The Asian Star November 11 2017

Vol 16 - Issue 41

Saturday, November 11, 2017

South Asian Minister Priti Patel forced to resign from UK cabinet In the latest crisis for Britain’s beleaguered government, the international development secretary cut short a trip to Africa on Wednesday and subsequently resigned over unauthorized meetings with Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Priti Patel flew back to London

after Prime Minister Theresa May ordered her to return to face a reprimand and possible dismissal.

She had been due to attend events in Uganda. The plane carrying Patel from Nairobi, Kenya, landed at Heathrow Airport in midafternoon. She was filmed getting Continued on page 6

Severe pollution hits New Delhi, causing health worries

India Gate amidst smog in New Delhi, India See story on page 7

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Punjabi father pleads for Canadian visa to see his dying son

Eknoor’s family hopes immigration officials will allow his father to visit before the baby dies.

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dying baby may never meet his father after the federal government rejected a Punjabi man’s travel visa application. A week ago, seven-week-old Eknoor Singh Samra was admitted to Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.b Eknoor’s mother, Kawaljeet Kaur, is a permanent resident who has lived in Edmonton since 2011. The baby’s father, Gagandeep Singh, lives in Rauwal, Punjab and had his application to move to Canada rejected. This week, Citizenship and Immigration Canada also rejected Singh’s later application for a temporary travel visa so he could visit his son. In a letter dated October 31, the father was informed his visa was rejected because the immigration official is “not satisfied that you would respect the terms of your admission as a temporary resident in Canada.”

Gagandeep Singh and Kawaljeet Kaur are imploring immigration officials to allow Singh to meet his baby boy before he dies. Fifteen families in Edmonton, who say they are financially well positioned to provide a financial surety, are urging immigration officials to reconsider reuniting him with his wife.

Continued on page 7

Abbotsford Police Officer shot dead

police officer is dead after a shooting in Abbotsford, around noon on Monday. The officer has been identified as Constable John Davidson- a 24 year veteran. Police Chief Bob Rich described Davidson as a “hero” at a news conference. “He was protecting our community.

He will always be my hero,” Rich said The officer was killed while trying to arrest a suspect who had allegedly opened fire in the parking lot of a shopping centre in the 3200 block of Mt. Lehman Road just before noon, according to Rich. Oscar Arfmann, 65, has been charged with the first degree murder of Abbotsford Police Const. John Davidson. Under the Canadian Criminal Code, the killing of a peace officer is automatically a

Constable John Davidson

first degree murder charge. Arfmann, who is from Alberta, was injured in the takedown and taken to hospital. He is expected to survive. Davidson was killed while trying to arrest a suspect, who had opened fire in the parking lot of a shopping centre in the 3200 block of Mt. Lehman Road on Monday, just before noon. The police chief said he had met with the dead officer’s spouse and delivered the news in person. “It’s something I never wanted to have to do in my life, but I did it today, folks,” he said. Police say the violence began at about 11:35 a.m., when a witness called Continued on page 6

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Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Residents of ‘Sugar Mountain’ tent city slam crackdown by firefighters Residents of a tent city in east Vancouver are wondering how they’ll cook and stay warm after firefighters raided the camp this week to remove fire hazards. Personnel with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services visited the encampment at 1115 Franklin St. on Tuesday morning, removing stoves and heating devices from tents. “Fuel-powered appliances present significant hazards when used inside enclosed, fabric spaces,” the city said in a press release.

“In at least three recent examples in other B.C. municipalities, occupants of tents have been killed or severely burned when an ignition source ignited their tent or other belongings.”

Just this week, a Chilliwack woman was severely burned when her tent caught fire after she fell asleep beside lit candles, three hours after firefighters in the same city responded to another blaze in a homeless camp. ‘I think it’s horrific’

But some residents of the tent city, nicknamed “Sugar Mountain,” say the stoves were only used in a designated cooking area, and heaters weren’t switched on unless they were outside the tents. “I think it’s horrific,” said one resident, who gave her name as Nadine. “It’s a human need, it’s a basic need to eat.” They also allege that firefighters cut through the fabric of some of the tents to get inside. “We weren’t given any notice or anything,” said Joyce Jackson, who was sleeping beside her fiance when a firefighter arrived at the entrance to their tent.

The Sugar Mountain tent city was established in June, after residents were forced out of another encampment on Main Street. Ward Ferguson has been living in the tent city for four or five months. Fifty-two-year-old Ward Ferguson has been living in the camp for a few months.

Gas prices sky rocket in BC Gas prices are reaching heights not seen since the release of Sharknado. Even in a cheap fuel haven like Alberta, prices are peaking as high as $1.26 per litre in Edmonton and $1.28 in Calgary. In BC, the average price is an incredible $1.38 per litre, breaking $1.40 in Vancouver.

So, the National Post called up Dan McTeague with GasBuddy.com and a semi-obsessive expert on all things petroleum. Below, the surprisingly complex backstory to why your Honda just got way more expensive to run. Blame it all on a production slowdown in the U.S Despite our oceans of oil in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada still gets much of its gasoline from U.S. refineries. ExxonMobil just slowed operations at its Joliet, Ill., refinery to carry

out some seasonal maintenance. Same deal at a BP refinery in Whiting, Ind. Then a Texas-to-Oklahoma fuel pipeline sprung a leak, necessitating a temporary shutdown.

All of these events barely merited a mention in the news, but they’re collectively costing consumers millions in pricier gas. Much of the Canadian gasoline market is subject to the Chicago wholesale price for gasoline. At the beginning of October, it was $0.56 CDN

No wrongdoing in death of 3-year-old who died after being sent home from hospital: Coroner BC Coroners Service says there wasn’t patient and safety review after Gill’s death. any wrongdoing in the death of a toddler The health authority also came up with who died in hospital on a return visit, six actions following their review of Gill’s one day after being discharged from the death. These include sepsis screening for emergency room. all pediatric patients whether or not they Nimrat Gill died of sepsis caused by are showing symptoms, regular simulation Group A streptococcus pneumonia — a training in pediatric emergencies, and an “relatively uncommon” infection with a investigation of shift change and escalation high mortality rate, processes in according to the the Abbotsford report.

Coroner e m e rge n c y Adele Lambert department to see said it was a natural whether further death, and made no improvements recommendations. can be made. It Nirmat Gill’s also said lab tests parents first showed the toddler took her to the had a “fast-moving” 3 years old Nimrat, died of pneumonia on Feb. 7, emergency room at and “aggressive” 2017. Her parents Amarinder Gill (left) and Balraj Abbotsford Regional strain of the group A (right) holding her picture Hospital on Feb. disease.

6, complaining of fever, coughing and The disease usually causes mild vomiting. illnesses such as strep throat or a mild skin The toddler was discharged and sent infection, but it can also invade parts of home, but her parents brought her the body where the bacteria are not found back the next day when her condition — such as the lungs or blood — on rare deteriorated. The toddler died in hospital occasions. Those infections are potentially a few hours later. Gill’s mother, Balraj, life-threatening. Lambert found that Gill, said she suspected her daughter had who was three years old when she died, pneumonia from the start. had the disease in her lungs. She wrote ‘Fast-moving’, aggressive strain that the illness progression “is often The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed unexpected and rapid in nature.” it would be investigating the death in Lambert said the toddler also had an late February. Fraser Health, the agency upper respiratory tract infection, which overseeing the hospital, ran its own may have contributed to her death.

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EDITORIAL

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Trudeau’s policy of pay8 g out alleged terrorists is not working

I

t seems that Justin Trudeau’s policies and his talk will cost Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars. Trudeau’s quick payout of $10 million to Omar Khadr has led to another former Guantanamo Bay detainee to threaten a $50 million lawsuit - I. The hope that Trudeau government will quickly settle and pay him out - even if he doesn’t have a legitimate case.

Djamel Ameziane, an Algerian, who was never charged or prosecuted, claims he suffered abuse at the hands of American soldiers email of his refugee claim 15 years ago. “My current situation is really bad, I am struggling to survive,” Ameziane, 50, said from near Algiers. “I was repatriated from Guantanamo and left like almost homeless. I couldn’t find a job because of the Guantanamo stigma and my age, so a settlement would be very helpful to me to get my life back together.” He seeks damages of $50 million on the grounds that Canada’s security services co-operated with their U.S. counterparts even though they knew the Americans were abusing him. “The Crown’s conduct constituted acquiescence and tacit consent to the torture inflicted upon the plaintiff,” the lawsuit alleges.

Canadian intelligence, the suit alleges, began

sharing information with the Americans after failing to pick up on the 1999 “Millennium plot” in which Ahmed Ressam, another Algerian who had been living in Montreal, aimed to blow up the Los Angeles airport. Ameziane’s Edmonton-based lawyer, Nate Whitling, said the government’s recent out-of-court settlement — worth a reported $10.5 million — with Khadr over violation of his rights has prevented scrutiny of Canada’s alleged complicity in abuses at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. detained Ameziane at Guantanamo Bay for more than 11 years until his release in December 2013.

“For many years, I had the idea of suing the Canadian government but didn’t know how and honestly didn’t know it was possible until I read the news about the settlement of Omar Khadr, who was my fellow inmate in Guantanamo Bay,” Ameziane said. “The action I am taking may also make (Canadian officials) think twice before acting against the interests of Canada and Canada’s human values.” This claim makes it clear that Trudeau’s policy of quickly settling with alleged terrorists by paying them tens of millions of dollars will only invite more and more lawsuits - just like paying off kidnappers only leads to more kidnaping, not less.

Letter to the Editor

Trudeau Insults Canadians’ Faiths Canada’s prime minister is supposed to represent all Canadians regardless of their background, religious faith, or deeply-held personal beliefs. That’s why Conservatives are so disappointed when Justin Trudeau belittled and insulted millions of Canadians whose deeply-held religious beliefs include room for divine influence in a life’s purpose.

Justin Trudeau not only endorsed this position, he “applauds” it, and in doing so sent a clear message to those who practice Indigenous, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh and Hindu faiths, among many others: that his government sees their beliefs as suspicious and backward.

His actions were completely insensitive and inappropriate for the prime minister of a nation like Canada, where the principle of freedom of religion has attracted newcomers to our great country for generations.

Canadians who proudly practice their faith now understand that when Justin Trudeau sends greetings for, or attends one of, the many faith-based celebrations across the country, he’s being insincere, dishonest and highly hypocritical. Justin Trudeau should apologize to the millions of Canadians he has offended with his remarks. Canada’s Conservatives believe that everyone has the right to worship as they choose without being judged by the people elected to serve them. Respect for diversity must always include respect for the diversity of religious belief. You can always count on Conservatives to respect freedom of religion, and to keep standing up for all Canadians no matter their religious and cultural backgrounds.

Signed, The Hon. Andrew Scheer Leader of the Official Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

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UNITED KINGDOM

Saturday, November 11, 2017

South Asian Minister Priti Patel forced to resign from UK cabinet quickly through Conservative ranks since she

From page 1 into a ministerial car, which was followed by a news helicopter as it drove into London. She arrived at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday evening, entering the building via a back door. After about 25 minutes, reports said, she left the building and a resignation letter was issued. Patel has been under pressure since it was revealed that she held 12 meetings with Israeli groups and officials during a vacation in Israel in August — and that she hadn’t told May or colleagues about it. The meetings were arranged by Stuart Polak, a corporate lobbyist, member of the House of Lords and honorary president of the group Conservative Friends of Israel. Patel in her resignation letter apologized for causing the distraction and falling short of “the high

standards expected.” The prime minister’s office issued its own statement, saying Patel’s resignation “was the right thing to do.” Patel earlier said the meetings stemmed from her “enthusiasm to engage,” but critics accused her of breaching the code of conduct for cabinet ministers and making a major diplomatic gaffe. After the visit, Patel discussed with her department the possibility of British aid being given to the Israeli army to support medical assistance for refugees from the Syrian civil war arriving in the Golan Heights. Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported Wednesday that Patel visited an Israeli military field hospital in the Golan Heights during her August trip.

Britain regards Israel as illegally occupying the territory, which it captured from Syria in 1967.

Patel’s situation has been made worse by her contradictory statements about the meetings.

Defence secretary resigned last week When news broke about the August trip, Patel insisted that Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson “knew about the visit.” Her department was later forced to clarify the statement, saying “the foreign secretary did become aware of the visit, but not in advance of it.” Priti Patel apologized, saying the meetings “did not accord with the usual procedures.” She also met Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan in London on Sept. 7 and foreign ministry official Yuval Rotem in New York on Sept.

18 — in both cases without any other British officials present. The furor threatens the career of 45-year-old Patel, who has risen

was elected to Parliament in 2010. She has often been mentioned as a future leadership contender. Labour Party lawmaker Jonathan Ashworth was skeptical about Patel’s claim that she wasn’t aware that she was doing anything wrong in meeting Netanyahu and the others.

“If she didn’t know, she’s incompetent. If she did, she’s lying,” he told Sky News. “Either way she’s got to go.” She is the second member of the increasingly unstable cabinet to leave their job in a week. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon resigned Nov. 1 after sexual harassment allegations against him emerged. Several lawmakers have been suspended by their parties amid a growing scandal over sexual harassment and abuse in British politics. May’s deputy prime minister, Damian Green, is facing a civil service investigation after a young party activist accused him of unwanted touches and text messages.

LOCAL

Abbotsford Police Officer shot dead From page 1

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11 to report a possible stolen vehicle. The caller then used their car to block the suspect from leaving.

The suspect then stepped out of his vehicle with a shotgun, and began firing at the caller and other witnesses. When police arrived, they returned fire, and one officer was shot. The suspect fled the scene in the car, but was arrested after more shots were fired in the intersection of Mt. Lehman Road and Fraser Highway. “It was a very dynamic takedown,” Rich said of the arrest. “Our officers’ actions today, all of them, were absolutely heroic,” Rich said.

“They responded in a way that was designed to protect the public.

This person was trying to kill members of the public and our officers responded.”

Derek Middleton was eating at a sushi restaurant nearby and witnessed the aftermath.

“I looked outside and the officer was down and bleeding,” said Middleton in an interview with media. “So I just closed the door and locked it and said call 911.”

Abbotsford resident James Graham was driving in the area when he saw police cruisers crash into a Mustang behind him.

He then heard several gunshots and witnessed what was taking place through his rearview mirror.

“Then there was gunfire — six or seven shots I’d say — it didn’t even look like anyone was out of the vehicle yet,” said Graham in a phone interview with media.

“I was a little startled, but I just hit the gas and got out of there.

I just hoped that no one was injured.” Shots were fired after police responded to reports of a possible stolen vehicle.

‘A tragic day’ The Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which is called out in incidents where people are seriously injured or killed in encounters with police, is now investigating the injuries to the suspect.

LOCAL

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Punjabi father pleads for Canadian visa to see his dying son

From page 1 “She should have her own husband’s support at this point in time,” said Tarsam Singh, a close family friend who visits Ekrem and his family at the hospital daily. “Oh my God, just only tears. When you stand in front of him, that little guy, tubes all around his body.” Eknoor’s condition deteriorated rapidly just over a week ago. His sweet smiles, healthy appetite and curiosity about the world around him were replaced by long periods of sleep. A trip to the medical clinic provided assurances that Eknoor was fine but his condition did not improve.

He’s now on life support. Pediatricians write to federal government The baby was admitted to the Stollery on Oct. 27. A day later, his pediatricians wrote to a Canadian consulate in India to request on the family’s behalf that Singh’s visa be issued “as soon as possible so

Severe pollution hits New Delhi From page 1 A thick gray haze enveloped India’s capital on Tuesday as air pollution hit hazardous levels, prompting local officials to ask that schools shut down and a half marathon scheduled for later in November be called off.

The readings of the government’s air quality index hovered between 350 and 450, indicating that the health impact of breathing the air was “severe.” The highest reading on the Central Pollution Control Board’s index is 500. The pollutants on Tuesday that had the maximum impact on the reading were PM 2.5 and PM 10 particulate matter.

As winter approaches, a thick, soupy smog routinely envelops most parts of northern India, caused by dust, the burning of crops, emissions from factories and the burning of coal and piles of garbage as the poor try to keep warm.

Over the past two years, New Delhi has earned the dubious distinction of being one of the world’s most polluted cities.

On Tuesday, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, in India on a weeklong state visit, inspected a military guard of honor at the sprawling presidential palace in New Delhi under a cover of smog that hampered visibility.

As the haze settled over the city in the morning, many people covered their faces and noses with scarves to try to protect themselves. Arvind Kejriwal, the capital’s top elected official, asked the education department to consider closing down schools. The Indian Medical Association said New Delhi was in the midst of a “public health emergency” and appealed to the city government to halt sports and other outdoor activities in schools. The association also said the Delhi Half Marathon, scheduled for Nov. 19, was likely to leave those participating especially badly hit because the air quality is worst during the early part of the day.

that he can be at the hospital with his wife and son.” The letter stated Eknoor has been diagnosed with a congenital brain tumor and a malignant left temporal lobe tumor and that he would undergo brain surgery within a week. It provided assurances that extended family in Edmonton would assist with all associated costs. “It is our hope that you will consider the stress and increased demands that Kawaljeet Kaur and Gagandeep Singh are facing at this time and that you will support this family in any way possible,” the pediatricians wrote. Four days later, Eknoor’s physicians wrote a second letter confirming his tumours

are inoperable and nothing can be done. “The medical team is ensuring that Eknoor remains comfortable, but there are no other medical interventions that can be provided at this time.”

Edmonton MP and cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi says his office is supporting the family in this “difficult and tragic situation.”

The couple were married in India in January 2016 — a week-long “grand wedding” attended

by thousands of guests, said Tarsam Singh. He said Kaur has since been back to visit.

Singh insists the couple’s marriage is genuine, but immigration officials disagreed and rejected Gagandeep Singh’s initial application to immigrate to Canada. On Friday, Edmonton MP Amarjeet Sohi, who is the minister of infastructure and communities, met with the family. They provided a second support letter for immigration officials. “We want to be there to support them in this very difficult situation,” said Sohi. “But this case is a very complex case.”

Sohi said the situation involved elements he couldn’t discuss “because this case has been in the process for the last number of years.” He added: “We are seeing what we can do.” A spokesperson with Citizenship and Immigration said the ministry hopes to provide a response Monday.

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LOCAL

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Dhingra wins Legislative District 45, Democrats control both legislative chambers Washington Democrats have won a key state Senate race that puts them back in charge of both legislative chambers for the first time in five years. After the latest returns were tallied Wednesday, Manka Dhingra, a

43-year-old prosecutor for King County, held a commanding lead over Republican Jinyoung Lee Englund with 55 percent of the vote in the race for the 45th District in Seattle’s eastern suburbs. The political implications in the state

“We’ve had good bipartisan successes in and beyond helped the race break legislative Olympia over the past few years and that will spending records in Washington.

With Dhingra’s victory, Washington joins continue. I also look forward to action on Oregon and California with Democratic some issues that have stalled for too long,” said majorities in both legislative chambers and Governor Inslee in a statement.

Dhingra and Englund campaigned on two the governor’s office. Republicans in the state, with the help of a Democrat who caucuses with different views of what a shift in power would them, currently control the Senate by a single mean for the state and their district.

“There are so many political games being seat. Democrats hold a slim 50-48 majority in played, where people are really not interested the House.

Manka Dhingra is a King County prosecutor in representing the people, and I think that’s why I have the level of energy in this who supervises a mental campaign,” said Dhingra earlier health court, a veterans court in the campaign season. “Because and diversion program. for voters, they have this really Jinyoung Lee Englund is a unique opportunity because former congressional staffer their one vote can change the and entrepreneur. “It was so way we govern.” Dhingra pointed impressive and amazing to to record special sessions in see the results the way they Olympia and the failure to pass a came in and I think more state capital budget this year. impressive to see the crowd Englund blamed both sides out there,” Dhingra said. “It’s for obstruction and argues very cool to see the diversity Democratic control will lead to in the crowd.” new taxes, such as a capital gains The candidates competed Manka Dhingra tax. to fill the seat held by the Dhingra, during campaign late State Senator Andy Hill who died last October. The 45th legislative district stretches season, said capital gains should be considered, from Woodinville to Sammamish and includes instead of further increasing property taxes.

Lawmakers passed an increase in statewide Duvall and Kirkland.

The Eastside race has drawn an intense property taxes this past session, as part of a amount of national attention and millions of bipartisan budget deal, to help boost education dollars in outside money, setting a new record funding as required by the State Supreme for spending in a state senate race at nearly 9 Court’s McCleary decision.

During negotiations in Olympia, Democrats million dollars, across both sides.

Previously, the Majority Coalition Caucus, had wanted a new capital gains tax; Republicans comprised of 24 Republicans and one instead pushed for and passed an increase in Democrat who caucuses with the Republicans, statewide property tax. Homeowners expected to see the biggest hikes include those on the controlled the State Senate.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee and the Eastside. During an earlier interview with Democratic National Committee sent out KING 5, Dhingra said she would like to emails Tuesday night, already declaring victory roll back the property tax increase, instead focusing on tax loopholes. in a race seen as a bellwether for 2018.

Amritsar-made drug makes its way to ISIS Italy’s police seized 24 million tramadol tablets at one of the country’s ports on Saturday. Manufactured in Amritsar for a Dubai-based company, the consignment was diverted mid-sea for Islamic State militants to fund their terror activities. Alarmed, Indian and US agencies are investigating the matter.

Tramadol, an opiod (narcotic) pain medication, is said to be in high demand among jihadists who call it a “fighter drug” for its ability to lull pain and fatigue, claim Intelligence sources. Taking the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) at Chandigarh in the loop, Central agencies have asked it to inspect two Amritsar-based firms making the painkiller that sent two consignments to Dubai recently. A third consignment of

one of the firms was recently stopped by Indian Customs on the intervention of the investigating agencies. The export order is being verified. The State Drugs Controller had last year suspended the licences of seven Amritsar firms manufacturing tramadol at the insistence of the NCB. Yet there were reports of the tablets being illegally manufactured and distributed during the Assembly elections in Punjab with eight lakh seized during the campaign period. Action against these firms has been limited as tramadol is not on the list of drugs banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Kaustubh Sharma, Zonal Director, NCB, said the export orders of the two Amritsar firms had been found in order.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

2,000% rise in drug samples testing positive for fentanyl The number of positive tests for fentanyl in samples of heroin seized by law enforcement agencies across Canada has grown from less than one per cent in 2012 to more than 60 per cent so far this year, exclusive data obtained.

The data also showed an increase of more than 2,000 per cent over that same time period for all street drug samples tested.

The statistics are compiled by Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service (DAS), which tests approximately 120,000 samples of drugs apprehended by the Canada Border Services Agency, the Correctional Service of Canada and police forces across the country each year. Health Canada didn’t provide a detailed breakdown of results for every type of drug tested, but said heroin is an area of particular concern. In 2012, less than one per cent of the 2,337 heroin samples tested by the DAS contained fentanyl and/or its analogues.

In 2016, that number grew to 39.4 per cent of 3,658 samples. And for the first nine months of 2017, the number of heroin samples (3,337) testing positive for fentanyl jumped to 60.1 per cent. Per cent of heroin tested that contained any amount of fentanyl The most common drugs the service tests for include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, hydromorphone, oxycodone, Fentanyl was not identified in any of the marijuana samples tested over the five-year period, while cocaine and methamphetamine saw increases from 0.01 per cent to 1.8 per cent and zero per cent to 1.7 per cent, respectively.

Overall, the figures are stark. In 2012, only 217 of the street drug samples tested positive for fentanyl. Just as the number of lives claimed by the deadly opioid has skyrocketed since then, so too has the number of times fentanyl has showed up in samples of illegal street drugs. As of Sept. 30,

DAS found fentanyl in 4,568 samples this year – an increase of 2,005 per cent. The exponential increase of street drugs testing positive for fentanyl over the last five years doesn’t surprise Dr. David Juurlink, head of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. In fact, it simply mirrors what Juurlink and other health professionals dealing with Canada’s opioid crisis have seen through even more sobering data — the steadily rising number of overdose deaths. ‘If it hasn’t happened ... it’s coming’: Mothers of addicts urge radical approach to fentanyl crisis According to Health Canada, 2,816 people died of “apparent opioid-related” causes across the country in 2016. Experts believe fentanyl was involved in many of those deaths, and that it has claimed many more lives since.

“The illicit drug supply has never been more dangerous because of the profusion of fentanylrelated compounds,” said Juurlink. “This is why so many people are dying. They’re dying because the drugs they’re using contain, you know, much more opioid than they thought.”

Dr. David Juurlink, head of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, says the dramatic increase in fentanyl detected in samples of seized street drugs since 2012 is consistent with the rise of people dying from overdoses during that time period. Fentanyl is extremely potent and relatively cheap, so dealers mix it into drugs like heroin to stretch their supplies, experts say.

“They want to save money or make higher profits,” said Dr. Michael Krausz, a professor of psychiatry specializing in addiction at the University of British Columbia.

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BC launches new drug-checking program, expands fentanyl testing BC is launching a drug checking pilot program that can test opioids, stimulants and other drugs for traces of fentanyl in an effort to combat the growing overdose crisis in the province.

The program includes the implementation of a new Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer machine in Vancouver, which can test drugs for deadly opioids and contaminants in minutes.

The machine will be used as a year-long pilot project at two supervised consumption sites in Vancouver.

Fentanyl test strips will also be made available at all supervised consumption and

overdose prevention sites in BC. During an announcement in Vancouver Friday, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy called drug checking an integral piece to preventing overdoses.

“We are expanding the piloting of drug testing right across British Columbia,” Darcy said. “This information can save a person’s life.”

More than 1,100 British Columbians have died by an overdose in the first nine months of 2017.

The stark death toll this year is expected to double the number of lives lost last year, with a growing percentage of fentanyl being found.

18 month caregiver benefit but no extra money New mothers and fathers planning to begin their parental leave on or after December 3 will be able to spread their federal benefits over a longer period of time. The federal government’s long-promised changes to parental leave rules will go into effect early next month, says Families Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, allowing eligible new parents to take up to 18 months of employment insurance benefits after the birth of a child. On that same date, new family caregiver benefits will also kick in — one a 15-week leave to care for a critically ill or injured adult, the other a 35-week benefit to care for a critically ill or injured child. Employers, labour groups push Liberals to rethink parental leave changes Eligible soon-to-be-mothers will also be able to claim maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before the baby is due. However, the government won’t increase the actual value of employment insurance benefits for anyone who takes the

extended parental leave: instead, the Liberals are sticking with their 2015 election promise to spread 12 months’ worth of benefits over 18 months. The change in rules will automatically give more workers in federally regulated workplaces like banks, transport companies, the public service and telecoms the option of taking time off, and are likely to spur calls for provincial changes to allow the other 92 per cent of Canadian workers access to similar leave. So far, Ontario has publicly said it will amend its legislation to match the new federal rules. Affected workplaces will have to decide how — or even if — to amend existing leave policies and collective agreements that spell out issues like salary top-ups. As is, the federal parental leave program offers 15 weeks of EI maternity benefits for new mothers and allows parents to split an additional 35 weeks.

Trudeau accused of ‘sabotaging’ trade deal with meeting no-show The strange journey of the resurrected Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal got a little stranger Friday, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being accused of “sabotaging” the deal by missing a crucial meeting in Vietnam. The newspaper The Australian published a story Friday about Canada’s no-show at the meeting, accompanied by a tweet saying Trudeau “infuriates world leaders, embarrasses host nation.” The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Canadian “sabotage,” was “shocking” to world leaders.

“It’s less than ideal to have every leader and trade minister from the other ten countries sitting around the table and not have Canada there. It’s not an ideal outcome,” Australian trade minister Steve Ciobo told the The Australian newspaper. Canadian

PM Justin Trudeau infuriates world leaders, embarrasses host nation, after failing to show up to a crucial meeting to salvage the TPP The news comes after conflicting reports in foreign media on Thursday about a deal being struck. Canadian officials and politicians moved quickly to quash those reports and have tried to throw cold water on the idea that Canada was ever ready to sign the trade deal this week. Confusion reigned after that meeting, with the New Zealand trade minister saying “one country” had blocked the deal but that it wasn’t Canada. Even so, the Canadian appetite to put pen to paper hasn’t been apparent. The National Post reported last week that an announcement at APEC was “unlikely,” according to a Liberal government official familiar with the matter.

Jagmeet Singh sets sights on opioids, pushes Trudeau to decriminalize all drugs NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to consider decriminalizing all illegal drugs in an effort to combat Canada’s escalating opioid crisis.

Singh, who campaigned on a similar promise during his party’s recent leadership race, says he will push the federal New Democrats to make the position part of its own formal policy platform.

The NDP is scheduled to hold a policy convention in Ottawa in February.

Singh, a former criminal defence lawyer, has been vocal about the opioid issue ever since becoming the party’s newest leader, including during a trip last week to British

Columbia. He says the majority of Canadians struggling with opioids are plagued by mental health problems, addiction and poverty, and that the solution lies in tackling issues of social justice, not criminal justice.

Canadian health-care experts, including B.C.’s provincial health officer, have urged the federal government to strongly consider borrowing from Portugal’s approach to drug policy, including decriminalizing personal possession of illicit drugs.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is urging Trudeau to consider decriminalizing all illegal drugs in an effort to combat Canada’s escalating opioid crisis.

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Delta teen stabbed outside hockey arena A teenager was stabbed outside a hoceky arena and taken to hospital with serious injuries as he was stabbed during a robbery outside the Sungod Recreation Centre in Delta on Tuesday night.

The attack occurred at around 8:30pm Delta police say the 18-year-old victim was approached by two unknown men wearing balaclavas. The men robbed the victim of an iPod and other items, stabbing him in the

process. The teen made his way back inside the rec centre, where staff applied first aid until an ambulance arrived.

“The teen was sent to hospital with what appeared to be a very serious stab wound,” said Delta police spokesperson Sharlene Brooks.

Brooks says the victim is listed in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. No arrests have been made.

RCMP say a man was shot in what’s believed to be a targeted home invasion in Aldergrove on Wednesday.

Police said they received multiple 911 calls in the area of 266b Street and 29 Avenue — near Aldergrove Community Secondary School — just before 7:30 p.m PT. “We had reports of all manner of things happening there,” said Cpl. Craig van Herk.

When they arrived, officers found the gunshot victim inside the house.

27-year-old, who was conscious when police arrived, was taken to hospital with non-life

The robbers, believed to be in their 20s, were wearing dark clothing. It’s believed they fled on foot through the recreation centre parking lot towards Larson Road. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Delta police 604-946-4411. Additionally, Delta police are asking anyone with cellphone video or pictures that may assist the investigation to come forward.

A teen was hosptalized with serious stab wounds outside Sungod Recreation Centre in Delta on Tuesday November 7

Man shot in Aldergrove home invasion

A 27-year-old man was shot in a home invasion in Aldergrove

Sajjan avoids elaboration on peacekeeping pledges ahead of BC conference Canada’s Defence Minister says he’s more interested in discussing peacekeeping innovation than pledges of troops as representatives of 80 countries prepare to attend an international conference in Vancouver next week at which Canada is expected to finally disclose its peacekeeping plans. In a conference call with media on Thursday, Harjit Sajjan sidestepped a question about what pledges of peacekeepers Canada might make next week, instead touting a conversation “beyond pledges”

of support to deal with global hot spots.

“Pledges are absolutely important. How we do things is equally important,” Mr. Sajjan said from Brussels where he attended a NATO defence ministers’ meeting.

Mr. Sajjan said he was hoping for a conversation, in Vancouver, about such issues as equipment and the role of women and business in peacekeeping.

“I am looking forward to having great discussions about the innovations that Canada can bring to the table,” he said.

ON REMEMBRANCE

AY D

Teachers and students will be honouring sacrifices of the past and working for peace in the future.

NOVEMBER 2017 LEST WE FORGET

A message from the Surrey Teachers’ Association

threatening injuries.

The RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit took over the case. On Thursday, RCMP said there’s more than one suspect in the incident.

“We’ve got reports from witnesses, from the victim himself that there are multiple

suspects ... at least three but possibly more that came in and then fled,” said van Herk.

“No further descriptions at this point.”

The officer said the victim is known to police, but the incident hasn’t been linked to any other crimes. Van Herk said RCMP are still canvassing the area Thursday as the Serious Crime Unit works on the investigation.

Feds’ weed tax plan: at least $1 per gram, plus GST Ottawa and the provinces and territories could have another $1 billion a year in tax revenues to split after pot becomes legal next year. Liberal MP Bill Blair, former Toronto police chief and the government’s point man on legalizing marijuana, made public the federal tax proposal for legal pot Friday, kicking off a period of public consultations that ends Dec. 7. That, Blair said, gives the government just enough time to solicit comments on the proposal so that federal, provincial and territorial finance ministers can discuss it when they meet in Ottawa Dec. 10-11. Growing flowers of cannabis intended for the medical marijuana market are shown at OrganiGram in Moncton, N.B., on April 14, 2016. The plan would add an excise tax of $1 per gram of marijuana or 10 per cent of the final retail price, whichever is higher, with the

revenues to be divided equally between Ottawa and the provinces and territories. The final price, including provincial and federal sales taxes, would vary by jurisdiction, since the combined total is in some provinces is higher than in others. On an $8 gram of pot sold in Ontario, for instance, the final purchase price would be $10.17, with a $1 excise tax and $1.17 HST. In New Brunswick, it would be $10.35. Alberta, which has no provincial sales taxes, could see the cheapest pot in the country at just $9.45 total for an $8 gram of weed. “I’m very comfortable that the level of taxation that has been determined as appropriate in this case achieves our goals of keeping the price sufficiently low to be competitive with an illicit market, while at the same time not creating an incentive for the consumption and purchase of this drug,” said Blair.

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Kamloops police blame drug trade for recent spike in gun violence RCMP in Kamloops, are blaming drug dealers for a series of recent shootings in the city. “The notion is that once you have drugs ... there’s money to be made, and that leads to competition and ultimately to these conflicts,” said RCMP Supt. Brad Mueller.“It’s been a very busy and unprecedented 10 days here in the city of Kamloops.” On Oct. 23, two men were sent to hospital and a school was placed on lockdown after shots were fired at 217 Nelson Ave. Police found several illegal weapons after they searched a nearby residence following the shooting. A high-risk police operation on Oct.

27 resulted in gunfire, and another shooting on the city’s North Shore Nov. 4 sent a 24-year-old man to hospital. “I am concerned,” Mueller said. “I’m always concerned when there’s gunfire.”

This year to date, there have been 10 incidents involving gunfire in Kamloops. In all of 2016, there were six, and in 2015 there were two.

Kamloops mayor concerned about recent rise in gun crime RCMP advise Kamloops residents to report any suspicious activity to police or Crime Stoppers.

IBM urges BC gov’t to use blockchain to track marijuana sales IBM Corp. is urging the B.C. government to use blockchain to track marijuana sales throughout the entire supply chain once recreational cannabis is legal next year.

The U.S. technology giant said blockchain could help the government limit or eliminate black market sales by tracking where and how cannabis is sourced, sold and priced — from seed to sale. IBM made these comments in its submission as part of the B.C. government’s public consultation on cannabis regulation.

Ottawa has a July 2018 deadline to make recreational marijuana legal. “Blockchain is an ideal mechanism in which B.C. can transparently capture the history of cannabis through the entire supply chain, ultimately ensuring consumer safety while exerting regulatory control,” IBM said in the Nov. 1 document, posted on the provincial government’s website.

The BC government asked for opinions as it prepares to lay out its plan for how recreational marijuana will be handled in the province.

Ontario was the first province to announce

its detailed marijuana plan in October, which includes the sale of the drug in up to 150 stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

IBM has invested heavily in blockchain, a technology that creates a shared digital ledger where records or transactions can be tracked and shared in real time, and in a secure and transparent manner. The technology, which is behind cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, is akin to a global bulletin board.

The U.S. company said in its three-page submission to the B.C. government that blockchain could be used to track supply and demand, and manage inventory. It will also be easier in a blockchain system to control quality and track down the source of poorquality product, IBM added. “This type of transparency would bring a new level of visibility and control to the provincial regulators and provide assurance to the multitude of cautious stakeholders regarding the way the management of a cannabis supply chain is rolled out within British Columbia,” IBM said.

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Bars and restaurants welcome NDP’s booze review BC bars and restaurants are sick of being charged retail prices for liquor and the provincial government appears poised to offer some relief. Attorney General David Eby has appointed wine industry lawyer Mark Hicken to reach out to the alcohol manufacturing, retail and hospitality industry for ways to support those businesses. That is music to the ears of industry advocates such as Restaurants Canada that have been vocal in their opposition to a Byzantine liquor branch scheme that offers wholesale prices to private liquor stores but charges higher prices to bars and restaurants.

The current rules even prevent hospitality businesses from buying booze at private liquor stores, ensuring they can get no relief from the prices set by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, said Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president, Western Canada, for Restaurants Canada. “Customers — especially visitors from the United States where markups are nowhere near as big — can’t believe the prices we charge for cocktails, but it’s not the bars gouging them,” he said. Top-shelf spirits can cost bars and restaurants between $10 and $20 more per bottle, according to prices supplied by the liquor branch. For example, a private liquor store pays $43 for a 1.75 L bottle of Stolichnaya Premium Vodka while restaurants and bars pay $54. And a private liquor store pays $76 for a 750 mL bottle of Macallan 1824 Scotch Whisky, while a restaurant or bar must pay the $95 retail

price. The industry fears that people are staying home rather than forking out $12, $15 or $19 for a cocktail, said von Schellwitz. B.C.’s grade in Restaurants Canada’s Raise the Bar report card released this week slipped from a C+ to a C, largely due to above-wholesale prices paid for liquor by hospitality businesses.

Alberta earned the country’s highest grade, a B, as the only province with a flat tax and “true wholesale pricing” on all classes of liquor.

The organization is also miffed by a rule imposed by the recently deposed B.C. Liberal government that requires them to buy local wine through the liquor branch rather than direct from wineries, said von Schellwitz.

A report commissioned by the New Democrats while in opposition found that after a flurry of changes to liquor laws and the installation of a new pricing model brought in by the Liberals in 2015, retail prices went up by roughly 11 per cent.

Liquor sales generated $1.031 billion in revenue to government the following year, up by 10 per cent. Liberal MLA John Yap, who led the previous government’s review, urged caution when tinkering with alcohol prices.

“That is an important source of revenue and supports a lot of programs, plus there is a public health concern,” said Yap. “The price of alcohol is very closely tied to addiction and over-consumption.”

Police say they’ve found no motive for murders of Marpole couple Investigators say they’ve yet to uncover the motive for the murder of a Marpole couple in September. Rocky Rambo Wei Nam Kam, 25, was charged Monday with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Richard Jones and Dianna Mah-Jones.

“We haven’t found clear links,” between Kam and the Joneses, Vancouver police chief Adam Palmer said at a Tuesday news conference.

Palmer said Kam was originally born in Hong Kong and moved with his family while he was a teenager to Calgary.

Kam had moved to Vancouver in July and had been staying at a home not far from the Joneses. He didn’t appear to have family in the area nor was he employed.

Even after police interviewed people who lived in the neighbourhood, it wasn’t clear that the Jones had ever encountered Kam before.

“Good old-fashioned police work” led to

police identifying Kam as a suspect, Palmer said. Palmer said Kam didn’t have a criminal record nor did he have any documented mental health issues.

The Jones did list their home for short-term rentals on Airbnb, but Palmer said he wasn’t aware of there being any connection to Kam there either.

After several appeals to the public for information, the police received more than 100 videos and “numerous” other tips, Palmer said. He made a special point to thank the community for their assistance. Mah-Jones was an occupational therapist with Vancouver Coastal Health. In 2015, she was named the Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists B.C. In June, she was honoured as the VCH and Provincial Health Care Hero at the annual B.C. Health Care Awards.

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BC gov’t proposes short-term freeze on Hydro rates The NDP government is proposing to freeze B.C. Hydro rates for one year, fulfilling an election promise but leaving questions over whether the cash-strapped public utility can afford it.

Energy Minister Michelle Mungall said a planned three per cent rate hike set for April 1, 2018, will be cancelled while the government launches an operational review of Hydro.

“We committed to British Columbians to make life more affordable for them,” Mungall said. “This is going to be a big saving in their pockets.”

The decision will mean a loss of $150 million in planned revenue. Hydro will push those costs into its “rate smoothing” account, which delays repayment of debt until some time in future.

When asked whether Hydro can afford the loss, Mungall pointed to the planned review of Hydro operations, which she said will begin after her government makes a decision on whether to proceed or cancel the $8.3-billion Site C dam later this year.

“This is exactly why we’ve tied the rate freeze to a one-year review of B.C. Hydro,” Mungall said. “We know there are savings

to be had there, and we need to be taking into account the deferral accounts that already exist. The auditor general has been very clear about the need to look at those deferral accounts and get them into order.”

Hydro has been struggling with rising rates, growing debt and warnings of credit downgrades in recent years. To make matters worse, the three per cent rate increase the NDP has cancelled was already lower than the five per cent Hydro needed to break even on costs in the coming year. Hydro wasn’t allowed to raise rates the full five per cent because the previous Liberal government capped them for political reasons as it also struggled to keep rates affordable.

“All this is, is putting off decisions that should be made today in the best interests of ratepayers, B.C. Hydro and the province, to the future,” said Liberal critic Tracy Redies.B.C. Hydro rates have gone up more than 24 per cent in the last four years, and more than 70 per cent since 2001, the government said in a release.

The NDP promised the freeze during the election campaign.

Woman jailed for spitting at bus driver Spitting in the face of a bus driver has earned a Port Moody woman 12 days in jail and 12 months probation.

Lakota Morningstar Kakakaway, 22, was convicted of assault in February and sentenced Nov. 1 in Port Coquitlam provincial court in connection with an incident that took place June 22, 2016 on a Coast Mountain bus.

Spitting at a bus driver earned a Port Moody woman 12 days in Metro Vancouver Transit jail and 12 months 0f probation.

Police said Kakakaway boarded a bus at the courts regarding the serious nature of assaults Lougheed Station bus loop and began swearing on bus operators. While this young woman had repeatedly. She spat in the driver’s face after a history of negative police contacts, she did being ordered off the bus and then fled in a taxi. not have a previous criminal record. This is an As part of her probation, Kakakaway must stay extraordinary outcome for a first offence and away from the victim and stay off all vehicles sends a strong message to offenders and frontoperated by the Coast Mountain Bus Company. line transit staff,” Transit Police Chief Doug “It is gratifying to see the recognition from the LePard said in a statement.

Hydro will either have to increase its debt or cancel its dividends to government to pay for the rate freeze, said Richard McCandless, a retired civil servant who now studies Hydro and

the Insurance Corp. of B.C. “They’ve got a real problem and they may or may not have walked into this with their eyes open,” McCandless said of the new NDP administration.

Man charged after holding truck driver at gunpoint in Interior BC A 33-year-old man is facing kidnapping and firearm charges after police say he held a truck driver at gunpoint for over four hours in B.C.’s Interior. David Lee Chappell is accused of taking a truck driver hostage at gunpoint and escaping police.

On Nov. 6 at 4:15 pm PT, a Clearwater RCMP say an officer noticed Chappell slumped behind the wheel of a running vehicle south of Avola on Highway 5.

The officer assumed Chappell was under the influence and put him in the back of his police vehicle, but he managed to escape.

Hitchhiker in custody after holding truck driver at gunpoint in B.C. Interior Police say

Chappell then approached a commercial semitruck, smashed a window and unsuccessfully tried to convince the driver to drive him away.

Chappell next jumped into a different semitruck and allegedly used a gun to coerce that driver into heading southbound on Highway 5.

Police say they were able to communicate with the driver by phone after he called 911 and alluded to the dispatcher that he was the hostage in this situation. The driver pulled in to the weigh scales west of Kamloops on Highway 1 and was able to leave his truck unharmed while Chappell remained in the vehicle.

Road rage may have led to gun fire One man was arrested at the intersection of 200 Street and 72 Avenue following a road rage incident on Thursday morning that may have involved shots being fired at a woman’s vehicle.

At 10:25 a.m., a woman called Surrey RCMP alleging that another vehicle was being driven erratically. She said someone inside the vehicle had shot at her vehicle in the 19200 block of 72 Avenue.

The suspect vehicle drove off and she pulled over to call police. The woman was not injured during the incident, Surrey RCMP confirmed.

Coincidentally, the same suspect vehicle was involved in a relatively minor accident nearby at the intersection of 200 Street and 72 Ave. a short time later.

Officers, who believe impairment is a factor in the crash, discovered this was the same vehicle reported in the alleged road rage incident and arrested the driver as a result.

Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit is leading this investigation. Both vehicles have been seized for forensic analysis and a neighbourhood canvass for more witnesses or video surveillance will be conducted. Surrey RCMP officers will also be investigating the crash.

“The investigation is just getting underway, and as such no formal charges have been laid as of yet,” said Cpl. Scotty Schumann.

“If you see a motor vehicle offence, pull over when it’s safe. Contact your local police with as much information as possible including vehicle description and direction of travel.”

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

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Surrey council approves road through Hawthorne Park As members of the public shouted their displeasure in the background, Surrey council on Monday night approved the construction of a controversial road through a Whalley park.

“You’ll hear our voices in the next election!” a woman yelled following the unanimous vote.

The city is planning to build a two-lane road through the south end of Hawthorne Park, linking Whalley Boulevard to 150th Street.

The proposed 105th Avenue Connector has been on the books since 1986 and was considered a long-term project, but has been accelerated thanks to the impending construction of a light-

rail line along nearby 104th Avenue.

A city report states that the road will “maintain and improve neighbourhood access and connectivity” during construction, and allow for the relocation of underground services that run under 104th Avenue.

In exchange, the city will spend $3 million on improvements to the park, including adding five acres of land.

Residents living near the park were notified of the city’s intention to go ahead with the road in May. Public consultation has been held, and in August the city launched an “alternative

Judge cites killer for contempt of court following outburst A judge cited an accused for contempt of court Tuesday after he complained about the judge’s decision to find him guilty of manslaughter and showed disrespect for the court.

The contentious court appearance also saw the accused, Samuel James Calladine, firing his lawyer and issuing threats to the Crown who had conduct of the case.

The decision by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Allan Betton to cite Calladine for contempt came after he found the accused guilty of the October 2016 manslaughter of Rick Melanson in a homeless camp in Burnaby.

Calladine, who has a long criminal record including a prior conviction for killing his wife, claimed at trial that he was acting in selfdefence during an altercation between the two men over some marijuana brownies, but that argument was rejected by the judge.

The judge found that although Melanson had punched the accused three times, the accused’s decision to pull a knife and stab the victim repeatedly was unreasonable in the circumstances, and he was guilty of manslaughter.

Betton also found that Calladine was guilty of the aggravated assault of Melanson’s stepson, Alec Peters, who was also stabbed during the melee at the homeless camp behind the Edmonds SkyTrain Station.

Calladine, who was seated in the prisoner’s dock in the Vancouver courtroom, demanded to know how the judge could believe the testimony of Peters, the Crown’s main witness during the short trial.

“How can you believe him, he’s a liar,” the accused told the judge. “You’re standing up there like you’re God, but you believe a liar.”

The judge said: “Mr. Calladine, listen to me.

I’ve made my decision. You have your remedy if you disagree with my decision. One of those remedies is not calling down my reasons.”

The judge asked Calladine whether he was prepared to discuss the next steps in the case.

“I want an appeal,” said Calladine.

“That’s fine, that’s not going to happen today,” said the judge, who then called for a break in the case.

Before the judge could return, the accused told his lawyer, Jason Tarnow, that he was fired.

“Get out of my sight,” he told Tarnow, who was twice voted Richmond’s best lawyer in a reader survey of a local newspaper.

When Crown counsel Brendan McCabe approached Calladine to speak to him, the accused dismissed the prosecutor.

“You’re nothing to me,” said Calladine.

“Fair enough, sir,” said McCabe.

“Just remember, I get out, I walk the streets again,” Calladine told the prosecutor.

Richmond man found guilty of murdering his wife, following second trial A jury has found a Richmond man guilty of the second-degree murder of his wife, following a second trial of the accused in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. The jury reached its verdict in the case of James Jian Hua Wu on Tuesday after four days of deliberations.

Wu, who used a cleaver to fatally stab his wife, Jin Jenna Cheng, had little reaction to the verdict as he sat in the courtroom. The main issue during the trial was the state of mind of the accused and whether the Crown had proven that Wu had the necessary intent to commit murder.

The Crown’s theory, outlined at the beginning of the trial, was that it was a case of extreme domestic violence and that Wu had intentionally killed his wife in anger following a difficult and frustrating period in their marriage.

The May 2014 slaying happened on the second anniversary of their wedding. When police were called to the scene of the slaying at a residential apartment building at 7040 Granville Ave., they found blood on the walls on the seventh-floor hallway and two bodies, of Wu and his wife, lying at the far end of the hallway. A knife was seen lying between the two bodies with the victim’s head covered in blood and an injury to her neck believed to be caused by a sharp-edged weapon. According to the Crown opening, police gave Wu verbal commands to move down the hallway and he responded by crawling on his hands and knees down the passageway.

When asked by police who had committed the crime, Wu answered, “I did it.” During the trial, the accused called several expert witnesses

who testified that at the time of the offence Wu’s mental functioning was impaired and he was in the middle of a “dissociative” episode.

approval process” to remove a reservation bylaw on a portion of the park, which is necessary to begin construction.

Some residents have formed a group called Save Surrey Parks and tried to block the bylaw change with a petition, but did not collect enough signatures. They have also held rallies and attended council and committee meetings to protest the road. Work is expected to begin in January. On Monday, council authorized staff to proceed with the implementation of the project,

including making land purchases to increase the park size and make improvements. The city clerk will also bring forward the final reading of a bylaw to remove the reservation.

Coun. Judy Villeneuve said it was a challenging decision, and applauded the public for getting involved. She said she made her choice to support the road project based on environmental and planning principles.

“I think council has struggled to make a responsible decision,” she said.

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NDP MLA looking into grant awarded by former gov’t to Surrey-based society NDP MLA from Delta North Ravi Kahlon is trying to determine how a Surrey society run by three men with B.C. Liberal party links received a $200,000 government grant less than three weeks after it was incorporated.

“I’m kind of blown away by it, to be honest with you,” said Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon, who is the parliamentary secretary for sport and multiculturalism. “It’s amazing how this went about.”

In February 2017, Surrey businessmen Satnam Johal and Kulwinder Singh Badesha

sent a letter to former Housing Minister Rich Coleman asking for $200,000 in financial support for a proposed “community well-being centre” to connect youths and seniors in the Fraser Valley and Surrey. The letter stated that the centre would include affordable housing for seniors and a health and wellness centre.

The idea was to build the centre under the umbrella of an organization called the New Horizons Village Society. The society’s mantra is “Elders can be young and youth

can be responsible.”

Kahlon said he’s been active in the South of Fraser area and South Asian community and “we’ve never heard of this proposal before.”

According to corporate records, New Horizons Village Society was incorporated on March 1. A day later, it changed its name to Horizons Village Society. It has three listed directors: Badesha, Johal and Jagmohan Singh. Jagmohan Singh (left) and Satnam Johal are listed as directors for New Horizons Village Society.

Jagmohan Singh (left) and Satnam Johal are listed as directors for New Horizons Village Society. It is not listed as a registered charity with the federal government. Singh ran unsuccessfully for the B.C. Liberals in 2009 in the riding of Surrey-Panorama.

Johal was intending to run for the Liberals in the most recent election, but failed in nomination fights in two ridings. Badesha said he is a member of the B.C. Liberals.

Distracted drivers to get hit with higher insurance premiums BC’s provincial government has announced it will be targeting distracted drivers with higher insurance premiums.

The change will mean distracted driving will be considered a high-risk behaviour under the ICBC Driver Risk Premium program. Driver Risk Premium charges

are fees above and beyond a regular car insurance plan, and can be charged even if the driver does not own or insure a vehicle.

Think you’re safe to use your phone at a stop? Think again. This means a driver with two distracted driving tickets in a three-year period could see their financial

penalties rise up to as much as $2,000.

Currently about 12,000 people in B.C. have multiple distracted driving offences.

The change will result in an extra $3 million to $5 million in additional premiums for the provincial insurance corporation.

Attorney General David Eby said the

measure is meant to curb the dangerous behaviour. “Distracted driving continues to put people in danger and significant pressure on insurance rates for all drivers,” he said in a statement. “Taking action to improve safety and penalize dangerous behaviours benefits all British Columbians

Two South Asian wrestlers are among new inductees added to Richmond Sports Wall of Fame Two south Asians are among the 9 outstanding individuals in the categories of athletes, builders, coaches and officials are among the local sports heroes who will be permanently inducted into the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame on Saturday, November 18 at Richmond City Hall.

The two are wrestler Arjan Singh Bhullar – 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist - and Kanwal Singh Neel in the “official” category. “Sport is an important part of our community’s heritage, as well as providing lifelong benefits to its participants and inspiration for us all,”

said Mayor Malcolm 34 individuals and teams that have been inducted into Brodie. “It is an honour to recognize each of the Richmond Sports Wall this year’s inductees of Fame. The Wall honours for their achievements individuals and teams who have played significant roles and dedication to in building Richmond’s sports their sport by having them inducted into the community and/or excelled at their sport. Induction Richmond Sport Wall of categories include: Pioneer, Fame.” This is the third Arjan Bhullar year of inductions into Builder, Coach, Official, the Richmond Sport Wall of Fame, which Athlete, Masters Athlete, Team and Special was launched in 2015. There are presently Achievement.

Canadian Muslim community mourns the loss of innocent lives in Texas church shooting Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada condemns terror attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada condemns the horrific shooting that took place inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherlands Springs and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

It is reported that a man opened gunfire in the

church, killing 26 people.

“We are deeply grieved by the senseless attack that took place inside the First Baptist Church. Islam teaches us that all places of worship are sacred.” says National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada, Mr. Lal Khan Malik. “It is devastating that massacre occurred when peaceful members of congregation were engaged in prayers.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada prays for solace and fortitude for all those left bereaved or affected by this tragedy.

Child dies in fall from apartment balcony in Burnaby A child died Saturday afternoon in a fall from the balcony or window of a Burnaby apartment high-rise.

Burnaby RCMP have confirmed the death, and are on scene at Timberlea Towers at 3771 Bartlett Court in the Sullivan Heights area.

The child, reportedly an eight-year-old girl, is believed to have fallen at least 20 floors.

Investigators are now looking for anyone who may have witnessed the fall, which occurred while a parent was at home, according to Burnaby RCMP Staff Sgt. Dale Carr.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

DREAM CARPET

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NATIONAL

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Life sentence for driver whose gas and dash killed South Asian man The SUV driver who hit and fatally dragged a gas station attendant in 2012 has been sentenced to life in prison and won’t be eligible for parole for 16 years.

Max Tutiven, 44, was found guilty by a jury in October of second-degree murder in the death of Jayesh Prajapati, 44.

On the night of Sept. 15, 2012, Tutiven drove his SUV to a Shell station at Roselawn and Marlee Aves., where Prajapati was working as an attendant. Tutiven filled up with $112.85 worth of gas before driving away without paying. Jayesh tried to stop him, but was hit and dragged by the vehicle for 78 metres down Roselawn Ave., court was told.

Tutiven fled the scene. He was arrested three years later in Montreal.

“Mr. Tutiven’s actions in callously killing a vulnerable victim, his lengthy criminal record

and absence of any real prospect of rehabilitation call for a sentence that denounces the conduct, deters others and protects the public,” Judge Maureen Forestell said in her ruling Wednesday.

Defence lawyer Edward Sapiano told reporters outside court that his client will likely Vaishali Prajapati stands with her son Rishabh Prajapati and brother appeal the verdict and the Kaushik Dalwadi outside the courthouse. sentence. sentencing hearing last week, Sapiano “Mr. Tutiven said all the people who described Tutiven as an “honest criminal.” think he’s a demon should make a financial Tutiven has 69 past convictions for theft, donation to the family or their words aren’t assault and dangerous driving. He had fled worth much,” Sapiano said. two prior accident scenes and in 2008 had Tutiven had pleaded not guilty. He testified his driver’s licence suspended for life. Tutiven that he heard a dragging sound under his had committed several gas thefts on other SUV as he pulled out of the gas station, but occasions leading up to killing Prajapati he assumed it was a pylon. At his client’s in 2012. Prajapati’s widow Vaishali spoke

briefly with reporters Wednesday “What happened to my husband was really bad and I wouldn’t wish it to happen to anyone else,” she said through a translator. She and their son Rishabh shared their victim impact statements Nov. 1, while Tutiven stared without expression straight ahead. “I haven’t been able to experience a single day with peace or happiness,” Vaishali wrote in her statement read aloud by Crown attorney Jenny Rodopoulos. “My son has beared too much pain for a lifetime.” Rishabh, 16, spoke in his statement of a loving and caring father who he will always miss. “I want to thank you for being the first person I ever loved,” he said. “I would be completely lost in this world without you.”

Britain’s ‘Jihadi Jack’ could end up in Canadian hands after months in the custody of Kurdish militias For two years, his tale has captivated Britain, the press inevitably dubbing him “Jihadi Jack.”

Jack Letts, a teenage convert to Islam from Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, traveled to Syria in 2014, ended up in the de-facto ISIL capital of Raqqa and was accused of joining the extremist group.

In the meantime, his parents were subjected to a unique criminal prosecution, charged with aiding a terrorist organization for trying to send their son £1,723 they hoped would help him escape.

Now it is possible Letts – who actually came to vehemently oppose the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, according to his parents – could end up in the hands of Canadian authorities.

Though rarely mentioned in British media, the 20-year-old is a joint U.K.-Canadian citizen, and once even had a Canadian passport.

He has been in the custody of Kurdish militias for five months, and they have said that parents John Letts – a Canadian native – and Sally Lane, a joint BritishCanadian citizen, have proposed he be released to officials from this country.

In an exchange of emails with the National Post Tuesday, the couple said they are sending letters to Canadian MPs to lobby for action by this country, saying their son’s case has been poisoned in the U.K. by inaccurate news reporting and intolerant politicians.

Global Affairs Canada said it was prevented by privacy legislation from saying much about the case, but has its eyes on the situation.

“We are aware of these reports and closely monitoring the situation,” said Brianne Maxwell, a Global Affairs spokeswoman.

In the meantime, there is disagreement about his role in the region, and current condition.

Letts’ parents fear he is being tortured in a Kurdish jail they suspect is a “Guantanamostyle” black site for accused terrorists, while British authorities refuse to intervene.

They have not heard from him since July.

“Jack himself stupidly went to ‘see for himself what was going on,’ ” they wrote on their Free Jack Letts Facebook page. “While he is guilty of stupidity, he is not actually guilty of violence or any other offence…. He worked against IS with friends and colleagues for two years inside Mosul and Raqqa.”

In a statement that was first reported by the BBC, though, officials in the selfdeclared Kurdish region of northern Syria said he had been charged with being a member of ISIL, and strongly refuted any suggestion that he is being mistreated.

Meanwhile, Letts is being investigated by “local and global anti-terror units,” they said.

NATIONAL

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Sikhs celebrate Gurpurab across greater Toronto area Sikhs in the Greater Toronto Area — and around the globe — celebrated Gurpurab, the birthday of the Sikh religion’s founder, on Saturday.

An event at the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada in Mississauga paid tribute to the Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, as well as an early Remembrance Day gathering to honour the service of Sikh soldiers in Canada and the former British Commonwealth.

Canada’s own Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, made an appearance at the Museum’s festivities, which included an exhibit of artifacts from both World Wars and traditional Gurpurab celebrations at the nearby Malton gurdwara. Pardeep Singh Nagra, executive director of the Sikh

Heritage Museum, said that Sikh soldiers — and Sikh culture more broadly — have a long, rich history in Canada.

Gurpurab is among the holiest days of the Sikh religious calendar. It is traditionally celebrated with feasting, donations of food to charity, parades, and music, along with religious observances in gurdwaras.

Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly on Saturday released a statement marking the occasion, saying: “Canada is proud to be home to one of the largest Sikh communities outside India. As we celebrate Canada 150 and our rich diversity, the birthday of Guru Nanak is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the enormous contribution that Sikh Canadians have made to our society.”

5 naked people arrested in Edmonton for kidnapping a family RCMP say charges are pending for kidnapping and resisting arrest in connection with a two-vehicle crash in Nisku on Monday.

Investigators said a man, woman and a six-week-old baby from a Leduc County home were “forced into a vehicle against their will” at around 9:30 a.m. The man, who was put in the trunk, was able to escape, police said. They said the woman and the baby managed to get away a short time later.

A witness picked up all three in his truck, which was rammed from the back by the suspect vehicle. RCMP said the suspect vehicle ended up in the ditch.

Five people — all from the suspect vehicle — were arrested on Township Road 510 at around 9:45 a.m, RCMP said Monday. All five were not wearing clothes.

Leduc RCMP said two of the five suspects arrested were youths and have been released with no charges. Three adults remain in police custody.

“Charges are pending against the adults for kidnapping and resist arrest,” RCMP said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

“Investigation remains ongoing into several other components of this incident.”

The three people who were forced into the vehicle were not injured, RCMP said.

RCMP believe this was a targeted incident and all parties know each other.

Investigators said Monday they believe drugs and alcohol could be factors in the collision.

Dustin Horutko works in the area. He was on his way back from a supply run shortly before 10 a.m. when he came across the scene on Township Road 510.

“There was a big commotion, cops everywhere,” he said. “Car in the ditch and it looked like they were trying to get in the car, they were all surrounding it.

“All of a sudden, they got in the car — I think they ripped the doors off — then I saw bodies come flying out and they looked like they were wearing really light clothing until they were closer to me and I realized they were all naked.”

Horutko said it looked like all five were women in their 20s.

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Legal Aid Ontario is asking questions as similarities found in Niggerian asylum claims Nigerian asylum seekers in Canada are making so many similar claims based on sexual orientation that Legal Aid Ontario is worried about some claims may be fabricated.

Jawad Kassab, who leads the refugee and immigration program at Legal Aid Ontario, said the agency has identified an “unusual” pattern in sexual orientation claims filed by Nigerian refugee seekers this year. He said the agency has written to five lawyers who represent a “high volume” of those cases and asked if they can help explain what’s behind it.

He would not name the lawyers.

Kassab said he is concerned that if claims are fabricated, refugees with legitimate claims might have a harder time getting the help they need. “It galls me because of the potential impact that it could have on the refugee system and the Canadian public’s perception of refugee claimants and refugees in a very vulnerable time globally,” he said.

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-sex Marriage Prohibition Act into law on Jan. 7, 2014.

The law allows for up to 10 years in prison for belonging to a gay rights groups and up to 14 years imprisonment for engaging in homosexual behaviour.

The Nigerian government outlawed same-sex relationships in 2014. Arbitrary arrests, extortion and mob violence against those believed to be homosexual have become more common since then, according to New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization.

Lawyers

who represent Nigerian refugees say that may explain the recent spike in Nigerian refugee applications based on sexual orientation.

“It’s almost like a war zone for homosexuals,” said immigration lawyer Richard Odeleye.

“You cannot expect people to put up with that, and they have to leave.” Odeleye, who said he received one of the letters from Legal Aid Ontario, says he finds the suggestion that lawyers may be coaching clients to fabricate their stories “insulting” and “discriminatory.”

About 90 per cent of the refugee claims made by Nigerians in Canada are heard in Toronto.

Kassab said Legal Aid Ontario, which covers the legal costs for most refugee claims heard in the province, became suspicious after a routine review of refugee applications showed that 60 to 70 per cent of about 600 Nigerian claims made in Ontario since April were based on persecution because of sexual orientation. Kassab described that number as “high, relative to other countries.”

Kassab said the stories often involved a married person whose spouse discovered them with a same-sex partner. The married couple then reconciled and they and the same-sex partner all applied for refugee status in Canada over fears of persecution in Nigeria. Calgary-based activist says LGBT refugees struggle to heal, prove persecution Funding uncertainty could stall LGBT refugee resettlement, advocates say Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan bans gay meetings

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NATIONAL

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Are you earning a middle-class income? Here’s what it takes in Canada, based on where you live The middle class is a funny thing.Though economists don’t have a single definition for it, the term does indicate a group of people who stand in the middle of an income distribution.

And yet, everyone — rich or poor — thinks they’re middle class. Surveys have shown this over and over both in Canada and the U.S. It’s one reason why politicians love the word so much: When they say “middle class,” the vast majority of voters thinks it’s about them, even though it might not be.

So what does it take in Canada to be in the middle class? The median household income reached $70,336 in 2015, according to the latest census data. That is the middle point of

An Algerian man is set to sue the federal government for the abuses he says he suffered at the hands of American security

the national income ladder. But as everyone knows, $70,000 a year can be plenty — or not — depending on where you live. So Global News asked Statistics Canada to provide data showing the household income distribution in census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations across the country. StatsCan came up with local income rankings based on the 2016 census and sliced them up into five groups of equal size. The middle three groups, or quintiles, represent what you might call the middle class. The numbers refer to all households, that is, individuals living alone, couples, couples with children, single parents with children and groups of two or more

individuals living together under the same roof.

Here’s what the middle class looks like across Canada: In Alberta ‘middle class’ often means a six-figure income The data highlights “very big differences across the country,” said Kevin Milligan, professor of economics at the University of British Columbia. For example, Fort McMurray, in the heart of Alberta’s Athabasca oil sands, is a “huge outlier,” said Milligan. As of 2015, when the census data was collected, it took a household income of over $91,000 just to make it into the very bottom of Fort McMurray’s middle class. To be in the third quintile — the middle section of the middle class — you had to be making, roughly,

Ex-Guantanamo captive set to sue Canadian gov’t forces after he left Canada 15 years ago.

The unproven allegations by Djamel

between $163,000 and $221,000. Being in the top quintile took around $300,000, over twice the minimum of $131,000 it takes, on average, in Canada. Middle-class incomes in Alberta often cross the $100,000 mark, including in both Calgary and Edmonton.

Edmonton’s middle class needs to make at least six figures to afford properties like this two-storey penthouse in Edmonton’s Ultima Tower. It’s $3.13 million and comes with a Bentley. Edmonton’s middle class needs to make at least six figures to afford properties like this two-storey penthouse in Edmonton’s Ultima Tower. It’s $3.13 million and comes with a Bentley.

constituted acquiescence and tacit consent to the torture inflicted upon Ameziane, who was never charged or the plaintiff,” the lawsuit alleges. Canadian prosecuted, raise further questions about intelligence, the suit alleges, began sharing Canada’s complicity in the abuse of information with the Americans after detainees at Guantanamo Bay — a topic his failing to pick up on the 1999 lawyer said demands a full-scale “Millennium plot” in which public inquiry.

“My current Ahmed Ressam, another situation is really bad, I am Algerian who had been living struggling to survive,” Ameziane, in Montreal, aimed to blow 50, said from near Algiers. “I was up the Los Angeles airport. repatriated from Guantanamo After 9/11, Canadian agents and left like almost homeless. I interrogated Ameziane at the couldn’t find a job because of the infamous American prison Guantanamo stigma and my age, in Cuba, as they did Canada’s Djamel Ameziane at his so a settlement would be very Omar Khadr, according to the home outside Algiers on helpful to me to get my life back Wednesday, May 20, 2015 claim. Ameziane’s Edmontontogether.” In a draft statement based lawyer, Nate Whitling, of claim obtained by The Canadian Press, said the government’s recent out-of-court Ameziane seeks damages of $50 million on settlement — worth a reported $10.5 million the grounds that Canada’s security services — with Khadr over violation of his rights co-operated with their U.S. counterparts has prevented scrutiny of Canada’s alleged even though they knew the Americans complicity in abuses at Guantanamo Bay. A were abusing him. “The Crown’s conduct judicial inquiry is needed, Whitling said.

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Ukrainian man takes Chrystia Freeland to court over sanctions After trying seven times to get the Canadian business and personal relationships. global affairs minister to remove his name Paul Manafort paid millions by party from a list of foreigners subject to economic known as ‘haven for mobsters’ in Ukraine: sanctions, a Ukrainian man is taking legal intelligence report The respondent in the case action in Canada’s federal court. is Canada’s minister of global affairs, Chrystia Andriy Portnov, who served under Viktor Freeland. “Global Affairs Canada cannot Yanukovych before the Ukrainian president comment on matters before the courts,” was ousted from power amid spokesman Brendan Sutton 2014 anti-government protests, said Monday evening. Political remains on a list of former officials staff in the minister’s office did sanctioned by the Canadian not respond to requests for government. Today he is a lawyer additional comment. working in Austria.

Portnov’s current situation His Canadian legal team says originated with a letter Ukraine’s there’s a “very strong case” that he prosecutor general sent to should no longer be among those Stephen Harper’s Conservative affected by regulations that freeze government in 2014, which Foreign Minister assets held in Canada. listed individuals that the Chrystia Freeland Portnov doesn’t hold any such Ukrainian government believed assets. But lawyer John Boscariol at McCarthy had misappropriated state funds while Tétrault LLP in Toronto told the Post Tuesday working under the previous administration. it is “really unusual and frankly unfair” that This gave Canada the legal rationale to place Canada remains, to his knowledge, the only Portnov and 17 other people on a list, under country in the world that still holds sanctions the Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign against Portnov — despite his exoneration in Officials Act, prohibiting them from dealing Ukrainian and European Union courts. in any property, financial transactions or “Canada is respected internationally for services in Canada or with Canadians. its view on rule of law and human rights, Since then, Boscariol said, Portnov has and it’s a very odd situation to have all other been exonerated. “We’ve had countries and countries either not list him at all or remove courts around the world determine that he him from their lists, but Canada still continues shouldn’t have been listed in the first place, to list him,” Boscariol said. “And that has a that there was no basis for including him in significant reputational impact on him.” that letter. And the government of Canada An application for judicial review filed with has been given that information,” he told the the federal court Friday argues his presence Post. In a different legal action, the General on the list leaves him “publicly humiliated” Court of the European Union formally struck and has “negatively impacted” his political, sanctions against Portnov in October 2015.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says drug addiction is a social issue - not criminal justice At the B.C. NDP convention this weekend, the federal leader says he has witnessed the devastation of opioid addictions, and called on the federal government to declare a national crisis.

Jagmeet Singh says he’s witnessed the devastation of British Columbia’s opioid overdose epidemic and it breaks his heart.

The federal New Democrat Party leader said he visited an overdose prevention site in Vancouver this week where he saw people struggling with addiction and learned how to administer the overdosebusting medication Naloxone.

Singh told about 2,000 delegates attending the B.C. NDP convention on Saturday that Canada’s drug laws should reflect that drug addiction is a social justice issue and not a criminal justice matter. He called on the federal government to declare opioid addiction a national crisis.

Singh drew a standing ovation when he said the New Democrats would decriminalize personal possession of all drugs, not just marijuana.

“I saw that people’s lives are being destroyed while the federal

government does little or nothing and it breaks my heart,” he said.

“I saw with my own eyes the devastation of the opioid crisis.”

Singh said addiction is rooted in issues of poverty and mental health.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he visited an opioid overdose prevention site in Vancouver this week.

“To me poverty, mental health and addictions don’t sound like criminal justice problems,” he said.

“They sound to me like a social justice problem. That’s why I’m calling for the decriminalization of all personal possession offences when it comes to drugs to make a difference in the lives of people and actually bring real change.”

Singh, elected NDP leader last month, said the federal New Democrats must become the party that represents the lives and hopes of Canadians.

“We get it,” he said. “We are the party that hears the stories of people, the struggles. We must again be the party that inspires Canadians.

FINANCE

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SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

‘They cannot silence us’: Kabul TV station back on air moments after terrorist attack A defiant Kabul TV station was back on the air Tuesday moments after the end of an attack by gunmen who had stormed the broadcaster, killing at least one person and leaving two dozen wounded.

The assault on Shamshad TV by terrorists disguised as policemen, which was claimed by the Islamic State group, highlights the risks facing journalists who are increasingly targets in the war-torn country.

After about three hours of fighting Afghan special forces overpowered the attackers, who were armed with guns and grenades, and freed staff trapped inside the building.

“The attack has ended. According to the commander of the special forces all the staff who were inside the building have been rescued,” Shamshad TV announced as it went back on the air.

A Shamshad news presenter, his hands bandaged after cutting himself on glass as he fled the attackers, told viewers that 20 colleagues had been wounded. Six were in a critical condition.

“We have all come back (to work), all our journalists and colleagues are back on duty,” he said.

Shamshad news director Abid Ehsas,

interviewed by rival Tolo News at a hospital in the Afghan capital where some of his wounded colleagues were being treated, said: “This is an attack on freedom of media but they cannot silence us.”

The station reported that one attacker blew himself up at the gate. Another went inside and shot at staff before going up to the roof to fire at security forces.

Special forces had to blast their way through a wall of the compound to enter the premises of the Pashto-language broadcaster.

“I was in my office when gunmen wearing policeuniformsattackedthebuilding,”Ehsassaid.

“They killed one of our guards and entered the building and started firing. Most of us were able to flee but some were wounded and some jumped out of the windows.”

He said the station had not received any threats before the attack.

Gunshots could be heard inside the building every few minutes during the assault as more and more security forces and emergency services swarmed the area.

An employee told AFP he had seen three attackers entering the building on security cameras.

Blogger murder suspect arrested in Bangladesh An Islamist militant has been arrested in connection with the murder of a prominent US blogger who was hacked to death by machete-wielding assailants in Dhaka in 2015, police said today.

Abu Siddiqui Sohel alias Sakib, 34, was arrested by the counter-terrorism unit last night from the Mohamadpur area in the capital, they said.

Sakib had joined Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) in 2014 and he was associated with its intelligence wing, police said.

The ABT is blamed for the murder of more than a dozen progressive bloggers and rights activists between 2013 and 2016, most in gruesome machete attacks.

Sakib was produced before the magistrate where he made the confessional statement for over three hours today.

“He (Sakib) disclosed that a total of eight militantstookpartinthemissiontokill(blogger) Avijit Roy,” a court official told reporters.

Roy, known for his critique of religious extremism, was hacked to death by machete-wielding assailants as he left a

book fair with his wife, who was critically injured in the assault on February 26, 2015.

Sakib said he was not directly involved in the murder but admitted his links with the banned ABT, the official said.

A police officer familiar with the process said Sakib earlier admitted that Roy was murdered on directives of rouge and deserted army officer called Major Zia. Officials said sacked major Syed Ziaul Haque was the key-mastermind of the murder of secular writers and bloggers.

The ABT, a homegrown militant group with links to Al-Qaeda, was banned by the government in 2015.

Latest Comment Wait a minute. --- Sakib was only following certain teachings of Islam.

Detaining or Punishing Sakib is not going to solve anything. The root problem is how to get rid of those teachings of Islam for... Read MoreJustice For All Sakib’s arrest came as six other suspects await trial in the case.

Pakistani official shot dead in Afghanistan A Pakistani diplomatic official was shot province, which borders Pakistan. The foreign dead in Afghanistan on Monday, officials ministry statement said Rana had finished “his said, but the motive for the deadly attack three year tenure in Jalalabad and was due to was not immediately clear. return to headquarters”. Khan said Two assailants riding a he had “absolutely no idea” why Rana, a father of five, was targeted. motorbike opened fire on Nayyar Iqbl Rana, 52, at a shop in the Despite escalating violence across eastern city of Jalalabad, Pakistan’s Afghanistan, diplomats are rarely killed in the country where they ambassador to Afghanistan Zahid Nasrullah Khan said. “When are protected by very tight security. he went to the hospital he was The incident comes a few months after two Pakistani diplomats pronounced dead,” Khan said.

Nayyar Iqbl Rana, 52 No arrests have been made so far. working at the same consulate Rana was the assistant to the consul general in Jalalabad were kidnapped and later freed. in Jalalabad, the capital of restive Nangarhar

Revolution hits Kathmandu, roads fall silent In six months, road users in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, have learned to cringe at using the car horn unnecessarily. “I feel embarrassed now when I occasionally blow the horn,” said Rajaram Dangal, a hotel manager. “I feel like people are staring at me from all around.” Clearly, the traffic police’s slogan of “Let’s be civilised, let’s not use the horn” is working.

Making Dangal give up his instinctive action at the wheel has not been easy.

Like in most old South Asian cities, horns seem a matter of life and death in Kathmandu, with its narrow, congested, pot holed roads. Pedestrians-and animals - cross the roads at will too. There are no traffic lights and road dividers. And yet today, you only hear a few stray beeps on the street. Even these sound tentative and have none of the aggressive, let-methrough tone that you find in, say, Delhi.

The induction of a no-nonsense officer to head the traffic police, a ban on horns, strict vigilance, a fine of Rs 500 (Rs 315 in Indian currency) and threat of public ignominy have brought a degree of silence on the noisy streets.

Noise pollution had reached unhealthy highs in the Nepalese capital.

A study in the Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology in 2007, when traffic volumes were much lower, had put the decibel level in a major city area at up to 110 dB. \Compare this to the average of 75dB in Delhi on October 21this year, a day after Diwali. \After clamping down on honking, 15,500 people have been hauled up.Sarbendra Khanal, traffic police chief, said this was achieved despite the cops having no mechanical device to pinpoint the horn sound and so facing challenges from people to prove they had violated the ban. And yet, the quietude of sorts is holding out.

“It’s early days still, but I feel mindsets are changing,” Khanal was optimistic. The government’s intent to change the street ambience was enunciated in no less than Khanal’s selection to head the traffic police soon after the announcement of the ban.

What did DIG Khanal bring to the table?

“You can Google my name,” he prompted.

Nepal opens bridge built with India’s help near China border Nepal on Sunday inaugurated a bridge built with India’s financial assistance of $430,626 on the Kaligandaki river near China border.

The bridge at Jomsom area in Mustang district not only provides direct motorable connectivity to people of Mustang but also benefits thousands of tourists and pilgrims visiting the famous Muktinath temple and upper Mustang for trekking, the Indian Embassy here said in a statement.

The newly-constructed Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) bridge was inaugurated by ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri.

India had extended a total of 44.5 million Nepali rupees ($430,626 or 2.7 crore Indian rupees) as financial assistance for its construction as part of India-Nepal Economic Cooperation (INEC) programme, the statement said.

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Sukhbir says Khaira should not blame others Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD chief, has flayed Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira for alleging political vendetta in connection with a drug case, for which a Fazilka court had summoned him. “He should face the court,” he said.

He said this at a meeting in Jalalabad segment’s Rohiwala village. He was on a thanksgiving

visit to the constituency that re-elected him.

“For political gains, Khaira has become habitual of raising hue and cry on every administrative or judicial development. If the prosecution moves an application to summon Khaira in the drug case in which his near or dear ones were sentenced, he has no right to blame any politician,” Sukhbir added.

Gurpurb date row reaches Akal Takht Confusion prevails among the Sikh community over the date of birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh due to the calendar row. As per the original Nanakshahi calendar, Gurpurb falls on January 5, but as per its amended version, the occasion falls on December 25. As an exception, the SGPC wants to extend this date to January 5, as December 25 coincides with the martyrdom days of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons. Takht

Man gets 10-year jail in drug case A local court has given a 10-year imprisonment to a Nawanshahr resident in a drug case.

The convict, Baljit Singh, has also been directed to pay Rs 1 lakh as fine.

The case dates back to August 15 last year when the UT police had arrested him with 160 banned injections from Sector 43 here. He had changed his way on seeing a police patrolling team coming towards him, which made the cops suspicious. The policemen chased him and recovered 160 injections of Buprerurphine from a bag he was carrying.

The 26-year-old youth could not produce a licence to keep the drug, following which he was arrested. A case under Section 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered against him at the Sector 36 police station.

Schools shut for 3 days due to fog, bad weather The Punjab school education department has issued directions to keep all schools, government as well as private, in the state closed for the next three days.

The schools will reopen on Monday as November 12 is Sunday.

A statement to this effect was issued by Education Minister Aruna Chaudhary today.

As dense fog is enveloping the state and poor visibility on the roads has led to increase in mishaps and loss of human life, all schools will remain closed from November 9 to November 11, said Paramjit Singh, director, school education department.

In a letter to all circle education officers and district education officers, the school education director conveyed today that the authorities will ensure that the orders are implemented in all government, private, government-aided and non-aided schools.

Despite the closure in all government schools from November 9 to November 11, the supplementary exams for Classes X and XII, starting from November 10 to November 21, will be conducted as per schedule, said Krishan Kumar, secretary, school education department.

Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh said Gurpurb was fixed on ‘Poh (Sudi 7)’, which falls on December 25 and it would be celebrated at Patna Sahib with fervour. He cautioned the SGPC not to interfere in Patna Sahib affairs which was a separate entity.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has called up the clergy meet on November 13 in which the issue would be discussed.

PUNJAB

23

Bhalla first Sikh mayor of US city Ravinder Bhalla has become the first- state, and faith in our country; this is what ever Sikh mayor of New Jersey’s Hoboken America is all about,” he told his supporters. city after a stiff competition that turned “We’ve been through a bruising campaign... ugly when he was labelled a but now is the time we come together terrorist in slanderous flyers. and see who we can work with to Bhalla was endorsed by current bring this city forward,” he said.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer, who in a He bested a six-person field of surprising decision announced challengers that included council not to run for re-election in June. members Michael DeFusco and Jennifer Giattino, as well He is the first Sikh to hold elected office in New Jersey. as Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, the report said.

Bhalla, who has been on Ravinder Bhalla The race turned ugly in recent the city council for more than seven years, claimed the victory at days when doctored campaign fliers began Moran’s Pub on Garden Street yesterday circulating anonymously attacking Bhalla. with dozens of his supporters, as well as Last week, Bhalla was labelled a terrorist in his friends and family, NJ.com reported. slanderous flyers left on car windshields.

The recent flyers were not the first time he “Thank you Hoboken. I look forward to being your Mayor!” Bhalla tweeted. had been referred to as a terrorist. A Jersey City “Thank you for having faith in me, for man previously tweeted: “How the hell did having faith in our community, faith in our Hoboken allow this guy to be a councilman?

24

PUNJAB

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Captain not behind drug plot against me: Khaira After accusing the Congress and the Akalis of a joint conspiracy to link him with drug smugglers, Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira (pictured) said Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh was not involved in hatching the conspiracy. Addressing a press conference here, Khaira said he had information that the CM was not part of the political vendetta unleashed against him. “I have information that the CM has reportedly told his party members that he doesn’t see any evidence against me.

But as a leader of the party, he is responsible for the actions of those who have done it,” Khaira said. He alleged that he knew who had hatched the conspiracy and would soon expose them.

Khaira targeted the alleged incomplete probe on drug links of former Akali Minister Bikram Singh Majithia. He said as the Enforcement Directorate had not made public the present status of the investigations, an organisation called Lawyers for Human Rights International led by advocate and AAP leader Navkiran Singh had moved a petition in Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the status report of the ED investigation on the alleged drug links of Majithia. Khaira said the petition would come up for hearing on November 28. He said the petition had attached statements of the three drug smugglers for whom they worked for.

9 students died, 4 injured by a speeding truck in Bathinda Nine students from Rampura Phul area were run over by a speeding truck when the bus in which they were travelling in broke down and they were waiting for an alternative transport on the roadside. The mishap occurred near Chetak Park, on the city’s outskirts, on the BathindaChandigarh highway.

Belongings of the students who ran over by The rashly driven a speeding truck in dense fog. truck first rammed and saved his life by jumping to the other a Tata Sumo and then the students who side as seeing the truck coming towards were standing on the roadside. After the them. He also suffered minor injuries. incident the truck driver fled from the spot.

He said, “We all were coming from Rampura Of the 14 students waiting there, nine died in and nearby areas in a private bus, which met the accident, four were injured and were under with an accident as a PRTC bus rammed treatment at civil hospital and Adesh Medical it from behind, due to which we all came College. These were students of different walking a few meters and then started waiting colleges and coaching classes in Bathinda. for a bus on the roadside over the bridge.

The accident occurred as a thick blanket Meanwhile, a speeding truck came and hit us.” of smog had enveloped the region and The incident also led to a pile-up involving there was poor visibility on the roads. a PRTC bus, a private bus and four to five Bathinda DC Diprava Lakra and cars 50 metres away from the spot. However, SSP Naveen Singla rushed to the spot. no casualties were reported in it, though Survivor of the incident Prince, resident a few people were injured. All the injured of Rampura and student of BA at DAV were rushed to the civil hospital in Bathinda.

College, said he was standing at the last

84,000 bags of wheat damaged in Moga Around 84,000 bags of wheat stored was unfit for human consumption, in the in open plinths by the Punjab Agro open market for making animal feed to Foodgrains Corporation (PAFC) at cover the losses. By doing so, the figures of Kot Sadar Khan village of Dharamkot losses could be covered to a great extent. subdivision here have got damaged due He said a large quantity of wheat stock to rain and adverse weather conditions. pertaining to the 2014-2015 season of Sources in PAFC revealed that a huge all state procurement agencies had been quantity of wheat got damaged due to damaged across the state because central negligence of a few staff members against procurement agency Food Corporation whom an inquiry had of India already been initiated by (FCI) had the senior authorities of shown less the procurement agency. interest in This stock of wheat purchasing was procured by the w h e a t corporation in 2014 and during that 2015 in Moga district. period. As Since then, it was stored a result, Bags of wheat stored in open air in open plinths on the the state outskirts of the village.

The authorities concerned did not cover the procurement agencies had to purchase wheat stock properly with tarpaulins due wheat stocks beyond their capacities, to which the bags of wheat were exposed which was also one of the reasons for to rain and adverse weather conditions. problems in storage that led to damage.

According to an estimate, more than Meanwhile, there were reports that 42,000 quintals of wheat got damaged. huge quantities of wheat stored by Initial reports suggest that the losses various state procurement agencies in could be to the tune of Rs 6 crore. the open plinths were also damaged in Tejpal Singh, District Manager of the Dharamkot, Baghapurana and Moga PAFC, said the corporation had decided subdivisions due to improper storage. to sell the damaged wheat stock, which

1 cr registered vehicles, but no nodal agency on safety In 1966, there were around 1,200 traffic policemen for 45,000 vehicles on the state roads. Fifty years down the line, the number of registered vehicles has increased almost 200 times to touch 1 crore, while the deployment of traffic police remains almost unchanged. There are 16 departments responsible for road safety, but in the absence of a single nodal agency, it remains nobody’s baby. As a result, 5,077 people died in road accidents in the state last year. It comes to 14 deaths a day. SK Sharma, former DGP and chairman of NGO Society for Accident

Aid and Traffic Help (SATH), says the main reason is lack of coordination among the 16 departments. Experts feel the solution lies in a common nodal agency. The Punjab Governance Reforms Commission and Punjab Road Safety Policy, 2014, had also recommended a nodal agency, but no action was taken.

As per Punjab Road Accidents and Traffic 2016, a report prepared by the police, there are 1,535 police officials deployed for traffic duties in the state. In 50 years, the increase is just around 300 policemen.

INDIA

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

UK court rejects 2 extradition pleas by India A British court hearing the extradition case of embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya has rejected two extradition requests by the Indian authorities in recent weeks.

Judges at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London ruled in favour of UK-based

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya

alleged bookie Sanjeev Kumar Chawla on October 16 and also discharged a fraud case against a British-Indian couple, Jatinder and Asha Rani Angurala, on October 12.

Doctors in India see patients for barely 2 minutes: Study The average time that India’s neighbourhood doctors, called primary care consultants, spend with patients is a negligible two minutes. Neighbouring Bangladesh and Pakistan seem worse off, with the length of medical consultation averaging 48 seconds and 1.3 minutes, respectively, according to the largest international study on consulting time, published in medical journal BMJ Open. Contrast this with first-world countries such as Sweden, the US or Norway where a consultation crosses 20 minutes on an average. “It is concerning that 18 countries covering around 50% of the world’s population have a latest-reported mean consultation length of five minutes or less.

Bangladeshi rapist gets jail till his death A Sessions Court in Kolkata today sentenced Bangladeshi national Nazrul Islam, alias Naju, to imprisonment till death for raping an elderly nun during a robbery at a convent at Ranaghat in Nadia district of West Bengal in 2015. Additional District and Sessions Judge Kumkum Singha had yesterday convicted Nazrul Islam of rape while five others of the seven-member gang were also held guilty. One accused is still on the run. Four members of the gang — Milan Kumar Sarkar, Ohidul Islam, Mohammad Salim Sheikh and Kholadar Rahaman — were convicted for robbery and awarded 10-year imprisonment. Gopal Sarkar, who was held guilty for harbouring the accused, has been handed a seven-year prison term.

On March 15, 2015, a 72-year-old nun at the Convent of Jesus and Mary at Ranaghat in Nadia was raped by Nazrul. He and others had broken into the convent for robbery.

Couple Jatinder, a former branch manager in Jalandhar, and Asha Rani Angurala are wanted for defrauding the bank he worked in.

The rulings come just weeks before the extradition case against Mallya, wanted in India on loan defaults to several banks amounting

to about Rs 9,000 crore, comes up for next case management hearing on November 20 to determine the course of the extradition trial scheduled to start on December 4.

The case against Chawla, the key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, was discharged by District Judge

25

Rebecca Crane on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Tihar Jail in Delhi where he was to be held on being extradited. The judge said she was satisfied there was a prima facie case against Chawla over his role in the fixing of “cricket matches played between India and South Africa during 2000 tour”.

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FIJI

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Trade deficit to widen Fiji’s trade deficit for the year is expected to further widen as imports (excluding aircraft) growth was revised upward to 11.4 per cent while exports are now expected to grow at a slower pace of 4.1 per cent. This was the trade outlook on the external front highlighted by the Reserve Bank of Fiji in its economic review for the month ended October. Earlier in is Quarterly Review for September, the cental bank stated that the country’s merchandise trade deficit (excluding aircraft) in the year to May widened by 24.2 per cent to $1,193.6 million. This was compared with a 3.6 per cent decline in the same period last year.

The central bank noted that total exports (excluding aircraft) fell by a marginal 0.5 per cent cumulative to May of this year. This is compared with a decline of 1.3 per cent in the same period last year. The central bank indicated that the marginal decrease was mainly led by lower earnings from timber, fish, gold and garments. This more than offset the increase in earnings from mineral water, sugar and other domestic exports. Excluding re-

exports, domestic export receipts declined over the first five months of the year by 1.4 per cent, compared with an increase of 11.4 per cent for the same period a year ago.

Taking a look back in June of this year, the merchandise trade deficit had also widened by a marginal 0.4 per cent to $1,129.7m.

Exports had also declined by 9.7 per cent to $369.5m cumulative to June, compared with a 12.4 per cent increase in the same period in 2016.

Meanwhile, total imports (excluding aircraft) rose notably by 13.3 per cent compared with a marginal increase of 1.4 per cent in 2016, led by growth in imports of intermediate, investment and consumption goods. Excluding mineral fuel, the central bank noted import payments rose on an annual basis by 7.3 per cent in the year to May. This was higher than the 1.4 per cent growth recorded for the same period in the preceding year.

Over the first quarter of 2017, tourism earnings rose on an annual basis by 10.7 per cent to $377.3m, compared with a 9.7 per cent growth noted in the

Ba river polleted by dead fish contamination Dead fish, crabs, prawns and mussels littered the banks of the Ba River at Votua Village yesterday.

When a team from this newspaper visited the riverside community yesterday, the stench of rotting marine life was overpowering and lay over the village area which is home to about 500 people. Votua Village headman Simione Navara said residents noticed dead fish floating in the river since last Saturday.

“All the villagers came out to the riverbank because this is something that happens every time the Rarawai sugar mill cleans out their tanks and equipment, whatever effluent comes out of the mill kills all the marine life,” he claimed.

“We have raised this issue with the Fiji

Sugar Corporation for many years, but nothing has changed. “They don’t realise or don’t care that we rely on the fish, crabs, prawns and mussels from the river for our livelihood and it is also our source of food. “Every time this happens, it takes up to three months for the fish to return. So we will now be without seafood until February.”

Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive officer Graham Clark said the miller had nothing to do with the Ba River issue.

“The factory has closed for the season so there are no current factory discharges,” he said in response to questions from this newspaper.

“As previous incidents have not been related to the sugar factory/mill, we assume that the Ministry of Environment has been consulted.”

Dialogue on ethnic relations is important as we are heading towards elections - Usamate Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Employment Jone Usamate says dialogue on ethnic relations is important as we are heading towards elections next year.

Usamate highlighted this while opening Dialogue Fiji’s discussion on Ethnic Relations at The Pearl Resort at Pacific Harbour.

He says dialogue is very important not only for Fiji but for the rest of the world for progress.

Usamate has also urged the participants of Dialogue Fiji’s discussion to reach out to people on the ground and not only take the message, but action it themselves.

Dialogue Fiji in collaboration with the Citizens Constitutional Forum convened this dialogue on ethnic relations to bring together key stakeholders in the Fijian society and have discussions of interest. Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal says the three-day forum is part of a project aimed at promoting democratic consolidation and dialogue in the Fijian context. Lal says in order to address and strengthen ethnic relations and social cohesion, it is important that they deliberate collectively on key issues which divide us on political, ideological, socio-economic, ethnic or religious lines.

Man sentenced to 12 months for threatening to kill his wife A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by the Nausori Magistrates Court for threatening to kill his wife in September this year. He was charged with one count of Criminal Intimidation.

The court heard that the man threatened his wife by saying that he will kill her by chopping her to pieces, pack her and send the pieces of the body to her mother.

It was also heard that the man said he was not afraid of the police. The man pleaded guilty to the offence. Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne said the aggravating factors are that this was domestic violence and abuse of trust and power.

He said the mitigating factors are that the man is 35-years-old, is seeking forgiveness and is also remorseful. Magistrate Somaratne said the man submitted that he has reconciled with the wife and she also confirmed that in the court.

The man committed the offence while he was on a suspended sentence.

Magistrate Somaratne said the man did not consider that his wife is pregnant and carrying his baby in her womb when he made the remarks.

For the safety of the victim, a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been granted.

Bus company ready to help ‘traumatized’ passengers Lautoka General Transport Company Ltd will assist passengers who were involved in an accident where one of its buses rolled backwards into a ditch yesterday afternoon.

Managing director Pyara Singh said he sympathised with passengers who were travelling in the bus when the accident happened. “I thank God no one was seriously injured and I can assure the passengers we will assist them through this traumatic experience,” he said. “The driver is very new to the company, he joined five days ago and he

was probably not used to the route as well. It is no excuse and we will look into the matter to ensure it will not happen again.”

Lautoka General has been in the spotlight after a number of accidents involving its buses hit the headlines.

In July, a 70-year-old woman died after being hit by one of its bus at a pedestrian crossing. That same month, two Lautoka General buses carrying about 160 students were involved in an accident on the Kings Rd.

13 Indians deported 13 Indian nationals were deported from Fiji yesterday. The reasons were unknown. This was confirmed to The Fiji Times by the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Vishvas Sapkal.

Mr Sapkal said his office was not aware of the particulars of the deportation.

“We are talking to them (Fiji Immigration Department). If anything is available, we will let you know,” he said. Mr Sapkal said the 13

Indian nationals who were deported were on their way to India. He said details surrounding the deportation of the Indian nationals were not forthcoming from the Department of Immigration.

When contacted yesterday, Director Immigration Nemani Vuniwaqa preferred not to comment on the matter and referred queries to the Indian High Commission in Suva.

A girl’s ordeal who was raped by her mother A girl who was allegedly raped by her biological mother revealed in court that her mother allegedly performed sexual acts on her and touched her breasts. The 14-year-old girl was the first to take the witness stand as the trial started before Justice Salesi Temo at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Her 49-year-old mother is standing trial for the alleged offence. She is charged with one count of sexual assault, one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The alleged offence happened between January and July last year. The Year 9 student presented her evidence in a closed court yesterday, which was only opened to the press. In her evidence, she said when her mother allegedly committed the acts on her, her elder brothers were not at home and it was only the two of them. She alleged that after the incident, the accused told her not to tell anyone else about it and then she went off to her friends.

$2m health facility opens in Lautoka A $2 MILLION investment by a Nadi-based medical practitioner has given Lautoka its first 24-hour medical diagnostic centre. During a soft opening held at the brand new facility at 10 Mana St yesterday, Dr Zen Min Low said the facility was established because of the demand by people living in and around Lautoka. “We wanted to bring a very high quality, state-of-the-art private medical diagnostic centre to Lautoka to give people in

the Western Division access to the best medical treatment available,” he said. “The new diagnostic centre not only provides general medical services, it also provides imaging in terms of ultrasound, X-ray and CT scan, and point of care testing.” Dr Zen has established himself as a prominent fixture in the Western Division and is renowned for providing high quality health care since he first established a sole practice in Nadi in November 1999.

PAKISTAN

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Former PM Nawaz Sharif indicted in three references

Future military aid to Pakistan will depend on its efforts to address our concerns: US diplomat A top US diplomat has said that any future foreign military financing will take into account Pakistan’s efforts to address America’s central concerns with regard to their role in fight against terrorism. “We are conducting a review of our assistance,

to ensure it is aligned with the level of cooperation we achieve in disrupting the Taliban, including the Haqqani Network,” acting assistant secretary for South and Central Asia Alice Wells told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

Jinnah’s daughter Dina Wadia passed away at 98 Dina Wadia, daughter of M.A. Jinnah died on November 2 in New York at the age of 98. She was the only child of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. She is survived by her son, chairman of the Wadia group Nusli Wadia, daughter Diana N. Wadia, and great grandsons Ness and Jeh Wadia, a spokesperson for the Wadia group of companies said in a statement. There was no official comment in India on her death although her son Nusli Wadia is a close friend of the Nehru and Gandhi family. It is possible that, given the fraught political A young Dina Jinnah (right), pictured with her father climate, condolences involving Mr Jinnah’s M. A. Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and daughter would be passed away privately. A her aunt Fatima Jinnah (left) in 1947. staunchly independent-minded daughter, Dina Wadia encompassed troublesome appropriated immovable and movable property left contradictions that stalked her father M.A. Jinnah, behind by those who went to Pakistan, designating personally and culturally. While Dina Wadia stayed such assets evacuee property. Ms Wadia, who in India after the partition, Her aunt Fatima Jinnah moved to New York after divorcing her husband, accompanied M. A. Jinnah to Pakistan. Ms Wadia divided her time between New York and London. visited Pakistan twice, in 1948 when Mr Jinnah She wanted to spend her remaining days in the died, and in 2004, she also visited Lahore. Tensions home her father built in Mumbai also. She claimed between father and daughter over her marriage that Mr Jinnah’s will was not probated — meaning to a non-Muslim Neville Wadia deepened their registered in court — and was, therefore, not legally aloofness with each other. To spike the cultural binding. The Indian government rejected this, brew for the Quaid M.A. Jinnah, Neville’s father was stating that “the late Fatima Jinnah was his rightful a Zoroastrian who converted to Christianity while legal heir as Mr Jinnah had willed the house to her.

Neville Wadia converted back to Zoroastrianism, Only Fatima or her legal heir could have applied for and Dina stood up against her father’s advice against restoration of the property”. her marriage to him. On May 30, 1939, Mr Jinnah The Indian assertion over the house saw Mr bequeathed his Mumbai mansion to his only sister Jinnah as an “important historical figure”, adding Fatima Jinnah. For his daughter, he left a monthly that there were “competing claims based on income for life from Rs200,000 he deposited in sentiments attached to his legacy. the Habib Bank of Pakistan. After partition, India

Save up to

Pakistan’s accountability court on Wednesday formally indicted ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif in three separate corruption references filed against him and his children by the National Accountability Bureau. Rejecting his plea to club all the cases together, the judge called the former PM to the rostrum and read out the charges to him in each of the three references.

Calling the investigation “malafide and politically motivated”, Sharif pleaded not guilty to all charges. Sharif also said since the Supreme Court had given six months to wrap up the cases against him, the court will

have to decide each of the four references (including one against finance minister Ishaq Dhar) within 45 days. The judge, however, assured that all cases would be heard simultaneously and concluded within the specified timeframe. Outside the court, Sharif accused the judiciary of being biased and full of hatred for him. “These judges are full of hatred and anger. I knew that the decision of the review petition I had filed in the Supreme Court would not come in my favour,” he told reporters a day after the SC had issued a detailed verdict on his review petition.

Pak told to take decisive action against terrorists: US envoy US ambassador to Pakistan David Hale on Tuesday said his country has told Islamabad to take decisive action against terrorists operating from its soil. He was addressing the fourth round of US-Pakistan Bilateral Dialogue held here titled ‘Convergence amid Divergence: Identifying Pathways to Cooperation in a Challenging Environment’.

Hale said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had told Pakistani leaders that time had come for action against all terrorists under the new US policy. “Our South Asia strategy also looks toward Pakistan for a decisive

action against all terrorist groups operation from its soil,” said Hale. He said it was time for Pakistan to join US efforts to deny any opportunity to terrorists to launch cross border attacks in Afghanistan so that they could not see an alternative to a negotiated settlement. “The secretary conveyed to civilian and military leadership here that American and Pakistani relations are at a critical juncture. If Pakistan’s leaders choose not to take advantage of this opportunity for cooperation, we will act accordingly,” said the ambassador.

PM rejects idea of ‘independent Kashmir’ Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today rejected the idea of an “independent Kashmir”, saying it was not based on “reality”, according to a media report.

He was addressing a conference on ‘Future of Pakistan-2017’ held at the London School of Economics’ South Asia Centre here.

After his address, the prime minister responded to a range of questions on topics from Afghanistan, civil-military ties, disqualification of his predecessor Nawaz

Sharif, to relations with India and the Kashmir issue. On a question about “independent Kashmir”, he said “the idea is often floated around but has no reality”, Geo TV reported.

“There is no support for the demand for independent Kashmir,” he said. On ties with India, Abbasi said relations between the two countries cannot improve till the Kashmir issue is resolved. “Talks are the only way forward, without talks no quantum change is possible,” he said.

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NRI

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Indian-origin man jailed for killing a woman in UK An Indian-origin man in the UK has been sentenced to eight years in jail and banned from driving for 10 years for killing a woman cyclist in a hit-and-run case while being high on drink and drugs. Ajay Singh, 26, hit Vicky Myres from behind at high speed with his car as she was out cycling in Timperley, Greater Manchester, in August and then sped away.

He was tracked down by police hours later and arrested, Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard this week.

“Your dangerous and unlawful driving undertaken as it was with a complete disregard for the safety of others has taken from this world a truly special person,” Judge John Potter said during sentencing.

“When she [Myres] died she was just 24 years old. She was a good, bright, intelligent and energetic person who had the world at her feet. She had travelled extensively. She had a

passion for cycling,” he added.

Singh had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop and had been warned by the judge at a previous hearing that he faced a “significant custodial sentence”. Besides being jailed for eight years, Singh, an insurance worker who is married with a three-year-old child, has also been banned from driving for 10 years.

On the day of the hit and run, Singh’s vehicle was going at about 51-62 mph when it hit Vicky from behind and she died on the spot.

The court was told that Singh’s car was damaged in the collision and the registration plate was found at the scene, which helped police apprehend him quickly.

Police later arrived and entered Singh’s flat where he was initially unresponsive and seemed to be “out of it on drugs”, the court was told.

Indian-origin ‘chicken king’ to reopen scandal-hit UK plant Britain’s Indian-origin ‘chicken king’ Ranjit Singh Boparan is set to resume poultry production at his UK factory which had been suspended in the wake of a hygiene scandal.

Boparan’s 2 Sisters Food Group said its factory in West Bromwich will reopen next week after “significant changes” had been made at the plant, including retraining of staff and the introduction of full-time UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) officials to oversee its procedures.

“We can confirm that following comprehensive retraining sessions with all colleagues during October, we are restarting production at our site D facility in West Bromwich (w/c 6 November),” 2 Sisters said in a statement. It said staff had acted with understanding and professionalism during

the “unsettling period” of closure of about five weeks in the wake of a joint ‘Guardian’ and ITV News undercover investigation revealing an instance of workers at the plant altering the source and slaughter date of poultry being processed at Site D, potentially rendering it unsafe. Other sections of the footage, which was filmed in August, showed chicken being picked off the floor and thrown back on to the production line, and older poultry being mixed with fresher birds. 2 Sisters Group is among the UK’s largest suppliers of poultry to supermarkets in the country, many of whom have confirmed they will resume supplies from the factory. “We are satisfied the issues have been addressed and work will now be carried out to our high production

Indian Americans raise $2.4 million for public health in India Indian Americans have raised $2.4 million to carry out public health work in India.

Raised at the second annual gala of WHEELS Global Foundation (WGF) in New York over the weekend, organisers of the event said $2 million of this was donated by Chirag Patel, co-CEO and chairman, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, and his family.

This donation will go towards the soonto-be established WHEELS India Niswarth (WIN) Foundation, which will be based out of the IIT-Gandhinagar and Indian Institute of Public Health-Gandhinagar campuses.

The foundation will work on core areas of water and sanitation and maternal and child health groups. At its inaugural gala last year WGF had raised $200,000.

Great JOB by Indian=American .

While Govt is spending huge amount on construction of statues, memorials. Ignore to improve Condition of Govt run Hospitals across the countryJagdip Vaishnav“The increase in donations this year demonstrates that donors see the urgency of the issues faced and that WGF is a dedicated partner in alleviating issues faced by rural areas. We are deeply gratified by the generous donations of attendees, sponsors and raffle and auction prize donors,” said Suresh Shenoy, president, WGF. With a vision to use “technology to enable philanthropy,” WGF provides funds to develop Clean Drinking Water Plants (CDWP) in remote villages to alleviate health issues related to poor-quality drinking water,

Indian native jailed 27 years for funding al-Qaida’s Awlaki An Indian man who came to the United States to study was sentenced Monday to more than 27 years in prison for sending funds to al-Qaida and plotting to kill the federal judge in his trial. Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 39, was one of four men including his brother arrested in September 2015 and charged for sending $22,000 to US-born cleric Anwar AlAwlaki, a leader of Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

Mohammad and two others travelled to Yemen in 2009 in hopes of hand-delivering the money to Awlaki, one of the most influential recruiters for al-Qaida. They did not meet him but had the money delivered to him by a third party. After they were arrested in 2015, Mohammad also tried to hire someone to kill the judge, in this case, the Justice Department said. “He threatened the safety of our citizens,

a judge and the independent judiciary. Now he is being held accountable,” said US attorney Justin Herdman. Mohammad came to the United States to study at Ohio State University in 2002. He married a US citizen in 2008.

A year after his arrest, Mohammad offered another inmate in the Lucas County, Ohio jail $15,000 to kidnap and kill US District Judge Jack Zouhary.

The inmate connected Mohammad with an assassin who was, in fact, an undercover FBI agent. A member of Mohammad’s family paid a $1,000 downpayment to the “assassin.”

He pleaded guilty in US federal court in Toledo, Ohio to one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support or resources to terrorists and one count of solicitation to commit a crime of violence.

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FRUITICANA

Saturday, Novemver 11, 2017

Wow! Katrina to play lead role in Roshni?

S

ome time back, we had told details. The creative team loved the fresh you that Katrina Kaif might be pairing of Shahid and Katrina. She is in planning to make her Hollywood Los Angeles to apparently chart out her debut soon in a movie that could have debut in Hollywood. Once she Avengers star Jeremy Renner. Now we returns, she is expected to hear that she is going to bag another sign on the dotted line big project, not in Hollywood, but after finalising the dates back home. If a report in Mid-Day and remuneration.â&#x20AC;? has to be believed, she is being However when the considered as the female lead in paper was in touch the Shahid Kapoorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next with Toilet director, he replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ek Prem Katha director Shree havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decided on the Narayan Singh. Tentatively titled female lead yet.â&#x20AC;? So it Roshni, the movie has Shahid looks like they are Kapoor playing a lawyer still working out fighting corruption in the on the finer details electricity board while, of her contract. if she is in, Katrina Kaif Earlier speaking to will play his guide and a newspaper, Shree philosopher. Also if things Narayan Singh work out, this will be the spoke about working first time Shahid Kapoor with Shahid for the Katrina Kaif and Katrina Kaif will be paired up for the first time, as he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With films like first time in a movie.

Kaminey, Jab We Met, Haider and Udta A source close to the creative team told Punjab, Shahid has proved his mettle as the paper, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shree Narayan Singh gave an actor. To top that his star presence Katrina a narration before she left for Los is undeniable and I look forward to Angeles. She loved the story and is keen working with him.â&#x20AC;? While Shahid said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It to collaborate with him. She has already took me a while to decide what I wanted asked her team to work out further to do after a film like Padmavati.

Deepika enter top 10 actors list, but still fails to beat Priyanka?

D

eepika completes 10 years in Bollywood, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at her iconic roles which will stay with us forever Deepika Padukone returns with Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra after celebrating Shah Rukh Khanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday in Alibaug Priyanka Chopra snapped while shooting the kidnapping sequence from Quantico 3 Deepika Padukone was in no mood to pose for the paparazzi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; view pics Deepika Padukoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s look from Padmavati created a huge stir on Twitter. Not only did people love her royal look, but her unibrow became a hot topic of discussion. But little did anyone know that her Padmavati look would actually help her enter The Hollywood Reporterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 10 Actors list. Yes, the actress managed to earn the seventh spot on this prestigious list courtesy her huge rise in popularity and number of likes

on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. However, even with so much love pouring for her looks from across the world, she failed to beat her fierce rival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Priyanka Chopra.

Priyanka Chopra posts photos and videos on her social pages very often and last week, she has been pretty active.

This enabled her to jump from the thirteenth spot to the third position.

Fantastic na?

Currently, Dwayne Johnson leads the top 10 actors chart, followed by Vin Diesel, Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Lopez, Emilia Clarke, Kevin Hart, Deepika Padukone, Shay Mitchell, Vanessa Hudgens and Lily Collins.

What do you have to say about this latest achievement by Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Bollywood

Saturday, November 11, 2017

HOROSCOPE Aries

Sunny Leone flies back to Canada

Libra

March 21 - April 20

Sept. 24 - Oct 22

While feisty Mars continues to move through Libra and your sector of relating, it can encourage you to water down your plans

where necessary. But with a potent focus on your sector of transformation, there could be some issues on which you have no intention of compromising, as doing so wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be true to your deepest instincts. If this is the case, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel guilty. On another note, a new idea could bear rich fruit.

As delectable Venus, your guide planet,

be tempted to indulge in your favorite luxuries. And with the holiday season getting underway, buying yourself a few gifts can seem the natural way to go. But your generous nature might also incline you to splurge on other people to make them happy.

Scorpio

Taurus

Oct 23 - Nov 22

April 21 - May 20 Venus, your ruling planet, moves into Scorpio and your sector of relating on Tuesday, where it joins upbeat Jupiter and the illuminating sun. As a result, a relationship could develop in warmth and passion. Over the coming days, you may draw especially close to this person. Your social life perks up, too, and could bring much satisfaction and be a lot

that powerful insights into a key situation could encourage a change of perspective.

Gemini

Things are looking up for you this week as luscious Venus enters your sign to make you

can support any recent changes, and it might encourage you to get a makeover. Your focus is on boldly going forward and seizing new opportunities. You might be especially drawn by one idea as the sun in your sign aspects potent Pluto in your sector of talk and thought.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22

May 20 - June 21 With chatty Mercury, your personal planet, newly in your relationship zone, you may feel more inclined to reach out and connect with new friends and old. This can also be an opportunity to carefully broach subjects that

The focus on your lifestyle zone also

daily schedule so it allows you to explore new possibilities and aim high regarding key wellness and work goals.

Cancer

Dreams of all kinds can fuel exciting endeavors and bring guidance that empowers you. The emphasis on your spiritual sector brings a golden opportunity to renew your relationship with yourself and uncover hidden talents. The sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tie to empowering Pluto could see you using such knowledge and fresh

to encourage more abundance in general. A tie between prudent Saturn and innovative Uranus could see you making huge progress with an exciting enterprise.

S

unny Leone flown to Canada to attend her cousinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very close to my uncle and cousin since I was a kid. We had great times together. Now it is her wedding (Monday night) and there is no way I could have missed it. It is a surprise for her and I am looking forward to see the look on her face,â&#x20AC;? Sunny said in a statement.

Her husband Daniel Weber is staying back in Mumbai to care of their daughter Nisha.

Photo of Sunny Leone Sticking Her Tongue Out Shows She Has â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gone Madâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; At a time when a starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public image is controlled and guarded by his/her publicists, it gets pretty hard for the fans to know what they are in real life.

Fortunately, there are celebrities who show no qualms in sharing photos that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t posed

Kapil Sharma wishes SRK on his birthday

Capricorn

June 22 - July 23

Dec 23 - Jan 20

With expansive Jupiter now in a more relaxed sector of your chart, hobbies and pastimes may become a way of channeling emotions. This could be very therapeutic and quite healing in many ways. As lovely Venus moves into this same zone on Tuesday,

talking and relating on an intimate level very easily, and that could feel good to you.

Leo

With the holiday season already beginning to liven up, your social life looks especially upbeat.

For you, the party season may begin early, so make the most of it and enjoy yourself to the max. One encounter could be rather special, with passionate Pluto kindling a spark of attraction. This could lead to a strong friendship or something more romantic. It could even become a supportive business bond.

Aquarius

June 24 - August 23

Jan 21 - Feb 19

Home is where the heart is, especially as lovely Venus sashays into your family zone on Tuesday, joining optimistic Jupiter and the cheery sun. The coming week can be fabulous for having people over and getting into the holiday spirit. With the sun aligning with potent Pluto on Thursday, this can indicate a desire to make key changes to your lifestyle and perhaps jettison habits that are holding you back.

Virgo

You are likely already in the spotlight, with both lively Jupiter and the cheery sun in your sector of goals and ambition.

However, delectable Venus also enters the sector on Tuesday, helping you progress by using a little charm and tact. Even the ! "

easier if you do so. On another note, a powerful tie between prudent Saturn and restless Uranus could see a collaboration progressing nicely.

K

apil

Sharma has dedicated the new song of his upcoming film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Firangiâ&#x20AC;? to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan who turned 52 yesterday.

S h a r m a posted the link of new song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sajna Sohne-Jihaâ&#x20AC;? on Twitter, captioning, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dedicate this romantic song â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sajnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to the King of romance iamsrk bhai on his birthday... Love u bhai. Regards.â&#x20AC;?

Feb 20 - March 20

The focus on networking and forging exciting new connections is enhanced this week as convivial Venus moves into your sector of communication. Adding a touch of charm to your interactions can help keep things running smoothly and allow you to make a positive impression. At the same time, one encounter could be more intense than usual, perhaps with an attraction that proves very tempting.

Travel adventures could certainly appeal now, and you may be eager to invite a loved one or friends to accompany you, especially once sociable Venus enters your sector of exploration. This phase can also coincide with your decision to employ the services of a life coach or teacher who can help you live to your full potential. Nevertheless, progress with a career plan or business project looks very possible. Your income could begin to improve or show a sudden increase as a result.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; F i r a n g i â&#x20AC;?, which marks Kapilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second big screen outing after â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoonâ&#x20AC;?, is set to release on November 20. Shah Rukh along with wife Gauri and his children rang in his birthday last night. Bollywood celebrities Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Neha Dhupia attended the party at his Alibaug farmhouse.

Pregnant Sunidhi Chauhan jams in a loose-flowing gown

Pisces

August 24 - Sept 24

and photoshopped, but particularly candid.

Actress Sunny Leone shared a rare photo which could clearly be called her best candid click.

Dressed in a green and pink outfit, Sunny looks funny as she poses for a group photo with her tongue sticking out. Sunny shared the candid photo on her official Twitter account with a caption that read â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dancers gone mad.

Sunny would soon be seen opposite Arbaaz Khan in Tera Intezaar. The film which has been directed by Raajeev Walia, is referred to as a musical romantic thriller and shows Khan and Leone as lovers. The film also features Arya Babbar, Salil Ankola and Sudha Chandran.

S

unidhi Chauhan is not yet taking it easy. She was in the recording studio in Andheri recently jamming with Punjabi music director Jatinder Shah, who makes his Bollywood debut in the Kapil Sharma-starrer Firangi.

The trio were at work for a peppy version of the title track, Oye Firangi, which has been rendered by Sunidhi. Dressed in a looseflowing gown, Sunidhi will continue working till the bundle of joy arrives. A while back, the singer even performed at a stage show.

BOLLYWOOD PERSONALITIESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BIRTHDAYS

JUHI CHAWLA NOVEMBER 13

TABU TABASSUM NOVEMBER 4

SHAH RUKH KHAN NOVEMBER 2

AISHWARYA RAI NOVEMBER 1

Saturday, November 11, 2017

A

contemporary love story between two opposite personalities who embark upon an unusual journey, which becomes an adventure of a lifetime.

Review: By now, we’re well aware of the formula behind Bollywood romantic movies. When boy meets girl, they fall in love and overcome all their hurdles because in the end - Love conquers all. Oversimplification aside, it’s been a while since we’ve seen a rom-com that manages to subvert the route usually taken by these movies. ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’ certainly embarks on the road less traveled, and for the most part, it succeeds.

Parvathy makes her Bollywood debut as the unassuming Jaya. The accomplished South Indian actress plays a confident girl-nextdoor who appears to have a stable job and caring friends. Her life is quite self-sufficient and she’s otherwise sorted, save for that one missing element. Fortunately, co-writer and director Tanuja Chandra chooses not to paint Jaya as a woman who is incomplete

Bollywood

Film Review ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’

without a man. She dresses casually, doesn’t hide under layers of makeup and even breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to us, making her very relatable; even a tad mundane. Grounded in Parvathy’s understated portrayal, Jaya’s backstory reasonably justifies why she would resort to online dating to find a suitable companion.

This allows her to take some otherwise questionable decisions when she meets the whirlwind that is Yogi. Irrfan Khan is at his chirpiest here, making Yogi a jovial and carefree person who goes with the flow. Although his backstory isn’t as clearly outlined as Jaya’s, the actor’s ability to make him endearing is how the character grows on her, and us along the way. With these two strong actors at the helm, the film flies through the first half but begins to meander after the interval and doesn’t quite regain its initial momentum even towards the end.

The story largely revolves around revisiting Yogi’s past, and in meeting his exes, we expect to discover what makes him tick.

But the screenplay doesn’t give us as much clarity as he, and the secondary characters deserve. The latter are introduced and exit the story before their presence makes much of an overall impact. Some scenes could have easily been left on the floor to make a leaner middle act.

Nov

13

Qarib Qarib Single *ing: Irrfan Khan, Parvathy, Brijendra Kala

Nov

11

New Released Bollywood Films Nov

03

Nov

03

ITTEFAQ *ing: Barun Sobti , Shahana Goswami, Vishal

Nov

03

The Window

RIBBON

GHOOMKETU

*ing: Amit Kumar Vashisth, Teena, Preeti

*ing: Kalki Koechlin, Sumeet Vyas

*ing: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadda

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Saturday, November 11, 2017

Qarib qarib fabulous! Comedy on KJo’s mind Moving away from dramas, filmmaker to try his hand at the genre for Bombay Talkies sequel

MOHAR BASU mohar.basu@mid-day.com

FRANKLY, this delightful film carries within it such a charmingly mature, old-world take on love, lust, and romance, that it’s hard to believe that its plot effectively hinges on a seemingly shady online dating site that gets a girl (Parvathy) and a guy (Irrfan) to meet in the first place. If anything, Irrfan’s dopey-eyed, curly, oily haired, middleaged Vyogi, in track pants, appears far too creepy to score even a conversation on a first date in a casual coffee shop

scene (the double L in this film’s title, for lack of an explanation, probably stands for two lattes). His shakl is like astalker’s, the hero himself admits.He’s the sort of Hindi-Urduspeaking, endearingly extroverted,‘atrangi’, ‘dil ka saaf ’ type ‘shayarana’ character that takes much getting used to. You can’t quite warm up to him instantly (or perhaps, ever).

Neither does the leading lady in this pic.

She’s strikingly strikingly urbane, South Indian.

GIVEN that his complicated love saga, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh, one of the quartet of stories that comprised Bombay Talkies (2013), received critical acclaim, it is only fitting that Karan Johar would choose to test his filmmaking skills yet again.

Johar is set to take on a genre he has never tackled before — comedy — for the upcoming sequel to the anthology.

Quelling previous reports of the film inching towards sensuality to abide by the theme of love and lust, an insider from Johar’s Dharma Productions says, “It will be an out-and-out comedy. Karan has never tried his hand at this genre, but, with Bombay Talkies, he unleashes his creative side. The story will revolve around a small-town couple, thus, breaking away from the grandeur and elite people synonymous to his films.”

While casting is currently underway, a source adds that Vicky Kaushal has been roped in as the leading man. “Karan approached him after he saw a few rushes of [Meghna Gulzar’s] Raazi. Vicky has given a screen test for his part. The final paperwork will take place

Bombay Talkies; (right) Karan Johar; (inset) Vicky Kaushal next week.”

Although it was initially suggested that Parineeti Chopra had been locked for the part of the female lead, the actor, currently occupied with Dibakar Banerjee’s next with Arjun Kapoor, may not be able to accommodate the outing. The film will be shot at a city studio in the third week of December.

Johar’s movie will be produced by Ashi Dua, and presented by Ronnie Screwvala. The original, also featuring works by Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee and Zoya Akhtar, was created in 2013 to mark the centenary of Indian cinema.

‘Vicky has given a screen test for his part. The final paperwork will take place next week’ A source

Rao’s Bose up while Kabir looks for his While trailer of Rajkummar’s web series releases online, Khan’s show on INA leader stands delayed after Saif bows out of lead role MOHAR BASU mohar.basu@mid-day.com WHILE Rajkummar Rao’s web series, Bose: Dead/Alive, has raced to the finish line and even released its trailer yesterday, Kabir Khan is still to lock in the final cast of his miniseries based on Subhash Chandra Bose.

Kabir’s dilemma stems from the spot he suddenly finds himself in, after his leading man, Saif Ali Khan turned down

Rajkummar Rao in Bose; (below left) Kabir Khan; (inset) Saif Ali Khan the Amazon Prime project, given that he features in the Netflix original, Sacred Games.

Saif was set to play the role of Colonel PK Sahgal, who fought for Bose-led Indian National Army. A massive set has been erected at Mumbai’s Film City studio several months in advance. In order to abide by the plan, the crew had been informed of a shooting schedule in De-

cember, however, Kabir is yet to begin recasting. A source says, “Kabir has a packed 2018, given that he starts filming for the 1983 World Cup film, and must hence wrap this up earlier.”

The eight-part miniseries is eyeing big names for its male and female characters. Parineeti Chopra was among the top contenders for the part of Saif’s colleague-turned-wife, Lakshmi Sahgal. However, it appears that the actor will also be unable to work on the outing, given her other commitments.

Although actors are not contractually bound to stick to one video-streaming platform at any given point in time, Saif decided to turn down Kabir’s project at the behest of Netflix. “Since Sacred Games is the channel’s first Indian series, they didn’t want to entertain any conflict of interest [on the actor’s part],” says a source.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Ranveer Singh moves on to Gully Boy from Padmavati with a haircut Ranveer Singh has finally parted ways with the character of Alauddin Khilji from his upcoming film Padmavati. He finished shooting for the part over the weekend and announced a wrap up for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. Now, he is all set step into the shoes of his next character, which is of a street rapper from Mumbai, in Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. The story of the same is said to be inspired by rap scene from the streets of Mumbai and takes pages out of life of Divine, the popular artist. To get the new

look, Ranveer has bid adieu to his mane that he had been flaunting for Padmavati.

Ranveer to his social media pages and shared videos of him getting a haircut.

We have to say he was looking he was looking extremely sexy with long hair.

But a cleaner, shorter hair look is also suiting him just well. We can’t wait to see him channel his inner rap artist for Gully Boy now. We can already spot subtle changes in his sartorial choices to get into the skin of the character.

Salman Khan and Aishwarya with their box office clash Ex-flames Salman Khan and Aishwarya will create history with their box office clash – find out how!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Fanney Khan is all set to clash with Salman Khan’s Race 3 during Eid 2018.

A major fire breaks out at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s residence in Bandra, actress rushes to the spot immediatelyAishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan step out for a dinner date with daughter Aaradhya Salman Khan, Kriti Sanon, Tamannahh Bhatia come together for B-town’s preDiwali bash and it is a splendid affair Salman Khan celebrates early Diwali

with Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and other Bollywood celebs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a bold statement today (November 10) by announcing that her next – Fanney Khan will release on Eid 2018. With that she is all set to clash with her ex lover, Salman Khan at the box office.

Yes, for those of you who don’t know, Salman Khan’s Race 3 is also scheduled to release during Eid 2018. A mega clash is in the offing, however, little does anyone know that the duo is all set to create history.

How? Well, this will be the first time ever that two superstar exes will clash at the box office in the past five years.

‘Smoking hot’, Karishma Karishma Sharma does it again! The actress posted pictures of a recent photoshoot on her Instagram and it’s too hot to handle. In these ones, Karishma is wearing a bold grey gown and green stilletoes.

She also put up one with a black see-through one piece bikini.

The pictures of her recent photoshoot are going viral on the internet right now and for all the right reasons.

She always managed to stun everyone with her hot pictures.

Her Instagram account is one place where you’d find inspiration to look hot. If it’s not her hot pictures the actress is in the news for her hot love-making scenes with Siddharth Gupta in Ragini MMS Returns.

Fans are going crazy over the pictures that Karishma posted on Instagram. ‘Smoking

hot’, ‘So sexy’ and ‘Sizzling’ are some of the most popular comments on all the pictures. Man, she does know how to strike a pose and make everyone go weak in the knees.

When asked about how she managed to stay in shape, she had told once, “I can eat all day. I’m a big foodie. But since I’m in the business, I have to maintain my body and look a certain way.” Check out these pictures of the actress yourself right here.

Karishma Sharma, who was seen in popular TV shows like ‘Pavitra Rishta’ and ‘Yeh Hai Mohabb atein’, is breaking the internet with her extremely hot photos. The actress looks stunning in her latest photo shoot and it is difficult to take eyes off her in these pictures.

Bollywood

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Deepika’s ex in Kangana’s film

Remember Nihaar Pandya?

Deepika Padukone’s rumoured boyfriend during her struggling days over a decade ago? He is finally Bollywood-bound. He features in the Kangana Ranautstarrer Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi as Bajirao II. When Dippy shifted to Mumbai from hometown Bengaluru, the two were said to be in a live-in relationship. Deepika bagged Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om (2007) while Nihar got left behind.

There was talk that buddy Himesh Reshammiya would launch him after he featured in the I Love You Sayonee music video. Later, Nihar was rumoured to be in a relationship with Gauahar Khan.

He would often be spotted in the company of Salman Khan and did a cameo in his film Marigold (2007). Better late than never for Nihar.

Wheelchair dancing Rajkummar Rao refuses to give up. He will shoot for Farah Khan’s Lip Sing Battle today, despite the injury he sustained on the set last week, which brought the shoot to a halt mid-way. The actor will do his act on a wheelchair. Farah, who is in Alibaug for Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday bash, is slated to back in Mumbai by noon and head straight to the set.

Kriti Sanon will battle it out with Rajkummar.

Hrithik Roshan is the special guest.

Bollywood

Saturday, November 11, 2017 p

Helping hand Mohenjo Daro (2016) actor Pooja Hegde is sponsoring the treatment of two cancerstricken children at the Tata Memorial Hospital. The actor has been associated with an NGO working for kids suffering from cancer for a while. She will not only foot their bills, but also visit them in hospital regularly.

There’s also buzz that she will be inking her second Bollywood outing next week.

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TELLY TATTLE

Back in town

The waiting game Huma Qureshi has wrapped up the shoot of the Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala. She hosted a wrap-up party in Mumbai, which was attended by director Pa Ranjith. The Thalaiva was missing as he is busy with his next release, Shankar’s 2.0. Huma got emotional at the bash and was overheard telling the team she would miss trying to talk in Tamil with the unit. There is talk that the Tamil crime drama will be pushed back. Rajinikanth is keen that there is a time gap between the release of 2.0 and Kaala.

Shankar’s film was slated to release on Republic Day 2018.

Special effects has pushed it further ahead and a new date has yet to be ascertained.

Kaala will have to wait till then.

q

Steering clear

Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi actor Shakti Arora is back in Mumbai after a long stint in Indonesia. He spent the past couple of months working on shows in Jakarta.

Indian TV folk are a big draw there with locals watching dubbed version of Indian soaps. Shakti has done a new photo shoot and will be seen soon in an upcoming serial.

SHOT IN THE DARK

The game of one-upmanship

Due to visa issues, Iulia Vantur winged her way back home to Romania. Looks like Salman Khan’s rumoured girlfriend is no coming back to Mumbai soon. Sh has taken off with her parents fo a vacay to England. It is said that she may not be present in Mumbai for the release of Sallu’s Tiger Zinda Hai next month.

Quiet birthday Esha Deol shares her birthday with King Khan. It will be a low-key affair for the new mummy, who turns 36 today.

Perhaps a double celebration at home with baby Radhya, who was born on October 20?

The makers of this successful franchise recently announced another installment. It came as a surprise as there was no talk about it since its third outing a while back. This sudden decision has something to do with the film’s lead actor desiring to be one-up on his rival, who has just delivered a huge hit with his franchise of the same genre. Tch, tch, but then such is life dearies, especially in Bollywood.

SPOTTED

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turned 44 yesterday, visited the Siddhivinayak temple. She was accompanied by daughter Aaradhya and mom Vrinda Rai. PIC/YOGEN SHAH

19 HITLIST

7

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Halle-lujah! Berry’s roaming in Mumbai

Mumbai pictures posted by Halle Berry on Instagram yesterday THE HITLIST TEAM hitlist@mid-day.com

Dia Mirza shared this pic on Twitter with Halle Berry and Ananya Birla

YESTERDAY, Halle Berry roamed the streets of Colaba without being recognised. The Hollywood star quietly flew into Mumbai sans any brouhaha. It’s only when she began sharing snapshots of her trip on Instagram yesterday morning that fans of the Oscar winner knew that she was in town.

Berry, known for films like Monster’s Ball (2001), Die Another Day (2002) and the XMen franchise, posted a snapshot of the city’s skyline

and wrote, “Caught a sunrise in Mumbai today.” The star later posted a pic walking on the streets of Colaba and wrote, “Take time to get lost today.”

Dia Mirza, who met the star, shared a picture on Twitter.

She wrote, “The world is getting smaller and girls are owning their place. @ananya_birla and I with the most amazing @halleberry today. What a warm, gracious woman. India loves you Halle! Can’t wait to have you back. It was such a joy speaking with you (sic).”

Clearly, it must have been fun bonding with the Bond girl.

Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai surpassed record?

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif ’s fans are elated ever since the sequel to the 2012 spy thriller Ek Tha Tiger was announced.

Mo r e o v e r, Tiger Zinda Hai’s trailer that was released this Tu e s d a y has been applauded by fans and film fraternity alike.

Now, it seems the response to the trailer was so tremendous that it has even broken Baahubali 2’s record. As per India.com, the film’s trailer has went on to become the most liked Hindi trailer of all time.

While the trailer of Ali Abbas Zafar film has over 6,53,000 likes on Youtube, Baahubali 2 has garnered over 5,41,000 likes so far. Considering the numbers, it is remarkable for Tiger Zinda Hai to have achieved this feat in just four days and even Prabhas could not overpower Salman’s popularity.

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Saturday, November 11, 2017

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Community news South Asian Seniors - Playing Cards in Groups 12th Nov 2017 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and also nonmembers, please come & play cards in groups of four to help preserve mental

health & positive changes to the brain (Memory) on 12th November 2017 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall 8321 140th street Surrey BC. Tea & light snacks will be served after the game.

Project funded by Government of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors.

Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.

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Vol. 8 No. 39 41 - Saturday - November 11, 2017

Metro Vancouver’s affordability has become worse despite the foreign buyers tax

A

s new real estate data shows that when it comes to affordability, Metro Vancouver’s housing market hasn’t substantially improved since a regional 15 per cent foreign buyers tax was implemented in August 2016. In fact, based on some metrics, things have become much worse.

“It has not taken us to affordability,” said Tsur Sommerville, a professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

“You have two effects when you raise the foreign buyers tax. You might chase people totally out of the market but maybe incentivize buying a smaller property. And perversely, that can be bad for affordability.”

Here are five charts that show what’s changed in the region’s housing market.

1. Home prices stable ...

After the tax was implemented, the price of detached homes did fall throughout the region. The average price of a single-family property in the area overseen by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver was at one point down 20 per cent from its monthly high of $1.83 million.

And while figures have crept back up since then, this graph shows the median sale price of detached properties in Vancouver and adjacent municipalities is about the same as before the foreign buyers tax.

2 ... but apartment prices are up However, whatever freeze happened for detached homes didn’t apply to apartments.

Since the foreign buyers tax was implemented, the median prices of apartments in Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby have risen by between 22 and 29 per cent — around the same rate of growth prior to the tax coming in.

“Over the last year and a half, there’s been a real separation in those two markets,” said Tom Davidoff, another professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, though he said some of the rise could be attributed to presales prior to the foreign buyers tax being recorded as units got completed.

“Not knowing how that might have played out and interacted with foreign buyer purchases makes it a little difficult to drive complete conclusions,” he said.

Continued on page 13

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14

Real Estate

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Gov’t announces legislation to close fixed-term rental loophole BC’s provincial government has announced legislation to close what has been dubbed a major loophole affecting renters in the province.

Critics say the loophole allows landlords to bypass r e n t cont rols by having residents sign a fixedt e r m lease with move-out clauses.

At the end of e a c h t e r m , tenants must either move out or sign a new lease at a reassessed market rental rate. In places like Vancouver where the rental market is especially tight, that new market rental rate can be hundreds of dollars higher, exceeding what would be allowable under the Residential Tenancy Act for the same tenant. BC Housing Minister Selina Robinson said the new legislation would protect the rights of renters who have been left

open to “unfair and unjustified rent increases.” “By closing this loophole, renters will know they’ll be able to stay in their homes without the threat

of skyrocketing rents,” Robinson said.

If passed, the legislation would restrict a landlord’s ability to use a vacate clause in fixed-term tenancy agreements and limit rent increases between fixed-term tenancy agreements for the same tenant to the maximum annual allowable amount (currently two per cent plus inflation). The province says the new rules will apply to both new and existing tenancy agreements.

Real Estate

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Metro Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affordability has become worse despite the foreign buyers tax From page 13

3. Everything up in the suburbs However, the houses-apartment separation didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take place as much in the suburbs, where the price of both took a slight pause following the foreign buyers tax, but has continued to increase steadily in the months since, as this chart shows.

Prices up 3% in past 12 months, CREA says Vancouver prices are bouncing back sharply, with the average selling price in the city up more than 17 per cent to $1,046,982. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Greater Vancouver area, in particular, is once again showing signs of heating conditions with sales up strongly and prices nearing record levels,â&#x20AC;? TD Bank economist Michael Dolega said of the CREA numbers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still, we expect rising mortgage rates will take some steam out of this market given the affordability pressures, with slower price growth on the horizon.â&#x20AC;? One year on, Vancouver house prices are on fire again Realtors brace for the end of the housing

Last month several milestones were hit for median prices in areas further from Vancouver. Detached homes eclipsed a million dollars for the first time in Squamish, Surrey Central and Port Coquitlam, while in Abbotsford, the median apartment price broke the $250,000 barrier.

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15

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

market boo Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a little behind on that path as average prices in the Greater Toronto Area are still digesting Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rules changes. The average selling price in the city has risen by just over four per cent to $785,099. Prices in the GTA seem to have peaked, in the short term, around May. Nationally, the average price of a Canadian home sold last month was $487,000. If Toronto and Vancouver are stripped out, that figure drops to just above $374,500. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Further tightening of federal regulations aimed at cooling housing markets in Toronto and Vancouver risks creating collateral damage in markets elsewhere

16

Garry Grewal

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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