? you ready to takesqft of ox.about appr 5540 . Arevailable A or f sale. o unit in anClose t Ample Corner excellent location. your passion and belief in healthy organic foods and juices to the Port K and joinIndustrial y Eas o access t and in the warehouse. next level??ells Look no further The Greenea. Moustache ar Family space bothboth office with their latest franchise locationaci�ic on 1 W. 4th in Vancouver. Already an established ossing. Highway hway Hig and Ptruck cr

N LIS EW TIN G

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own your own busy Lighthouse Indian Cuisine Franchise! Prime location in Brickyard Station Plaza this fantastic business has Take out and dine in, beautiful décor, quality Great opportunity to run your own signage and printing business! This established turn key operation offers all kitchen, Full Liquor license and full Indian Cuisine Menu. Complete varieties banners and signs, vehicle wraps, lettering LED Channel & 3D letters and awning turn keyof operation enables you window to be graphics your &own boss with this canopies and window graphics. Establishedme for five years,for low lease, built upinfo. clientele make this a great business established franchise. Contact today further Asking opportunity! Contact me for more details. Asking $99,000 $389,000

RETAIL

GREAT

Great ranchise F opportunity ed! yjust Bus list Coquitlam Cent er Mall or location oss Chop N Be your own boss! Established Pizza business for sale. Excellent location fin South Surrey withont tons to expand andlong! grow. Only $69,000.00! Franchise! W of opportunity last Asking $158,800

LE ASE

ITALIAN RESTAURANT FOR SALE

A treasure gem of Italian cuisine tucked away in Hope! Open for lunch and dinner this quaint restaurant serves traditional Italian classics in a fantastic atmosphere and ambiance. Perfect casual dining for locals as well as tourist traffic. Turn key operation ready for you to implement your dreams as a restaurant owner! Asking $219,000

INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY

Investment Opportunity in Hope. 7200 Sq. ft large Lot Fully renovated home close to the Downtown core. 2 bed, 2 bath 850 sq.ft home to use as a rental property. Asking $349,000

public transportation, restaurants, of�ice and retail shops. Established recently the spa and salon offers modern décor up to date equipment/furnishings. Excellent turn key operation. Asking R $60,000

AUTO BODY SHOP FOR SALE

truck inspection, service and repair. The perfect opportunity to run your own business with a well recognized and established automotive center. Contact realtor for more details. Asking $109,000

EDUCED29/07

Office for sale! Great Investment #1 1016 Sq Ft Excellent exposure, top floor office space within the busy Khalsa Business Center complex. Full area designated for classroom space and additional office space. Take advantage of tons of visual exposure from 128th st. High traffic complex great investment opportunity. $325,000 #2. 1920 sq ft of second floor office space. Includes 10 private offices, boardroom, reception area, kitchenette. Excellent exposure, top floor office space within the busy Khalsa Business Center complex. Take advantage of tons of visual exposure from 128th st. High traffic complex great investment opportunity. $550,000

27/01