The Asian Star January 2 2016 by The Asian Star Newspaper

Vol 14

Issue 48 Saturday, Janaury 2, 2016

Tel: 604-591-5423

2 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Archbishop bans ’pagan’ Christmas trees from Catholic churches in Sri Lanka: ‘These do not belong’

festive symbol of parties and shopping cenri Lanka’s senior Catholic told priests tres. Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of CoWednesday not to put up Christmas lombo, issued a statement telling clergymen to trees in their churches, saying they had no reli“try to avoid putting up Christmas trees inside gious significance and hadStar_JrPg:Layout instead become 1the15-12-02 10:42 PM Page 1 TEL20150805_Q3_Asian the churches.”

“These do not belong to the sacred significance of Christmas but are more connected to social and family celebrations… They have also become symbols of Christmas in malls and publisquares,” the cardinal added.

Sri Lanka is a mainly Buddhist country but around 1.2 million of its overall popuTELUS STORES lation Abbotsford of 21 Highstreet Shopping Centre million Sevenoaks Shopping Centre 2140 Sumas Way p e o 32915 South Fraser Way ple are Sri Lanka’s Cardinal of the Aldergrove C a t h o - Roman Catholic Church, Father Mal26310 Fraser Hwy. lics. De- colm Ranjith, arrives at the felicitation Burnaby Brentwood Town Centre cember ceremony in Colombo on December 6, 2010. Crystal Mall 25 is Lougheed Town Centre a national holiday in Sri Lanka and Metropolis at Metrotown 3855 Henning Dr. shops and streets are often festooned 4501 North Rd. ™ with Christmas decorations and lights . Coquitlam during the festive period. Speaking Coquitlam Centre to the BBC, Reverend Ignatius VarWestwood Mall 1071 Austin Ave. nakulasingam, a priest in Colombo, Delta said the Church was not against the Scottsdale Centre Christmas tree entirely – which he ac1517 56th St. knowledged was “fun” – but simply 4841 Delta St. Langley its installation in places of worship. Willowbrook Mall “The Christmas tree is not a liturgi8700 200th St. cal symbol,” he said. “(It) cannot be 19638 Fraser Hwy. put in the sanctuary of the Church.” 20159 88th Ave. 20202 66th Ave. While the Vatican has a Christmas Maple Ridge tree, it is not installed in St. Peter’s Haney Place Mall Basilica but outside, in the Square, 22661 Lougheed Hwy. Mission the priest noted. The origins of the Mission Smartcentre Christmas tree are somewhat disput32670 Lougheed Hwy. ed. Historians say trees first began to New Westminster appear in homes as part of the paRoyal City Centre North Vancouver gan tradition, with evergreen boughs Capilano Mall put above windows and doors to Lynn Valley Centre ward off evil spirits and illness, or 1295 Marine Dr. as a symbol of everlasting life. The 1801 Lonsdale Ave. Pitt Meadows Christmas tree as it is now known is 19800 Lougheed Hwy. generally traced to Germany, where Port Coquitlam Christians began bringing them into 2020 Oxford Connector their homes in the 16th century. Richmond Lansdowne Centre Some say the Protestant reformer Richmond Centre Martin Luther was the first to do so; 11686 Steveston Hwy. others say it first began to be used Surrey Central City Shopping Centre in nativity plays as a symbol of the Only Optik TV™ lets you enjoy the most South Asian channels. Cloverdale Crossing Garden of Eden. For his part, Rev. Guildford Town Centre Varnakulasingam said the Christmas Semiahmoo Shopping Centre tree originated in Europe, particu3189 King George Blvd. 7380 King George Blvd. larly in Germany, where people suf13734 104th Ave. fered from a lack of greenery in the Plus, get a FREE 40" Samsung Smart TV Vancouver winter so put evergreen foliage in Oakridge Centre their homes “so that they would see Pacific Centre when you sign up for Optik TV & Internet for 3 years†. 220 East 1st Ave. the green colour.” He also rounded 991 Denman St. on Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, 1095 West Pender St. saying the Church would like to re1143 Robson St. 1855 Burrard St. turn to his more religious predeces2338 Cambie St. sor, Saint Nicolas, but acknowledged 2372 West 4th Ave. that it would be difficult because “all 2706 Granville St. the shops, they all have Santa Claus.” 2748 Rupert St. Call 310-MYTV (6988), go to telus.com/freetv 3121 West Broadway In general, the concept of Christmas or visit your TELUS Store. West Vancouver was being degraded, the priest conPark Royal South cluded. “Sad to say now in the USA Offer available until January 5, 2016, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS TV or Internet in the past 90 days. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, they don’t say ’happy Christmas’ but and regular pricing without notice. Cannot be combined with other offers. The Essentials is required for all Optik TV subscriptions. Offer not available with TELUS Internet 6. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. †A retail value of $689, based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, plus a 2 year extended warranty, provincial government eco fees and shipping. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement and will be the value of the promotional gift received in return for your term commitment, they say ’(happy) holidays’.”

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www.theasianstar.com Vol 14

Issue 49 Saturday, January 2, 2016

Tel: 604-591-5423

Cars Canadians are saying goodbye in 2015

Naan, Turkey Pizza

7 Entertainment

Page

2015 goes out with a bang, shake and rattle

Confused Americans B.C. earthquake wakes up Vancouver, Victoria-area residents attack Sikhs, thinking Quake, 4.3-4.8 in magnitude, centred 20 km north of Victoria at 11:39 p.m PT Tuesday but no damage reported they’re Muslims

here were varying reports about the magnitude of the quake that struck at 11:39 p.m. PT. Natural Resources Canada measured it at 4.3 ML, while the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported M 4.8. The quake was centred about 19 kilometres northnortheast of Victoria. The seismic activity was

reportedly 42 kilometres deep. Earthquakes Canada says there have been no reports of damage, and “none would be expected.” Natural Resources Canada seismologist John Cassidy, who lives in Victoria, said he felt “a pretty big shake” for about 10 seconds.

Continued on page 6

Liberals won’t hold referendum on electoral reform

he federal Liberals say they will not hold a referendum to gauge public opinion on voting reform as they fulfill their promise to abandon the first-pastthe-post system but will instead leave it up to Parliament – where they hold a majority of seats – to decide how Canadians will elect

future governments. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised broad consultation by an all-party committee before legislation is introduced, within 18 months, to reform the existing system and bring in alternatives such as ranked ballots or proportional Continued on page 6

BC Gov’t settles out of court with 2 health researchers over firings

The B.C. government has settled out of court with two doctors fired in 2012 as part of a scandal that involved whistle-blowing, multiple lawsuits, apologies, a call for a public inquiry and a suicide. Rebecca and William War-

burton were part of a group of eight health ministry workers fired by the province, which had claimed the employees inappropriately accessed sensitive medical records. It was later revealed RCMP officers were Continued on page 6

Liberals’ Syrian refugee program has shifting goals - former top bureaucrat

he federal Liberals say they will not hold a referendum to gauge public opinion on voting reform as they fulfill their promise to abandon the first-past-the-post system but will instead leave it up to Parliament – where they hold a majority of seats – to decide how Canadians will elect future governments. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised broad con-

sultation by an all-party committee before legislation is introduced, within 18 months, to reform the existing system and bring in alternatives such as ranked ballots or proportional representation Critics – and members of other political parties in particular – argue that without putting proposed changes before Canadians in the form of a referenContinued on page 6

Darsh Singh in an online photo and, on the right, the altered version shared online that erroneously linked the Sikh man to Islamic terrorism. he bearded man in the blue turban was attacked before dawn on Saturday morning, while waiting for a ride to work. Two white males in their 20s pulled up and began to curse at Amrik Singh Bal, according to police in Fresno, California. Fearing for his safety, police said, the 68-year-old Sikh man attempted to cross the street — but “the subjects in the vehicle backed up and struck the victim with their rear bumper.” The car stopped, and the two men “got out and assaulted the victim, striking him in the face and upper body.” During the assault, police said, one of the suspects yelled: “Why are you here?” Bal fell to the ground, striking his head. He also suffered a broken collar bone in the attack — the latest in a string of incidents targeting U.S. Sikhs, who are frequently conflated with Muslims and often wind up absorbing the backlash against Islamist extremists. Earlier this month, just days after a married Muslim couple opened fire at a social services centre in San Bernardino, Continued on page 7

OPINION

4 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Don’t change Canada’s electoral system without parliamentary unanimity Liberal majority pushes something through ustin Trudeau, the leader of the Libor a national referendum: Ujjal Dosanjh parliament against the wishes of the Consereral Party, promised 2015 will be the

last election fought on the current first-past-the-post system. Prime Minister Trudeau says “you have to make choices at one point”. And his choice is to have an all-party parliamentary committee make recommendations in 18 months “and see where that takes us”. The Liberal House Leader Dominic Leblanc has rejected the idea of a referendum on changes that might be proposed by the committee and accepted by the government. Trudeau seems to have agreed with his House Leader’s view to change the system with a simple vote in

parliament by questioning the need for “referendums on everything that matters to the future of the country”. Despite it not being embedded in the constitution of the country, the electoral system isn’t just anything. It is the thing that elects the governments of the country to uphold the constitution and guide the destiny of the nation. Next to the constitution, it is the most important institutional process that has given Canada a stable government since confederation. It is my view any major change to the first past the post electoral

‘Bob from Calgary’ wrote New York Times’ most popular comment of all time The most popular comment ever made on the New York Times website was penned by a Calgary man. Bob from Calgary, as he is identified on the site, received some 7,040 recommendations for his comment on a 2010 column about wealth and privilege written by Paul Krugman. The newspaper, which fields some 9,000 comments each day, says Bob’s is the top post “of all time.” The runner-up, posted on a story about the mass shooting in Charleston, S.C., drew roughly 5,489 recommendations. In his comment, Bob praises Canada’s public schools, universal health care and banking system and says his tax bill is only two per cent higher than it would be south of the border. He also says he doesn’t feel Canadians are in any way less free than their American counterparts.

system -- unlike electoral term change and the proposed change to the appointment of senators -- is a major quasi-constitutional change. It mustn’t be made by a simple majority vote of those in parliament representing only 39.5% of the electorate. Experts have written volumes on proportional representation (PR), the ranked ballot (RB) and the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) systems. Based on the 39.5% vote in the October election, PR would have reduced by 50 the Liberal seats in the house and it is widely agreed RB would have increased their majority by a significant number of seats. Trudeau had earlier expressed a preference for the RB system. There are three basic questions that need to be answered: [1] Should we change our first-past-the-post electoral system? [2] If so what should that new system be? [3] How do we approve the change? I would suggest that Canada answer in the negative to the first question. While I respect and have some sympathy for those who want change and the reasons for that change I support the first-past-the-post system. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill: first-past-the-post is the worst electoral system except for all the other systems that have been tried from time to time. The second question is going to be answered by the interparty parliamentary committee in about 18 months. Those wishing to be heard will be able to do so by making submissions to the committee in person or in writing as the committee travel the country. The third question, I contend, is more difficult to resolve. Many people support change so that the representatives elected only by 39.5% “do not rule over a majority” as is the case post 2015 election. That is a fundamental principle argued by those who want change. But some of the very same people who argue for different systems are quite comfortable if they get the system of their choice voted in by a simple majority in Parliament representing only 39.5% of the electorate. That would be the case if the

Continued on page 7

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 5

Local

6 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

From page 1

Liberals won’t hold referendum on electoral reform

representation Critics – and members of other political parties in particular – argue that without putting proposed changes before Canadians in the form of a referendum, the Liberals could use their majority to weight an already skewed system even more heavily in their favour. Rona Ambrose, the interim Leader of the Conservatives, has demanded that a national vote on electoral reform take place before fundamental changes become law. But Dominic LeBlanc, the Liberal House Leader, told CTV’s Question Period on Sunday that “our plan is not to have a national referendum. Our plan is to use Parliament to consult Canadians. That has always been our plan and I don’t have any reason to think that’s been changed.” Mr. LeBlanc, who has previously said that one party with a majority should not be able to rewrite the rules for everybody else, said the government sees “Parliament taking it responsibility and having a committee travel across the country and then having a debate in Parliament.” It will be important to obtain a number of perspectives during the consultation process, he said, “from the status quo to an extreme, which would be perhaps proportional representation, and anything in between we think is worthy of being looked at.” Later on Sunday, in another interview

with CTV, Mr. Trudeau was also asked about the possibility of a referendum on electoral reform. He responded by asking the interviewer whether it is necessary for a government to have a referendum on everything that matters to the future of the country. “You have to make choices at one point,” he said, “and we are committed to holding full, engaged consultations. And we’ll see where that takes us.” During the fall election campaign, Mr. Trudeau promised to convene an all-party parliamentary committee to review potential electoral systems. He indicated some time ago that ranked ballots were his preferred option, though his opinion may have changed since then. A recent poll by Abacus Data suggests a ranked ballot would have given the Liberals – who hold a majority despite receiving only 40 per cent of the popular vote – an even greater number of seats in Parliament. But proportional representation would have reduced them to a minority. Ms. Ambrose said in an e-mail late Sunday that, when the fundamental rules of democracy are changed, all Canadians should have a say. “A referendum is the only way to ensure all Canadians get that say,” she said. “It is arrogant for the government to suggest they are entitled to make a change of this magnitude without a referendum.”

From page 1

BC Gov’t settles out of court with 2 health researchers over firings

never given evidence by the government to investigate the wrongdoing which was used to justify the firings, despite the government telling the public an investigation was ongoing. One of the researchers, University of Victoria co-op student Roderick MacIsaac, took his own life three months after he was fired. The province issued a joint statement on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and the Warburtons on Tuesday announcing the settlement. The Warburtons, who have been fighting

the province in the courts for the past two years, also offered their own statement to the press. “We have been exonerated and our reputations for acting honourably and in the public interest have been restored,” they said. “It is clear from both the joint statement and the size of the cash settlement that the government shares our view.” The B.C. government hasn’t revealed how large the settlement was, but in its own statement said the province recognizes there were flaws in its initial investigation.

Liberals’ Syrian refugee program has shifting goals - former top bureaucrat dum, the Liberals could use their majority to weight an already skewed system even more heavily in their favour. Rona Ambrose, the interim Leader of the Conservatives, has demanded that a national vote on electoral reform take place before fundamental changes become law. But Dominic LeBlanc, the Liberal House Leader, told CTV’s Question Period on Sunday that “our plan is not to have a national referendum. Our plan is to use Parliament to

consult Canadians. That has always been our plan and I don’t have any reason to think that’s been changed.” Mr. LeBlanc, who has previously said that one party with a majority should not be able to rewrite the rules for everybody else, said the government sees “Parliament taking it responsibility and having a committee travel across the country and then having a debate in Parliament.” It will be important to obtain a number of perspectives during the consultation process, he said,

BC earthquake wakes up Vancouver residents From page 1

The 4.3 ML earthquake struck about 20 kilometres northeast of Victoria at 11:39 PM PT. “It’s the largest earthquake in this region in many years,” said Cassidy. But he added: “Earthquakes are a lot more common around the world than we might think ... it’s not really an unusual earthquake,” with about 1,000 similar “light to moderate” quakes felt globally every month. He also said: “There is no pattern in this region for precursors to a larger earthquake, so this doesn’t really tell us anything about when a larger earthquake may occur in the future.

aman@ewfinancial.ca

“But it’s very clearly is a good reminder of the seismicity in this region, that we live in a very active earthquake zone.” Given the depth of Tuesday’s quake, he said it’s unlikely there would be any aftershocks, but if there were any, they would be light. TransLink temporarily shut down the Millenium and Expo lines of the SkyTrain as a precaution . TransLink temporarily shut down the Millennium and Expo lines of the SkyTrain, but spokeswoman Anne Drennan said they, along with bus bridges, were reopened for one last run. BC Hydro said the earthquake hasn’t impacted any transmission or distribution systems.

LOCAL

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 7

Confused Americans attack Sikhs, thinking theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Muslims From page 1

California, a Sikh house of worship in nearby Orange County was vandalized with hateful graffiti, according to the Sikh Coalition. A truck parked outside the Gurdwara Singh Sabha was also vandalized, with graffiti that included the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; ISIS,â&#x20AC;? the coalition said. ISIS is an alternative acronym for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. In September, Inderjit Singh Mukker, a father of two on his way to the grocery store, was savagely assaulted in a Chicago suburb after being called â&#x20AC;&#x153;bin Laden.â&#x20AC;? In this photo taken Sept. 15, 2015, Inderjit Singh Mukker, left at podium, speaks at a news conference in Darien, Ill., saying because of his brown skin, turban and beard, he was the victim of a beating. Members of the Sikh religion also are feeling vulnerable as anti-Islamic sentiment heats up across the U.S. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing new about Sikhs being the targets of violence and intimidation in the United States: Followers of the monotheistic faith, which originated in South Asia in the 15th century, have been on the receiving end of xenophobic intolerance since they began arriving in the Pacific Northwest to fill logging jobs in the early 20th century, according to Simran Jeet Singh, a senior religion fellow at the Sikh Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pretty immedi-

ately after our arrival in this country, we became targets of xenophobia,â&#x20AC;? Singh said in a recent interview. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hate violence has ebbed and flowed throughout our history in America, but being targets of racism is nothing new. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of our history here.â&#x20AC;? That intimidation intensified in the months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when a wave of anti-Islamic sentiment washed over the country, leading some to confuse the long beards and turbans worn by many Sikh men as a representation of Islam. Others viewed it simply as an opportunity to attack individuals they perceived as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;un-American.â&#x20AC;? According to the Sikh Coalition, there were more than 300 cases of violence and discrimination against U.S. Sikhs in the first month after the 2001 attacks. The hatred peaked more than a decade later, when a white supremacist named Wade Michael Page walked into a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis., and opened fire on a crowd of worshipers, killing six and wounding three before taking his own life. side the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, August 6, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the site of a racially motivated attack that year. Now, the United States is again grappling with fears of terrorism after recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, which have shaken Western governments and collectively resulted in about 150 deaths.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electoral system From page 4 vatives, the NDP and the sole green MP in on the proposed changes and approve them the House of Commons. Any change to the with a unanimous or near unanimous vote electoral system canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a partisan endeav- in the House of Commons. Or it must place our. It has to be a nation-building project. If the proposed changes before the people in a the Trudeau government wants to remain nationwide referendum. true to its commitment to democratic elecNear unanimity in Parliament or a natoral reform it has only two options. Either tional referendum, Mr. Trudeau! it must seek and find interparty agreement You have no other option, Sir!

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8 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

he most important story of the year for most British Columbians, by far, was Justin Trudeau becoming prime minister, according to an Insights West poll released Tuesday. Respondents were asked to chooseup to five stories as the most important of 2015. 77% The change of government in Ottawa. The federal Liberal Party went from two seats in B.C. to 17, the most in more than 40 years. The historic showing helped to seal a stunning majority government victory. 48% B.C.’s ‘summer of drought.’ Hot, dry weather, with scant rain, made it easy for wildfires to start and spread — the season was deemed one of the worst in a decade. Some 300,000 hectares across the province burned and Victoria spent over $285 million fighting fires. At one point, the choking air quality in Whistler was compared to that in Beijing. For weeks in Vancouver, it was brown lawns and dusty hubcaps as water restrictions clamped down on garden watering and car washing.

LOCAL

Top B.C. stories of 2015 Liberal victory was biggest news event this year

44% The ‘No’ victory in the Metro Vancouver transportation and transit plebiscite. Almost two-thirds of voters rejected an increase of half a percentage point in

the sales tax to help pay for a $7.5-billion, 10-year plan put forth by Metro Vancouver mayors. The No campaign focused on TransLink’s high executive salaries, the

Compass card debacle and SkyTrain breakdowns. 42% Sky-highhousing prices in Vancouver and calls for better data on foreign investment in residential real estate. In November, the typical price for a single-family detached home on the west side was up 23 per cent over the past year; on the east side, it was up 26 per cent. Experts pointed to low interest rates and limited supply, but the hottest part of the debate focused on the lack of information about the impact of foreign money, in particular from mainland China. 30% B.C.’s connection with the Syrian refugee crisis. The image of Alan Kurdi’s body found lifeless on a beach near Bodrum, Turkey, was printed around the world on Sept. 2. When it emerged that the family of the five-year-old boy had drowned trying to flee Syria for Canada where his aunt, Tima Kurdi, lives in Coquitlam, it set off an election campaign debate and eventually focused federal government efforts to help settle more refugees here.

B.C. man accused of ramming police cruiser, trying to escape by kayak

he RCMP have recommended more than two dozen charges against a man who tried to run from police using a kayak following a routine traffic stop near Sicamous, B.C. Mounties say 35-year-old Justin Daniels put a pick-up truck he was driving in reverse and rammed a police cruiser that had pulled him over before driving away early Monday morning. Officers from Salmon Arm located the vehicle abandoned along nearby Mara Lake and followed footprints in the snow to the water’s edge, where the driver launched a kayak using his hands instead of a paddle. Police then found tracks in the snow on the far side of the lake and followed them to a nearby garage, where they found and arrested Daniels. They say he was suffering from hypothermia but was otherwise uninjured. Daniels faces multiple charges, including theft for stealing a kayak, assault, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, break and enter and 19 counts of mail theft. WIND_Q4_GVA_AsianStar_8x10_ENG.indd 1

15-12-16 11:51 AM

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 9

10 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Local

‘Fire incident’ causes delays on Canada Line, service to resume at 3 p.m.

here are no injuries following a “fire incident” on board a Canada Line train on Tuesday afternoon, according to transit officials. Just before 2 p.m., Transit Police posted an update online that said they were dealing with an incident on the Canada Line route and warned passengers to expect delays. A train between Bridgeport and Marine Drive stations is believed to have suffered a “sudden loss of power and stalled out,” according to TransLink spokeswoman

Anne Drennan. Drennan said it may have been a problem with the “collector shoes” -- a part underneath the train that collects high voltage power.

Canada-wide warrant issued for Moncton pair wanted for murder

CMP in New Brunswick have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man and a woman charged with first-degree murder in the death of an 18-year-old Moncton man. Baylee Wylie’s body was discovered in the aftermath of an early morning house fire on Dec. 17 in Moncton. Police quickly decided foul play had been involved. Since then, police have been looking for Marissa Shephard, 20, and Tyler Noel, 18, both of Moncton. “The murder of Baylee Wylie was extremely violent, so these two subjects should be considered dangerous and not be approached,” said Sgt. André Pepin of the Codiac RCMP

Canada-wide warrant for Moncton residents Tyler Noel, 18, and Marissa Shephard, 20 issued by RCMP. On Dec. 24, the pair were charged with first-degree murder and arson, and a provincial warrant was issued. However, police are unsure whether they have stayed in the area,

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LOCAL Temporary Foreign Workers file class action law suit against Mac’s and immigrant recruiter

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Report highlights growth and stability in student completion rates

ecord-high Aboriginal grad- pares with 84.2% in 2013-14. South Asian man claims he paid to eight other workers in Surrey, British uation and steady student The six-year completion rates in Ara firm $8,000 to arrange for a job Columbia,” the Statement of Claim says. completion rates throughout the row Lakes, Coquitlam, Vancouver at a Mac’s Convenience Store in The job at Mac’s fell through, and West, Fort Nelson and Canada from his homeland of Dubai. Basyal was offered a job as a farm la- province demonstrate continued strength Island were over 90%. When he got here however, the job didn’t borer for a few months. He refused. in B.C.’s education system, accord- Revelstoke He was then given ing to the Ministry of Education’s B.C.’s new curriculum, which is beexist and he ended up liva job at a bottle de- latest data. ing phased in over the next three ing in homeless shelters. pot in Edmonton, The six-year completion rate for years, is designed to help improve Prakash Basyal’s exwhere he worked Aboriginal students reached an all- student achievement, success and perience is just one of for a month with- time high of 63% in the 2014-15 graduation. The curriculum promany and is at the heart out being paid. school year, an increase of more than vides a flexible and innovative plan to of a class action lawsuit The Canadian nine percentage points in the last help B.C. students gain the knowlbeing brought against Border Services five years. In addition, four school edge and skills they need for the jobs Mac’s and an overAgency found districts reported Aboriginal six- of tomorrow. seas immigration firm. out about Basyal year completion rates over 88% for Quote: Mike Bernier, Minister of EduOn Dec. 10, Basyal, Arworking illegal- 2014-15. The percentage of all B.C. stucation - “Our continued success in the thur Gortifacion Cajes, ly in Edmonton and brought him dents, including female, male, number of students graduating is a Edlyn Tesorero and Bishnu Khadka filed testament to the strength of action against Mac’s Convenience Stores, to a homeless shelter in that city. Aboriginal, English Language Learning our education system. It’s also Overseas Immigration Services Inc., He was then moved to a home- (ELL) and special needs shelter in Vancouver. completing grades 8 to 12 with- encouraging to see so many AborigOverseas Career and Consulting Services less “Mr. Basyal suffered mental distress and in six years remained stable at almost inal students graduating and the Ltd., and Trident Immigration Services. 84% in 2014-15. This com- teamwork involved to support them.” Continued on page 17 The plaintiffs say the defendants are in breach of their employment contracts, according to the Statement of Claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. None of the allegations made in the 43-page claim have been proven in court, but provide the basis for the action against the firms. A response to the statement has not been filed as of yet. Carmela Allevato, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, said she found the stories she heard quite disturbing. “It really touched my heart,” she said.. “(They) should have all the protections of the law and be able to build a life here.” The Statement of Claim alleges Overseas Career Immigration Services often held large recruitment fairs in the Middle East to recruit foreign workers. A linchpin of the initiative is the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), whereby immigrants are given work visas when companies can’t find local workers. “Overseas charges workers approximately $8,000 to secure employment in Canada,” the statement says. “Of that fee, approximately $2,000 must be paid up front. The remainder is paid after the worker is supplied with (TFWP approvals) and an employment contract with a Canadian employer.” In the cases being brought before • CREDIT CARDS DEBT • COLLECTION CALLS the courts, that employer was al• LINE OF CREDIT • LEGAL ACTIONS legedly Mac’s Convenience Stores. • BUSINESS LOANS • GARNISHMENTS Basyal was living in Dubai in 2012 • REVENUE CANADA DEBT • SEIZURE OF ASSETS when he was recruited at one (GST, PST, PAYROLL, TAXES) • INTEREST ON PAYMENTS of Overseas’ recruitment fairs. • ICBC • NEED TO DO He paid his $2,000 and • STUDENT LOAN BANKRUPTCY was interviewed by Mac’s. He was given an employment Call Now For A Free Confidential Appointment contract that stipulated two years of work at $11.40 an hour, with health care benefits as well. Registered Credit Consultant “Mac’s would not recoup the costs Email: tahir@tahirmalik.ca of his recruitment from (Overseas),” the Statement of Claim says. Basyal flew to Vancouver, where he was given a work perSURREY: ABBOTSFORD: 2 LOCATIONS TO mit allowing him only to work 208-9200, Scott Road 200 A 2451 Clearbrook Rd SERVE YOU BETTER at a Mac’s store as a cashier. A representative from OverALSO PROVIDING SERVICES FROM TORONTO, MONTREAL, WINNIPEG, EDMONTON & CALGARY seas “instructed Mr. Basyal to live in an apartment with six We Provide Hope to the hopeless... We are your bridge to a DEBT FREE LIFE !

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12 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Surrey man gets 8-year sentence for assaults

radley Michael Muscat of Surrey has been sentenced to a total of eight years for a pair of attacks that included a brutal sexual assault of a woman on the Galloping Goose Trail in Langford in 2014. Crown prosecutor Ruth Picha said Muscat, 21, who was arrested in Surrey in October of 2014 and had pleaded guilty to two counts involving aggravated assault, could spend more than six more years behind bars. “This is a significant sentence for someone who has no prior criminal history,” Picha told the Gazette after last week’s sentencing. “However, I was asking for 10 years, (but) the judge took everything into consideration and gave a very learned ruling.” Previous admissions of fact stated that Muscat held a sharp object to the neck of a West Shore woman who was walking home along Jacklin Road in the early hours of June 26, 2014. After a struggle, he forced her onto the Galloping Goose

Trail, raped her and stole her phone. Included in the ruling on that aggravated sexual assault was the aggravated assault of a sex-trade worker in Surrey in August of 2014. The admission of fact stated that he hit the woman in the head, stabbed her in the side and back and stole from her more than $500 in cash. The sex worker eventually stabbed Muscat with a knife pulled from her bra. He was arrested after going to a hospital for treatment, having matched a description given to police by the sex worker, and was released on bail. West Shore RCMP investigators later considered Muscat a suspect in the Langford attack. Officers travelled to Surrey, where they matched DNA from an empty beer can he had discarded to evidence taken from the Langford victim. He still had her cell phone in his bathrobe when police arrested him.

How to keep your New Year’s resolutions, according to science

earn Spanish? Finally quit smoking? Become a better cook? Whatever you’ve decided to achieve next year, you know all too well that you’re probably going to fail, and that list of beautiful, aspirational goals is staying unfulfilled. Sorry. For this very reason some people forgo making any resolutions altogether, so we’re here to help - this year you might actually have a chance, with help from a few tricks of the mind. British psychologist Richard Wiseman has done several surveys on willpower - in 2007 he tracked the success of 3,000 people’s New Year’s resolutions, only to find that a mere 12 percent of them managed to achieve what they had set out to do. He looked into what the successful people were doing differently, and, based on their experience, devised a list of tips for others who want to stop failing miserably. Before we get into the list, it turns out the number one thing to stop relying on is your own willpower - that’s basically the worst approach to keeping a resolution, and is the reason why so many of us never start exercising more, continue eating all that fried chicken, and still can’t speak a word of French. What should you be doing instead? As Wiseman explained on his blog back in 2013, your goals should be small and manageable, you should document your success, tell others about

Happy New Year 2016

your intentions, and, importantly, not beat yourself up for failing. Here’s the complete list of Wiseman’s advice: 1) If possible, make only one resolution - changing a lot of things at once is more difficult. 2) Think about your resolutions in advance, and spend some time to reflect on them. 3) Don’t re-visit past failures, but focus on new resolutions instead. 4) Focus on what you really want don’t just go with what’s trendy. 5) Break your goal into manageable, concrete steps with specific deadlines. 6) Go public - tell your friends, family, social networks about your goals, which will increase your fear of failure and also garner support. 7) Create a checklist focusing on how much better your life will be once you’ve achieved your goals. 8) Whenever you make progress on the steps towards your goal, give yourself a small reward. 9) Document your journey - charts, spreadsheets, journals and other means of tracking your progress will keep it concrete. 10) Don’t beat yourself up and quit if you sometimes revert to old habits - treat it as a temporary setback. Learn the five most important tips below, and good luck in 2016!

LOCAL

Relatives of Alan Kurdi arrive in Canada to warm welcome

ecked out in scarves and tuques in Canadian reds and whites, Alan Kurdi’s uncle, aunt and five cousins – all members of a family that has come to symbolize the struggle of millions of Syrian refugees – sprinted out of the customs area at Vancouver’s airport after a flight from Germany to embrace their relatives and begin their new lives. Onlookers clapped and a throng of cameras snapped as Mohammad Kurdi, his wife and their children hugged and kissed Tima Kurdi, the Coquitlam, B.C., woman who became a global advocate for Middle Eastern refugees after a photo was published of her three-year-old nephew, Alan Kurdi, lying lifeless on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. The picture focused the world’s attention on those displaced by Syria’s

Saturday, January 2, 2016

brutal civil war and made immigration a central issue in this fall’s federal election. Before the Kurdis addressed reporters, they and their supporters chanted:

camp in southern Germany while his family was in Istanbul. This summer, his brother, Abdullah, decided to follow him to the European Union after discouraging news about

“Thank you, Canada! Thank you, Canada!” “We almost lost hope, but thank you to the Canadian government and the Canadian people who made it happen,” Mr. Kurdi said as his sister translated from Arabic into English. The moment was bittersweet for Mr. Kurdi, who had been living in a barracks-style

Mohammad’s attempt to get to Canada. The Canadian government had told Mohammad his original refugee application lacked the proper documentation from the United Nations. But Abdullah’s attempted crossing from Turkey to Greece ended in tragedy when the small boat he and his family were travelling on cap-

Canada may change ‘cruel’ refugee loans system

on-Syrian refugees have to start paying back cost of their transportation 30 days after arriving in Canada Immigration Minister John McCallum poses with a Syrian family soon to be resettled in Canada. As Syrian refugees, this family will be exempt from paying back interest-bearing government loans — unlike other refugees. Refugee advocates are calling on the federal government to end what they call the “cruel” practice of requiring refugees to pay back interest-bearing loans to cover transport and medical costs. The federal government is covering the cost of bringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees slated to arrive by the end of February, but advocates say thousands of other refugees are struggling to repay the government loans they were issued when they arrived. Chris Friesen with the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia says he works with immigrants who are facing a mountain of debt, and many are struggling to buy the basics of food and clothing. “More and more refugees are using, for example, their child tax benefits; they’re using part of their food money [to pay back the loans],” said Friesen. “They’re asking their children to work after school, or in some cases, even drop out of high school to help, and meet the financial needs of the family.” Refugees charged interest on loans Loans are granted to refugees to cover

the costs of their medical examinations abroad, travel documents and transportation. More loans are also available to cover rent, phone deposits and work tools. According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the average loan is $3,000. Refugees are required to start paying off the loan 30 days after arriving in Canada. However, according to a CIC evaluation of the refugee program, looking at loans granted between 2003 and 2012, almost no one began repaying within their first 30 days in Canada. Eventually, if the loan isn’t paid back completely after a specified period of time (between one and three years, depending on the amount borrowed), refugees are charged interest on the amount remaining. In 2015, the interest rate was 1.38 per cent. According to the CIC’s evaluation, 59 per cent of refugees between 2003 and 2012 managed to repay their loans within the interest-free period. The average monthly payment over the past three months was $162. Friesen says Canada is the only country in the world that charges refugees interest on the loans they’re issued when brought to this country — and the issue is causing a stir in the refugee community. “We have Syrians coming into the country, staying in the same facility as other refugees who have loans, and they’re asking us to explain to them why the government is giving preferential treatment to Syrians versus them.”

sized. His wife and two sons drowned. On Monday afternoon, Mohammad Kurdi said he was extremely grateful for another chance from the Canadian government, which reached out to his sister in October just before the federal election and asked her to try to sponsor his family again, as the government was no longer requiring the difficult-to-obtain United Nations documents. The Kurdis are among 25,000 Syrian refugees the Canadian government has pledged to welcome by the end of February. Immigration Minister John McCallum said last week the government will likely not meet its target of having 10,000 of them on Canadian soil by Jan. 1. The federal website that updates progress listed 2,413 refugees as having arrived in Canada by Dec. 26. Tima Kurdi said it’s important that governments around the world continue to welcome refugees.

Happy New Year 2016

LOCAL

14 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Compass Cards take over from paper monthly transit passes by New Year

he next phase of TransLink’s rollout of the long-awaited Compass Cards takes effect Jan. 1, after which paper monthly passes will no longer be accepted. Beginning Friday, transit users must load their monthly passes onto the new cards. Soon after that, FareSaver tickets will also be phased out, although TransLink hasn’t set a date yet to stop selling Faresavers. “If you are travelling with the monthly pass, you will need to have a Compass card and load the monthly pass onto the Compass Card,” said TransLink spokesperson Jennifer Morland. In Vancouver, there were lineups at the Stadium station Tuesday as transit users lined up to purchase their Compass

cards. Many users were confused about the the new card’s timeline. So far, about 375,000 transit users have purchased the new cards. TransLink is selling between 1,000 and 2,000 cards per day at this point, Morland said. The new cards require a $6 deposit. Once purchased, users can load up “stored value” to pay for a monthly pass or individual rides. You can order the card online or by phone, or buy it from: •Vending machines at SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express stations •BC Ferries terminals in Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen •18 London Drugs stores •“FareDealer” convenience stores

Boxing Day shooting in Whalley

Whalley neighbourhood awakened Boxing Day morning to the sound of gunshots as someone opened fire on a nearby home. Police were called to the 9100-block of 138A Street art just after 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 26. A family was home at the time, but there were no reports of injuries. Police found several bullet casings at the scene and people living nearby reported hearing numerous gunshots. A witness who gave surveillance video of the incident said he also shared the footage with police. In the video, a suspect vehicle is positioned behind a bush in the front yard for a

few moments, fleeing the scene when a car alarm goes off in the driveway of the target home. The witness said the people who live in the home “are good people, a nice family” that have lived in the area for years. Surrey, particularly Newton and Whalley, has been plagued with dozens of shootings since last spring. The majority of the shootings are a result of a drug turf war over a dial-a-dope operation. Police have not confirmed if this latest shooting has been linked to any others. The investigation is ongoing.

Shots fired at Surrey home wake, spark fear

Surrey family was awakened by gun shots fired at their home early Sunday morning. “They were shook up by it,” said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Maureen Hickey. Police were called to the home on 91 Ave and 138A Street in Surrey at 12:45

Happy New Year 2016

a.m. on Sunday. “Nobody was hurt during the incident, no one left on the scene at the time of police arrival,” she said. Officers found several shell casings and damage to the home. Police are investigating but will not say if the shooting was targeted.

Dumbest 911 calls of 2015

verybody knows you shouldn’t call 911 unless it’s an emergency, right? Yet every year callers use the three-digit emergency line for the oddest reasons. “It is a mystery to us why. There are children as young as three years old who have made lifesaving calls to 911. So they seem to get it,” said Jody Robertson, spokesperson for E-Comm, the largest 911 call centre in B.C. E-Comm deals with 84 per cent of B.C.’s 911 call volume, covering Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and 21 other communities spanning from Vancouver Island to Alberta and the U.S. border. ‘There are children as young as three years old who have made lifesaving calls to 911. So they seem to get it.’ – Jody Robertson, E-Comm The Vancouver firm deals with up to 3,400 calls daily — and using 911 for non-emergency reasons risks lives by wasting the operator’s time, chewing up two or three minutes of valuable time, says Robertson. Top 10 nuisance calls in 2015 Here are E-Comm’s top 10 worst non-emergency 911 calls made this year: 1. Requesting the number for a local tire dealership. 2. Reporting an issue with a vending machine. 3. Asking for the non-emergency line. 4. Because a car is parked too close to theirs. 5. “My son won’t put his seatbelt on.” 6. Coffee shop is refusing to refill coffee. 7. Asking if it’s OK to park on the street. 8. “My roommate used my toothbrush.” 9. Asking for help getting a basketball out of a tree. 10. Reporting that a building’s air system is too loud, preventing sleep. “When one of these calls comes in, although it may seem illogical or outlandish at the surface, our call takers can’t just dismiss them. They have to take the time to ask questions to find out from the caller if there is anything else going on. So they are trained to ask questions in case the caller is in distress and can’t speak freely,” said Robertson/ “We just want to remind people that lives are at risk when 911 is used as an information line or for any other reasons that do not meet the test of a true emergency,” said Robertson. “That is a police, fire or medical situation that requires immediate action because somebody’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or there is a crime in progress.”

LOCAL

B.C. residents will pay more for MSP, ferries, electricity andauto insurance in 2016

he average B.C. resident can expect to pay $100 more in provincial fees and taxes next year, but they may get much of it back in federal tax cuts. “It’s fair to say the vast majority of Canadians ... will have more money in their pocket,” Aaron Wudrick, the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said. The changes to the federal income tax system will be particularly good news for those in the second income bracket who make between $45,282 and $90,563, The tax rate will drop to 20.5 per cent from 22 per cent in 2016, which translates to a maximum of $680 for those with income at the top of the range and beyond. But those who make over $200,000 per year, the news is not so good. The chang-

es will create a new top tax bracket with a rate of 33 per cent, a hike from the 29 per cent rate that kicks in at $140,000. The Liberals have also promised to cancel income splitting by 2016. For now, dual-income earners with a huge disparity in their incomes can still claim a $2,000 benefit, but that program is expected to disappear by the next tax filing. On the flip-side, the federal government has also promised to release more details on their plan for a new Universal Child Care Benefit for families with young children in the new year. The Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation has crunched the numbers across Canada and the savings, including the expected changes to child benefits, could be as high as $2,000 for some households.

8 drug overdose deaths in a week

he B.C. Coroners Service says drugs are likely the cause of eight deaths in Greater Victoria over the past week. “That’s quite a bit higher than we would expect in a one week period,” said coroner Barb McLintock. bShe says five men and three women have died of suspected overdoses in several communities, including Saanich, Langford and Sooke, between December 20 and 26. The only confirmed overdose is

lice have also reported seeing a number of overdoses where people survived.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Fahmy asks Egyptian authorities to restore his citizenship

Canadian journalist who was released from prison in Egypt this fall says he has asked authorities in that country to restore the citizenship he renounced in hopes of regaining his freedom. Fahmy said he initially refused to give up his Egyptian citizenship when it was suggested to him as a way of speeding up his release. But he eventually relented late last year after receiving reassurance that he could reapply for it at a later date, he said. Even so, it took almost a year — and a presidential pardon — before he was freed. Fahmy, who now lives in Vancouver, said he is seeking to recover his dual citizenship as a “matter of principle.” “I kind of feel that it was unnecessary for me to renounce my citizenship to get out of prison,” he said. “I’ve spoken to Egyptian officials and my lawyers have and

we don’t have a clear answer on why this happened.” “So now I would like to claim it back,” he said. “I will continue to fight for it as long as it takes and at any cost.” He also said he plans to go back to Egypt one day and report from there, and feels he shouldn’t need a visa to do so. For now, however, he is working as an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia and writing a book about his experience. Fahmy was arrested in 2013 with two Al-Jazeera English colleagues on terror-related charges. He was sentenced to three years in prison in a retrial this year for airing what a court described as “false news” and coverage biased in favour of the nowbanned Muslim Brotherhood. The case was widely condemned. He and his Egyptian co-defendant, Baher Mohammed, were pardoned in September.

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a man who died in a downtown Victoria parkade last Saturday, and was found to have a mixed cocktail of drugs in his system, including morphine, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine. The coroner is still waiting on toxicology reports for the other seven deaths. “It would appear most of them, if not all, of these unfortunate people who died were regular experienced drug users,” said McLintock. Other agencies such as po-

Native high school graduation rate at record high

ritish Columbia’s government is celebrating record-high graduation rates for aboriginal students, but indigenous high school completion levels, provincially and for the rest of Canada, still fall significantly short of the national average. The number of aboriginal students finishing secondary school in the province has increased steadily from about 54 to 63 per cent over the past six years, as indicated by data from B.C.’s Education Ministry. But that is still more than 20 percentage points shy of the 84-per-cent average for the general population in B.C. “Seeing any kind of increase in those numbers is of course very

welcome,” said Linc Kesler, a professor at the University of British Columbia and director of the school’s First Nations House of Learning.

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LOCAL

16 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Life-sentence for Surrey mom-killer has no chance of parole for 12 years A Surrey woman who stabbed her mother to death three years ago will have to wait at least 12 years before applying for parole. Gloria Zerbinos, 31, was found guilty of second-degree murder in September in the stabbing death of her mom, Pangiota “Yota” Zerbinos. Though the conviction carries an automatic life sentence, parole ineligibility can range from 10 to 25 years. On Monday (Dec. 21) in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, a judge set ineligibility at 12 years for Gloria, minus the three years she has spent in pre-trial custody. During a sentencing hearing earlier this month, Crown had recommended 13 years, while defence suggested 10-12 years.

It was revealed during the trial that Yota was dropping off clean laundry to her daughter’s basement suite on Nov. 8, 2012 when she was killed. The mother was 43 when her then28-year-old daughter stabbed her at least two dozen times. Yota was discovered later that evening, a knife still protruding from her chest, her body draped in a blanket. The court heard that after the incident, Gloria dropped off her toddler son at Yota’s mother’s home nearby, but said nothing about the stabbing. Gloria was arrested two days later at a Vancouver strip club. While no motive was established, lawyers agreed she suffers from a psychot-

Man takes BC Lottery Corporation to court over $50 million lottery jackpot

British Columbia man is taking the province’s lottery agency to court, saying he is the rightful winner of a $50 million jackpot handed out earlier this month. George Wilson-Tagoe filed a notice of civil claim in B.C. Supreme court this week, saying that he purchased the winning ticket from a gas station on his way to work on March 11, 2014. He said he scanned the ticket, noticed an unusual pattern, and then lost it, possibly throwing it in the trash with old tickets. “I looked everywhere for the ticket. Couldn’t find it,” he is quoted in the court documents. Wilson-Tagoe said he called the B.C. Lottery Corporation and told them what happened. The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been proven in court Angela Koulyras, a spokeswoman for

BCLC, said she could not comment on the specifics of the case, but that the agency will be filing a defence against the allegations. The agency awarded the massive prize to Friedrich Mayrhofer (Pictured) on Dec. 15, nearly two years after the March 2014 Lotto Max draw. Mayrhofer said earlier this month that the delay in coming forward was due to his family being private and concerned they wouldn’t be able to handle the money. He could not be immediately reached about the legal action against the lottery corporation. The BCLC received 739 inquiries about the winning ticket and reviewed every claim thoroughly before handing over the $50 million prize to the people verified as the rightful ticket owners, Koulyras said. “Throughout this process BCLC was guided by maintaining the integrity of the lottery system, which we uphold by ensuring prizes are paid to the right people,” she said.

SUV going wrong way causes serious crash on Highway 1

info@eyelevelrichmond.com www.eyelevelrichmond.com

hree people were airlifted to hospital early on Boxing Day following a head-on collision in Langley involving an SUV travelling the wrong way on Highway 1. Abbotsford police received multiple calls just after 3 a.m. of an SUV travelling west in the eastbound lanes, RCMP Insp. Annette Fellner said. The westbound SUV sideswiped and collided with another SUV travelling in the eastbound lane on the Trans-Canada Highway just east of the 208th Street overpass. Two women and one man were airlifted to Royal Columbian Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. No children were involved in the accident, Fellner said. Traffic was diverted from the eastbound lanes between 200th Street and 232nd Street for about two hours.

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Brampton, Ont., jewelry store owner and his family beaten, held at gunpoint

here are bandages still wrapped around Zia Muhammad’s head, and blood staining the walls of his Brampton, Ont., home, both reminders of a brutal home invasion that saw three men hold the jewelry store owner and his family hostage this week. The attempted robbery Wednesday marks the fourth such time Toronto-area jewelry store owners have recently been targeted in their homes, police told CBC News. In this case Muhammad and his entire family — his wife, his daughters, his nine-year-old son and 74-year-old father and mother — were held at gunpoint. Held hostage Muhammad arrived home with groceries around 8 p.m. Wednesday when he says three men came at him from inside his house. The robbers swarmed Muhammad and his father, smashing the owner of JV Jewellers over the head with the butt of a gun. They began beating Muhammad until he fell on the floor and then tied up his hands and took him downstairs, he told CBC News Saturday. “I thought, ‘That’s it today, they kill me,’” he said. They broke his nose and cut away his jacket and part of his shirt with knives, he said. Bloodstains are still visible on the walls of his basement. Zia Muhammad said the attackers

Temporary Foreign Workers file class action law suit From page 11 hardship as a result of the defendants’ conduct,” the Statement of Claim says. The claim outlines the experience of several others, which are quite similar to that of Basyal’s. Allevato says it’s not the first class action lawsuit filed by temporary foreign workers. “We hope it will be the last one,” Allevato said. “We’re hoping with the new (federal) government, they’ll overhaul the whole program from the ground up.” As lawsuits can be expensive, it’s unlikely Allevato’s clients will be able to pay for a lengthy court action. “If at the end of the day we are successful, we get paid. If we’re unsuccessful, then we don’t,” she said. It will take some time before the lawsuit reaches the courts, as it still needs to be certified as a class action, she said. Doug Hartl, a spokesman for Mac’s Convenience Stores, referred to a prepared statement. “As a policy, we do not speculate on any legal actions in the media,” Hartl said. “Should legal actions be initiated, we will respond to the courts. “I can say Mac’s prides itself on being a good employer and does not support fraudulent or exploitive work practices.”

smashed him over the head with the butt of a gun. He said they began beating him until he fell on the floor, and then tied up his hands. (CBC News) ‘God help me’ The intruders kept asking for the keys or passwords to enter Muhammad’s Airport Road jewelry store, but he said he was so panicked — and the security so complicated — that he didn’t trust himself to give them the correct information. They had already told him that his nine-year-old son was tied up upstairs and that if the passcodes did not work, they would kill the boy, he said. “I break down,” Muhammad said. “I’m praying in my heart, ‘God help, me. God help me.’ I can’t do anything that time.”

Saturday, January 2, 2016

‘Greed’ blamed after Canada punishes St. Kitts and Nevis over its buy-a-passport program

he Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis had harsh words for the excesses of the buy-apassport program that got his Caribbean country on Canada’s bad list. It was “all because one man was caught up with his greed and hubris and self-interest,” Prime Minister Tim Harris recently told his country’s parliament, as reported by the St. Kitts and Nevis Observer. Anybody with $250,000 could buy a St. Kitts and Nevis passport without so much as visiting the island nation. The country even started selling diplomatic credentials, most notably for Iranian businessman Alizera Moghadam, who entered Canada with a diplomatic passport he claims to have purchased for $1 million. The United States soon warned that “illicit actors” were freely roaming the globe under the St. Kitts and Nev-

is name. Canada then upped the ante by ending a much-cherished visa waiver for visiting Kittitians and Nevisians. Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty ImagesFormer PM Denzil Douglas. “All he wanted was money, money for his own sake,” his successor said. And to Parliament, Harris laid the blame on predecessor Denzil Douglas, whom he ousted in a February election. “And all he wanted was money, money for his own sake, and he was prepared to remove that which distinguishes us from other people and countries and other jurisdictions … to allow the illicit actors to be able to move about with disguise,” he was quoted as saying by the Observer. Of course, it’s still possible to buy passports in St. Kitts and Nevis, but Harris has insisted that his government has smoothed out the excesses of the previous Labour government.

18 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Happy New Year 2016

AUTO

Cars Canadians are saying goodbye in 2015 375 examples of the P1. The cars sold quickly and the company finally finished making the last one this month.

Scion xB Toyota announced this year the boxy wagon is ending its run. It was available in the U.S. for 12 years, but Canadians were only able to buy the second generation xB for 5 years.

Honda Crosstour After 6 years, Honda said goodbye to its fastback crossover in part because of low sales. Honda has already began selling a smaller version of the CR-V called the HR-V.

Mazda2 After 5 years, Mazda said goodbye to its small hatchback to focus on crossovers, which have a larger market in Canada.

Bugatti Veyron After 10 years, the fastest car on the planet ceased production. Bugatti is already teasing its replacement.

Scion iQ Sales figures never hit what Toyota so near the beginning of 2015 the company axed its smallest model. Chevrolet Orlando The crossover wasn’t available in the U.S. and after 4 years in Canada it has ended its run. McLaren P1 McLaren said in 2013 it would only make

Nissan Xterra After 16 years, the funky SUV no longer meets safety regulations and Nissan isn’t interested in re-engineering it. Evolution

Mitsubishi Lancer After 13 years and 10 generations, Mitsubishi is putting an end to the sporty version of its sedan in Canada. The company will sell 350 Final Edition examples.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Toronto police seeking driver who left wrecked $260K Lamborghini on expressway before fleeing in a BMW

oronto police are looking for a Lamborghini driver who crashed his $260,000 vehicle and fled the scene in a BMW early Monday. The game of musical luxury cars took place shortly after 2:30 a.m. Monday, when the driver of the Italian sports car was picked up by someone in a BMW after a two-car collision on the Gardiner Expressway. Photos taken by CBC show a light-blue Lamborghini with its front-end completely torn off. There were no injuries reported in the two-car crash, despite the massive property damager. AFP / Lamborghini/ Getty Images AFP / Lamborghini/ Getty ImagesA 2008 shot of a Lamborghini-made cop car — a Gallardo, the same model that crashed in Toronto overnight. Mike Gallo, service manager at Lamborghini Uptown Toronto, said the car is a Gallardo LP560-4, likely a 2013 or 2014 since the model was discontinued this year. The

base retail price is $260,000 for the coup. The light-blue colour is one of the luxury car maker’s options, not a custom job. It’s not a car the mechanic recognizes from around Toronto. He jokes that he’d love to try and repair it — though the extent of the damage suggests that might not be possible. Toronto Police Highway Patrol responding to Gardiner #FGX east of Spadina Av Lamborghini driver picked up by a BMW after crash w Honda ^sm— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) December 28, 2015 “If there’s frame damage, there’s no use in fixing that car,” he said. Despite the sticker shock, a Toronto police spokeswoman said the case is being treated as any other “failure to remain” at the scene of an accident would. Police say it’s an unfortunately common crime in Toronto — it just doesn’t usually draw such attention.

Highlander offers choices for price, fuel economy

oyota’s mid-size Highlander sport utility vehicle strikes a fine balance of value, fuel economy, function and convenience. Available with seven or eight seats, the Highlander is competitively priced -- starting at $30,890 with a four-cylinder engine and $34,795 with V-6. Both gasoline engines sip fuel, so the 2016 Highlander ranks near the top among non-hybrid, gasoline-powered, mid-size SUVs in federal government fuel economy ratings. There’s also a 2016 Highlander Hybrid -- albeit with a $48,770 starting retail price -- that has the most impressive government mileage ratings for a Highlander of 27 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 mpg on highways. The gasoline-electric hybrid is fully loaded, while lesser Highlanders offer buyers opportunities to select features they want without busting the family budget. All Highlanders come standard with a backup camera and eight air bags.

Saturday - January 2, 2016

Vidya Balan hospitalised

idya Balan and husband Siddharth Roy Kapur had to cancel their plans to celebrate the New Year and Vidya’s birthday at an undisclosed destination abroad minutes later after their aircraft took off from its connecting destination, Abu Dhabi. Vidya started suffering from shooting pain in

her back as soon as the flight took off and the pain was so severe that the paramedics were called on board and they were deplaned. She was taken to a clinic at the airport for examination. The actress’ temperature suddenly shot up for which she was treated and soon they took a flight back to Mumbai. Upon return, Siddharth got her admitted to the Khar Hinduja Hospital. A few tests later, doctors have suspected a case of kidney stone. Upon being contacted, Vidya’s spokesperson said, “Vidya is currently in expert hands at Hinduja hospital and is well on her way to recovery.”

Kapoors welcome Katrina Kaif in their family

TYLE

Bollywood plans for New Year

Sonam has flown to Maldives with her friends for a year-end party.

The couple has reportedly flown to Mexico to bring in the New Year

Aamir Khan along with his family have gone to Switzerland for the New Year. The actor flew out on Saturday, hours before his best pal Salman Khan rang in his 50th birthday.

The couple have left for Gstaad, a resort town in Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, to usher in the New Year.

fter the rumoured turbulence in Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif ’s relationship, the couple silenced all naysayers when they made a joint appearance at the annual Christmas brunch hosted by Shashi Kapoor. Not only was the atmosphere merry with Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Katrina posing for snaps together and Rishi Kapoor showing up in Santa Claus’ attire, the celebrations only got merrier when the members of the Kapoor khandaan took a family photo, with Katrina a more than happy part of it too. Sitting with Karisma’s daughter Samaira in her lap, it looks like happy tidings for Ranbir and Katrina, whose relationship seems to have been accepted by the clan, although Ranbir’s mother Neetu Singh was conspicuous by her absence.

Salman Khan turns 50

Several celebrities turned up for the bash

elebrities like Tabu, Sania Mirza, Farah Khan, Ameesha Patel, Neelam Kothari Soni and Urvashi Rautela posted pictures of themselves with the birthday boy on their social media. Other guests spotted at the party include Mika Singh, Chitrangada Singh among many others. Salman also celebrated his birthday with the crew of ‘Bigg Boss 9’, the reality show he hosts. A picture of Salman with the crew members of the show has surfaced on the social media. In the picture, Salman can be seen looking at the cakes that have been ordered for Salman also celebrated his birthday with the crew of ‘Bigg Boss 9’, Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri posted a picture the star to cut and celebrate his spethe reality show he hosts. showing the decoration. Salman's charity's name Being Human cial day with the team of Bigg Boss. lit up next to a swimming pool.

Star & Style

2 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Horoscope Aries

March 21 - April 20 You’ll feel a few gripes bubbling to the surface which may suddenly come out into the open too sharply. So you may be causing some aggravation with loved ones. Try to be straight in an assertive but calm way. You want to mix with a much wider range of people and explore new leisure activities. You want to get out of your normal rut to find stimulation with companions who will stretch your mind as well as keep you entertained

Taurus

April 21 - May 20 Sometimes you hide away your feelings, sweep them all under the carpet, and that does no good since you feel resentful. There is nothing light hearted about your romantic life at the moment. You want more drama - a grand passion - or paradoxically you could be shutting off your emotional needs altogether. Maybe you are wary that if you open up to what you really want

Gemini

Salman Khan turns 50

Libra

Sept. 24 - Oct 22 Watch that you’re not slightly accidentprone at home. If you are cooking in the kitchen, you may be in too much of a hurry, thinking about things that make you fume. So just play it cooler. Thoughtful gestures from everyday companions are making you feel admired and appreciated. You are beginning to discover you don’t have to move far from your normal routines to find affection. It may not be grand passion but it is pleasant.

Scorpio

Oct 23 - Nov 22 This week will give you the courage to defend your views and stand firm. But let others have their say as well, and you might be surprised at what comes out. You have a taste for elegance at the moment. If your extravagances look like they are outrunning your budget, turn your creative skills to earning more money. All it takes is imagination and effort. Then you will be able to afford a good many more treats.

A picture of Salman with the crew members of the show has surfaced on the social media. In the picture, Salman can be seen looking at the cakes that have been ordered for the star to cut and celebrate his special day with the team of Bigg Boss.

May 20 - June 21 This week you will get a rush of adrenaline which will allow you to push yourself forward. You’ll stand up for what you want and resist determinedly being pushed around by anyone. But do watch a reckless mood which could send you too over the top. Later in the week you’ll be ironing out difficulties, soothing ruffled feathers and generally putting your best diplomatic foot forward. Your charm will be your greatest asset.

Cancer

June 22 - July 23

You’ll have to be cautious with Mars around this week since you may feel inclined to tell loved ones exactly what you think of them. That sometimes works well but sometimes it stirs up more resistance to you than it is worth. Maybe you are being too analytical about your feelings, standing back to dissect them rather than plunging into emotional situations around you. If you can let go, you would find more fulfilling relationships.

Leo

June 24 - August 23 Mercury, planet of talking, writing, moving round short distances, is across from fiery and very courageous Mars. So a combination of the pair of them means that you could either be arguing fiendishly or just throwing yourself into getting done what you know needs to be done. Later in the week your ability to sparkle in the spotlight will attract a stream of compliments and new admirers. You will be flirting and having fun.

Virgo

August 24 - Sept 24 This week try to channel your energy into difficult problems that you can attack with vigour. If you are having heart to heart chats with mates you’ll be very straightforward. Just remember to stay tactful. If you can remain serene then everyone will be respectful of what you’re saying to them. Adding elegant touches to your intimate surroundings is a top priority. So get out the colour charts and see what you can do.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22

You will be in a fiery, flamboyant frame of mind this week. You could be too touchy if loved ones are disagreeing with you. With Mars emphasised at the moment the red mist descends and you miss seeing sense in what they are saying. But at least you’ll be standing up for yourself. Admirers will not be in short supply. You will wear your heart on your sleeve, express your feelings of affection directly, and generally get what you want.

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20

This week watch you’re not skipping along so fast that you cut corners and get careless. Love may not come as easily at the moment, partly because you are holding back, maybe over sensitive to rejection. You feel you would rather shut yourself away than let your feelings be seen. Maybe you do need a quiet time, just don’t let opportunities for romance slide by because you can’t speak out about what you need or who you fancy.

Aquarius

Jan 21 - Feb 19 You will have a lot of dynamism this week, rather competitive in terms of what you’re saying to those close. You have to watch you’re not letting off steam too loudly. If you sound as if you’re spoiling for a fight, then everyone will get irritable and uptight. Then tiny little aggravations will turn into great big arguments. This should be an emotionally light hearted patch when you want to have a gang of buddies around.

Pisces

Feb 20 - March 20 You will have a lot of dynamism this week, rather competitive in terms of what you’re saying to those close. You have to watch you’re not letting off steam too loudly. If you sound as if you’re spoiling for a fight, then everyone will get irritable and uptight. Then tiny little aggravations will turn into great big arguments. This should be an emotionally light hearted patch when you want to have a gang of buddies around.

Bollywood personalities’ birthdays this week Vidya Balan 01 January

Deepika Padukon 05 January

A.R. Rehman 06 January

Bipasha Basu 07 January

Farrah Khan 09 January

Star & Style

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 3

Films storm the box-office in 2015 Bajirao Mastani and Dilwale

t looks like a win-win situation for both Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani in the highly anticipated clash of December 18. The two films started off at different paces but at the end of the first week and the second weekend, the collections of both films are almost the same. Dilwale took off to a flying start, ending the first week on a high with Rs 102.65 crore in the kitty. Come second Friday, the film faced major competition from the international release Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with collections falling below Thursday’s numbers. The film collected Rs 8.11 crore on Friday, which was followed by relatively slim pickings of Rs 6.75 crore and 7.75 crore on Saturday and Sunday respectively. With a decent second weekend total of Rs 22.61 crore, Dilwale’s total domestic earnings stand at Rs 125.26 crore at the end of ten days. The film’s superlative performance at the international market resulted in a total of Rs 110 crore at the end of 10 days, propelling the collections to Rs 235.26 crore worldwide. Bajirao Mastani may have picked up the pace only gradually but the film held gloriously well through the first week, earning a good Rs 86.15 crore domestically. But the collections remained strong even on the second Friday despite competition and the film collected Rs 12.25 crore, similar to its first Friday total of Rs 12.80 crore. Earnings took a slight hit on Saturday with only Rs 10.30 crore in the

kitty, but bounced right back on Sunday with Rs 11.75 crore at the ticket windows. With a total of Rs 34.30 crore at the domestic box-office, Bajirao Mastani has beaten Dilwale when it come to second weekend numbers.

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Vancouver real estate to have negative effect

ellers are celebrating a banner year for Vancouver’s real-estate market, but critics say the high prices could create problems for the region’s economy and environment. The benchmark price for residential property in Metro Vancouver was $752,500 in November, up nearly 18 per cent from 2014, according to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. The high prices aren’t stopping young people from looking to buy, however. Dan Morrison, the board’s presidentelect, said he’s working with a lot of firsttime buyers who want to get into the market but are having difficulties finding a home because they are outbid time and again. The veteran realtor advises young clients to keep searching but warns they may need to change their expectations and start looking farther afield. “There’s lots of product in the system, but you’re not going to be buying a singlefamily home on the (Vancouver’s) west side,” he said. In May, a Vancity credit union study warned that the high cost of housing may drive young workers to the suburbs and beyond, and that the trend could threaten the city’s future growth. Housing prices in Metro Vancouver increased by 63 per cent between 2001

and 2014, but salaries rose only 36 per cent during the same period, the study said. “In 10 years, most individuals may forgo a career opportunity in the region and relocate to a different labour market. If there is an abundance of outward migration, a labour crisis will occur,” the study stated. That exodus has already begun, said Penny Gurstein, director of the school of community and regional planning at the University of British Columbia. Fewer children and young families have been in her own neighbourhood in recent years. “The population is really skewed,” Gurstein said. Fewer young people will impact different services in the community, she added, such as schools

with low enrolment being shut down. If the trend continues, Vancouver will become a resort community, where only a certain type of person can afford to live, Gurstein said. Having a suburban workforce will also affect Vancouver’s reputation as one of North 4 i Saturday, July 25, 2015 America’s greenest cities, as more and more

people rely on their cars to get to work. “Affordable housing has a large impact on commuting patterns,” Gurstein said. “When you have your services and your work opportunities within easy proximity of where you live, of course you’re going to be less dependent on travel.” There are several different

ways governments could address the problem of housing affordability, Gurstein said, including creating incentives to encourage more housing and seeing what can be done to prevent properties from sitting empty. For now, however, it appears as though pricey property is here to stay. High demand

6 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Remedial measures urged as B.C. property assessment jumps loom

From page 5 he province should look seriously at changing the rules for homeowner grants or a lot of owners in single-family houses in the region will get hammered by taxes because of the current frenzied real estate market, some local politicians say. The B.C. Assessment Authority sent out letters to 37,000 homeowners in certain areas two weeks ago warning they were likely to see big jumps in property assessments. Sales prices have increased by 25 per cent or 30 per cent in some areas for singlefamily homes. Vancouver councillors Raymond Louie and Geoff Meggs both said the current grant rules – in which only owners whose assessments are lower than $1.1-million get the full homeowner tax rebate of $570 – will especially penalize Vancouverites, many of whom don’t have the means to pay huge tax increases. “I would want the province to review that number or it will be disproportionately saddling the homeowners of Vancouver with taxes. You’re burdening long-time residents of Vancouver,” Mr. Louie said. Single-family homeowners are likely to be particularly hard hit in many cities in the region this year, because price increases in that market have far exceeded those for townhouse and condo owners.

Dan Eaton, who owns a modest older house near Port Moody’s town centre, is one of them. His assessment is likely going to go from about $630,000 to $800,000, he said. And that will cost him an extra $50 to $80 a month in taxes, he calculates. While Mr. Eaton, a renewable-energy project developer, said he gets good service for his taxes and he’s just relieved he was able to buy a house in 2012, the potential new taxes will take a noticeable chunk away from his budget. Burnaby City council has already sent a letter to the B.C. Assessment Authority asking for property values to be frozen at last year’s

levels in order to prevent big tax jumps for that single-family homeowner group. And District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard

Walton, whose council sent a similar letter last year, said he expects a lot of homeowners will be hard hit again. He, too, is hoping for a change in the limit for the homeowner grant, so people don’t face the double whammy of higher taxes and lower grants. Any homeowner whose assessment increases for 2016 by more than the average in the municipality is going to end up seeing a greater increase in taxes than whatever the local council authorized. As well, if the new assessment is higher than $1.1-million, the owner will start to lose the provincial $570 homeowner grant (or $770 for seniors). For some homeowners, those two factors could result in as much as $1,000 more in property taxes for 2016.A spokesperson for the finance ministry said staff aren’t able to say how many people might lose grants in the province, since

there is a change being contemplated to the homeowner-grant limit for 2016. The limit in 2013 was almost $1.3-million. Then it got rolled back to $1.1-million for 2014 and remained the same for 2015. That meant that the proportion of people in B.C. getting the full homeowner grant dropped from 95 per cent in 2013 to 93.8 per cent in 2014 and then 93 per cent in 2015. The finance ministry didn’t have numbers broken out for the Vancouver region, but the proportion of people getting the full grant is likely lower because of the higher number of expensive homes. Mr. Walton said there’s no doubt that the ongoing changes in the region’s real-estate market mean that taxes are shifting more onto single-family homeowners. “We’re very concerned,” said Mr. Walton. “You’re seeing a shifting of property taxes that isn’t

fair.” Vancouver’s finance department hasn’t done any analysis yet on the exact impact of the big assessment hikes or what share of the overall tax load single-family homeowners will now pay in comparison with condo and townhouse owners.

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 7

Coconut Curry Soup Ingredients

Vancouver soccer club’s annual Christmas and New year celebrations in Vancouver last week. Photos: Chandra Bodalia

East West construction company employees of Vancouver BC’s annual Christmas-New year celebrations in Vancouver last week. Photos: Chandra Bodalia

Naan, Turkey Pizza Recipe Ingredients 1/4 cup (50 mL) PC Madras Cooking Sauce 1 PC Naan Pizza Crust, 1 cup (250 mL) sliced leftover cooked turkey, about 4 oz/125 g, 1 tbsp (15 mL) PC Madras Cooking Sauce, 2 Campari or other small tomatoes, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup (50 mL) thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup (50 mL) full fat plain Greek yogurt 1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated lime rind1 tsp (5 mL) fresh lime juice 1/4 cup (50 mL) loosely packed fresh coriander leaves Instructions 1.Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). 2.Spread ¼ cup (50 mL) madras sauce on naan crust,

leaving ½-inch (1 cm) border bare all around. In small bowl, toss turkey with 1 tbsp (15 mL) madras sauce to coat; arrange on top of naan. Top with tomatoes and red onions. 3. Bake directly on middle oven rack for 8 to 10 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and crispy. Meanwhile, stir together yogurt, lime rind and juice. 4. Top pizza with coriander leaves and drizzle

with yogurt mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe

2 cans (14-ounce/400 mL each) of premium coconut milk 1 heaping tablespoon (20 mL) of Thai curry paste the tender stems of 1 bunch of cilantro, rinsed well2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced, 2 cups (500 mL0 of chicken broth, 1 carrot, shredded, 4 or 5 lime leaves, 2 stalks of lemon grass, halved lengthwise, woody leaves removed2 tablespoons (30 mL) of fish sauce the zest and juice of 2 limes a small knob frozen ginger, a handful bean sproutsa 8 ounce (225 g) package rice noodles 1 bunch of cilantro leaves, rinsed well 2 or 3 green onions, thinly sliced a sprinkle or two salt or soy sauce Methord: Scoop coconut cream from the top of just one of the cans into a large stockpot set over a medium-high heat. Melt the cream, add the curry paste and stir for a few minutes until they begin to sizzle. Add the cilantro roots and chicken and sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Add the coconut juice from the first can and all the contents of the second can along with the chicken broth, carrot, lime leaves, lemon grass, fish sauce and lime zest and juice. Grate the frozen ginger into the broth with a Microplane grater or standard box grater. Simmer for 20 minutes or so. Stir in the bean sprouts. Add the rice noodles, gently pushing them beneath the surface of the broth. Turn off the heat and let stand until the noodles soften, about 5 minutes. Rice noo-

dles don’t need to simmer like pasta to cook; they simply need to rehydrate in the hot liquid. Stir in most of the cilantro leaves. Remove the lemon grass stalks. Taste and season with a touch more salt (or soy sauce) as needed. Ladle into large bowls and garnish with the green onions and remaining cilantro leaves.

8 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

20 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

NATIONAL

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says it’s up to Muslims said in the speech to correct Islam’s image that was aired

ranian President Hassan Rouhani says Muslims should strive towards improving the world’s opinion of Islam, which he says has been tarnished by violence. “We must remove Islam’s negative image from today’s cyber and real space,” he told a conference in Tehran. Mr Rouhani, a religious moderate, said Islamic principles opposed violence. In a veiled reference to Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies, he also criticised nations which had bought US weapons and fired them at fellow Muslims. Iran is staunchly opposed to the Saudi-led aerial bombardment campaign targeting Shia Houthi rebels who seized control

of large parts of Yemen earlier this year. “How many bombs and missiles have you purchased from America this year?” Mr Rouhani asked. “If you had distributed the money for those bombs and missiles among poor Muslims, nobody would be going to bed hungry.” ‘Greatest duty’ Addressing a conference on Islamic unity on Sunday, the Iranian president spoke of the shame of watching Muslim children make long, dangerous journeys to seek refuge in non-Islamic countries. “It is our greatest duty today to correct the image of Islam in world public opinion,” he

live on state television. He voiced concern that damage was being done to Islam’s reputation by the violence in its heartlands, and urged all Islamic nations in the region to stop the “violence, terror and massacres”. He also condemned Muslim countries for “being silent in the face of all the killing and bloodshed” in Syria, Iraq and Yemen - conflicts in which Iran plays a role. Iran supports the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing soldiers and military expertise in the

fight against the rebels and jihadists, including the so-called Islamic State (IS) group. Iran also has close ties to Iraq and condemns IS militants who are fighting both the Syrian and Iraqi governments.

Edmonton researchers nail speedy and secure data transfer

hether it’s a microbe’s DNA sequence or observations from an array of radio telescopes, moving a glut of information quickly is a frequent challenge for researchers, University of Alberta computing science Prof. Paul Lu says. That’s why Lu and his colleagues recently teamed up with a local company to demonstrate shunting 300 gigabytes of data from Edmonton to Austin, Tex., and back in a matter of minutes, rather than hours or days. “For a lot of science, it’s extremely powerful to be able to get your data right away. It’s not just for instant gratification’s sake. It’s shortening that whole scientific discovery cycle,” Lu said. This node at a supercomputing conference in Austin, Texas, communicated directly with a supercomputer in Edmonton to rapidly transmit a genome sequence from bacteria across the continent in five minutes and 12 seconds. This node at a supercomputing conference in Austin, Texas, communicated directly with a supercomputer in Edmonton to rapidly transmit a genome sequence from bacteria across the continent in five minutes and 12 seconds. David Southwell / Supplied On Nov. 16, using equipment from Edmonton-based Obsidian Strategics, researchers sent 300 gigabytes of genetic sequence data at around 960 megabytes per second from Edmon-

ton to Austin in five minutes and 12 seconds. That’s enough data to fill 64 DVDs. The demonstration was part of an international supercomputing conference. Although the transfer didn’t break any speed records, it was the first to rapidly route a bolus of encrypted data through several hubs en route, said Obsidian’s chief visionary officer, David Southwell. Encrypting the data is key, Southwell said. DNA sequence information that comes from a patient is subject to the same laws governing the privacy of personal health information. The kinds of supercomputers used to analyze large data sets are too powerful to communicate using the conventional Internet, Southwell said. They use a special expressway called InfiniBand. InfiniBand doesn’t work well over long distances, so Obsidian manufacturers a piece of hardware that speeds up the transfer for longer trips. Right now, most scientists face limits in how they shuttle their massive data collections around. The supercomputers destined to analyze the data aren’t usually sitting next to the machine that generated it. Some use the Internet, which can take hours or days to transfer, Lu said. Others courier a hard drive to the destination. Those who do send information from one high-performance computer to another usually have to wait their turn to access a shared machine. Instant access to results would be a boon for research, Lu said.

POLITICS

Trudeau’s government urged to act on B.C. kids abducted to Iraq

s many as 15,000 letters are on their way to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers as supporters of the family of four Canadian children abducted and taken to Iraq press the government to help in their safe return. In August, the RCMP issued an arrest warrant for Saren Azer on charges of abduction in contravention of a custody order, after he failed to return to Canada with his children. Interpol also published photos and details about the Canadian children, listing them as missing. After searching for several months, the children’s mother, Alison Azer of British Columbia, located the kids in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq. Letter-writers from across the country are now asking the Liberal government to aid in their return. “The purpose of the letters is to show the government that Canadians care about the kids and they expect the government to do something about it, to bring them home,” explained Kate Jeffrey, Alison’s niece. She believes the letters and other publicity surrounding the abduction has helped “raise awareness at the political level.” Saren Azer, also known as Salahaddin Mahmudi Azer, is a Kurd who had lived in Canada since 1994. He is a medical doctor who has done humanitarian work in the Kurdistan region of Iraq annually since 2007. Azer was legally permitted to leave Canada with the children on a trip to Europe but when he didn’t return as scheduled, the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued an Aug. 21 order requiring the children be returned immediately to their mother. The case gained some additional publicity at the time since Saren Azer was featured in one of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s vid-

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 21

Mishra noted that “in the interest of the eos on Canada’s involvement in the Iraq war. In a video posted on Harper’s website on safety of the Azer children, it would not be April 1, Azer praised the Conservative gov- helpful to comment further on this case.” Alison Azer said she originally admired ernment for extending Canada’s military mission in Iraq. He also met with Harper in his office. Azer also met with Jason Kenney, then the Conservative Defence minister, who posted a photo on Twitter of the two together. Kenney lauded Azer as a man “doing tremendous work” with Canada’s Kurdish community to help Iraqi refugees. But after the disappearance of the children, spokesmen for Harper and Kenney distanced the two politicians from Azer, noting that they had met with many individuals over the last year. During her trip to Iraq, Alison Azer obtained photos showing her ex-husband and the four children, 11-year-old Sharvahn, Rojevahn, 9, Dersim, 7, and Meitan, 3, arriving at Sulaymaniyah International Airport in northern Iraq on Aug. 15. Jeffrey said the family is grateful for the ongoing efforts of Kurdish and Canadian authorities “but it’s been four months. They are in a dangerous region. They’re Canadian citizens. They’re Canadian children.” The RCMP has confirmed it issued an arrest warrant for Azer, but the police force has not provided additional comment. The Prime Minister’s Office referred questions to Global Affairs Canada. Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Rachna Mishra noted in an email to the Citizen that “Government of Canada senior officials remain deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of the children, and are in regular contact with the children’s mother.” “Canadian consular officials are working closely with the appropriate government authorities in Canada and abroad, including law enforcement,” she added.

Obama to welcome Trudeau for official visit March 10

resident Barack Obama will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for an official visit to Washington on March 10, complete with a rare state dinner and discussions about energy and climate change, the White House said on Monday. “The visit will be an opportunity for the United States and Canada to deepen their bilateral relationship, which is one of the closest and most extensive in the world,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement. “The visit also is intended to advance cooperation on important bilateral and multilateral issues, such as energy and climate change, security, and the economy.” The White House had previously signaled the visit would occur next year but had not announced a date. The president and first lady Michelle Obama would host Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire, it said. Trudeau, a Liberal, has vowed to improve Canada’s relationship with its powerful neighbor after ties were strained over energy and climate issues during the tenure of Conservative former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. President Bill Clinton hosted the last

White House state dinner for a Canadian leader in 1997 with Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

and supported her ex-husband’s international aid efforts. But the two separated more than three years ago and the relationship has been acrimonious, she explained on a website about the abduction.

22 i

CLASSIFIEDS

Saturday, January 2, 2016

C JOBS

“Mobile Zone Communication Inc., located at 123-9855 Austin Road, Burnaby, BC V3J1N4, has immediate 2 vacancies for Cell phone Technician for two different locations. One vacancy for 123-9855 Austin Road, Burnaby BC V3J 1N4 and one vacancy for Brentwood Town Centre 4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC V5C 3Z6. Full time, permanent positions with 35-40 hours per week, $31/hour. Job Duties include: Perform Inspection,Testing, Diagnose and Troubleshoot smart phone and other mobile devices; Disassemble the device to install, remove, repair or replace defective parts; Perform high quality repairs and refurbishment of phones/cell phones/tablets; Ensure all repair meets quality standards; Monitor parts inventory and inform management of status; Accurately document repairs and parts information on repair tracking document; Maintaining and using tools and equipment properly; Interact with customer as needed, providing exceptional customer service. Employment Requirements: Completion of Secondary School with 2-3 years of experience or Completion of 3-4 years apprenticeship training program or Trade certification with several months of on-job training. If interested please send resume at mobilezonecommunicationinc@gmail.com”

JOBS

------------------------------Jun 02_16

35 to 40 hours per week. Job Duties includes Read & interpret drawings & sketches to determine specifications; Estimate height, width, length, & other proportions; Measure, cut, shape, & assemble materials using woodworking machines, power tools and hand tools; Build exterior doors, interior doors, custom doors with jams; Install hardware such as hinges, handles, catches using hand tools and power tools; Repair doors & replace panels of doors. Job requirement: High school with 2-3 years of experience. Trade certificate will be considered as an asset. If interested send resumes by email at westerndoormanufacturing@gmail.com ------------- September 5, 2015

Vacancy for In-home Caregiver Balwinder Singh Singhmaar, resident of 15095 92Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 5V8 has a vacancy for Inhome Child caregiver for infant child and 9 years old son. Full Time, $11 / hour, 40 hrs/week. Applicant must have high school with minimum of one year of related experience within last three years or six months of full time training in caregiving. Job Duties includes Supervise and care for children, prepare formulas and change diaper of infant, feeding, bathing, dressing, prepare children for rest period, escort child to school, prepare and serve nutritious meal and snacks, accompany to and from activities & appointments, light housekeeping, laundry, maintain safe environment at home, keep record of day-to-day activities, health and progress of children. Send resumes by email at balwinderssinghmaar@gmail.com -------------- Oct 31 2015

Western door manufacturing Ltd. located at #109-8250 124Street, Surrey BC V3W 3X9, has an immediate vacancy of Carpenter. We design and manufacture high end solid wood exterior doors, solid wood interior doors and custom doors. Full time permanent job position with wages of $25per hour.

Jun13_155 Long Haul Truck Drivers Reqd. Sal:$23.00/hr, 40hr/wk, +1yr exp. & Class A 0r 1 license reqd., FT/PT Duties: Operate, drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods & materials on local routes or over long distances.Plan trip logistics & obtain required documentation to transport goods.Perform pre-trip & post-trip inspection of vehicle systems.Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled & fuel consumption. May perform emergency roadside repairs. Lang: English. Work at various location in Canada & USA. Contact: Balwinder from Metro Transport ltd.12772 82nd Ave, Surrey, V3W 3G1 E-mail your resume at metro_transport@ yahoo.ca. ------------------------------Jun13_15

1 Optical Frame Fitter Reqd. Sal: $22.00/hr, 40hr/wk, +1yrs exp. or certification reqd., FT/ PT Duties: Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription. Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses. Grinding & polishing of lenses. Cut & edge lenses & fit lenses into frames. May supervise or manage activities of other opticians. Lang: English. Location: 12841 96 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3V 6V9 Contact: Imran from Eye See 2020 Optical

JOBS at opt_eyesee@yahoo.ca. ------------------------------Jun 06_15 Dosa Corner Restaurant Ltd in Vancouver Looking to hire an authentic south indian chef . This is a full time permanent position. $18.50/hr. 40hrs/week. Must have at least 3-5yrs experience in south indian cuisine & specialized knowledge in Dosas. Duties include Prepare & cook meals.kitchen management. Plan menus & quality. Orders food supplies. Mail your resume to selvamm164@gmail.com or apply by person at DosaCorner Vancouver. 110-8248 Fraser Street. Vancouver. B.C.. V5X 3X6 Ph: 604-324-3672. -----------------------------------Seamstress required Seamstress (Tailor) needed Foam & Décor is looking for Full Time or Part Time Seamstress ( tailor) for drapery in Surrey. Salary will be provided @ 12 per hour. Please call 604-594-1882 Mayuri Indian foods inc is looking to hire an Ethnic Food Cook in Surrey BC. F/T & Perm.$17/hr. Must have at least 2-3 yrs experience in South Indian cuisine & specialized knowledge in Indian spicing. Duties: Prepare & Cook meals; Supervise Kitchen helpers; Plan menus; Ensure quality & determine food proportions; Monitor & order food supplies; Set up & oversee buffets; Manage kitchen operation. Mail resume or apply by person Mayuri indian cuisine , Unit 102A,12677 80th Ave., Surrey BC V3W 3A6 Fax: 604-572-3281 ------------------------------------English Classes for Adults Register for classes September 2-8 For more information,Visit: www. victoryesl.com Call: 604.755.7976 E-mail: victoryesl1@gmail.com ---------------------------Cook Require Curry junction Restaurant in White Rock need cook immediately, This is a full time permanent position for a experi-

S Basement for Rent

One bed room basement suite is available for rent from 1st of January 2016. Rent $ 600 including utility & internet . Walking distance to Bell Centre, Elementary & High School and Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib. Call 778-628-4473 enced person, Depending on experience salary will be upto $21 per hr. with other benefits. Call:604-729-6741 or 604-385-1558 ---------------------------Transworld Security located at 2nd Floor, 5050, Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4H2 is looking for a Static Guard, Static Guard Supervisor, Mobile Supervisor and Field Manager. These are permanent full-time positions. Static Guard pay rate is $13.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to patrol industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows and gates. Answer alarms and investigate disturbances. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors and guests. Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency. Circulate among visitors, patrons and employees to preserve order and protect property. Static Guard Supervisor pay rate is $14.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to oversee and supervise Static Guards. You will need to ensure the duties of the Static Guards you supervise are being completed and the client’s needs are being met. Field Manager pay rate is $18.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to report to

To PLACE YOUR AD IN THE ASIAN STAR CLASSIFIEDS Section Please

Call: 604-591-5423

COMMUNITY Emotional Health & Stress Management Workshop Christmas and holiday season is a time for family and friends’ gathering. For new immigrants, it is exciting to celebrate the festivals in Canada, but it may be stressful as they are away from their home country. This workshop will provide information about how to manage your mood with limited winter daylight hours, maintain good health and make friends so that we can move forward in 2016 ---------------------------------------------January 6, 10am–12pm New Westminster Public Library Main Branch, 716–6th Ave Angel 604 438 8214 ext 104 ---------------------------------------------Legal Information Workshops: WorkSafe Standards Learn about workplace safety and protecting yourself. Topics include certification and training; bullying and harassment; first aid; WHMIS; personal protective equipment (PPE); road safety; mental health in the workplace; violence prevention. For adults: January 10, 1:30–3:30pm For youth: January 23, 1:30–3:30pm ----------------------------------------------

Registrations start now for MOSAIC Seniors Club Winter Term. MOSAIC Seniors Club provides free activities for immigrant seniors age 55 and above. We also provide workshops and individual support on topics relevant to seniors including. We run activities such as English Conversation Circles and Taichi class. Come make new friends, practice English, get information and have fun! Burnaby South: 5902 Kingsway 604 438 8214 ----------------------------------------------English Conversation Circle (Beginners): Starting January 18, Mondays, 9:30–11:30am English Conversation Circle (Upper Beginners): Starting January 18, Mondays, 9:30–11:30am Knitting Circle: Starting January 19, Tuesdays, 2–3:30pm ----------------------------------------------Burnaby North: 2055 Rosser Avenue || 604 292 3907 English Conversation Circle (Beginners): Starting January 20, Wednesdays, 9:30–11:30am Wai Dan Gong Exercise: Starting January 22, Fridays, 9–10am Taichi: Starting January 22, Fridays, 10:30am–12pm

MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway 604 438 8214 ext 211 Canadian Citizenship Preparation January 18 & 19, 5:30–8:30pm Tommy Douglas Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway Angel 604 438 8214 ext 104 ---------------------------------------------English Conversation Circle for Newcomers Tuesdays, 1–2:30pm, January 19–February 23 MOSAIC Vancouver Language Centre, 304–2730 Commercial Dr Paeony 604 254 9626 ext 288 ----------------------------------------------

English Conversation Circle (Upper Beginners): Starting January 22, Fridays, 12:30–2:30pm ----------------------------------------------Vancouver: 1720 Grant St || 604 254 9626 ext 273 Priority for Permanent Residents. English Conversation Circle (Lower Beginners): Starting January 14, Thursdays, 10am– 12pm English Conversation Circle (Beginners): Starting January 14, Thursdays, 12–2pm English Conversation Circle (Upper Beginners): Starting January 14, Thursdays, 2–4pm

Public Service Announcement

‘Wai Dan Gong’ exercise:

PICS Employyment P ms Program Looking fo or a Job or loo oking to startt your own bu usiness? Proggressive Interccultural Comm munity Servicces Society (P PICS) is just th he place for yo ou. Not only do d PICS traineed employmeent counsello ors help you w with your job search, s assistt you in writin ng your resum me and teach you interview w skills you caan also join PICS’ various se elf employme ent programs to start your own businesss. PICs emplo oyment programs give you u hand on training t on wh hat’s involved d in starting your y own bus iness. From h helping you w write businesss plans to helping h you se ecure finance e for your business, PICS is a one stop sh hop for succe ess. Choose Su uccess, Choosse PICS! Call 604-5 596-7722 for more informaation or visit www.pics.bc. w .ca PIC CS serving thee communityy since 1987

Starting January 22, Fridays, 11am–12pm ------------------------------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and non members also to come and play Bingo for the sake of fun and make some new friends, on November 22nd 2015( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall 8321 - 140th street Surrey B.C. Please bring only two dollars with you to play 2 games, do not worry if you do not know how to play, members will explain you the game just for the sake of fun. Tea & light snacks will be served after the game is over. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator at 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details. -----------------------------------LCA of BC Celebrates Jalaram Jayanti in Burnaby and Surrey 1. Keshyapbhai Ruparel & Family (Bharat Jewellers) cordially invites all to 216th Jalaram Jayanti celebrations with bhajans and kirtans on Saturday November 21, 2015 at VHP Temple, 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby. Priti Bhojan 5.30pm Bhajan\Satang program 7.00pm For Further Information Please Contact: Kaushikaben Pabari: 604 945 5640 VHP Temple: 604 299 5922 -----------------------------------------------------------Hetsi and Keshvi Vithlani & FAMILY cordially invites all to 216th Jalaram Jayanti Celebrations with Bhajans and Kirtan on Sunday November 22, 2015 at 10.30 am at Laxminarayan Temple, 8321 140th Street, Surrey. Bhajan Program will be Presented by Highly Talented Local Group. Priti Bhojan After Arti. For Further Information Please Contact: Mansukhbhai Thanki (604) 518-1557. ----------------------------------------------------------Secret Asian Super Singer to Support S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Seniors Service S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society Goodwill Ambassador Charity Night will be held at 6:00 pm , Monday, November 2, 2015 at the River Rock Show Theatre, Richmond. The event aims to raise $ 110,000 to support the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Seniors Care Home expansion and maintenance project. The festivities include a VIP reception, an exclusive dinner, entertainment and fundraising karaoke. The night will feature an acclaimed popular artist from Hong Kong as a secret guest performer. A group of artists from AM1320 will present a mini concert and a Beijing Opera from Sunshine Troupe Association will perform as well. The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and other elected officials will join the event. The Goodwill Ambassador Council is a group of passionate volunteers of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society. Established in 2006, the Council hosts fundraising events every 2 years to support the Society to improve the quality of life for the seniors. Incorporated in 1995, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society was established to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate care for seniors in our community. ------------------------------------------------------South Asian Seniors - Iron Deficiency & Dipression Dr. Pargat Bhurji - Nov. 15th 2015 - 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. Vedic Senior Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and also non members to attend a presentation on - Iron Deficiency &

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 23 Dipression - by Dr. Pargat Bhurji a Pediatrician and a well known Person in the South Asian Community, on November 15th 2015 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 140th Street Surrey BC. Dr. Pargat Bhurji will answer your health related questions, tea and light snacks will be served after the presentation. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details. -----------------------------------The Global Hindu Foundation with support of SMH will celebrate Diwali -the Festival of Lightson November 9,2015 at Main Cafeteria from 1.00-2.30 PM. The guests will be served with sweets and snacks. This celebration is in the true spirit of multiculturalism and interfaith of Canada. ALL ARE WELCOME. For further information call to Acharya Dwivedi-604 507 3099 or Deepa Sharma 778 388 9024 ------------------------------South Asian Seniors - Clinical Prevention Workshop, 8th Nov. 2015, 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members as well as non members to attend Clinical Prevention Workshop presented by Dr. Virendra Sharma MD, MPH, Project Coordinator with Fraser Health Authority on November 8th 2015 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. There will be questions & Answers session after the workshop and you can ask questions about Clinical Prevention. Tea and light snacks will be served after the workshop is over. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information. -------------------------------

Public Notice

All foreign governments may deny visa or entry into country on Non-machine readable passports’ with effect from 24.11.2015 because of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s(ICAO) decision to entirely phase out all ‘Non-machine readable passports’ by 24.11.2015. Accordingly, Indian citizens residing in India and abroad with handwritten passports as well as 20 year validity passports, valid beyond 24.11.2015 are advised to apply for re-issue of passports in order to obtain ‘Machine readable passports (MRPs) before 24.11.2015 to avoid any inconveniences in obtaining foreign visa or immigration problem. Schedule of Consular Camps ------------------------------Surrey - 1st November 2015 Col. Darshan Singh Sidhu, Indian Ex-Servicemen Society, Surrey, 201-8212-128 Street, indianexcervicemen@yahoo.com darshansidhu08@gmail.com 6045963327 -----------------------------------Vancouver - 1st November 2015 Mr.Kuldip Thandi, President, Ross St. Gurdwara 6047196800 kdsross@live.com ----------------------------------------Kamloops - 25th October 2015 Mr. Kulwinder Singh Kular, President, Sikh Cultural Society, kal@topdriver.ca Cell:2503768285 ------------------------------------Abbotsford - 8th November 2015 Mr. Jatinder Singh Gill Recording

24 i

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Debt to continue rising in 2016, but most Canadians in decent shape: experts

anadian households will close out 2015 carrying thicker layers of debt after worrisome gains over the past 12 months -- extra padding that’s expected to get even fatter in the new year. But even with the borrowing binges, many experts still believe the finances of most Canadians remain in decent shape. This assessment comes as the country shows worrisome signs linked to consumer spending. It has a record-high debt-to-income ratio and the central bank has called rising household debt as a growing weak spot in Canada’s entire financial system. One big bank economist, who has closely studied household debt, said any negative fallout from the debt situation would likely depend on whether Canada sustains an un-

likely economic shock. But trouble could also hinge on how quickly interest rates eventually rise, said CIBC deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal. Economic shocks remain difficult to predict and, for at least the next year, Tal doesn’t expect rates to climb at a hazardous speed for those who may have overindulged on debt. “As a society, there is no question that we are more sensitive to the risk of higher interest rates than in any other time in history,” Tal said. “On its way up, it’s extremely powerful.” Persistently low interest rates have been a major contributor to rising household debt. Borrowing became even cheaper in 2015 after the Bank of Canada twice dropped its benchmark rate to help cushion the blow of the oil slump.

Business / Finance

Groceries to cost more in 2016

f a trip to the grocery store seems expensive now, just wait till 2016. Executives from grocery chains have warned there’s no immediate relief in sight from increased food costs and a sinking loonie that have led to higher prices, and researchers suggest consumers will have to deal with more sticker shock in the year ahead. The University of Guelph’s Food Institute estimates the average Canadian household spent an additional $325 on food this year. On top of that, consumers should expect an additional annual increase of about $345 in 2016. Since 81 per cent of all vegetables and fruit consumed in Canada are imported, they are highly vulnerable to currency fluctuations. They are pegged to increase in price by four to 4.5 per cent in the new year. “It means that essentially families will have to spend more on these two items without many options, unfortunately,” says Sylvain Charlebois, lead author of the university’s sixth annual Food Price Report. The study does note that meteorologists are calling for El Nino to be a “significant factor” in 2016, causing more rain in produce-producing parts of the U.S. “We are expecting El Nino to have a positive impact on water scarcity in many areas in North America and in particular California, so agricultural output could increase,” said Charlebois.“But it won’t offset the inflationary effects of the dollar.” Meat prices, which rose five per cent over the last year, are expected to increase up to another 4.5 per cent in 2016; fish and seafood could rise by up to three per cent; and dairy, eggs and grains could see a two per cent increase. Last month, Loblaw Companies Ltd., president Galen Weston warned in a conference call with investors that food inflation is difficult to predict. “We continue to have strong inflation in fresh (foods), although it has been moderating over the course of the year. It’s really the second year of strong fresh-food inflation,” said Weston while recapping the company’s third quarter results.

“It’s really, really hard to predict inflation, so we try and be conservative in our own planning . . . We didn’t expect quite the level of inflation that we have right now to sustain all the way through the year, so it’s hard to say for sure what’s going to happen in 2016.”

In summarizing his company’s fourth quarter earnings, Metro Inc. president Eric La Fleche signalled to investors that higher food costs will inevitably be passed onto consumers, as much as competition allows. “While remaining very competitive in a competitive environment, we’re successful in passing some inflation. I think we did a good job overall to do that, and judging by the margins we’re delivering, I think it’s something that’s a fact. So hopefully, we can continue to do that.” Given that the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has declared 2016 the International Year of the Pulses — which is important to Canada as one of the world’s largest growers of pulses (lentils, chickpeas, beans, dry peas) — Charlebois expects there to be more emphasis on cheaper protein alternatives. Getty Stewart, a home economist in Winnipeg, suggests that consumers feeling pinched by increased prices explore more recipes with affordable pulses. “There’s all kinds of reasons why we should be using and enjoying our pulses more. They’re affordable, they’re nutritious, they have a great source of protein, they have a low environmental footprint,” Stewart said. Consumers can also make an effort to reduce food waste, which is estimated to be far more costly than food inflation. A report last year by Provision Coalition, an advocacy group for the food and beverage industry, used Statistics Canada data and other research to estimate that the average household wastes about $1,500 worth of food a year.

Business / Finance

‘Canada may never have escaped recession’

here were questions over whether Canada slipped into a real recession in the first two quarters of the year. Then there was more questions last week over whether the economy may be shrinking again in this final quarter. And for David Madani, there’s now the question that “Canada may never have escaped recession,” as he put it in the title of a recent research note. Mr. Madani, who covers Canada for Capital Economics, shared that thought after the latest measure of the economy, released last week, showed absolutely no growth in gross domestic product in October. Which means a weak start to the fourth quarter and raises questions about next year. Canada’s economy contracted in the first two quarters of the year, meeting the technical definition of a recession. Many economists, though, argued that it wasn’t a full-on recession because it lacked many of the hallmarks. The country rebounded in the third quarter, although that three-month period ended on an exceptionally sour note as the economy actually contracted in September alone. “After contracting by 0.5 per cent month over month in September, the economy began the fourth quarter poorly with GDP unchanged in October,” said Mr. Madani, whose group has been bearish on Canada. “While non-conventional oil production

rose modestly, declines elsewhere indicate that the economy is struggling to deal with the broader fallout from the oil price shock,” he added. “As things stand now, we fear that the economy may never have escaped the recession that began earlier this year.” No matter what you call it, 2015 was ugly in certain parts of the country, notably Alberta, where unemployment has spiked and the housing market has nosedived.

And as the year runs out, we appear to be headed for at least another weak quarter, and possibly something worse. “On a year-over-year basis, real GDP is now declining,” said economist Dominique Lapointe of Laurentian Bank Securities. “Moreover, the 0.0 print for October suggests that the economy could also decline on a quarterly basis in the 2015 [fourth quarter] assuming no important rebound is in the cards in November (and preliminary data suggest that November will not see strong growth),” he added.

Can Fort Mac survive plunging oil prices? Alberta’s oilsands capital hoping to tough it out

s a result of the collapse in global oil prices, there are fewer new oilsands projects planned for construction in the next few years, fewer people working at existing projects and fewer homes selling in the once-booming northern Alberta city. By November, Canadian Real Estate Association data showed home prices in Fort McMurray had fallen more than 19 per cent to about $519,000, while the city’s realtors, facing an absence of potential clients, were leaving town.

Mayor Melissa Blake thinks the region can manage through it. “Friends and neighbours — and unfortunately, some former neighbours — have all been affected by one of our toughest years in recent history,” Blake said during a state of the region address, according to Fort McMurray Today.

Forecasts don’t offer much hope that oil prices will rebound, either. One predicts prices will average no more than US$40 to US$45 a barrel next year — not enough to justify new oilsands developments. Another holds that “oilsands labour demand may never return to historical peaks.” But the city and region of 125,000 people have been through these boom-and-bust cycles before, and

She said they will fight and “forge a new path toward prosperity” and expects to “see a pipeline or two approved – eventually.” So will Fort Mac survive? Despite the brave talk, city politicians cut $80 million in planned spending this year to avoid future property tax losses. That wasin March, and both oil prices and property values have fallen since that time. Geoffrey Morgan

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 25

26 i

PUNJAB

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Amarinder promises to investigate ‘fake’ encounters

It will be SAD vs Cong in 2017: Sukhbir

unjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the Shiromani Akali Dal would declare its candidates for the next year’s assembly election at an appropriate time. We would declare candidates at an appropriate time and the main contest in the 2017 assembly elections would be between Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress party, Badal said addressing a press conference at Kharunj village during sangat darshan. He said the Punjab government is mulling legal options over a recent judgement of the Supreme Court declaring as null and void the decision of the state government to give ownership rights of lands in the border areas around the riverbeds to the peasants ploughing them. Badal claimed that his government has done a lot for the welfare of the farming community and given power worth Rs 5000 crore free of cost to the farmers. On the law and order issue, the Deputy

Chief Minister said the persons responsible for the Abohar incident would not be spared and would soon be brought to the book. Earlier, he distributed development grants worth crores to the villages namely Chak Jandwala, Chak Panjkohi, Chak Kabarwala, Roranwala and Kharunj during Sangat Darshans. He announced that the ‘Phirnis ‘ of all the villages would be concretised and so would the streets and drains. He also announced financial grants to build dharamshalas, sports grounds, anganwadi centers, boundary walls around the schools. Badal said that if any village panchayat makes the panchayat land available then the people belonging to the poor sections of the society would be given 5-5 marla lands for dwelling houses. He also disclosed that the state government has taken major policy initiatives like health and accidental insurance cards, tirath yatra scheme and advertis-

f Congress comes to power in Punjab, the “fake” encounters during militancy as claimed by a former cop will be investigated, party’s state unit chief Amarinder Singh said here today. The PCC president said what Gurmeet Singh Pinky, an alleged militant-turned-policeman, has alleged appears to be the “tip of the iceberg” only and the Congress government will find out the entire truth. Pinky, who was released from jail in May after serving a sentence for murdering a youth, has alleged that he was witness to at least 50 “fake” encounters and that the bodies had been disposed of as “unidentified”. “As a civilised society, we cannot allow such things to happen and those who did it must face the music,” the former Chief Min-

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ister said here after participating in a ‘dharna’ staged by ‘Shikhya Providers’ (Education Providers) for their regularisation. He said Pinky had made “shocking” claims which cannot be accepted in a constitutional and democratic society. “We will reach the root of the matter and ensure that the guilty are punished,” the state Congress President said. About the ‘Shikhya Providers’, Amarinder said all of them will be regularized if the Congress forms government. He questioned why the government was not regularising their services when it had announced to recruit one lakh people in the government jobs. The PCC President claimed that his party was “far ahead” of the ruling SAD-BJP alliance and was certain to form the next government.

Farmers to stage demonstration at Badal village

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everal farmers and labourers from different organisations will hold a three-day demonstration at Badal village, the ancestral house of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, against the alleged anti-farmer policies of the Punjab government. The protesters will also gherao the private residence of the chief minister in the village at Lambi constituency of Muktsar district from January 6, BKU (Ugrahan) General Secretary Joginder Singh said on Monday. Joginder claimed that the Badal government’s anti-farmer policies resulted in suicides of farmers and farm labourers and warned that if their demands are not met after three days an indefinite dharna would be held at the village. The farmers are demanding Rs 40,000 per acre compensation for the loss of cotton crop in the attack by Whitefly pest, Rs 20,000 per acre to farm labourers and clearance of dues of sugarcane growers.

Sacked IAF official arrested for spying

dismissed Air Force official, who allegedly shared secret information with intelligence operatives suspected to be backed by Pakistan’s ISI after being “honeytrapped” into an espionage racket, has been arrested from Bhatinda in Punjab by the Delhi Police. The accused, Ranjith KK, was produced before the court and remanded in four-day police custody for interrogation. He could be taken to Jaisalmer and Gwalior for further interrogation. Ranjith was a leading aircraft man with the IAF at Bhatinda. He was dismissed recently and arrested after a combined operation by the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch, Military Intelligence and Air Force Liaisoning Unit (LU), Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said. Ranjith, a native of Malappuram district in Kerala, had joined the Indian Air Force in 2010.

6 i Saturday - April 4, 2015

fOOD INDIA

Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 27

3 techies killed in 4 days in Bihar

n engineer was found mur- back ‘Jungle Raj’, told reporters in Patna. However, the grand alliance governdered in Bihar’s Vaishali disment faced fresh criticism in the wake trict on Tuesday, the second of the killings with Union minister and such incident in four days after two engiLJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan alleging neers were shot dead in broad daylight in “Jungle Raj is back” in the state as preDarbhanga for apparently defying extortionists’ demand for protection money. dicted by the NDA. “Jungle Raj (lawlessness) is back in The body of Ankit Jha (42), with Bihar. In the run-up to assembly polls, multiple injury marks, was spotted by we were saying that there will be Jungle locals in an orchard in Kashipur village Raj-2 in Bihar if Nitish-Lalu combine within Rajapakar police station limwins the elections. its and police was informed. “They (Nitish and Lalu) counSuperintendent of police tered it saying it will be ‘Mangal Rakesh Kumar said the victim Raj’ (good rule). Now people was a quality engineer with have to decide whether it is JunReliance IT. It was confirmed gle Raj or Mangal Raj,” Paswan on the basis of a diary and Ingredients said in Delhi. identity card recovered from • 250g boneless chicken Warning those responsible the pocket of the deceased. • 2tbsp rapeseed oil for the spurt in crime in Bihar of The motive behind • 1 medium red onion “serious consequences”, Lalu urged the the murder of Jha, whose jurisdic• 3 large tomatoes tion was entire north Bihar, was police brass to do everything to make • ½ cup cashew nuts yet to be ascertained, the SP said. the state crime-free. The problem is we • 100g tomato puree The incident followed the gunning will still blame BJP and Modi for this. • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves down of two engineers of a private Sgsandy “It is our government in Bihar • 100ml low fat cream road construction company by mo- ... I appeal to the police to make Bihar • 1tsp garam masala torcycle-borne assailants on Saturday crime-free by taking stringent action • 1tsp red chilli powder on Darbhanga-Kusheshwarsthan state against criminals and anti-social ele• 1tbsp ginger- garlic paste • 2tbsp thick low fat yoghurt highway in Darbhanga district, appar- ments who are out to bring disrepute to • salt to taste ently after they defied the diktat of a the state government,” he said. He condemned the killing of engicriminal gang for protection money Kumar government, has said those neers and asked the state government Procedure: and their employers to take care of the whoMarinate had challenged thewith lawthe and or- garlic the chicken ginger the yoghurt for 20 min. soak the cashew in warm water for 15 minutes.chop the onions and tomatoes. Heat 1 tbsp kin paste of theand deceased. The RJD chief said der oil during his sear rule the were at it pieces again.in the to a pan. chicken hot oil for 1 minute on each side to a golden colour. remove the chicken pieces. in the same pan, add 1tbsp oil and the chopped the extortionists apparently wanted to “Those who had lawpink. and Add the tomatoes, red chili powder, onions. saute tillchallenged a translucent garam masala powder and cook on medium flame till the tomatoes are tender (approx. 4-5 send a message to other construction order during remove my rulefrom are doing it all minutes). flame and run in a blender with the soaked cashews to make a smooth paste. return to the pan and add the tomato puree. Bring to a boil and add companies through these killings overthe again, ” Lalu, facing accusations chicken pieces. simmer for 4-5 minutes till the chicken is cooked. Add the to low fat cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Broil the fenugreek leaves on a pan. crush the make them cough up money fromfenugreek the opposition of having brought leaves over the curry and remove from fire. serve hot.

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2828 i Saturday - December 12, 2015 Saturday, January 2, 2016

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Saturday, January 2, 2016 i 29

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Saturday, January 2, 2016

INDIA

Supreme Court upholds alcohol ban in Kerala

ndia’s Supreme Court has upheld Kerala state’s decision to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in bars. The court rejected a petition by bar owners to overturn the ban, which restricts liquor sales and consumption to bars in five-star hotels. The southern state wants to shut bars in a move towards total prohibition within 10 years. Kerala has India’s highest per capita alcohol consumption at more than eight litres per person yearly. The national annual average for alcohol consumption is estimated to be about 5.7 litres per person. The government wants to make the southern state free from alcohol in the next 10

years to “protect youth from destroying their lives”. The order means that nearly 700 bars will be gradually shut in the state, which is popular among both domestic and foreign travellers. Bar owners argued in the court that the ban would severely hit the state’s income from tourism and also make many people jobless. But the state said its priority was to protect the health of the people. Doctors and activists have also highlighted rising alcohol abuse, blaming it for many road accidents and even marital breakdown. They say hospitals and rehabilitation centres in Kerala are packed with patients suffering from alcohol-related diseases. The authorities, however, have made some concessions to impose the ban gradually.

PM Modi in surprise Pakistan visit

ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during a surprise visit to the Pakistani city of Lahore. Modi was returning to India from Afghanistan when he stopped by. The visit coincided with the Pakistani prime minister’s birthday. Modi is the first Indian PM to visit Pakistan since 2004. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours were high in recent years but relations have begun to improve. The pair met briefly in Paris last month on the sidelines of the COP21 climate change conference.

The two men hugged after Mr Modi arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport on Friday, before making their way to Sharif ’s nearby estate. Neither side has released a statement on the substance of the talks, which lasted two hours. After the meeting, Modi left to return to India. Modi, a Hindu nationalist, came to power in 2014 and has tried to help raise India’s international profile. The two countries have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir.

Economy recovery fragile, low job creation: Manmohan Singh

ormer PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday slammed the policies of the Narendra Modi government, saying economy faces fragile recovery, there was inadequate job creation and uncertainty ahead for public enterprises. Addressing the 31st plenary session of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Manmohan Singh said there was dissatisfaction among workers over “anti-labour and unimaginative economic policies of the NDA government”. “The trade union movement has to be aware that at present Indian economy faces a fragile recovery and inadequate expansion of employment opportunities. Public enterprises face an uncertain future,” he said, adding employment-oriented programmes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act face reduced allocations.

“In the name of structural labour reforms, efforts are being made to reduce the scope for secure industrial jobs in favour of contract labour and hire and fire approach. It is gen-

erally agreed that we need at least 500 million skilled workers by 2022. The actual pace on the ground is only a fraction of this target,” he said. Manmohan Singh said industrial strife, strikes and lockouts were not the best means to resolve unrest. “We must enlarge the available space for resolving industrial problems through peaceful dialogue involving all the stake holders of the tripartite process - namely workers, industry and government.” He said Congress has always believed that trade union movement is an integral part of social democracy and every encouragement ought to be provided to promote collective bargaining to secure for labour a just and fair share of development’s benefits,

Centre approves drought relief fund of Rs 5,083 cr for MP and Maharashtra

117 Street and 80th Ave., (near Scott Road).

he Centre today approved a relief package of Rs 5,083 crore for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, which declared drought in 48 districts due to deficit monsoon rainfall this year. Maharashtra will get an assistance of Rs 3,050 crore, while Madhya Pradesh will get Rs 2,033 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). A decision in this regard was taken in the meeting of the high-level committee (HLC) headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh held here today. The panel takes calls on central relief to states hit by drought, landslides and floods. “The HLC approved the assistance from the NDRF in respect of Madhya Pradesh to the tune of Rs 2,033 crore

and Rs 3,050 crore for Maharashtra,” an official statement said. The panel examined the proposals based on the report of the central team, which had visited the two affected states by severe drought, it added. A total of 10 states, including Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, have declared drought in more than 280 districts in the country this year. The Centre has already approved a relief package of Rs 1,540 crore for Karnataka and Rs 1,275 crore for Chhattisgarh. “The central teams have visited other drought-hit states and are in the process of submitting the reports. HLC will take a decision on those proposals in the next meeting,” Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said after the meeting.

FIJI

Inquiry against intelligence chief

olice Chief of Intelligence and Investigation ACP Henry Brown has been sent on leave in regards to certain allegations. This was confirmed by Defence Minister Timoci Natuva, who said it was still premature to comment on whether there would be any investigation. “The briefing that was given to me is that he has taken his leave and there were some issues in regards to some allegations against him and that is why he was tak-

ing leave,” Mr Natuva said in a telephone interview yesterday. “He is on leave at the moment and there were allegations against him on some issues, but I was not briefed on what actually happened. “But that was the directive from COMPOL (Commissioner of Police). “It’s premature at the moment whether there is enough evidence for him to be investigated,” Mr Natuva said. Mr Brown could not be contacted for a comment.

Chopper crashes

Sea level rise affects roads

assengers and resort guests at Treasure Island Resort escaped unscathed when an Island Hopper helicopter crashed into a part of the popular holiday retreat yesterday morning. Resort managing director Robert Wade confirmed the incident, however, he said no one was hurt. “Yes, I can confirm that a helicopter crashed at the resort but everyone is perfectly safe and healthy,” he said.

h e Fiji Roads Authority and its consultant MWH Global is now looking at ways to save Taveuni roads and bridges from the rise in sea level. On a recent visit to the Garden Island it was evident that the tide could wash away parts of the road and bridges soon. At Korovou Village in Bouma — its copra shed was gone after being damaged by the tide. At Naselesele Village the rise in sea level could prevent about 2000 people from getting to its main centre in Naqara and in Lamini Village the spring tide frequently flooded houses along the shoreline. Climate change is now taking its toll on the

“These include the people in the helicopter and our resort guests and staff.” As a result of the incident, he said the resort suffered some damage. “We had damage to some parts but nothing that we can’t fix.” He added investigations had begun. “We have people from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji on the ground right now doing their investigations. “I can’t reveal anything more because investigations are happening as we speak.” island, with the FRA now bearing the brunt — $30million has been budgeted for bridge replacements. In addition, FRA will continue with road upgrades along the coastal part of the island and the construction of new farm roads. Senior project manager rural Stephen Hallacy said for those roads that were slowly being washed away by the tide, there were no plans to move the road inland. He said moving the road inland would mean acquiring more land and in this case displacing people. “We will do the best we can to maintain them by that to reinstate gravel that has been washed away or displaced because of wave action or because of heavy rain.”

Fijians deny claims of abuse

ijian seasonal workers at the Plant Grow Pick Pty Ltd in Euton, Southern New South Wales, Australia, have denied claims of ill treatment made by six seasonal workers published on social media. Villy Seru, who has been working for the company for two years now, said these claims were false and it had made companies in the area think twice about employing Fijian seasonal workers. Mr Seru said during the duration of the six workers term in the company they were fully given their right to visit family members and town twice a week and their movements were never restricted. “Their claims about being restricted from going to church is not true because we allow them to attend church but since they are new to the area it is usually hard to take all 116 workers to the different churches they want to attend,” he said.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

i 31

Opposition’s call for talks with PM hits brick wall no critical issue that faces the nation.” Prime Prime Minister Voreqe “And anything to do with the ConstiBainimarama says there are no crittution, he (Prof Prasad) can jump in ical issues facing the nation. He the deepest pool with Ro Teimumu.” made this comment as he respondMr Prasad said it was unfortunate ed to a call from Opposition memfor the PM to make such a “childish” ber and National Federation Party comment about a genuine approach leader Professor Biman Prasad for for dialogue and discussion. “The NFP Prime Minister Mr Bainimarama to have a dialogue reiterates its call which we made very Voreqe with Opposition party leaders. Bainimarama. early during the term of Parliament and Prof Prasad proposed the need to that is for the Government to consider discuss “critical issues”, which should include a dialogue with the two Opposition parties,” he review of the 2013 Constitution and to repeal all said. “I reiterate my call to the Prime Minister decrees from next year. In response, Mr Bainito initiate dialogue with me and Ro Teimumu marama said: “Tell him (Prof Prasad) there is on some of these critical issues.

Dutt’s dream catch

fisher man in Rewa is counting his lucky stars after he caught his biggest catch yesterday in the Rewa River. Bissun Dutt hopes to sell his catch and complete the renovation of his house. The 46-year-old father of four was surprised to snap up a giant grouper locally known as kavu. The fish, about six feet long and weighing about 180kg was caught along the mouth of the river yesterday morning. Bissun Dutt said this was his third catch of

Police investigae plot

olice suspect that overseas residents were involved in the alleged plot to destabilise the Government. Acting Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho confirmed they had involved their overseas counterparts to help investigations. The overseas residents are understood to have exchanged emails with local residents allegedly discussing the destabilisation of the Government. He said they were trying to track the IP (internet protocol) addresses of those whose emails were part of the alleged plot. “The investigation is still ongoing because

such size within a space of one month. “My first big catch was on the third of this month then another on the eighth and now on the 27th. I am selling the fish at $10 a kg and right now I have a lot of orders.” Born in Drekena, Rewa, Mr Dutt has been fishing for the past 25 years and since then he has managed to raise four children - two are working, the eldest now residing in the US and the youngest still in school.

we have to get the IP addresses, email exchanges from overseas and Fiji as well,” Brig-Gen Qiliho said.“We are trying to get those addresses right now. We are working very hard on that right now with the relevant people that could provide us with that information.” Brig-Gen Qiliho said once they retrieved the relevant information, they would start questioning individuals allegedly involved. While the Acting Commissioner of Police remained tight-lipped on the number of people involved in the plot, he said there were “some people whose names have appeared in the email”. “That is why we are trying to confirm all the details that were transferred from phones to phones before we go any further.”

Fiji’s Thomson runs for top UN job

iji’s permanent representative to the UN, Peter Thomson is running for the presidential seat at the UN General Assembly with only one other candidate. Yesterday he confirmed he was in the run with a “gentleman from Cyprus”. The Government of Cyprus’ Foreign Affairs Ministry website shows that in June 2016, the General Assembly will convene

to elect its president, who will hail from the Asia-Pacific Group, for the term 2016-2017. In April 2013, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus nominated Ambassador Andreas D. Mavroyiannis, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and former Deputy Minister for European Affairs as its candidate for the post of President of the 71st session of the General Assembly.

PAKISTAN

32 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

Suicide bomber blew himself outside NADRA office, killing 21

Aziz hopes warmth of Modi-Sharif meeting will impact India-Pakistan talks

he foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan will meet on January 14-15 to prepare a schedule of meeting for the comprehensive dialogue, adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Tuesday though he cautioned against “unrealistic expectations” from the talks. Aziz made a policy statement in the Senate regarding the short visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Pakistan on December 25. Aziz said the visit of PM Modi was a goodwill visit and it has been welcomed by majority of people in Pakistan and India and the international community. He said now the two leaders have met at least five times and the warmth of relations created by the Lahore meeting would hopefully have an impact on the formal dia-

logue. “The foreign secretaries would meet on January 14-15 and draw up a map for the next six months for talks on 10 identified subjects,” he said. He said the dialogue process is challenging as it involves difficult decisions and important issues. He also cautioned against unrealistic expectations from the dialogue process and said there would be progress on some issues soon while it will take time for progress on others Aziz dispelled the impression that the entourage of Prime Minister Modi visited Lahore without any visa. He said PM Modi and 11 of his personal staff members were given a 72-hour visa, and the full immigration process was followed in this regard.

suicide bomber blew himself up outside a government office in a northwestern Pakistani city on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and wounding 45 in an attack claimed by a breakaway Taliban group. The bombing took place in the city of Mardan, outside the regional office of the National Database and Registration Authority, or NADRA, which issues identity cards, according to senior police officer Saeed Khan Wazir. Wazir told The Associated Press that some of the wounded were in critical condition at a hospital in the nearby city of Peshawar. “A gunman opened fire and killed a guard upon being asked to stop for checking. Then he exploded his suicide jacket,” he said. Wazir said if the attacker had managed to enter the government office, he might have killed many more people.

Earthquake kills two, injures 85

wo people were killed while at least 85 others were injured across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Gilgit-Baltistan when an earthquake shook parts of Pakistan on Friday night. The two killed included a soldier from Mohmand tribal region and a woman from Ghizer. Assistant Political Agent in Ghalanai Haseebur Rehman Khalil told Dawn that the injured sepoy had been taken to the Mamad Gat Hospital. In Gilgit-Baltistan, an expecting mother was killed and her husband and two children, aged two and four years, were injured when their house collapsed in Phander area of Ghizer district.According to Pakistan Metrological Department, earthquake measuring about 6.9 Ritcher scale originated at 12.14am at a depth of 197 kilometres along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. An official said the tremors lasted around 50 seconds. Two minor aftershocks were also recorded on Saturday morning. Lo-

cal people retrieved the body from the rubble and took the injured to a government hospital.

way to reOpposition parties welcome solve all outModi’s visit to Pakistan si st as nu de isn. g”

a k i s t a n ’s major political parties on Saturday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore, saying it was a “new beginning of relations” and will help improve ties between the two countries. Modi stayed for over two hours in Lahore on his way back home from Afghanistan yesterday during which he held talks with his counterpart Nawaz Sharif at his Raiwind house. Opposition leader in the parliament Syed Khurshid Shah said his Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) supports Modi’s visit. PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had tweeted “Welcome to Pakistan @narendramodi. Constant engagement is the only

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party chief Imran Khan also welcomed Modi’s trip and said it will help improve ties between the two countries. Welcoming Modi’s visit, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that it would be helpful for peace and stability in the region. He said such contacts should continue for resolving all the issues, including the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Asif said Pakistan wanted good ties with its neighbours. Radio Pakistan reported that former PPP Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said Modi’s trip would help in holding composite dialogue between the two countries.

Mohammad Qasim told The Associated Press from his hospital bed that he went to the office to receive his national identity card, which is issued at age 18. “I was in a very happy mood today. I told my family and friends that I would receive my national identity card, but I didn’t know that I would become the target of a bombing,” said Qasim, who had bandages on both legs. Shortly after the attack, a spokesman for the militant Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group claimed responsibility for the bombing, calling it a “noble act to punish NADRA because it extends support to security forces.” The spokesman, Ahsanullah Ahsan, spoke to the AP by phone from an undisclosed location. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar split from the Pakistani Taliban two years ago. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the bombing and instructed authorities to provide the best possible treatment for the wounded. Mardan is about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and the North Waziristan tribal region. Pakistani forces have been carrying out a major operation against the Taliban and other militants in North Waziristan since 2014. Earlier this month, the military claimed “phenomenal successes” in the war and said it has killed around 3,500 insurgents since launching the operation. But attacks have been rampant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and in December 2014, militants killed 148 people, mainly children, in an attack on an army-run school in Peshawar. The Taliban later claimed responsibility for the school attack.

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British Asian teenage girl thrown off bus for too much makeup

British Asian teenage girl was thrown off a bus by a woman conductor for ‘wearing too much make-up’ to have a child’s ticket, according to a media report. . Zahra Sadiq was told by the conductor on a National Express bus in Birmingham last week that she was wearing too much makeup to be 15 years old and that her ticket was not valid because she ‘didn’t look like a child’. . “When the conductor checked my ticket I showed her and never dreamed there would be a problem. She asked how old I was and I told her, then she asked me to get off the bus. .“The conductor just refused to believe I’m only 15. She said, ‘look at the state of you, with all that make-up and contour - you’re not 15’,” Sadiq told

the ‘Daily Mirror’. The girl was on her way to watch a film with friends on December 22 but had to complete her journey on foot and was also slapped with a fine of 35 pounds. . “I’m only 15 and I was all alone in the middle of nowhere, it was quite scary,” she said.. Sadiq, from Birmingham, West Midlands, added that she has been left feeling ‘completely victimised’. . “She said to me, ‘have you ever been kicked off a bus before?’ and I said no, but my tickets have been checked before,” Sadiq recalled. . “She asked if I had my birth certificate or passport, but of course I didn’t - who carries that around with them? She said, ‘for future reference, take a picture of your passport and keep it on your phone to show people’. .

Saturday, January 2, 2016

i 33

Indian-American professor creates ‘super condom’ to combat HIV

n Indian-origin professor has created a ‘supercondom’ that can help combat the deadly virus that cause AIDS and also enhance sexual pleasure. Made of an elastic polymer called hydrogel, the condom is enmeshed with a plant-based antioxidant ingredient that has anti-HIV properties, Digital Trends reported. “We are not only making a novel material Mahua Choudhury (center) with her team. for condoms to prevent the HIV infection, but we are also aiming to eradicate “Grand Challenge in Global Health” grant. This this infection if possible,” said lead researcher year’s initiative asked winning recipients to creMahua Choudhury, assistant professor at the ate an affordable, latex-free condom to help battle Texas A&M Health Science Center’s Irma Lerma the HIV epidemic, which is currently affecting Rangel College of Pharmacy in the US. “Super- 35 million people in the world. “If you can make condom could help fight against HIV infection it really affordable, and really appealing, it could and may as well prevent unwanted pregnancy or be a life-saving thing,” Choudhury said. The hysexually transmitted diseases and if we succeed, it drogel in Choudhury’s condom is designed with will revolutionize the HIV prevention initiative,” an embedded plant-based antioxidant that is reChoudhury, who studied molecular biology, bio- leased when the condom’s walls are broken, Digphysics and genetics in India before getting her ital Trends reported. This antioxidant has proven PhD in the US, noted. She was one of 54 people anti-HIV properties, and can stop the virus from awarded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s replicating.

Indian-American doctor is Ohio’s first Poet Laureate

36-year-old Indian-American doctor has been named the first Poet Laureate by the US state of Ohio for showcasing a variety of styles in his poetry. Amit Majmudar, a diagnostic nuclear radiologist, was named to the two-year honorary position by governor John Kasich who created the honour. “Our first poet laureate will bring a unique perspective to this new role and is a powerful example to our young people that regardless of what career path they choose to pursue, they always can tap into their other passions,” Ohio governor John R Kasich said on Wednesday. During his two-year term beginning January 1 next year, Majmudar said he intends to bring an interdisciplinary approach to promoting poetry by establishing a link with the existing, thriving Ohio arts community, a media release said. Another important component of his outreach will be engaging Ohio high school students through a variety of means to encourage the future of poetry in Ohio.

Government comes to distressed Indian’s aid in Saudi Arabia

he government will extend all help to an Indian man working in Saudi Arabia without being paid his salary for the last 28 months, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday. .The minister’s comments came after she came to know of a video in which Kumar Akash, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, narrates his harrowing plight from somewhere near Makkah in the Gulf nation.. In the video, Akash says he had gone to Saudi Arabia to work as a mechanic after getting his visa from Mumbai through a recruiting agent in Byculla. . However, instead of getting a job as a mechanic, he was taken to a brick kiln where he was made to load bricks on to trucks. Adding to that, his employer has not paid him his salary for the last 28 months.. He said whenever he asked his employer to send him back to India, he was told he would not be allowed to and he would have to stay in Saudi Arabia and work without pay. In the video, Akash seeks the help of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sushma Swaraj, who is also the minister for overseas Indian affairs. Akash, Maine ye video dekh liya hai. Tumari poori madad ki jayegi. Maine Saudi Arab men apni Embassy ko bol diya hai (Akash, I have seen your video. All help will be extended to you. I have informed our embassy in Saudi Arabia about this),” she tweeted.

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34 i Saturday, January 2, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

New book says Communist China’s first premier was probably gay

book to be published in Hong Kong in the new year says Zhou Enlai, Communist China’s much-respected first premier, was probably gay despite his long marriage, and had once been in love with a male schoolmate two years his junior. It is a contention certain to be controversial in China, where the Communist Party likes to maintain its top leaders are more or less morally irreproachable and where homosexuality is frowned upon, though no longer officially repressed. The Hong Kong-based author, Tsoi Wing-mui, is a former editor at a liberal political magazine there who has written about gay-themed subjects before though this is her first book. She re-read already publicly available letters and diaries Zhou and his wife, Deng Yingchao, wrote, including ones that detailed Zhou’s fondness for a schoolmate and emotional detachment from his wife, to conclude that Zhou was probably gay. Zhou was premier from the revolution in October 1949 that brought the Communist Party to power until

his death from cancer in 1976, a few months before the death of his revolutionary colleague Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China. Reuters obtained excerpts of the Chinese-language book, called “The Secret Emotional Life of Zhou Enlai”. It is published by the same house that put out the secret diaries of former Communist Party chief Zhao Ziyang, who was ousted after 1989’s Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. Tsoi re-read books published by the party in 1998 to mark the 100th anniversary of Zhou’s birth that contained public essays and speeches by Zhou as well as his diary, letters, poems, novels and thesis from 1912 to 1924. “Zhou Enlai was a gay politician who had the misfortune of being born 100 years early,” Tsoi writes in her book. She told Reuters the real meaning of the diaries had been hidden in plain sight, but no Chinese scholars had openly made the connection before as the subject of homosexuality was unknown to them. “When mainland Chinese authors came into contact

with this material, they would not consider the possibility of homosexuality,” she said. It is not illegal to be gay in China and these days many large Chinese cities have thriving gay scenes, although there is still a lot of family pressure to get married and have children, even for gay men and women. There are a handful of openly gay celebrities in China but certainly no politicians say in public they are gay.

While Chinese literature and history are rich in their descriptions of relatively liberal attitudes towards homosexuality during imperial times, the revolution brought more prudish attitudes. Tsoi expects the book to be banned in China, where discussion of controversial personal details of senior leaders, especially historically significant ones like Zhou, are off limits.

One killed, 13 wounded in Kabul suicide attack: Afghan officials

Taliban suicide bomber killed at least one person and wounded 33 on Monday in an attack on a road near a school close to Kabul airport, officials in the Afghan capital said, two weeks after a major insurgent assault in the city. The ministry of public health said 18 children, many of whom had been studying in a nearby madrassa, or religious school, were

among the injured. Many were apparently hurt by flying glass as the blast shattered windows. Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said the attack had taken place in an overwhelmingly civilian area with no military targets nearby. “Enemies of humanity detonated a suicide car bomb in front of a madrassa where children were learning the Koran and Islamic studies,” he said. “It shows that they are enemies of mosques, God and the Koran.” The windows of nearby shops were smashed and debris was strewn across the street. The attack, the latest in a series of suicide bombings, came a day after the powerful head of Pakistan’s army, General Raheel Sharif, visited Kabul for talks intended to lay the groundwork for a resumption of peace talks with the Taliban. The Taliban said in a statement the suicide attack had targeted a minibus it said was used to transport Americans and Europeans from a military base to the airport, killing 10 foreigners and three of their Afghan associates. At least one dead in Kabul suicide blast The Tali-

Brutal beheading of nineyear-old girl sparks outrage over persecution of Afghan minority group

he last time Ramzan Ali Tabason saw his nine-year-old daughter alive was the day he put her in a van, along with her aunt and five other people from their Afghan village. They were headed for the Pakistani city of Quetta, where the little girl, Shukria, was going to spend time with her ailing grandmother. The next time Ali saw his daughter, in mid-November, she was lying in a coffin with her severed head stitched jaggedly back onto her neck. She and the other passengers, all ethnic Hazaras from Ghazni province, had been abducted on the highway by Taliban insurgents, held captive for 27 days and then beheaded. “She was the smartest girl in her class,” Tabason, a farmer who walks with crutches, recalled in an interview last week. After spending years in Pakistan as war refugees, he and his family had returned home in 2012 to work their land again. “When I hurt my leg, Shukria told me she was going to become a doctor and fix it,” he said. It was not the first time a group of Hazaras had been captured, and in some cases slain, by the Taliban or other predatory groups this year. Since the departure of NATO combat forces, Hazara leaders say, the growth of criminal gangs and aggressive Sunni Muslim insurgent factions have left members of their once-oppressed Shiite minority newly vulnerable to attack. In February, 31 Hazaras riding on two buses from Iran were abducted

Saturday, January 2, 2016

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