www.theasianstar.com Vol 17 - Issue 48
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Well known Bhangra promoter is Surrey’s latest shooting victim A South Asian man who was fatally shot in Surrey on Monday morning identified as Ranjeev Raj Sangha, 41 (pictured), a well known Bhangra promoter. His close friends confirmed Ranjeev “Raj� Sangha, 41, was killed in the 14600 block of Southview Drive in the Panorama Ridge neighbourhood around 11:45 am. But friends say they don’t know why he was gunned down. “It doesn’t make sense for something like this to happen to a guy like Raj,� said long-time friend Gurp Sian.
“He had a heart of gold, he was such a generous person. Very involved with the community. Always supporting the youth, whether it was through his events or reaching out in other ways, he was always pushing for community to come together and keeping youth out of trouble,� he said. Homicide investigators say Sangha had no ties to gangs and was not known to police. Investigators remain at the scene of the shooting. Continued on page 7
Tel:604-591-5423
BC legislature clerk & sergeant -at-arms being investigated for possible fraud & theft: sources Two senior officers of the B.C. legislature who were publicly escorted out of the building in Victoria this week amidst a criminal probe are being investigated for possible fraud and theft involving public funds, two sources said. The investigation is being handled by the financial integrity unit of the B.C. RCMP, and more specifically its sensitive investigations branch, which looks into allegations of government misbehaviour and corruption, one of the sources said. The sources, both of whom have knowledge of the investigation but who spoke on Continued on page 7
RCMP probed Liberal MP Raj Grewal’s gambling for months sources said Mr. Grewal spent millions of dollars The RCMP have been investigating former Liberal MP in total in the past three years, including at the Raj Grewal for months, closely analyzing millions of dollars Casino du Lac-Leamy, which Loto-QuÊbec in transactions, including at a casino near Parliament Hill, runs across the Ottawa River from Parliament and occasionally tracking his movements, federal sources Hill. The Prime Minister’s Office said after say. Mr. Grewal resigned last week from the Liberal caucus Mr. Grewal resigned that the former MP is and his seat of Brampton East, taking Parliament Hill by dealing with a gambling problem. Mr. Grewal surprise, given that he was recently nominated to run for a is also under investigation by the federal Ethics second term in the next election. However, there has been Commissioner for bringing Yusuf Yenilmez, growing interest by law-enforcement authorities into Mr. chief executive of ZGemi Inc., to an event during Grewal’s gambling activities, according to the sources, who the Prime Minister’s trip to India. Mr. Yenilmez’s were granted anonymity by The Globe and Mail to discuss Liberal MP Raj Grewal company also paid Mr. Grewal employment confidential information that they are not permitted to disclose. income while he was an elected official, and Continued on page 7 Those sources have direct knowledge of the investigation. The
South Asian man convicted of beating autistic man released after sentencing One of three men found guilty of attacking a man with autism at a Mississauga bus terminal is set to walk free on Wednesday. Ronjot Singh Dhami, 25, was given a 12 month sentence at Brampton court after previously pleading guilty to aggravated assault. However, he was given credit for time served in custody, so he has already done his time. At the court appearance, Dhami apologized to the victim and his family, although said he knows “it won’t be accepted.� Dhami and two other men were captured on security camera punching and kicking the 29-year- Continued on page 9
Farm owners reach agreement after push back against BC plan to curb mansions on ALR land The BC Farmland Owners have reached an agreement to get Bill 52 amended. This critical amendment will ensure that anybody who has spent years and hundreds of thousands of dollars planning to build a home will be grandfathered in the legislation. This amendment will allow
farmers till Nov 5 of 2019 to begin construction on their homes as long as they have their permits in place by early 2019. Earlier Kevin Buttar, a Surrey farmer who is in the process of building a 6,200-squarefoot house on their property, Continued on page 9
, VISITOR INSURANCE , - .
TRAVEL / MEDICAL LIFE & CRITICAL ILLNESS / ,
DISABILITY . 0 ,1 RESP RRSP HEALTH & DENTAL
2%%3 / . . !
!" #
$%&'()*'%)+%
2
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Vancity membership appreciation night
Vancity CEO Tamara Vrooman (third from left) and Director of Indo Canadian Affairs Jodh Dhaliwal (fourth from left) with members at the South Asian member appreciation night in Vancouver last Friday.
Vancity regional manager Jenn Fehey (right) with Vancity staff at membership appreciation night.
Hail, snow & flooding hit Metro Vancouver areas
On Friday a freak storm passed through Metro Vancouver morning and caused a number of commuter delays. Friday, November 29 at 11:04 am, Drive BC tweeted
that, “Winter has landed on the roads around the #AlexFraser bridge, drive carefully and expect delays.� In addition, they shared an image of a hail-covered bridge, along with a
McQuarrie Welcomes Jason Sandhu to the Partnership
McQuarrie Hunter LLP is pleased to announce our new Partner, Jason Sandhu. Jason brings over 14 years of solicitors experience, with a strong background in real estate development law, as well as corporate and commercial law. He advises clients from a wide range of industries and sectors on their legal matters as their trusted business advisor. jsandhu@mcquarrie.com | 604.581.7001
Central City Tower, Surrey MCQUARRIE.COM
wet camera lens. As such, it was evident that heavy rain accompanied a hailstorm on the crossing. Similarly, a number of other Twitter
users shared images and videos of the storm. In some areas, such as some streets in New Westminster, there was heavy flooding.
HARINDER DAIL3
Saturday, November 10, 2018
NOTARY CORPORATION
Honesty - Integrity - Trust
Professional Services Provided • Estate Planning • Will Preparation • Legal Documents • Power of Attorney • Affidavits • Notarization • Real Estate Purchase or Sale of Property • Travel Documents
#104 – 7110 120th Street Surrey, BC V3W 3M8
www.theasianstar.com Vol 17 - Issue 48
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Another court appearance for company owner whose truck involved in Broncos crash The case of an owner of a trucking company involved in the fatal Humboldt Broncos bus crash has been adjourned until the new year. Sukhmander Singh of Adesh Deol Trucking has retained a lawyer who asked a Calgary judge to set the matter over until Feb. 4. Sixteen people were killed and 13 were injured when the Broncos junior hockey team bus and a semi-truck owned
by Singh collided at a rural intersection in Saskatchewan last spring. Singh faces eight charges relating to non-compliance with federal and provincial safety regulations. Jaskirat Singh Sidhu was driving the semi unit and was charged earlier this year with dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Wedding guests arriving in India for Priyanka Chopra’s wedding There’s another major wedding event on the horizon, and this time the spotlight isn’t on the Royal Family-- it’s on Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. Earlier this week, the Quantico actress and “Right Now” singer arrived in India to kick off their week of pre-wedding ceremonies, including a puja (a traditional Hindu ritual), before their nuptials take place this weekend. On Wednesday, Priyanka shared a photo on Instagram of what appeared to be the first crop of wedding attendees in Mumbai, Maharashtra, including her soonto-be brother in law’s fiancee Sophie Turner and other families members, and captioned the photo “Friends.. family.” Joe and Sophie aside, the families and friends of Chopra and Jonas have already started to file in to India to prepare for the upcoming wedding. Even though Priyanka’s BFF Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry reportedly won’t be in attendance, the couple’s upcoming wedding will still be brimming with other Hollywood royalty. A heartthrob and famous actress are officially tying the knot--did you expect anything
Ph: 604-503-3853
less? Ahead, see all the celebrities arriving to celebrate Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ union. Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, Nick and Priyanka have already done the double-date thing, so of course Nick’s brother was one of the first wedding guests to arrive in India.
HARINDER DAIL Notary Public, M.A. (ALS) M.B.A. B.Sc
Fx:604-503-3854 Tel:604-591-5423
BC’s operating debt eliminated B.C.’s surplus this year has grown to $1.3 billion, and the government’s operating debt has been eliminated for the first time in 40 years, B.C. Finance Minister Carole James said Monday, November 26 in a second quarter budget update for 2018. “Our economy’s strong,” James said. “And that’s why we’ve seen our surpluses strengthen, we’ve seen our debt-to-GDP ratio improve, and elimination…of the operating debt.” Higher income and corporate taxes have added $1.7 billion to government coffers, of which $813 million is from increased personal tax revenue, and $842 million from corporate income tax revenue. Revenue from taxes and royalties are down in certain sectors, however, including the forestry and the natural gas sectors, although revenue from mining is up.A decline in revenue from forestry is partly the result of wildfires, which this year will cost the government $572 million in fire fighting
costs. Revenue from B.C.’s housing market is also down, but that is the result of deliberate attempts to cool an overheated market and tackle the real estate speculation that has driven Vancouver housing prices to unsustainable levels. Revenue from the property tax transfers is down $150 million. New housing starts were down year-to-date, as were home sales. The NDP government is prepared to forego revenue from property transfers taxes in order to stabilize the market through tax measures aimed at curbing real estate speculation. Relying on revenue from real estate growth “is risky and unsustainable,” James said. While the B.C. economy continues to fire on most cylinders, there are risks, one of them being continued revenue losses at ICBC. The Crown auto insurer is on track to post a $900 million loss this year. That follows a $1.3 billion loss in 2017, which taxpayers covered in the last budget when the government wrote off ICBC’s deficit.
Fentanyl kings in Canada linked to powerful Chinese gang, the Big Circle Boys
Priyanka’s most recent Instagram post--a group photo of her “Family.. friends ,” Joe was all smiles as he stood next to his future sister-in-law. Priyanka’s fellow “JSister” Sophie Turner also touched down in India earlier this week with her beau and future husband Joe Jonas. Sophie was a part of Priyanka’s bachelorette squad in Amsterdam, as the ladies partied in everything from pink jammies to sleek, fire red dresses.
In October 2015, RCMP officers wearing tactical gear burst into luxury homes, an underground bank and two illegal casinos in Richmond, B.C. At a hidden casino on Richmond’s No. 4 Road, they found 27 surveillance cameras. The place was abandoned but police saw something that concerned them. On a wall calendar, a day had been circled. It was the execution date for the RCMP’s search warrant. Before the end of October, a Chinese woman from Vaughan, Ont. bought a 13,000-square-foot mansion on a plot of Richmond farmland. But she only owned the $4.9-million home on paper, according to allegations in a civil forfeiture case. A new illegal casino was up and running within weeks, the allegations state. Looming
behind the purchase of 8880 Sidaway Rd. — a palatial red and grey building guarded by black iron gates and ornamental golden lions — was an alleged network of narcos that police would eventually link to an 85-ton shipment of precursors for drugs including fentanyl. Fentanyl killed so many Canadians last year that it caused the average life expectancy in B.C. to drop for the first time in decades. But for crime kingpins, it has become a source of such astonishing wealth that it has disrupted the Vancouver-area real estate market. An investigation found that in British Columbia, where the crisis has hit hardest, investigators believe the fentanyl trade revolves around the Big Circle Boys, a powerful crime network directed from the Chinese mainland.
4
OPINION By: Jason Clemens, and Niels Veldhuis
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Health-care reform in Canada is coming one way or another
There is perhaps no service the government is involved with more personal than health care. When a person or loved one is sick and in need of care, Canada’s failing health system becomes an immediate concern. There’s a general consensus among analysts that Canada is a high-spending country on health care but a comparatively modest or even poor performer. While politicians fear reform and use terms such as the “third rail of politics,” genuine reform is on its way one way or another. The day-to-day frustration with our health system is well founded. Among industrialized countries with universal health care - countries that ensure access to health-care services regardless of ability to pay - Canada spends more as a share of the economy (after adjusting for differences in demographics) than every other country except Switzerland, France and Norway. If that spending translated to top performance, Canadians might be frustrated with the cost but not the service.
But Canada generally ranks modest to poor on most measures. On the availability of doctors, we rank 26th of 28 countries, and 25th of 26 countries on the availability of acute care beds. And when it comes to access to medical technology, we rank 22nd of 27 countries on MRIs and 21st of 27 countries on CT scanners. And of course, long wait times for medical treatment have unfortunately become a staple of our system. In 2017, the median wait time from referral by a family doctor to treatment was 21.2 weeks - 128 per cent longer than the first data reported for wait times in 1993 and the longest on record. And we rank last on most indicators of wait times of countries assessed by the Commonwealth Fund. The combination of high costs and middling performance, plus the experiences of many Canadians, have combined to create momentum for reform. Understanding that politicians are generally followers of public opinion rather than leaders, the change in polling on health reform is encouraging. For example, a poll conducted
earlier this year showed 76 per cent of Canadians are open to private health care. This is a material increase from a similar set of questions asked in 2009, when only 56 per cent of Canadians indicated they were open to private care. Public support for genuine reform may reach such strength that all political parties will offer serious proposals for changing our system. Another potential source forcing reform may be demographics. As many Canadians know, the share of seniors of the total population is expected to increase from less than 15 per cent at the start of the 21st century to more than 25 per cent by the middle of the century. Seniors are the largest consumers of healthcare spending of any age group. The average spending per person for someone over the age of 65 was $11,625 compared to $2,664 for Canadians aged 15 to 64. At the same time, the share of the population of working age - people who will pay for government services through taxes - will fall from just under 70 per cent in 2010 to less than 60 per cent by mid-century. More seniors consuming health services with fewer (proportionately) Canadians of working age will place enormous pressure on government finances over the coming decades. A recent study estimated the share of provincial budgets consumed by health care will increase to 42.6 per cent by 2031; almost half of provincial spending. There will be increasing pressure for governments across the country to do a better job on health care with increasingly strained finances, which could be a catalyst for reform. A third source for potential health-care reform is the court case by Vancouver physician Brian Day that’s slowly making its way to the Supreme Court. While it may take several more years, this case may force health-care reform on the country. Increasing support for reform by average Canadians, constrained public finances and/or a court case could all be catalysts for genuine health reform over the next few years. It seems increasingly clear that one way or another, Canada’s health-care system will change
www.theasianstar.com # 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2 Ph: 604-591-5423 Fax: 604-591-8615 E-mail: editor@theasianstar.com Editor: Umendra Singh Associate Editor: Chhavi Disawar Marketing and Sales: Ravinder S. Cheema........604-715-3847 Shamir Doshi....................604-649-7827 Harminder Kaur...............778-708-0481 Parminder Dhillon..........604-902-2858 Pre-Press: Iftikhar Ahmed Design: Avee J Waseer Contributing writers: Jag Dhatt, Akash Sablok, Kamila Singh, Jay Bains
Publication Mail Agreement No 428336012 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept.
New address: # 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2 All advertising in The Asian Star is subject to the publishers’ approval and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publishers against claims arising from publication of any advertisement submitted by the advertiser.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
SIMPSON, THOMAS & ASSOCIATES
5
6
Saturday, December 1, 2018
OCEAN PARK FORD YEAR END
CLEAROUT
NOW’S THE TIME TO GET THE DEAL YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR ON THE 2018 F-150 LIMITED
2017 FORD OF 3 FIESTA SE CHOICE
STK#5508
2017 FUSION SPORT NEW MSRP DEMO $ 44,038 $ SAVE $ 10,750
SALE
33,288
STK#5371
NEW MSRP SAVE $ 21,763 $4,633 STK#5633
2017 EDGE SPORT NEW MSRP DEMO $ 57,989 $ SAVE $ 11,701
SALE
46,288
STK#4573
2017 EXPLORER PREMIUM NEW MSRP DEMO $ 61,539 $ SAVE $ 9,251
SALE
52,288
DEMO SALE
17,130
$ FROM
2017 FORD CHOICE F-150 KING RANCH OF 2
STK#5828
2017 CHASSIS CAB F-150 XLT NEW MSRP DEMO $ 66,449 $ SAVE $ 7,661
SALE
58,788
STK#5011 STK#5418
STK#5079
2017 MUSTANG PREMIUM NEW MSRP DEMO $ 46,598 $ SAVE $ 11,610
SALE
34,988
NEW MSRP SAVE $ 80,079 $20,391
DEMO SALE
59,688
$ FROM
2017 EDGE TITANIUM NEW MSRP DEMO $ 52,639 $ SAVE $ 11,051
SALE
41,588
OCEAN PARK FORD (604) 531-6100
SALES LTD. DL8367
3050 King George Blvd, South Surrey | OCEANPARKFORD.COM Used vehicle prices do not include $498 documentation fee or applicable taxes. Advertised prices are net of all available rebates. Demo vehicles typically have between 5,000 and 12,000 kms and are supplied with full new vehicle warranties and financing offers. All offers are subject to availability, change or withdrawal without notice at the manufacturer’s discretion. See dealer for full details. Offers end Dec 14th or when inventory is sold.
7
Saturday, December 1, 2018
RCMP probed Liberal MP Raj Grewal’s gambling for months From page 1 is a co-debtor on a vehicle loan for the former MP. One of the sources said Mr. Grewal’s gambling activities triggered the disclosure requirements of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), under which casinos must report transactions of more than $10,000 a day. Another federal source said Mr. Grewal exceeded that threshold many times over on occasion at the casino. FINTRAC relayed the information to the RCMP. The police force eventually transferred the file to its national division, which is responsible for political matters. In addition to looking into financial transactions, the RCMP sometimes followed Mr. Grewal from Parliament Hill to the casino as part of the investigation, one
source said. According to the sources, the RCMP recently informed the House of Commons of their investigation so they could have access to parliamentary records involving Mr. Grewal. Under the concept of parliamentary privilege, the Speaker of the House must give consent before executing a search warrant or production order on Parliament Hill. The Speaker’s Office said on Monday that it cannot comment on specific cases. The RCMP’s national division would not confirm or deny that it is investigating Mr. Grewal. Mr. Grewal did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. He announced his resignation on Thursday in a Facebook post in which he referred to “personal and medical reasons” to explain his move.
BC legislature clerk & sergeant -at-arms being investigated for possible fraud & theft: sources condition they not be named because they are not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said it was too early to say what the breadth of the alleged financial improprieties were. When asked who the alleged victims were, one source answered “You and I” — a reference to taxpayers. Craig James, clerk of the legislature, and Gary Lenz, the sergeant-at-arms were suspended with pay on Tuesday following a unanimous vote in the legislature. The pair were then escorted from the legislature by police. As he was leaving the building, James told reporters he didn’t know the reason why he was placed on leave. Lenz has not commented since his suspension and could not be reached for comment Wednesday. At this stage of the investigation there are no other suspects, one source said. There have been no arrests and no charges have been filed or tested in court. Indeed, charges may never be laid. “Given the potential size and scope of the investigation,” B.C.’s assistant deputy attorney general, Peter Juk, decided to go with two special prosecutors, the service said Tuesday. Special prosecutors are appointed in cases “where some aspect of an investigation, or prosecution file, carries a significant potential for real or perceived improper influence in prosecutorial decision making.” They work independently of the government or ministry of the attorney general.The lack of information about the case prompted frenzied speculation on social media and complaints by some members of the press that authorities should be more forthcoming with details. Alan Mullen, special adviser to the Speaker of the legislature, told The Canadian Press Wednesday the investigation was examining the pair’s roles and administrative duties but would not elaborate. “It’s to do with their roles as clerk and sergeant-at-arms and it’s to do with their administrative duties,” he said. “We’re looking at a lot of different things but I couldn’t comment further because the investigation is ongoing.” Mullen told reporters he was hired in January by Speaker Darryl Plecas to work on issues of concern, which included issues related to the legislature investigation. Mullen did not provide details of what information has been gathered since January but said it was provided to the RCMP in late August. Mullen said he and Plecas know each other professionally and are friends after working together at federal prisons in B.C.’s Fraser Valley.
Well known Bhangra promoter is Surrey’s latest shooting victim From page 1 RCMP say he was found suffering from Sangha was well-known in the city for gunshot wounds and died at the scene, despite promoting Bhangra, a popular, traditional efforts to revive him. Punjabi dance. In 2011, he won a human The Integrated Homicide Investigation rights complaint against the Sheraton Wall Team believes Sangha was targeted and are Centre after he said he’d been treated unfairly trying to establish a motive. “simply because his organization was involved The shooter is believed to have left the with music and dance associated with persons area in a black four-door sedan that was later whose ancestry was Punjabi.” Investigators found burning in 12000-block of Cambie combed through the 14600 block of Southview Road in Richmond, about 100 metres from a Drive well into Monday night, the victim was pedestrian path. Raj Sangha, 41. Police say the area around In this incident the shooter was seen leaving Monday’s crime scene will remain cordoned the crime scene in this black four-door sedan. off for an undetermined amount of time while Police are asking people who may have seen they investigate the shooting. the car to come forward. They are also seeking dashcam video from drivers who were Anyone with information is asked to travelling between Surrey and Richmond contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@ along Highway 99 or 91 between 11:46 a.m. rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Those wishing to remain and 12:49 p.m. anonymous can phone Crime Stoppers.
8
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Canada, Mexico, USA sign new trade deal
U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) and Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto signed a new trade agreement on Friday known as the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Parents of Surrey gangsters hide their activities Where were the parents? It’s a refrain you sometimes hear after a child does something horrible enough to make headlines. Didn’t the parents know what was going on? And if they did, why did they fail to intervene not only for the well-being of their child, but society as a whole? Was it a result of cluelessness at best, wilful blindness at worst? It’s a case of being on the outside, looking in. So far this year Surrey has recorded 14 homicides, with at least nine of the victims dying from gunshot wounds. There have been 38 shootings in Surrey in 2018. In 2017 there were 59 shootings, in 2016 there were 61, and
ASK ABOUT OUR EVENING CLASSES!
a Paralegal MEDIAN WAGE OF
$29/HR*
Qualified paralegals are in demand! Get the focused, relevant, job-ready training you need to start your new career. Apply today!
1.800.224.0793
PARALEGALBC.CDICOLLEGE.CA *jobbank.gc.ca; 2018
in 2015 there were 88. After a spate of drive-by shootings in 2015, Surrey’s mayor at the time Linda Hepner and RCMP brass held a press conference to roll out what they were trying to do about it. They complained, with palpable frustration, that suspects, victims, and families of those who were alleged to be in the drug turf war were snubbing investigators. Inspector Joanne Boyle, the team leader of investigations for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, described how police had executed a search warrant on the family home of a young man and found his bedroom walls, which faced the street, had been fortified with plywood and ceramic tiles. “It appears that this family had taken measures to safeguard their son,” Boyle said at that 2015 press conference. The inspector recounted how she was personally rebuffed by the mother of another young man who was allegedly entrenched in the drug trade and corresponding conflict. “I attended the family home,” she recalled. “The mother refused to open the door to me and through a translator she told me that she was embarrassed to have the police at her home and asked me not to return.” Aside of cases involving the blatant obstruction of police investigations, there are others that just make people scratch their head. There’s the Surrey drug dealer, for instance, who used his family’s home as the hub of his drug operation. During sentencing the judge noted the accused had been running a “mid-level” drug operation out of a house he lived in with his brother and parents. “Given the violence that is an inherent part of drug trafficking and in which the accused was willing to engage, the accused put his family and other people in the neighbourhood at risk,” the judge noted. According to a court document, this case stemmed from police receiving a 911 call concerning an alleged assault, possible shooting and unlawful confinement at the split-level house. Police searched the place and found baggies, nitrile, latex gloves, a scale, dial-adope business cards, heroin, cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine, bundles of cash, body armour, a dozen cellphones, score sheets, a box of passports, ID, credit and debit cards in various names, and four stolen restricted rifles on a kitchen table in a basement suite. During a dawn raid in May 1992, a group of young robbers known as the Surrey 626 gang saw their months-long reign of terror end when 40 heavily armed police officers surrounded their parents’ houses in Bridgeview. The gang got its name from its getaway car of choice – stolen Mazda 626s – and its idea to commit violent robberies from the 1991 Hollywood movie Point Break. Reign of terror is a term not used lightly. This group, comprised of a handful of local boys – the youngest among them only 15 years old – began its foray into violent criminal terrorism by smashing a stolen pickup truck into the Gold N’ Guns store in Whalley and stealing roughly $16,000 in assault rifles, machine guns, handguns, shotguns and ammo – all told, 32 weapons. In the months that followed, the gang committed 14 adrenalin-fuelled robberies in Surrey, Langley and Coquitlam. Among those places hit were seven banks, a couple of stores, and a Roman Catholic Church in Whalley was robbed during a funeral service. Bullets were sprayed into bank ceilings, and during one bank robbery a gun was pointed at a child. “Who wants to die today?” one of the robbers barked during a holdup. During the dawn raid police seized an arsenal of weapons, a couple getaway cars, masks and battle fatigues.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Farm owners reach agreement after push back against BC planto curb mansions on ALR land From page 1 said he felt “blindsided” by the government bill. A newly-formed association of BC farm owners gathered on Sunday to voice its displeasure with the provincial government’s proposal to restrict house sizes on properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The B.C. Farmland Owners Association said Bill 52, the provincial government’s amendment to the Agricultural Land Commission Act, was made with inadequate consultation with farm owners and will negatively affect them. “There was a lack of consultation on this,” said spokesman Gunraj Gill after a town-hall meeting at a Surrey banquet hall on Sunday, with several NDP and Opposition MLAs in attendance. “It’s not even about wanting a specific house size — this whole process has been rushed. If the
house sizes needs to be reduced, it needs to be a number that is decided with farmers at the table.” The provincial government tabled the bill earlier this month, which includes capping the size of new homes on farm land to 5,400 square feet. “The old government let wealthy speculators drive the price of farm land out of reach for young farmers and allowed some of our most valuable agricultural land to be damaged,” agriculture minister Lana Popham said at the time. The size is already the standard under current ministry guidelines, but those guidelines have not been enforced, with
the province allowing municipalities to set their own limits or none at all. Gill said the association, which is made up of about 350 farming families who collectively own about 15,000 acres of farm land, wants the bill amended to ensure anyone who had applied for permits is grandfathered in. Kevin Buttar, a Surrey farmer who spoke at the meeting, said he and his family have already spent $200,000 over the last nine months to prepare to build a 6,200-square-foot home for their multi-generational family. He said he was “blindsided” by the government legislation. “I’ve followed all the guidelines the city has asked us to follow,” said Buttar. “Now they tell us you’re out of luck. There are many other farming families going through the same process. I feel the government has let us down.” NDP MLA Jagrup Brar, who represents S u r r e y Fleetwood, had told attendees that applicants with existing permits will be grandfathered in, said Buttar, but the statement didn’t allay his concerns. “When they say ‘permit’ is that a building permit or a pre-load permit?” he said. “We want them to be more clear about that.” Gill said agriculture critic Ian Paton had said he plans to table amendments to the bill on Monday. “We hope our member’s voices are heard today and the amendments are considered,” he said. The B.C. government says the bill was based on consultations including nine community stakeholder meetings, a survey of 2,300 respondents, and 275 written submissions.
South Asian man convicted of beating autistic man released after sentencing From page 1 Chahil, both 21 — will be sentenced. Dhami, who moved from Surrey, B.C., to Ontario to pursue work as a truck driver, will be on probation for two years and banned from possessing prohibited weapons for life. His lawyer declined to speak with reporters.
repeatedly as he sat on a stairway last March. All three men were arrested in connection with the incident, although it’s unclear when the others — Jaspaul Uppal and Parmvir “Parm” Singh
LOCAL
9
10
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Backlog of illegal migrants continuing to grow, Parliamentary budget office warns Federal gov’t has not committed enough resources to clear growing backlog of illegal migrants and refugee claims, a new report says, risking turning a recent spike in irregular migration into a significant annual bill for Ontario and Canada. An analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) released Thursday projected the cost associated with irregular migration — people crossing the Canada-U. S. border outside border checkpoints — is projected to rise over the coming years. A family, claiming to be from Colombia, is arrested by RCMP officers as they cross the border into Canada from the United States as asylum seekers on April 18, 2018 near Champlain, N.Y.
The increased costs are largely driven by longer wait times for migrants to have their asylum claim resolved, according to the report. The longer an asylum claim takes, the longer asylum claimants must depend on federal and provincial assistance. “Our estimates suggest (the Liberal government has) not budgeted enough, which will result in an increased backlog at the Immigration and Refugee Board … (the funding) falls short significantly,” said newly appointed Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux. “Increasing the backlog means individuals have to stay in limbo for a number of years ... The longer they are in limbo, the longer are benefiting from the
Police officer raises concerns about online weed sales in Delta Delta police officer Const. Derek Gallamore was shocked when his department in Delta busted a woman allegedly selling weed-laced brownies with 40 times the recommended single dose of THC. The sugary treat looked identical to a regular grocery store confection but packed a whopping 400 milligrams of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. He immediately imagined what might happen if a toddler came across the dessert. “Being a parent, I looked at it and went, ‘Wait a second.’ ” he said. “There were no warning labels for children.” Though cannabis was legalized Oct. 17, edibles will not be legal until sometime within the next year. But that hasn’t stopped entrepreneurs from cooking up pot-infused candies, cookies and other items and selling them online or in dispensaries. Gallamore said the woman was arrested about 18 months ago and the Crown decided against laying charges because they weren’t sure how marijuana legalization would affect the case. After the incident, he began researching the edible cannabis market and learned it’s easy to purchase potent weed delicacies online. Most require the purchaser to register using government identification, but youth could still get the products, he said. “It’s pretty easy to have someone buy edibles for you,” said Gallamore, whose work to spread information about the dangers of edibles to youths was highlighted by Delta
police in a news release on Wednesday. Some websites require buyers to agree to terms and conditions that state they need cannabis for a medical reason. Selling marijuana online to medical users is illegal unless the producer is licensed by Health Canada, which says on its website that law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity. The federal government is set to launch consultations in the coming months on edible regulations, and it’s considering requiring a standardized cannabis symbol on labels and banning product forms, ingredients and flavouring agents that appeal to kids. Colorado had practically no restrictions on edibles when they hit shelves in 2014. That year, marijuana exposure calls about children and youth to a Denver poison control centre nearly doubled, and a college student jumped to his death after eating infused cookies. The incidents grabbed headlines and pushed the state to introduce regulations, including requiring each product to be divided into servings of 10 or fewer milligrams of THC. Edibles effects are delayed compared with marijuana consumed by smoking, putting users at risk of overconsumption, and the items are often sweet treats that appeal to children, said Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health. Lysyshyn said Vancouver hospitals see a surge in emergency room visits by youth intoxicated by cannabis every year on April 20 during a weed festival in the city. Most have consumed edibles, he said.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
11
South Asian man desperate for kideny transplant pleads for help from stranger A young Vancouver man is pleading for an organ donor after falling ill with an irreversible kidney condition. Sukhdeep Bains, 21, who has been diagnosed with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) relies on daily blood transfusions to survive. The rare disease creates blood clots that have permanently damaged his kidneys. He says he went into hospital two years ago complaining of low energy and a stomach ache. When they called to tell him his kidneys
were failing and needed dialysis immediately, he was shocked. “At that moment I was like, this is probably just a mistake or just some minor thing,” he recalled. But a kidney biopsy revealed the startling reality. “They said that there is a chronic kidney failure which is not reversible ... the treatment would be a kidney transplant.”
After several months living Jarrod Bacon must continue living in a halfway house, convicted trafficker and long-time But board member Michel Lalonde said in gangster Jarrod Bacon wanted to move into a ruling Tuesday that he should stay in the new digs with his girlfriend and “eventually halfway house for another six months at least. start a family.” Bacon was sentenced to 12 years in 2012 for But the Parole Board of Canada says he conspiracy to traffic 100 kilograms of cocaine must stay where he is despite making some after getting caught in a police sting. The B.C. progress since his release from prison last Court of Appeal later increased his sentence summer. Bacon, a Red Scorpion gangster to 14 years. When Bacon got statutory with links to the Hells Angels, applied to have release in June after serving two-thirds of his the condition removed that he remain in a sentence, he spent time with loved ones, then Community Residential Facility. volunteered at an undisclosed “resource” in
Bains is now looking for a stranger who would be willing to part with their kidney so he can live out the rest of his life normally. A living donor is preferred as it promises the longest life expectancy. Typically, family members are the most compatible candidates, but because his disease is genetic, he says their donation could increase their
risk of getting sick with the same condition. It’s left his siblings feeling helpless, including one of his older sisters who helped raise him after their father died, when Bains was just two years old. “He’s always going to be little to me no matter how big he is,” sobbed Hardeep Bains, 25. “To remember all the days he was healthy and playing, running around and now seeing him like this ...” He stopped volunteering to take courses in September. Then in October, Bacon delayed going for a urine test until the very last minute, Lalonde said. He then claimed he had been a victim of a hit and run and gotten morphine at the hospital just an hour before the deadline for the urine test. “The following day, you met with your caseworker and appeared agitated,” Lalonde said, adding that Bacon’s urine test came back negative. “You insisted you had nothing to hide and did not use drugs.”
in a halfway house, parole board says the community, Lalonde’s ruling said. “You finally involved yourself in doing full-time supervised volunteering,” Lalonde said. “You explained that you wanted to give back to the community and avoid negative influences. This appears to have been a positive experience both for you and the resource, according to you. It allowed you to work on your attitude and humble yourself, and the resource only has good words for the help you provided.”
ICBC launches telematics pilot program for new drivers Insurance Corp. of BC is launching another pilot project that uses telematics to track the way new drivers behave on the road. ICBC is inviting up to 7,000 drivers with less than five years of experience to take part in the pilot in a bid to determine whether the technology can improve their driving and make roads safer. ICBC says new drivers are 5.6 times more at risk of getting into a crash than those with 20 years of driving experience. Results from the first telematics pilot
earlier this year that focused on the technology’s usability found that more than 40 per cent of participants saw improvements in their driving by using the technology, according to a statement Thursday from ICBC. The agency also said that nearly three-quarters of the pilot participants recommended that ICBC continuing using the technology, particularly for inexperienced drivers. For the latest pilot, drivers will install a
small in-vehicle device that communicates with an app installed on the driver’s cellphone. For each trip, driving behaviours like speeding, braking patterns and level of distracted driving are recorded and an overall score is produced. A vendor to provide the technology has
yet to be established, but ICBC expects to begin the sign-up process in the spring. The pilot will launch in the summer with incentives for drivers while collecting driver feedback and driving behaviour data for one year. Anyone interested in participating in the pilot can sign up for updates at icbc.com/driverpilot. ICBC is looking for participants in the Novice stage of the graduated licensing program or with less than five years of experience as a fully licensed driver from all across B.C.
Man charged with murder in Burnaby crash that killed woman A murder charge has been laid after a woman was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Burnaby earlier this month. Nicole Hasselmann, 34, died after she was thrown from an SUV in the 8000-block of Barnet Highway on Nov. 16. She was found lying in a ditch and taken to hospital, but did not survive. A man who was also in the vehicle was also taken to hospital. At the time, Mounties said the
collision appeared suspicious, and that the man and woman are believed to have known each other. They did not say who was driving at the time of the crash. On Friday, homicide investigators said Jan Peopl, 31, was set to appear in court on a seconddegree murder charge in relation to the case. It is not clear whether Poepl was the other person in the vehicle.
Visit our Website
www.theasianstar.com
12
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
BC tech sector gets top marks from two industry report cards It’s a good time for the technology sector in B.C., according to two new industry rankings. According to KPMG’s tech report card which is done every two years, the province’s technology sector received an “A� grade for its economic performance, in comparison with other provinces’ tech sectors. B.C.’s tech sector is responsible for seven per cent of the province’s economy and is first in terms of growth. In addition, the B.C. tech sector’s revenues increased by 11.9 per cent in the last two years. Jill Tipping, the president and CEO of the BC Tech Association, welcomed the results, saying they are indicative of a thriving, collaborative industry across the country. “[Maybe] we’re slightly edging ahead of our of our fellow teammates, but all that does is encourage us all to be stronger. We learn from each other and we collaborate a lot,� Tipping
said. Victoria, Vancouver among top-10 tech sectors in country B.C. cities also fared well in CBRE Limited’s 2018 ranking of top technology cities in Canada. While Vancouver fell to fourth spot, after being bumped by Montreal for third (Toronto and Ottawa lead the country, respectively), Victoria made its debut in the top 10 in for the first time. Ross Marshall, a Victoria-based vicepresident with CBRE Limited, says the city offers a high quality, well-educated labour force at a moderate cost of living for employees. “That’s important because the cost for the employers, both for the real estate, the leasing costs and the tax salaries and wages is far less than some markets like Vancouver and Toronto,� Marshall said.
" ## $ "
!
& ' ( !"# $ # ! "# % &# '$
% %
Vancouver launches opioid task force for ‘quick-start’ solutions to lethal crisis Seeking “quick-start� solutions to the city’s ongoing overdose crisis, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart announced an opioid task force to recommend the city’s next steps. In a statement, Stewart said the task force will include “a wide array of experts� to help the city grapple with the problem he says is killing over 30 Va n c o u v e r i t e s each month. “These are our friends and neighbours and we must take action i m m e d i a t e l y,� Stewart said in his statement. Stepson of B.C. agriculture minister dies of accidental overdose “The Opioid Emergency Task Force will rapidly gather the best recommendations from experts on the front lines of this crisis on how the City of Vancouver can use its resources to save lives.� Stewart said the task force will invite members of the provincially funded community action team, which is already in place, to join. They will be asked to provide their top five recommendations for action. The task force, Stewart said, will also include Indigenous voices, people who use or have used drugs, researchers, service providers, city staff, first responders and others on the front lines of the crisis. B.C. children’s watchdog calls for youth-specific supervised
consumption sites Sarah Blyth, executive director of the harm-reduction group, Overdose Prevention Society, is one of the front-line experts joining
the task force and is also a member of the the existing action team. She’s hoping the task force’s work leads to a new approach to dealing with people addicted to opioids: namely, treating their situation more as a health problem and not a criminal one. Overdose Prevention Society executive director Sarah Blyth is one of the members of the emergency task force. “Including getting them safe drug access as opposed to taking away their tents and sleeping bags,� Blyth said. “We need all level of governments to push to do the right thing which is ... making sure that people have safe access to drugs that they know that the doses ... it doesn’t have rat poison in it, doesn’t have fentanyl in it.�
LOCAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
‘Const. Scarecrow’ proving effective for Coquitlam RCMP but falling victim to vandals It’s fair to say his personality is on the twodimensional side, but Coquitlam RCMP’s new recruit, Const. Scarecrow (pictured), has a promising future with the force. The life-sized cut-out of a traffic enforcement officer has been deployed for a couple months in various locations around Coquitlam. According to data from the pilot project, Scarecrow’s presence is cutting the number of drivers travelling more than 10 km/h over the speed limit in half. The number of excessive speeders driving faster than 30 km/h over the limit has been reduced by even more — 70 per cent, according to Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “As far as we’re concerned, he’s more than earned a one year contract extension,” said McLaughlin on Tuesday, adding that it’s a pretty cheap way to adjust driving habits, with each unit costing between $300 and $400. Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughin speaks to media about Const. Scarecrow, as real officers pull drivers over in the background. Despite the positive performance review, there has been one obvious issue with leaving unsupervised life-sized fake police officers on the streets — vandals. The Const. Scarecrow currently deployed on Mariner Way in Coquitlam is version 3.0. It would appear the less sturdy versions were quickly damaged. Decoy detectives to clamp down on speeding in Coquitlam
“We did have damage to one of our first Const. Scarecrows,” said McLaughlin. “[Version 3.0] has got heavier gauge steel. He’s got heavier bolts to secure him in place. He’s also got reflective tape that makes his uniform more realistic, and also makes him a little bit safer, we think.”
McLaughlin said it’s possible drivers will get familiar with the fake cop, and its effectiveness could decrease. But the plan is to use multiple units, take new photographs of RCMP officers to turn into different cut-outs and support the dummy with actual officers pulling drivers over and handing out tickets. Cpl. Colin Blake, peeks out from behind Const. Scarecrow. By occasionally deploying real officers alongside the cut-out speeding deterrent, Coquitlam RCMP hope that drivers don’t grow accustomed to the dummy. “There are all sorts of possibilities with Const. Scarecrow. We’re certainly aware that as people get more used to him, their speed might increase again. That’s why we’ve got to be reactive,” he said.
23-year-old arrested in connection with elderly woman’s killing A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly Vancouver woman over the weekend. A relative of Elizabeth Poulin, 87, found her dead in her apartment near Kingsway and Kerr Street around 8 a.m. on Saturday. Her death was quickly ruled a homicide and her identity was released by police on Monday. Vancouver police say a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of an 87-year-old woman. Investigators say Elizabeth Poulin was found dead in her home on Saturday. On Tuesday, police said a 23-year-old man from Surrey had been arrested. His identity
hasn’t been released as charges haven’t been approved by the Crown, but a statement said he remains in custody. Investigators are still working to establish a clear motive, but have said they don’t believe the public is at risk. A relative phoned police after finding Poulin in her apartment unit. Investigators cordoned off the area and quickly determined her death was a homicide. Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of Kingsway and Kerr Street on Saturday morning between midnight and 6 a.m. PT is asked to contact VPD detectives at 604-717-2500, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
13
Rental vacancy rate dips to 2.4% across Canada, CMHC says Canada’s overall vacancy rate dropped for a second year in a row, as demand for rental housing grew at a faster pace than supply, according to the Canada Mortgage Housing Corp. Ultra-low rental vacancy rates highlight ‘desperate’ struggle to find affordable housing In its annual rental market survey, the housing agency says that in 2018, the vacancy rate was 2.4 per cent, down from three per cent in 2017. CMHC says demand for rental housing grew at a faster pace than supply. The housing agency calculates that 37,000 new purpose-built apartments were added across Canada this year. But demand for apartments increased by 50,000, so there aren’t enough new ones to satisfy everyone who wants one. The number of occupied units climbed by 2.5 per cent in October 2018, compared with an increase of 1.9 per cent in the same month a year earlier. This chart shows vacancy rates in some of Canada’s biggest rental markets. Ontario, B.C. and Manitoba all saw an increase in vacancy rates, while Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces saw declines. The report, which looked at purpose-built rental units and
condo apartments available, found the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment jumped by 3.5 per cent from October 2017 to October 2018. The average rent for a bachelor apartment is now $787 a month. A onebedroom goes for $946, on average, while a two bedroom costs $1,025. Apartments with
three or more bedrooms — which are hard to find in the first place — cost an average of $1,097 a month.But there were wide variations across the country. A two-bedroom condo in Toronto costs $2,393 a month, for example. But a comparable unit in Ottawa costs, on average, $1,014 a month. BC saw the largest climb in rent, with Kelowna recording an 9.4 per increase. Saskatchewan, the province with the highest vacancy rates, saw rents go down slightly, by 0.5 per cent in Regina.
14
LOCAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Surrey Mayor doesn’t understand budget forecast, mislablled Surrey’s debet laod Mayor McCallum says the city’s debt is $514 million, latest financial report puts it at half tha A City of Surrey statement that paints a grim picture of its current debt load has perplexed political scientists, leaving some wondering if it’s a political ploy gone wrong. Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum sent out a press release this week indicating that the new government would take immediate steps to slash Surrey’s growing debt of $514 million.
But according to the city’s financial report from December 2017, the debt load is about half — $267 million. “It suggests to me that McCallum wasn’t up on the fiscal situation of the city,” said Hamish Telford, an associate professor of political science at the
Piles of uncollected recycling frustrate Vancouverites due to driver shortage A shortage of drivers is behind recurring problems with recycling pick-ups in some parts of Vancouver, according to the organization that contracts collection for the city. For weeks, Vancouver residents have been complaining on Twitter about Smithrite Disposal missing scheduled collection times. That includes Renee Mak, who says Smithrite has skipped her home near Riley Park at least five times since October — including last week. Once, she says, the company missed three weeks in a row. They’re not the only ones. CBC has also spoken to people living in Mount Pleasant and Kerrisdale about missed pick-ups in recent months. Mak says there are four households on the property where she lives, and they’ve all had similar troubles. “We didn’t realize it until we started talking with each other, and they just don’t pick up our recycling a lot of the time,” she said. Custom-made carts for bottle pickers coming to Vancouver this spring Sometimes, she’s has been able to get in touch with a customer service representative from Smithrite and has
been told her recycling wasn’t properly sorted. Other times, she gets no response. “It was very difficult for us to fix any mistakes that we’re making,” she said. In the meantime, she says her yellow
bag for paper recycling has been stolen, and everyone on the property is trying to cram their paper into a single bag while she waits for Smithrite to deliver a new one. Smithrite representatives declined to comment. But according to Recycle B.C., which contracts recycling services for the city, the company has had problems finding enough drivers to service all of its routes. “We recognize there have been collection issues in Vancouver, and we regret the inconvenience to residents. Labour shortages have been affecting the waste management industry, along with many other industries
University of the Fraser Valley. Surrey mayor says he’s ‘shaken’ by city’s debt -but how big is it? In a news release Tuesday, Mayor McCallum said he was “shaken
to the core” by the level of Surrey’s debt and described the $514 million as “simply untenable and frankly, irresponsible” . The city later clarified in a statement that “the $514 million figure is the projected debt that the city would incur under the current 2018-2022 Five Year Financial Plan ... if it was allowed to proceed to completion.” McCallum has promised to build a SkyTrain rather than light rail transit depicted in this image, at left.
Police seek information about accused man nicknamed ‘Drifter’ Vancouver police are hoping the name historical sexual assault of young girl Drifter rings a bell. That’s the nickname by “Our investigators have learned that Kevin which accused sexual assault perpetrator Alexander Roberts is more commonly known Kevin Alexander Roberts is commonly known. by the nickname Drifter. So we want to get Roberts was arrested in Chilliwack on Nov. that information out there to the public that 19 and is in custody people may know facing charges that him more as include sexual assault, Drifter rather than sexual interference, his actual name,” sexual assault with a said Robillard weapon, invitation on Wednesday. to sexual touching, He said the assault and assault charges cover a causing bodily significant number harm. The changes of years and may arise from incidents have continued in Vancouver and right up until Prince George, Roberts’ arrest. Vancouver Police spokesperson Sgt. Jason Robillard but police believe “We don’t want holds a photo of Kevin Alexander Roberts, 46, there may be other to narrow this also known as Drifter victims in smaller down to a specific B.C. communities. timeframe, but we are looking at going back “He had access, throughout his career as upwards of 20-plus years,” said Robillard. a truck driver, to several rural communities Kevin Alexander Roberts, throughout the province of B.C. and Alberta. 46, was arrested Nov. 19. ( We do believe that his victims may be between Roberts, who reportedly lived a transient the ages of four to 18 years. Some of them could lifestyle, worked as a trucker, a mover and be older now or they could still be a teenager,” even a school bus driver in Prince George. said police spokesperson Sgt. Jason Robillard. Anyone with information is asked to Robillard is hoping that by publicizing call the Vancouver Police Department’s the accused’s nickname, more witnesses or Sex Crime Unit at 604-717-0600 or Crime victims will come forward with information. Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Prince George man arrested in
SkyTrain service resumes in Vancouver after lightningcaused problem
A train problem, believed to have been caused by lightning, that affected SkyTrain service on the Expo Line has been fixed. TransLink says it will take a few minutes for trains to return to normal spacing and frequency. “We believe the issue with the problem train was caused by a large lightning strike in the area of New Westminster Station. The train was not hit, but the lightning appears to have caused a spike in power which affected the propulsion system on the train,” said Chris Bryan, a spokesman for TransLink. TransLink says trains across the entire Expo Line were held at stations longer than usual as a result. The Millennium and Canada Line trains continue to run normally.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Earthquake rocks Anchorage, but no tsunami warning An earthquake northeast of Anchorage Friday has prompted a tsunami warning for southern Alaska, but is not expected to affect British Columbia, according to the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Centre. The warning covers parts of Cook Inlet and the southern Kenai peninsula in southern Alaska following the earthquake that rocked buildings in downtown Anchorage. The centre said Friday that the warning
was in effect for parts of the state’s Cook Inlet and the southern Kenai peninsula. Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 5.8 rocked buildings and buckled roads Friday morning in Anchorage, prompting people to run from their offices or take cover under desks and triggering a warning to residents in Kodiak to flee to higher ground for fear of a tsunami.
Foreign student from Punajb dies in Prince George road accident The death of an international student, who was struck by a vehicle along Highway 97 in Prince George this summer, has prompted changes to road safety in the hopes of preventing similar deaths. Sandeep Kaur (pictured) just arrived in Canada from India to study at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George in the accident. Charges laid in death of international student in Prince George. Sandeep Kaur, international student died after being struck by a vehicle along Highway 97 in Prince George. A memorial bench is being installed in her memory. As a newcomer to Canada, another student Sumagaysay said, it can take time to get used to the differences in the rules of the road. “I used to cross, not on designated pedestrian areas,” said Sumagaysay, who is involved in the safety campaign. “It’s sad to say that you have to hear about a loss of a life before you would try to follow [the rules].” The education campaign focuses on issues like crosswalk safety. The college launched a campaign this week to educate the growing
international student population about road safety in British Columbia, in coordination with ICBC and the RCMP. Awake at the wheel: how to stay fresh, spot signs of fatigue on long summer road trips Sumagaysay is part of the educational push and speaks in one of the three PSA videos that are being shown to international students during orientation and playing in Prince George movie theatres before previews. “It is important to learn road safety rules anytime you’re in a new country,” said Barbra Old, the director of international education in a news release. “Road safety has always been a part of international orientation, but we have decided to make it the focus of an educational campaign this year.” Other changes are coming into effect after Kaur’s death along Highway 97, where four lanes of traffic separate the college from nearby shops and homes. A barrier along the highway median is being built in order to discourage students and other pedestrians from crossing.
Kamloops businesses & bars launch Inadmissible Patron Program Businesses in Kamloops, B.C., are taking a tougher stance against gangs and barring their members. The crackdown is part of the new Inadmissible Patron Program that launches this week involving a couple of dozen businesses and the Kamloops RCMP. Police have too much discretion over Restaurant Watch ban list, complainant says “Anyone that’s wearing gang colours, is associated to gang members or leads that high risk lifestyle dealing drugs and violent crime, they’re not going to be welcome,” said Const. Brad Matchim, who’s with the crime prevention unit. RCMP officers doing bar checks will ask anyone associated with organized crime to leave the establishment. Bar Watch restaurant defaced, others threatened Matchim brushed aside concerns that identifying a gang member can be vague or discretionary. “Our members are dealing with these people day in and day out, so we know who the players are in town,” he said. An RCMP officer going through a restaurant or bar doesn’t need to check in with staff before asking a patron to leave, he said. They’ll run background checks as one safeguard against banning innocent bargoers. “They’ve already given us permission through this program that we don’t want these people in our establishment,” Matchim said.
‘There’s so many kids dying’: Mother says anti-gang program that saved her son desperately needs funding
15
AG laments collapse of high-profile money laundering probe British Columbia’s attorney general says he was “incredibly disappointed” to hear all of the criminal charges laid in a high-profile RCMP investigation into money-laundering in B.C. have been stayed. The investigation — called E-Pirate by the RCMP— was launched in 2015 into a suspected underground banking operation that allegedly processed suspected drug
money, and allegedly funded gamblers in high-stakes games in B.C. casinos. It’s unclear why the charges were stayed. A “stay” is a legal term signifying the Crown has discontinued the prosecution but has up to a year from the date the charges were stayed to reinstate them. David Eby said he has asked the federal government for a briefing, but he’s not sure if he will have access to any details.
16
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Poetry event in North Delta
Punjabi poetry evening was held at George Mackie library in North Delta last Tuesday, Pictured here from (left to right) Jarnail Singh famous artist with Jarnail Singh Sekha, Jaswinder, Hardam Singh and Mohan Gill at the poetry event.
Young woman says she was left homeless while social worker allegedly pocketed funds A young woman formerly in care of Ministry of Children and Family Development says she feels “disgusted and angry” that a BC social worker accused of exploiting vulnerable Indigenous youth may have been pocketing funds meant for her while she lived on the streets. Last week, the 21-year-old, along with two other women, filed actions against Robert Riley Saunders in B.C. Supreme Court for alleged emotional and psychological abuse, bringing the total cases against him to five. Two of the girls claim Saunders opened joint bank accounts with them and then siphoned off funds for his own benefit. ‘It’s absolutely appalling’: Indigenous youth in care vulnerable to exploitation, say advocates All three claim they went homeless and hungry as a result of the alleged psychological and emotional abuse, with exposure to methamphetamine, crack and cocaine. One of the girls claims she was sexually exploited as a result of Saunders’ actions. The woman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told CBC News when she raised concerns about the foster home she had been placed in, he shrugged them off and refused to fill out the necessary paperwork. Saunders eventually moved her to an independent living situation, taking her to Interior Savings to open a bank account, where he said the ministry would deposit money on a monthly basis, so she could support herself financially.
But she says within a month, she was asked to leave and ended up in a homeless shelter. She says at her lowest point she lived for about six months by a creek in a hut she built out of sticks. “That was probably one of the darkest times in my entire life. It was extremely terrifying,” she said. “While living on the streets I did have a cellphone. [Saunders] did have my cellphone number, and there [were] no texts, no calls, no emails, nothing at all.” The makeshift shelter where the young woman says she lived for about six months homeless and ‘terrified.’ She said she was eventually able to get off the streets, but it took her years to recover emotionally. “It took a very long time for me to start trusting people again, because he was the one person who was supposed to be there for me,” she said. It was only recently that she learned Saunders had allegedly been pocketing thousands of dollars meant for her. “I was shocked. It was extremely hard for me to believe that it was looked over,” she said. “It’s a really gross feeling knowing that it happened for so long to so many of us.” RCMP also investigating. Neither Saunders nor the Ministry of Children and Family Development has responded to any of the claims. B.C.’s representative for children and youth is also investigating the allegations and says she has opened files in relation to 14 youth.
‘Big questions’ hang over funeral of alleged Bruce McArthur victim Family and friends from around the world gathered in Toronto to lay to rest Kirushna Kumar Kanagaratnam, a man who sought refuge in Canada only to meet a violent end. Kan a g ar at n am’s loved ones travelled from their homes in Sri Lanka, England and France for his funeral service, held Sunday afternoon in Markham. He was remembered as a man who hoped for a “bright future” in a new home after fleeing his
native Sri Lanka when that country’s civil war came to a bloody crescendo in 2009. ‘Big questions’ hang over funeral of alleged Bruce McArthur victim
Four Surrey men charged after 5,000 pieces of stolen mail seized in Calgary Calgary Police Service says four Surrey residents are facing 87 charges after seven firearms, stolen property and more than 5,000 pieces of stolen mail were seized in a bust on Nov. 22. Police say the mail was from four different provinces and affected 2,194 people. The bust was the result of an investigation that was launched last August after Calgary’s Centralized Break and Enter Unit noticed an increase is break-
ins, car theft and other fraudulent activity. Calgary Police collaborated with police in Edmonton, Vancouver, Richmond and Langley to identify the four suspects. A search warrant was executed in Calgary, in the 9000-block of Bridleridge Green S.W., on Nov. 22. Three Surrey residents were arrested at the scene (30-year-old Robert Paul Allard, 34-year-old Steven Edward Hart, and 29-year-old Courtney Lee Delf, 29).
Transit Police seek suspect in alleged assault aboard SkyTrain Transit Police are looking for the public’s help in identifying a man suspected of assaulting two teens aboard a SkyTrain in early October. The incident occurred on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 12:15 p.m. PT, aboard a train travelling between Moody Centre Station and Coquitlam Central Station. Police say the suspect became angry and lashed out after he thought two teen boys, 14 and 16 years old, had been staring at him. They say he punched one of the teens and bruised his eye, before turning
to the other, whose head he slammed into the wall of the train. The suspect left the train at Coquitlam Central Station. He is described as a white male of thin build and black hair with dark facial hair. He was wearing a black and grey hoodie, grey pants, runners and dark sunglasses. Anyone with tips is asked to contact Metro Vancouver Transit Police 604-515-8300.
South Asian man charged in child luring investigation Peel police say a Brampton man has been charged in connection with a child luring investigation. Police said officers were investigating a man who had been communicating online for sexual purposes with someone he thought was under 16 years old. The investigation was held between Nov. 13 and Nov. 28 by officers from the Child Exploitation Unit. The man used the online nickname “Jass” and listed his age as 32. On Wednesday, officers arrested Ravinder Kainth, 42, of Brampton and charged him with three counts of child luring. Kainth appeared in court in Brampton on Thursday. Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact police at (905)453-2121 ext. 3490 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
As the actress gears up for the release of her upcoming film “Zero,” once again with SRK, she says the only way to grow as a performer is to challenge herself. “I think as an actor, I am always trying to put myself in an uncomfortable position, taking up roles that are challenging and interesting. I think that is the way for me to grow as an actor. “In fact when I took up my role in ‘Zero,’ it
Always trying to put myself in uncomfortable position’ - Anushka says
Debuting in the Hindi film industry under the Yash Raj Films banner opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is a dream for any
aspiring actress. Anushka Sharma earned that opportunity and achieved more milestones in her decade-long career.
was an opportunity to know and get into the mind of a character with a certain physical condition that I do not know anything about…that’s what excites me, an opportunity that allows me to reinvent the actor in me, whenever I come on-screen,” Anushka said. Directed by Aanand L. Rai, the story of “Zero” revolves around three characters played by Shah Rukh, Anushka.
18
Saturday, December 1, 2018
19
Saturday, December 1, 2018
HOROSCOPE
‘I Am a ‘Product of Numerology’ - Govinda With Govinda, what you see is what you get. There is not even a hint of sham or pretense, which is why, when I first met the actor at Mumbai Airport on the way to New Delhi for the music launch of his “Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan� two decades ago, I felt I had known him for 10 years within 10 minutes of a chat. It’s been a while since we last met (after some more meetings) but Govinda slips into informality and a huge chunk of Marathi when speaking to me. We speak about his superstitions, “FryDay� as well as his new film “Rangeela Raja.� Excerpts from an interview: Q: A question I always wanted to ask: you would sign films earlier because they had titles of old Dharmendra movies. Why? A: I firmly believe titles make films run as well. I signed “Shola Aur Shabnam� and “Aankhen,� which did very well. “Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya� flopped, but not because of the title, which was that of a hit Dharmendra film. Q: Your wife had a picture of Dharmendra in the room when she was pregnant so that the child would be handsome.
A (Evades the question): I kept Dharmendra’s and Dilip Kumar’s photos in my house as both of them were very good to me. Do you know that when I signed up an absurd number of films after becoming a success, Dilip-saab told me to quit 25 films! I told him I had spent the signing amounts. But he told me, “Borrow money if you must, but leave them!� and I did. And Dharam-Ji did so many films with me. Q: But you are also very religious, and superstitious. A: I am not one of those who secretly do a lot of pujas, prayers, and yagna and wear teekas on their foreheads at home and then go and appear modern outside! (He makes a ‘Yo!’ gesture with his fingers). I do everything openly. What I feel I say, there is no duplicity. Even with numerology, I was a product of it. Till I was Govind Ahuja, I was no one and had nothing. When my mother changed my name to Govinda in 1986 and my number became 9, I became a huge success. My bungalow, my car—all of them are number 9 now. I am lucky to be counted among less than100 stars in a country of 100 crore people.
Madhuri graces Hockey World Cup 2018 opening ceremony International Hockey World Cup 2018 opening ceremony was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on November 29, has left the nation surprised for its performance lineup. None other than Madhuri Dixit-Nene took the audience by surprise as she performed a graceful dance along with 1000 other artistes! Centering round the theme of “Oneness Of Humanity,� the dance drama, titled the “Earth Song,� left everybody mesmerized by her graceful moves. It was no less than a visual spectacle to see the gorgeous actress perform in a well-coordinated setup where she was also the narrator of the act. Her dance drama depicted the five elements found in Vedas –
Ether, Earth, Fire, Water and Space. Elated by the episode, Dixit said, “It was a dance drama act around a special number, “The Earth Song,� specially created for this occasion. I’ve never performed as Mother Earth before. It was a powerful character and I particularly identified with its theme of oneness and its universal appeal. It’s about breaking barriers, embracing diversity and respecting our environment. To bring to life a powerful character such as this in front of a live audience was challenging yet exhilarating experience. And the larger-than-life dramatic costume gave it a colorful twist.�
‘There Is Sacrifice in Everything You Do’ - Abhishek In his over a decade-long-journey in Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan has made a name with a filmography consisting of movies like “Refugee,� “Yuva,� “Bunty Aur Babli� and “Guru.� The actor says stardom does come with a price tag and there is sacrifice in everything that one does. Abhishek Bachchan made his acting debut in 2000 with the film “Refugee.� He was later seen in commercially successful films like “Yuva,� “Dhoom,� “Guru,� “Happy New Year� and “Sarkar� and the latest release “Manmarziyaan.� Asked if he believes stardom comes with a price tag, Bachchan told IANS here: “Of course. Everything comes with a price tag. There is sacrifice in everything you do. To gain something, you have to give up something, and the law of nature is as simple as that. But it’s fine
and good.� The actor has also faced failure with films like “Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon,� “Kuch Naa Kaho,� “Run� and “Naach.� Is he happy with his filmography? “No. I don’t think any actor is happy with their filmography. The tragedy of a filmography is that these are the things that have happened in the past. You need to look towards newer horizons; you need to look forward; you need to continue to strive and better yourself. So, I don’t think any actor is satisfied. The day an actor is satisfied is kind of a death of the creativity within you,� said the son of megastar Amitabh Bachchan. The “Raavan� actor said he is looking forward to what is going to happen next. “I am very hungry. I am very excited to see what more can be done, how to explore new horizons.�
Libra
Aries
Sept. 24 - Oct 22
March 21 - April 20
!
" # #
- '
Scorpio
Taurus April 21 - May 20 $
" % %
&
"
#
&
' %
"
%
Oct 23 - Nov 22 . %
(
! ) !
Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22
Gemini May 20 - June 21 !
!
$
' !
( ) $
$
)
' % /
- *
$
Capricorn
Cancer June 22 - July 23 !
% ! %
%
*
) $
Dec 23 - Jan 20 !
/
-
&
Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19
Leo June 24 - August 23
!
$
+
+
+
+
,
!
*
)
Pisces Feb 20 - March 20
Virgo !
'
% !
!
'
0
"
1
+
2
20
Bollywood
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Bollywood
Music director Bappi Lahiri turns 65 It was a triple celebration for composerperformer Bappi Lahiri as the veteran completed 50 years in films (his maiden film, “Daadu’ in Bengali, began shooting in 1968), celebrated his 65th birthday Nov. 27, and turned director with Manju Bharti’s “Ek Adhura Sangeet” under the banner of Viivek Films Production House. The film is a love story. “My fans keep me alive and ticking. ‘Ek Adhura Sangeet’ will see yet another facet of mine,” smiled Lahiri, who has also been singer, lyricist, producer, story writer, and actor. “We were very elated when Bappi-da consented to direct and compose for our film. He has been our guiding light, and we are very excited,” said expressed producer Manju Bharti. Mukesh Bharti is in the lead.
Besides family – wife Chitrani, daughter Rema, son-in-law Govind Bansal and grandson Sawastik Bansal, joining his celebrations were
Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda, Sonu Nigam, Sarbani Mukherjee, Lalit Pandit, Pahlaj Nihalani, Ila Arun, Alka Yagnik, B. Subhash, Jolly Mukherjee, Deb Mukerji, Rono Mukerji, Shubir Mukerji and others.
Actor Jeetendra (left), Manju Bharti, Bappi Lahiri and Mukesh Bharti share a moment at Bappi Lahiri’s 65th birthday.
‘I want to push the envelope’ - Arjun Kapoor His latest film “Namaste England” may have tanked badly, but Arjun Kapoor is busy enough with three projects that he is proud of: Dibakar Banerjee’s “Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar” with Parineeti Chopra again, Rajkumar Gupta’s “India’s Most Wanted” and Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Panipat” co-starring Kriti Sanon. Since our meeting was just before the release of the film, we have decided to eliminate what he spoke to us about the film itself and we still have an entertaining conversation left from our meeting. Q: This is a question we asked your co-star as well. What are the changes you have seen in Parineeti as a person and as an actress since “Ishaqzaade,” which was your debut film and her first solo lead? A: At that time, Parineeti was living life for the moment, and I think she did not know what was happening to her. She was in a flow, like ‘Oh I have got two films!’ Not that she did not care, but after
that, everything changed. Today, she sees films and her career as her life! Today, there is a focus, a maturity and ‘sorted-ness’ to her. She understands that there are very few of us who are loved by the entire country, and she has gone deeper and not taken success for granted. Then, she has always been a good actor, but now she has honed her skills. And she has never been a reference actor, because she has never grown up watching films like Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh and all of us who are inherently ‘filmi’ and know the ‘sur’ of acting, did. I may on occasion be tempted to imitate my uncle Anil Kapoor, but she has never imitated even Priyanka Chopra! Come on, that much praise is enough, I have been praising her for four minutes!
604-566-3111 7233 - Fraser St., Vancouver, BC
21
22
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Saturday, December 1, 2018 By John Horgan, Premier British Columbia
Seniors deserve quality health care and a good life their golden years, but for too long B.C. seniors in residential care have gone without the level of care they need. Our government is increasing staffing levels in residential care homes, because more staff hours means better care for seniors. The staff who care for seniors in B.C do a great job, often under challenging circumstances, but when residential homes are understaffed, everyone loses. It means staff is overstretched and cannot deliver the care seniors need and deserve. Our investment of $240 million over three years will mean qualified professionals will be more readily available to provide our loved ones with the care they need, when they need it. With this investment, the province will finally live up to the standard of care that was set over a decade ago, and never met. We’re also working with local care and service providers in the Chinese and South Asian communities to make sure culturally appropriate services and supports continue to improve for seniors. To ease transitions into care, services like publicly subsidized residential care, recreational programs, and assisted living programs are delivered in
Increasing staff hours to deliver the care BC seniors need
the patient’s language and respect family and cultural values. Improving services also means making sure our workforce is valued and protected. We are investing in better working conditions for health-care aides. Currently, more than half of all care aides are working part time or casual shifts, forcing many to work two or more jobs to make ends meet. By converting part-time and casual staff to full time, we have already added significantly more care hours for patients, and by 2021 seniors will receive an average of 3.36 hours per day. Over 300 part-time and casual health-care aides have already converted to
Sukh Dhaliwal running for 2019 election to continue being a strong voice for Surrey-Newton Continuing his strong advocacy for the priorities of families in Surrey-Newton aream The Liberal Party of Canada announced nomination of that MP Sukh Dhaliwal for election 2019 from Surrey Newton – “Surrey-Newton is a diverse and growing community, as the MP for this area over the years, I have continuously stood sideby-side with the community and voiced their needs in Ottawa” said Sukh Dhaliwal. Over the last three years, Surrey-Newton has seen record investments, including over $7 million for Kwantlen University, $4.6 million for more affordable housing, and over $500,000 for upgrades to the Newton Wave Pool. With an economy that is leading G7 countries in growth, the Liberal Government is making investments in programs to support middle-class families, like the Canada Child Benefit that is helping
Press release
over 13,000 families in Newton with an average monthly support of $640, as well as new tax exemptions to make small businesses continue to grow and create jobs. Sukh Dhaliwal added “the coming election is crucial to making sure we continue to build on this progress and not go back to a government that left middle-class families behind. It’s going to take hard work, but I know we can make sure Newton continues to have the strong representation it deserves, just as we did in 2015”. “This community and it’s priorities are important to me, in my time as the Member of Parliament for Newton, I have worked to be an open and accesible representative, that is focused on delivering results that make families and our community stronger”.
full time positions, with another 500 to follow in 2019. By 2021, about 1,500 new full-time positions will be added to build a more well-rounded health sector that is able to address the delicate and unique needs of people in care. But to make sure the people of B.C. receive the best care, we also need highly-skilled workers to join workforce, so we’re investing there too. New health-care aide seats in post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. will be open
23
to over 380 students who will train and become the future of our health care system. Together with the federal government, we’re committing approximately $1 billion over three years for improvements in seniors care. We are investing in primary care, home and community care, and residential care because we see the value of providing different options for seniors entering care. And we’re dedicating special funding to expand respite care and adult day programs to better support family and friend caregivers and help seniors live out their lives happily and comfortably. In a province where people come first, we need a well-staffed, well-trained health-care sector that delivers better, faster health care for everyone. We’re going to keep working hard to deliver the quality health care B.C. seniors need and deserve.
24
Vol. 9 No. 48
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Saturday - December 1, 2018
In BC’s rugged north as Royal Dutch Shell PLC’s $31 billion (US) liquefied natural gas project sparks an economic boom in the remote region. BC’s housing boom is set to shift to the BC’s North Coast, a sparsely populated region usually synonymous with untamed wilderness, black bears and glacial fjords — is set for a turnaround as Shell and its four partners ramp up activity on Canada’s largest infrastructure project ever, according to
Tel: 604-591-5423
E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com
Housing boom shifting towards North in BC Bryan Yu, deputy chief economist at Central 1 Credit Union. Residential home prices in the North Coast are set to surge faster than any other region in the province through 2020 as the project in Kitimat prepares to employ as many as 7,500 people at its peak, according to forecasts from Yu. In contrast, prices in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland area — once one of the hottest housing markets in North America — will fall, keeping the overall
provincial median price flat. More broadly, the real estate slowdown in Greater Vancouver — the province’s largest metropolitan area — will dampen British Columbia’s overall prospects. The province’s annual economic growth will slow to a range of about 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent through 2020, down from 3.8 per cent in 2017, Central 1 said in a report Tuesday. That reflects a shift in fortunes. Three years ago when Vancouver’s economy was roaring
along as housing prices surged, the resourcedependent north was suffering a downturn. Lumber exports were falling, mining projects faced dismal commodity prices, and more than a dozen LNG projects were stalled amid a global gas glut. In addition to the LNG project announced last month, the North Coast region is also benefiting from firmer demand for wood products and a booming port in nearby Prince Rupert, according to Central 1.
Home sale fall to six-year low Housing sales in the Vancouver region have fallen to their lowest level in six years as price declines extend beyond singlefamily detached properties to condos and townhouses. “The affordability situation is improving across all segments of the market,� said Josh Gordon, assistant professor at Simon Fraser University’s school of public policy. Greater Vancouver home sales in October Sales volume for detached houses, condos and townhomes While the Vancouver region remains by far the most expensive housing market in Canada, prices for condos and townhomes have slid over the past four months after a five-year rally. By contrast, prices for detached houses
started their descent in mid-2016, before recovering in early 2017 and then heading down again in October, 2017. Factors influencing the market include the B.C. government’s plan, unveiled in February, for what it calls a speculation and vacancy tax targeted primarily at out-of-province residents. “That tax announcement has curtailed speculative
buying, as we see in the lower sales totals. Flipping activity has dropped off,� Prof. Gordon said in an interview on Friday. Phil Moore, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, said the number of listings has increased to a fouryear high. With 12,984 properties for sale on the Multiple Listing Service, that’s up 42.1 per cent from a year earlier. “For
home buyers, this means you have more selection to choose from,� Mr. Moore said in a statement. “For sellers, it means your home may face more competition, from other listings, in the marketplace.� Sales volume for all housing types in October decreased to 1,966 transactions, down 34.9 per cent from 3,022 sales in the same month of 2017. Last month’s sales, the lowest for October since 2012, were 26.8 per cent under the 10year average for the month, according to the board. In Greater Vancouver, the monthover-month benchmark price (an industry representation of the typical home sold in an area) for all residential types has declined for five consecutive months, hitting $1,062,100 in October.
1"/03"." 8&45 $0"45 -*7*/(
/08 4&--*/(
" /&8 $-"44 0' 3&4*%&/5*"- -*7*/( "O VOJRVF BOE BŢPSEBCMF MJWJOH PQQPSUVOJUZ PŢFSJOH TBWWZ MJGFTUZMF DIPJDFT %FO #FESPPN UPNXIPNFT SBOHJOH GSPN UP 4'
4)08)0.& /% "7& 4633&: 01&/
"WF 4VSSFZ #$ XXX QBOPSBNBXFTUDPBTUMJWJOH DPN
25
Saturday, December 1, 2018 The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says home supply is rising and reaching levels not seen in roughly four years, even as the average price inches up year-over-year. The board says the composite benchmark price for all homes was $1,062,100 in October -- up one per cent since October 2017, but down 3.3 per cent over the last three months. Sales of all types of homes -- detached, townhomes and condos -- in October fell 34.9 per cent compared with the same month last year, dropping 26.8 per cent below the 10year October sales average. Prices easing but Canada’s housing
Vancouver home sales drop below average last month market still ‘highly vulnerable’: CMHC Interest rates and anxiety on the rise in B.C. Meanwhile, nearly 4,900 new properties were listed for sale last month, up 7.4 per cent compared with October last year. Nearly 13,000 homes are listed in Metro Vancouver or 42.1 per cent more than in October 2017. Board president Phil Moore says the additional supply gives home buyers more choice and home sellers more competition. Detached home sales fell 32.2 per cent in October compared with the same month last year, while the benchmark
Real estate market expected to mederate over next 2 years
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the country’s real estate market is expected to moderate over the next two years as the growth in housing prices is expected to slow to more in line with economic fundamentals.In its 2018 housing market outlook released today, the national housing agency projects housing starts and sales are both expected to decline
price fell to $1,524,000 marking a 5.1 per cent drop year-overyear and 3.9 per cent fall over the last three months. Sales of townhomes declined 37.5 per cent and condos fell 35.7 per cent year-over-year. The benchmark price for townhomes rose 4.4 per cent from last year to $829,200, while condo prices jumped 5.8 per cent to $683,500. Over the past three months, townhome
in 2019 and 2020.It predicts housing starts for single and multi-unit starts will fall to between 193,700 and 204,500 in 2019, while sales are anticipated to be between 478,400 and 497,400 units. Prices are anticipated to range between $501,400 and $521,600. CMHC says it expects economic indicators
#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005
prices fell 2.8 per cent and condo prices dropped 3.1. The threemonth price drop “is providing a little relief for those looking to buy compared to the all-time highs we’ve experienced over the last year,” says Moore.
26
Classifieds / Jobs : 1 ,
I,Nandani Mudaliar presently residing at 9990 124 A Street Surrey BC V3V 4W5 changed my name from Nandani Mudaliar to Nandani Nand
Saturday, December 1, 2018
/
-
Meat shop in Surrey requires full time / part time worker immediately. Punjbi and English speaking must. Good wages. Please call: 345#637#3895
27
Saturday, December 1, 2018 South Asian Seniors - Bingo On The House - December 2nd ( Sunday ) from 2.00 - 3.30 pm 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 entertainment and make some new friends, on December 2nd 2018( 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. Project funded by Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors. Please contact Surendra Handa, coordinator 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.
Positive Parenting Workshop Series, for parents and caregivers of 5 to 18 year olds. Workshops take place at locations throughout the city and are free to attend. Visit one workshop or attend them all! Registration is not required. Please note: the facilitator is able to adapt the workshop based on the needs of the parents and the ages of their children. Cloverdale Recreation Centre The following workshop is on Tuesdays from 6 to 8pm. December 4 - Problem-Solving with your Child, Teen or Family
For more Updates, Visit our Website
Contact Brent or Wayne
604-377-5429 www.theasianstar.com
Email: fraservalleygolf@shaw.ca Video link: www.cotala.com/28804
28
Saturday, December 1, 2018
$1.85 .$86+$/
6W 6XUUH\ %& ( 0DLO VDPNDXVKDO#JPDLO FRP
3(5621$/ 5($/ (67$7( &25325$7,21
6$0((5 .$86+$/
3(5621$/ 5($/ (67$7( &25325$7,21 % 6F 0%$
( 0$,/ $1.85 .$86+$/#&(1785< &$
ͳͷͶͳͲ ǡ ̈́ͳǡʹͻͻǡͲͲͲ
5RRPV %DWKV $UHD 6TIW )ORRU 6SDFHɿ VTIW <RX FDQ EXLOG OHYHO ZLWK YLHZ KRPH
ͻͺͻͷ ͳʹͺ ̈́ͻͺͻǡͲͲͲ
&HQWUDO &HGDU +LOOV ORFDWLRQ 7KLV VWRU\ KRPH ZLOO PDNH D JUHDW LQYHVWPHQW 1LFH TXLHW QHLJKERXUKRRG \HW QHDU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ VKRSSLQJ VFKRROV DQG 5REVRQ 3DUN 6XLWH UHQWHG RXW
ͺͷ ͳʹͺ ̈́ͳǡͳͶͻǡͲͲͲ
ͷͻʹͲ ͳ͵Ͳ ̈́ͻͻǡͲͲͲ
ʹͶͷ ͳʹ ̈́͵ǡͶͻͻǡͻͲͲ
ͳʹͻͻͶ ͷͻ ̈́ͻͻͻǡͻͲͲ
%HDXWLIXO OHYHO FXVWRP EXLOW EDVHPHQW HQWU\ KRXVH LQ WKH KHDUW RI :HVW 1HZWRQ 2IIHUV VL[ EHGURRPV SOXV D GHQ DQG VL[ EDWKURRPV 6HSDUDWH HQWU\ RQH EHGURRP OHJDO VXLWH IRU PRUWJDJH KHOSHU 6SDFLRXV IORRU SODQ 6HFRQG IORRU KDV RSHQ OLEUDU\ VWXG\ URRP EHGURRPV IXOO EDWKURRPV 3ULYDWH IHQFHG \DUG ORWV RI SDUNLQJ LQ WKH EDFN &ORVH WR VKRSSLQJ WUDQVLW UHF FHQWUH DQG ERWK OHYHOV RI VFKRRO 0XVW VHH
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
ͳʹ͵ͳͷ ͻ ̈́ͻͶͻǡͻͻͻ
ͳͷͳͳ ͺ ̈́ͻͻͻǡͻͲͲ
ʹͳͷͲ Ͷͻ ̈́ͳǡͺͻͻǡͲͲͲ
%ULJKW DQG VSDFLRXV EHGURRP UDQFKHU RQ D [ FRUQHU ORW LQ &HGDU +LOOV 7ZR IXOO EDWKV +XJH GHWDFKHG JDUDJH IRU ORWV RI RXWVLGH VWRUDJH RU XVH DV D GRXEOH ZRUNVKRS 7RQV RI SDUNLQJ 5HQW RU KROG WR EXLOG \RXU GUHDP KRPH %XLOGHU ,QYHVWRU $OHUW /DUJH VT IW ORW ZLWK SRWHQWLDO IRU VXEGLYLVLRQ RU UH]RQLQJ IRU GXSOH[ &KHFN ZLWK WKH &LW\ RI 6XUUH\ &ORVH WR WUDQVLW DQG &HGDU +LOOV (OHPHQWDU\ 0DWKHVRQ 6HFRQGDU\ 6FKRROV 4XLFN &RPSOHWLRQ 9DFDQW 3RVVHVVLRQ SRVVLEOH
/RFDWLRQ /RFDWLRQ 6SDFLRXV ZHOO NHSW *UHDW IDPLO\ KRPH RQ D TXLHW & ' 6 8SVWDLUV KDV EHGURRPV EDWKV VXQNHQ OLYLQJ URRP D IDPLO\ OLYLQJ URRP PDVWHU Z SFH HQVWH %DVHPHQW KDV D EHGURRP UHJLVWHUHG VXLWH ZLWK VHSDUDWH HQWUDQFH VKDUHG ODXQGU\ /RFDWHG LQ D GHVLUDEOH DQG SRSXODU QHLJKERUKRRG RI %HDU &UHHN *UHHQ 7LPEHUV 5HQRYDWHG QHZ SDLQW -XVW PLQXWHV DZD\ IURP DOO DPHQLWLHV OLNH 6DIHZD\ 6DYH RQ )RRGV 6KRSSHUV 'UXJ 0DUW &ORVH WR VFKRROV EXV VWRS PXFK PRUH
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
ͳͶͷ ͳͲͳ ̈́ͳǡͲʹͻǡͻͲͲ
ͳ͵Ͳͳͷ ͷͻ ̈́ͻͻͻǡͻͲͲ
&RPSOHWHO\ 5HQRYDWHG EHGURRPV EDVHPHQW KRPH ZLWK KXJH IDPLO\ DQG OLYLQJ URRP &ORVH WR *XLOGIRUG 0DOO 6XSHUVWRUH 6FKRRO DQG 7UDQVLW )HDWXUHV LQFOXGH +DUGZRRG IORRU *UDQLWH &RXQWHU WRSV DQG /DUJH DQG 3ULYDWH %DFN\DUG ZLWK VHSDUDWH HQWUDQFH GRZQVWDLUV 5HQWHG 0RQWK WR 0RQWK DW SHU PRQWK
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
͵ͻͲͻǦͳ͵Ͷͻͷ Ǧ ̈́ͳǡͲͶͻǡͲͲͲ ͳʹͻ͵ ͷ Ǧ ͳǤͻͳ ͶͲͲǦͳ͵Ͷͻͷ Ǧ ̈́ͻͻǡͲͲͲ ̈́͵ǡͻͻͻǡͲͲͲ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
( 0$,/ 6$0.$86+$/#*0$,/ &20
$ ORW IRU VDOH LQ 3DQRUDPD 5LGJH 6XUUH\ $SSOLFDWLRQ PDGH WR VXEGLYLGH LQWR WZR ORWV DQG ODWHU RQ FDQ EH WKUHH ORWV /RW LV EHLQJ VROG DV LV
͵ ͻ͵ͷͲΪ ͳͲʹͷʹ ͳͷͺ ͳͲʹͺ ͳͷͺ ͳͲʹͺ ͳͷͺ ̈́ͺͻͻǡͲͲͲ 5($'< 72 %8,/' %,* /276 2) 648$5( )((7 ($ ,1 5) =21,1* 21( 2) 7+( ),1(67 1(: 68%',9,6,21 ,1 )/((7:22' 3/$16 5($'< &DQ %XLOG 6WRUH\ +RPH %XLOG \RXU GUHDP KRPH ZLWK D KXJH EHDXWLIXOO\ ODQGVFDSHG \DUG RQ WKLV SULPH EXLOGLQJ ORW *UHDW FRPPXQLW\ FHQWUDO ORFDWLRQ WR 6FKRROV WUDQVLW 0DMRU URXWHV DQG VKRSSLQJ (DV\ DFFHVV WR +:<
&RQGR 6LWHV ,QYHVWPHQW RSSRUWXQLW\ ZLWK JUHDW IXWXUH GHYHORSPHQW &RQGR 6LWHV DYDLODEOH IRU VDOH LQ &KLOOLZDFN DUHD 9HU\ JRRG ORFDWLRQ LQ GRZQWRZQ ZLWK HDV\ DFFHVV WR VFKRRO VKRSSLQJ DQG SDUNV &DOO IRU PRUH LQIR
Ͷ
RYHU 6) ORW VL]H RI HDFK IRU VDOH LQ )OHHWZRRG 6XUUH\ EXLOG OHYHO KRPH ZLWK YLHZ
ͺͳ ͳ͵ʹ ̈́ͻͻͻǡͻͲͲ
ͳ͵ͺͺͳ ͷ ̈́ͳǡͻͻǡͻͲͲ
ͷͺͷ ̈́ͳǡͶͻͻǡͻͲͲ
ͳͲͲ͵ ͳʹͲ ͷǡͲͲͲ
ͳͷ ͳ͵ͺ ̈́ͳǡ͵ͻͶǡͻͲͲ
*UHDW ORFDWLRQ LQ 4XHHQ 0DU\ 3DUN $UHD 3ODQ XQGHU /DQG 8VH &RQWUDFW VXEPLWWHG WR &LW\ DERXW 6TXDUH )HHW +RPH 5HDG\ IRU DSSURYDO VRRQ IURP &LW\ VWLOO RSHQ WR DGG \RXU LGHDV IRU DQ\ FKDQJH LQ SODQ 5DUH WR ILQG WKLV NLQG RI 'HDO +8*( 6T )W ORW ZLWK ORWV RI SDUNLQJ *UHDW ORFDWLRQ &ORVH WR WUDQVLW 'DVPHVK 'DUEDU *XUXGZDUD 6LQJK 6DEKD 6LNK 7HPSOH
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
&RUQHU /RW ZLWK D YLHZ LQ /RW VXEGLYLVLRQ -XVW RII 6FRWW 5G RQ TXLHW VLGH RI WKH VWUHHW 6RPH ORWV ZLWK YLHZ /RWV DUH UHDG\ WR EXLOG <RX FDQ EXLOG VWRUH\ SOXV EDVHPHQW KRPHV
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
)RU XQLWV LQ <RUN &HQWUH 6W 3OHDVH &DOO RU
Saturday, December 1, 2018
DREAM CARPET
29 17
30 18
LOCAL / NATIONAL
A technical glitch that prevented the public from learning Jarrod Bacon had been released from prison months ago is the second Parole Board of Canada clerical error related to the notorious B.C. gangster. On Thursday, the Parole Board of Canada released a five-month-old decision showing Bacon was granted statutory release back in June. Normally, such documents are disclosed to journalists with standing applications and people on a victims’ list within days of the decision. The delay means Bacon’s release to an undisclosed halfway house went largely unnoticed and unreported. Last year, Bacon was mistakenly released from prison 16 months early because of a typo that recorded the length of his sentence as seven years instead of nine. The
Saturday, December 1, 2018 The rearrest led to the voiding of his statutory release, however Bacon and his lawyer successfully argued that because he shouldn’t have been out of prison in the first place, it wasn’t within the Parole Board of Canada’s authority to revoke his release. ‘High risk’ Jarrod Bacon released last June, details delayed by Parole Board due to ‘technical glitch’ The latest parole board decision says that Bacon is a high public safety risk. “Due to your ongoing involvement with a criminal gang, the potential for significant violence remains a very present issue.” According to the documents, Bacon was placed in segregation and then transferred to a maximum security facility after he and an accomplice targeted three different inmates in a series of violent assaults in early 2018.
Another unexplained clerical error helps gangster blunder went unnoticed and led to a flawed calculation for his statutory release date. “You would have thought that there would have been extra special caution exercised over this individual because of his status, his involvement and his continuing activities,” said SFU criminology professor Rob Gordon. “Obviously that didn’t happen.” Bacon is a past member of the Bacon Brothers and Red Scorpions gang and has been associated with members of the Hells Angels. Younger brother Jamie Bacon was charged in the 2007 Surrey Six slayings, which left six dead in a Surrey highrise. Eldest brother Jonathan Bacon was killed in a targeted shooting in 2011. The three Bacon brothers: Jamie on the left, Jonathan in the centre and Jarrod on the right.
Parole Board of Canada spokesman Franç ios Tardif said a “technical glitch” prevented the timely release of the June 2018 Bacon decision. “You have to understand that this situation is exceptional and rest assured that the board is accustomed to giving access to a decision in a very short time,” said Tardif. Questions sent to the Parole Board of Canada’s head office in Ottawa were not responded to. Cocaine smuggler and gangster In 2012, Bacon was sentenced for trying to smuggle 100 kilograms of cocaine into B.C. He was erroneously granted statutory release in February of 2017 due to the typo, but was returned to prison five months later after being intercepted at a strip club known to be frequented by members of organized crime.
Province funding homes specifically for Indigenous people for first time BC government is planning on building more than 1,100 affordable homes for Indigenous peoples in 26 communities across the province. Housing Minister Selina Robinson unveiled the first set of homes selected through the Indigenous Housing Fund Saturday afternoon, which includes nearly 780 off-reserve homes, and close to 370 homes on-reserve. The commitment makes British Columbia the first province in Canada to invest provincial housing funds into on-reserve housing. “We are behind right across the province, that is important to remember. But Indigenous people are absolutely overrepresented in our homeless population which is a sad indication of how badly homes are lacking,” said Robinson. “I have heard stories of overcrowding of housing on-reserve and the housing crisis is affecting those most marginalized. “This is our government saying we need to act.” The province announced in July that it was looking for communities to partner with. Robinson unveiled $7.8 million to the Katzie First Nation Housing Society in Pitt Meadows on Saturday. The funding will be enough to build 39 homes.
Victoria police recommend child sex charges in 2 online luring investigations Two Victoria-area men are accused of luring underage children over the internet after separate investigations by police. The first investigation centres on a 28-year-old man who investigators believe has been in Canada illegally since 2014, according to a police news release. Officers began an undercover investigation into his activities at the beginning of the month. “Through the course of the investigation, it became clear that the man wanted to sexually abuse a child,” the news release says. ‘I hope this hurts you’: B.C. man jailed for repeated sexual extortion of girls and women Officers arranged a meeting with the suspect at an apartment building on Nov. 8, and he was arrested on arrival. Investigators are recommending a charge of luring a child under the age of 16 and say they’re working with the Canada Border Services Agency to determine his status in the country. The second suspect is a 61-year-old Esquimalt man who is accused of abusing a child on the West Shore, according to police.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018 TELUS Health Originals documentary premiere illustrates the devastating effects of opioid addiction TELUS released the first installment of its new TELUS Health Originals documentary series, a heartbreaking look at the public health emergency devastating North America through a new documentary: Painkiller: Inside the Opioid Crisis. Available on YouTube and on the TELUS Optik TV Healthy Living Network on channel 346 in western Canada, the film illustrates how the ravages of opioids are felt far beyond heavy drug users revealing how they are now devastating families and communities across every race, gender and socio-economic status. Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Matthew Embry (Living Proof), the documentary takes an inside look at this complex epidemic fueled by legal and illegal activity, exacerbated by well-intentioned drug policies and annihilated by fentanyl. Featuring interviews with every day families who share their personal stories of how their lives have been devastated by the opioid crisis, this film sheds light on a topic that knows no bounds of discrimination and initiates necessary conversations to help remove the stigma of addiction. In 2017, there were nearly 4,000 opioid-related deaths in Canada. Between January and March 2018 alone, 73% of accidental apparent opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl, compared to 54% in 2016 and 72% in 2017. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of our work at TELUS Health is to create advocacy around serious and important health topics and it is a privilege to be able to help Canadians become more informed about what Fentanyl is and how it is ravaging our communities through this documentary we have created.â&#x20AC;? said Juggy Sihota, vice-president, TELUS Health. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The opioid crisis in our country needs our collective attention; we believe that the health of our communities is of the utmost importance and it is through building awareness and understanding that we will help to eliminate the stigma of addiction and build stronger healthier communities across our country.â&#x20AC;? Painkiller: Inside the Opioid Crisis features interviews with frontline responders, border services and addiction specialists who share their perspective on the underlying problem of the ongoing opioid crisis and try to answer the question: how can our society treat pain without causing more? The film will be screened across the country in major cities as follows: t5PSPOUP 0/ /PWFNCFS "(0 +BDLNBO )BMM QSF TDSFFOJOH
t&ENPOUPO "# /PWFNCFS $JUBEFM Ä&#x2021;FBUSF ] ;FJEMFS )BMM QSF TDSFFOJOH
t$BMHBSZ "# /PWFNCFS +VODUJPO (SBOE Ä&#x2021;FBUSF t,FMPXOB #$ /PWFNCFS ,FMPXOB *OOPWBUJPO $FOUSF t7BODPVWFS #$ /PWFNCFS 4'6 )BSCPVS $FOUSF ] 'MFUDIFS $IBMMFOHF Ä&#x2021;FBUSF t1SJODF (FPSHF #$ /PWFNCFS 6/#$ 8FMEXPPE Ä&#x2021;FBUSF t4VSSFZ #$ /PWFNCFS 4VSSFZ $JWJD $FOUSF t7JDUPSJB #$ /PWFNCFS 0BL #BZ #FBDI )PUFM JO 7JDUPSJB t8JOOJQFH .# %FDFNCFS 8JOOJQFH "SU (BMMFSZ t0UUBXB 0/ %FDFNCFS 0UUBXB "SU (BMMFSZ To RSVP for a public screening, please contact: consumerhealth@telus.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The opioid epidemic is taking lives every single day. At TELUS, we believe we need to tell these difficult stories to drive change, so we can improve the lives of everyone in our community,â&#x20AC;? said Blair Miller, vice-president, Consumer Products and Content, TELUS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We created this documentary to spark conversations about the opioid crisis, unite people and build better understanding.â&#x20AC;? The film premieres today in English on YouTube and the TELUS Optik TV Healthy Living Network on channel 346 in western Canada; a French subtitled version of the film will be released on YouTube in the coming months. To help fight the opioid crisis, TELUS will donate $5 for every view of the documentary, up to $50,000, to organizations providing critical care to those impacted, such as TELUS Health for Good, our Mobile Health Clinics providing primary healthcare to over 30,000 homeless Canadians. For more details on the documentary please visit: www.telus.com/painkiller. About TELUS Health and Payment Solutions TELUS Health is a leader in home health monitoring, electronic medical and health records, as well as consumer health, benefits management and pharmacy management solutions. TELUS Health leverages the power of technology to enable better health outcomes for Canadians with innovative digital solutions that enable collaboration, efficiency and productivity for physicians, pharmacists, health authorities, allied health care professionals, insurers, employers and citizens. TELUS Payment Solutions complements our health solutions by delivering secure, industry-compliant payment and lending solutions that connect lenders, payors, insurers, extended health care providers and financial institutions to their customers across Canada. For more information please visit: www.telushealth.com & www.telus.com
31 19
Mom battles school board, saying yoga is against her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religion Gina Clarke was furious when her 8-year-old daughter came home from school in tears after doing a wellness day activity in her Grade 3 class. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(My daughter) was very upset,â&#x20AC;? recalls the Vaughan mother. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She knew she did something she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supposed to.â&#x20AC;? That something was yoga. The Clarke family is Roman Catholic and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do yoga because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooted in Hinduism. Whether or not Catholics should do yoga is debatable. Some believe physical aspects, such as poses, are acceptable, but spiritual elements, such as mantras and meditations, are not. And some, like the
Clarkes, prefer to avoid yoga altogether. So when her daughter came home that day in May 2017, Clarke was upset because she says she had asked the principal for a religious accommodation that excused her from the activity. She says the accommodation was granted, so she was stunned when her daughter said she had done yoga. That set Clarke on a quest for answers up the ranks of the York Region District School Board, including speaking with the teacher, principal, superintendent, trustee and director of education. She also contacted Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education minister.
Record $60-million lotto winner still to come forward The winner of a recordequalling $60-million Lotto Max jackpot last month has yet to come forward to claim the cash but, somewhat surprisingly, that in itself is not an unusual thing. In fact, some winners have been known to deliberately avoid claiming their winnings for months on end while they get their lives in order and work out their new life priorities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The latest is thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no latest,â&#x20AC;? joked Western Canada Lottery Corporation spokesman Kevin van Egdom on Monday about the ticket sold in Edmonton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard anything and we are still waiting and hoping and knocking on wood that we hear from somebody really soon.â&#x20AC;? The same draw on Oct. 26 also offered 56 MaxMillions prizes of $1 million each â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and
27 of them were won. Those prizes will be shared among 36 winning ticket holders. Van Egdom said they had one instance in which $1-million winner decided to book a vacation to Hawaii before he claimed his prize to take a little bit of time to get his thoughts straight. A $50-million winning couple in Edmonton a few years ago went close to nine months before coming forward. They managed to keep it a secret from everyone but their daughter, van Egdom said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes with the really big wins people take their time. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also possible that someone is not aware of it,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people come in very quickly because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to have that ticket in their hands anymore.â&#x20AC;?
20 32
NATIONAL
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Canadian dollar rebounds from 5-month low as investors rethink Fed outlook The Canadian dollar rallied against its broadly weaker U.S. counterpart on Wednesday, rebounding from an earlier five-month low after comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that were seen as dovish by some investors. A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the “Loo Powell appeared to signal the U.S. central bank was nearing an end to its interestrate hikes, saying the Fed’s policy rate was now “just below” a level that neither brakes nor boosts a healthy economy. “Today’s move (in the Canadian dollar) is a result of changing expectations around the Federal Reserve,” said Tim Alt, director, rates & currencies at Aviva Investors in Chicago. Yields on shorter-dated U.S. government
bonds fell and the U.S. dollar .DXY retreated against a basket of major currencies. At 3:51 p.m. (2051 GMT), the Canadian dollar CAD=D4 was trading 0.3 percent higher at 1.3263 to the greenback, or 75.40 U.S. cents. The currency’s strongest level of the session was 1.3242, while it touched its weakest since June 27 at 1.3360. U.S. crude oil futures CLc1 settled 2.5 percent lower at $50.29 a barrel after U.S. crude inventories rose for the 10th straight week amid concerns about excess global supply. Recent weakening in oil prices, including the price of Canadian heavy crude, have weighed on the outlook for Canada’s economy, reducing expectations for another Bank of Canada interest rate hike in January, Alt said.
TD Bank quarterly earnings up 20% Toronto-Dominion Bank reported on Thursday a 20 per cent rise in fourthquarter earnings, marginally ahead of analysts’ expectations, helped by strong growth at its U.S. retail business. TD said earnings per share, excluding oneoff items, rose to $1.63 in the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with $1.36 a year ago.
Analysts had, on average, forecast earnings of $1.62, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Canada’s second biggest lender by market value, which has substantial operations in the United States, said net income, excluding one-off items, rose by 17 percent to $3.05 billion during the period.
Population boom is turning Toronto rental market into nightmare Debbie Ross has the same chance of snagging an affordable apartment in Toronto as she does picking a long-shot at the Kentucky Derby. Ross is hoping to win one of 75 rental apartments in a lottery run by the city’s public housing agency. She’s up against 3,779 others, so the odds of winning are only about 50:1 but figures it’s as good a chance as any of finding a place to live. Canada took in a record 413,000 people from abroad in the year through July 1, pushing population growth to
1.4 per cent, the fastest in the Group of Seven. Long priced out of home ownership, Ross is now being squeezed out of the rental market as the country’s biggest population boom since 1957 sends prices surging in Canada’s largest city. The 56-year-old unemployed office worker pays $1,026 (Canadian) for her one-bedroom apartment. Her savings and unemployment insurance are running out and she’s been looking for a cheaper place but units that were in her price range only a few years ago have nearly doubled.
Scotiabank to exit nine countries in Caribbean shake-up The Bank of Nova Scotia said Tuesday that it has struck a deal to sell banking businesses in nine of the smaller countries in the Caribbean, such as Antigua and Dominica, A as the A lender A continues to narrow down the number of international markets in which it operates. The move comes as Scotiabank, which has said larger markets in Latin America are still very much part of its plans, reported that adjusted profit from its international banking unit grew at a greater rate than that of its Canadian business over the past year. “Exiting these non-core operations is consistent with a strategy that began five years ago to sharpen our focus, increase scale in core geographies and businesses, improve earnings quality and reduce risk to the bank,” said Scotiabank president and CEO Brian Porter during a conference call Tuesday morning, adding that the bank has now either exited or announced its intentions to exit more than 20 countries or businesses over that same period. ‘Low-hanging fruit already plucked’: Big banks face slowing economy heading into fiscal 2019 Bank of Nova Scotia earnings rises 8% with help from international business Changes at Manulife more than cosmetic as insurance giant looks to simplify
Scotiabank plans to sell the Caribbean businesses to Trinidad and Tobago-based Republic Financial Holdings Ltd., subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Republic Financial said in a release that the purchase price is US$123 million. Additionally, Scotiabank announced Tuesday that its subsidiaries in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have agreed to sell their insurance operations to Barbados-based Sagicor Financial Corporation Ltd., which would also underwrite insurance products for Scotia’s banking subsidiaries through a 20-year distribution agreement. That deal would be subject to approvals and conditions, but it is also contingent on Sagicor being acquired by a Toronto-based special purpose acquisition corporation. Scotiabank said these transactions would not be material, but that they would increase its common equity tier one capital ratio, a measure of financial strength, by around 10 basis points when they close. “Due to increasing regulatory complexity and the need for continued investment in technology to support our regulatory requirements, we made the decision to focus the bank’s efforts on those markets with significant scale in which we can make the greatest difference for our customers,” said Ignacio
BC researcher argues anti-Alberta oil campaigns about protecting USA interests, not environment Anti-oil campaigns have called Alberta’s industry “the tar sands,” “Alberta’s dirty oil” and “Canada’s most embarrassing secret.” But during an interview with Global Edmonton anchor Jennifer Crosby on Monday, a British Columbia researcher said the campaign against Alberta oil is more about American economic interests than protecting the environment. Vivian Krause has been researching the oilsands for nearly a decade and she told her studies have led her to believe the push against the oilsands is funded by American philanthropists in an effort to land-lock Alberta oil so it cannot reach overseas markets, where it would attain a higher price per barrel. “About $90 million over the last 10 years has gone towards various efforts to restrict oil and gas development and export from Alberta. The problem that I see with this is that they’re trying to cap and restrict Alberta production, but there’s no such campaign in Texas,” Krause said. “I’m sure the reason they are doing it is
because of the environment and because of climate-related problems, but the trouble is it’s not helping the environment because the oil, if it doesn’t come from Alberta, it’s just coming from some other country.” Krause said the campaign was originally funded by charitable organizations from California and the philanthropic organization Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which was created with funding from the famous Rockefeller family. Krause said the group got together around the time of the Iraq war and California energy crisis in 2003-2004 and strategized how to get control of the United States’ domestic energy policy. She said the group now funds the Tides Foundation in San Francisco and the New Venture Fund in Washington, D.C. “I think they have four goals, three of which are great: renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy security, that’s all good. But it’s the fourth goal — this idea of keeping Canada out of the global market — that’s where I think we need to bring an end to this campaign.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Raj Grewal told Liberals he had more than $1-million in debt Liberal MP Raj Grewal told a party official last week that he had accumulated debt of more than $1-million and had a gambling problem, according to a source who was briefed on the matter. Grewal held discussions last Wednesday with Liberal MP Mark Holland in which Mr. Grewal admitted he faced serious financial problems. Mr. Holland, who is the Chief Government Whip, relayed the information to senior Liberal officials, including members of the Prime Minister’s Office, the source said. On Wednesday, Mr. Holland refused to discuss the details of his conversation with the Brampton East MP, citing the confidential nature of the exchanges. But the source who received the briefing said the understanding was that Mr. Grewal had accumulated a “seven-figure” debt and had a gambling problem, adding it was not known to whom the money was owed. The source was not authorized to speak about the matter publicly and was granted anonymity by
The Globe and Mail to give details of internal discussions. Three separate sources told The Globe earlier this week that Mr. Grewal spent millions of dollars over the past three years on gambling, including at the Casino du Lac-Leamy across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill. The sources added the RCMP have been investigating the expenditures for months and are attempting to determine the origin of the funds. The Globe granted anonymity to these sources, who have direct knowledge of the RCMP probe, to discuss confidential information they are not permitted to disclose. Mr. Grewal has not responded to requests for comment made by phone and e-mail in recent days, including phone and text messages on Wednesday. At Mr. Grewal’s parents’ home in Brampton, Ont., on Wednesday, Mr. Grewal’s mother confirmed that he lives there and was in treatment. She said he has the support of his family and constituents.
Pain & sense of betrayal as Canada GM factory closes after a century General Motors has been making cars in Oshawa, Ontario, for more than a century in factories that once employed upward of 40,000 people, so the company’s announcement on Monday that it would stop production brought recriminations from across the Canadian political spectrum. But for Eva McKeen, an inspector in the paint shop that looms over the north end of the vast manufacturing complex, the pain and the sense of betrayal went far beyond political and economic arguments. “Just as you’re getting older to know that you don’t have a job, it’s really heartwrenching,” she said. Ms. McKeen was among the hundreds of workers who walked out of the plant in protest just before managers were about to announce its death sentence. Outside, they began waving red flags while blockading the complex’s truck entrances. The ponchos they wore, bearing the logo of their union, Unifor, offered scant protection against the sleet coming down.
“The last thing we want to do is walk off the line, we really don’t want to do that,” Ms. McKeen said. “We just want G.M. to work with us.” [Want more Canadian coverage in your inbox? Subscribe to our weekly Canada Letter newsletter.] G.M.’s Oshawa plant is a shadow of its past. The two remaining assembly lines now employ about 2,500 unionized workers and 300 salaried employees. Nevertheless, the closing announcement sent shock waves not just through Oshawa but across Canada. Long the largest car producer in Canada, G.M. lost that title to Toyota last year and will likely end up in the fourth or fifth position after the Oshawa closing. The overwhelming majority of the cars made in Canada are sent to American buyers. The economic importance of the automotive industry to Canada meant that both the Ontario provincial and Canadian federal governments joined with Washington to bail out General Motors during its bankruptcy a decade ago.
Trudeau Liberals write-off $2.6 billion loan to Chrysler enen though it made $4.3 billion profit in 2017 The Trudeau Liberals quietly have written-off a $2.6 billion dollar loan to save Chrysler during the Great Recession despite the fact that Chrysler made a $4.3 billion profit in 2017. Not only is the taxpayer left holding the bag for the loan, the lack of transparency in the write-off that was revealed by a Freedom of Information request, has been criticized by the auditor-general. Both the Conservatives made the loan in 2009 and the Liberals, who have tried to hide it, are following their typical pattern of quiet corporate give-aways of corporate money. The Liberal government has quietly written off a $2.6-billion auto-sector loan that was cobbled together to save Chrysler during the 2009 global economic meltdown. The write-off, among the largest ever for a taxpayer-funded bailout, is buried in a volume of the 2018 Public Accounts of Canada, tabled in Parliament on Friday. The reference contains no explanation for the write-off, identifying neither the business that received the loan nor the sector of the economy. According to media reports the money was lent on March 30, 2009, to Chrysler LLC by the federal government – a non-
performing loan that grew with interest over the following nine years. The loan was made by the Harper government, in co-operation with the Ontario government. At the time of the 2009 auto-sector bailouts in Canada and the United States, Chrysler was split in two: an “Old Chrysler” that went into bankruptcy and a “New Chrysler” that became viable and remains in operation today. Now called Fiat Chrysler, the international firm reported net profits of $4.3 billion US for 2017. Officials at the time refused to provide details, including the amount or the business that benefited, saying they were protecting “commercial confidentiality.” Friday’s Public Accounts documents were similarly opaque about the write-off, referring only to the precise value, $2,595,974,536 in Canadian funds. Canada’s auditor general has previously cited a lack of transparency over the bailouts. “We found it impossible to gain a complete picture of the assistance provided, the difference the assistance made to the viability of the companies, and the amounts recovered and lost,” Michael Ferguson said in his fall 2014 report.
NATIONAL
33
34
INDIA
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Rahul Gandhi & the price of ‘mahagathbandhan’ (the grand alliance) There has been a flurry of activity to cobble up an anti-BJP ‘mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance ). The exercise is not unprecedented either in its intention or scope. Only that this time round it’s the regional players who are taking the lead in firming up such a pan-India coalition of ‘like-minded’ parties. These regional players like Telugu Desam Party’s Chandrababu Naidu or Trinamool Congress’s Mamata Banerjee are not averse to taking Congress on board, not as a dominant partner but as an entity willing to subsume its ambitions under the overarching goals of the alliance. Naidu’s recent meeting with TMC supremo did not stand out for the distance that Naidu had to cover to reach Kolkata. What stood out were the words from Mamata after the meeting that hinted at the underlying resolve of regional players not to allow national partners to have an overwhelming presence in the mahagathbandhan. On the question of who shall be the prime ministerial face of such a grand alliance, Mamata quipped that “everybody is the face of ‘mahagathbandhan.’” It is hard to construe whether Mamata made this remark keeping Congress President Rahul Gandhi in mind. But it shall be vain to think otherwise. That also does not mean Mamata herself covets the post. The probability might be high but she is only making sure the post of the Prime Minister remains open in the event of the mahagathbandhan managing to
halt the Modi juggernaut in 2019. Mamata has revealed the blueprint for the coalition. Rewind to Karnataka assembly verdict when Congress struck up a post-poll alliance with Janata Dal (Secular). To keep BJP at bay, Rahul offered the CM post to JD(S)’s HD Kumaraswamy despite the Congress having won twice as many seats as the JD(S). Mamata’s oblique reference to the Congress at the opposition show of unity then was unambiguous. The “regional fronts and regional partners have a very important role to play,” she had then remarked. Even Naidu endorsed Mamata’s line in Kolkata when he said they were all senior politicians, ‘more senior than Modi.’ His no-nonsense remark indicates Rahul’s perceived lower standing in the political hierarchy the mahagathbandhan was trying to construct. It also shows a mirror to the Congress’s present numerical strength in the Lok Sabha. One thing is clear: The alliance partners shall prefer to choose the joint opposition PM face by consensus rather than allow a single party’s writ to run through. And that there could be several contenders to chose from.The Congress’s 2014 drubbing at the hands of Modi’s BJP had brought it almost down to its knees. The Congress could garner just 44 seats in the Lok Sabha, barely ahead of strong regional players like the AIADMK (37 seats) and TMC (34 seats).
PM Modi arrives in Argentina for G-20 summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit where he will discuss ways to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade with other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. “After a 24hr journey, PM @narendramodi arrives in Buenos Aires for the #G20Summit. The next 48 hrs will witness PM’s participation at the Summit as well as in many other plurilateral and bilateral meetings on the margins of the Summit,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. The Prime Minister was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of Indian diaspora at the hotel in Buenos Aires. He waved at the crowd and shook hands with the people in the hotel lobby as they raised ‘Modi, Modi’ slogans. Modi will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1. On the sidelines of the two-day 13th G-20 summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the
strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. Modi will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, along with the prime ministers of Spain, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the president of the European Union and the European Council. A bilateral meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. Modi will make a pitch to countries who are not within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance.
India launches first hyperspectral imaging satellite Within a fortnight from launching India’s heaviest rocket, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to put in orbit the first full-fledged hyperspectral imaging earth observation satellite (HysIS), which enables distinct identification of objects from space. ISRO officials on Tuesday said PSLV-C43 would lift off, carrying HysIS at 9.58 am on Thursday and the 15-hour countdown will commence at 5.58 pm on Wednesday. ISRO chairman K Sivan told Express that though hyperspectral imaging was first tried by the space agency in an 83kg IMS-1 experimental satellite way back in May 2008 and later on Chandrayaan-1 for mapping lunar mineral resources, this would be the first full-fledged hyperspectral imaging satellite. “HysIS has wide range of applications in agriculture, forestry, geological environments, coastal zones and inland
waters etc. It provides a global coverage on repetitive basis to users and supplementing the data from the existing multi-spectral sensors,” he said. The satellite is built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite-2 (IMS-2) bus and the mass of the spacecraft is about 380 kg. The satellite will be placed in 636-km polar sun synchronous orbit with a mission life of five years. The primary goal of HysIS is to study the earth’s surface in visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sivan said HysIS would be an important space asset for India because of its unique capabilities of differentiating the objects. ‘Hyspex’ imaging is said to enable distinct identification of objects, materials or processes on Earth by reading the spectrum for each pixel of a scene from space.
Delhi Assistant Police Commissioner jumps to death from 10th floor A senior Police officer in Delhi, who was being treated for depressions, jumped off the police headquarters’ building in the city and died. He jumped off the tenth floor of the building, police said. Prem Ballabh, 53, spent 28 days recently at a gov’t hospital for treatment, police officer Anil Mittal said. Mr Ballabh was an Assistant Commissioner of Police and was posted at the Delhi Police headquarters in the busy ITO area in central Delhi. He had rejoined work just five days ago after a medical leave. Police personnel deployed in the ground floor heard a loud sound and rushed out to see his body near the entrance of the building. They took him to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Prem Bhallabh was posted in the crime and traffic wing of
Delhi Police. He had joined Delhi Police as head constable in 1986 and was promoted to the rank of ACP in 2016. He had served as personal assistant to senior officers of Delhi Police, an official said. The assistant police commissioner (ACP)-rank officer, who was suffering from depression, committed suicide. Prem Vallabh was posted in the crime and traffic unit of Delhi Police, they said. He had joined Delhi Police as head constable in 1986 and was promoted to the rank of ACP in 2016. He had served as personal assistant to senior officers of Delhi Police, an official said. He was recently hospitalised for 28 days as he was suffering from depression. It is suspected that he killed himself because of that.
Bail granted for two in Rs 2,654-crore bank fraud In less than a month, two judges of the Gujarat High Court have recused themselves from hearing the bail applications of two Vadodarabased businessmen brothers, Amit Bhatnagar and Sumit Bhatnagar, who were arrested along with their father — Suresh Bhatnagar — in April this year for allegedly duping Consortium of 11 banks to the tune of Rs 2,654 crore. Justice J B Pardiwala recused from hearing the bail applications on Friday, saying, “I am not inclined to take up both these bail applications for personal reasons.”
In October, Justice R P Dholaria had recused from hearing the bail plea of the two brothers, who are directors of Diamond Power Transformers Ltd (DPIL), a private firm based in Vadodara. Previously, Justice Pardiwala had heard and ordered release of 80-yearold Suresh Bhatnagar, father of Amit and Sumit, on bail on medical grounds. After the CBI submitted the chargesheet against the three in July, Sumit Bhatnagar had sought bail and his plea came up for hearing before Justice Pardiwala.
PUNJAB
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Navjot Sidhu downplays controversy over picture with pro-Khalistani activist in Pakistan Navjot Singh Sidhu downplayed the incident for India’s sovereignty and Punjab’s peace. of getting photo clicked with pro-Khalistan Sirsa asked Punjab CM Amarinder separatist Gopal Singh Chawla in Pakistan Singh whether he would sack Sidhu for the which was posted by the latter on Facebook move given Chawla’s open anti-India rants. and soon went viral. Punjab Chief Downplaying the Minister Captain controversy, Navjot Amarinder Singh Sidhu said, “I got lot declined the of love in Pakistan and invitation for everyday thousands of Kartarpur border photos were clicked with ceremony, while people. How would I know Sidhu accepted it. who is Chawla or who is Meanwhile, Cheema among them.” Chawla had The BJP also attacked also stirred a Sidhu over the picture. controversy when Gopal Singh Chawla (left) with SGPC chief BJP legislator in Delhi Gobind Singh Longowal at Kartarpur last week. he was present at Manjinder Singh Sirsa, opening ceremony this morning, posted a of Kartarpur border and was seen shaking series of tweets questioning Sidhu for the hands with Pak Army Chief General Bajwa. frame and asked him whether he cared
Policemen interogated in firing incident Two members of the SIT investigating the sacrilege and police firing cases, Arunpal Singh, IG (Crime), and Satinder Singh, SSP, Kapurthala, questioned 15 police officials. Two inspectors, three ASIs, five head constables and five constables were questioned in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing incident. The IG and the SSP also interacted with other cops. The entire process was videographed. Earlier on October 20, 26 cops were questioned by the SIT in Phagwara.
Woman’s body found under her bed A body of a woman was found at her residence which was dumped beneath the bed in a box. Her hands and mouth were tied with a cloth, bore several injury marks. The deceased has been identified as Pooja Rani (26) of Basti Tankan Wali in the city. She was married to Manmohan Thakur for the last two years. Her husband is working as a salesman in a medicine company. Sources said Manmohan had left the house in the morning for work. But when he came back in the evening, he found that the main gate of the house was open but the inside door was locked. Manmohan said he tried to call his wife on her mobile phone several times, but it was switched off. He decided to enter the house by breaking the grill of the kitchen along with a few neighbours. When they were searching the house, one of the neighbours checked inside the bed where Pooja’s body was lying in a pool of blood. He said they had no enmity with anyone in the area.
Huge quantity of liquor seized Crime Investigation Agency (CIA), Barnala, arrested a man with 90 boxes of smuggled liquor on Tuesday night. However, four others escaped. The CIA Barnala team saw a group of persons loading liquor boxes onto a vehicle on the roadside near Kube village. “Seeing the police, four persons escaped, while our team succeeded in arresting Rachpal Singh. During search of vehicles, the police seized 90 boxes of smuggled liquor from Haryana,” said Baljit Singh, incharge of the Barnala CIA. Also five unidentified persons allegedly looted Rs 15,000 and two mobiles from a petro station near Khui Khera village in Fazilka district.
35
Sikh pilgrims reach Gurdwara Punja Sahib for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary Over 3,800 Sikh pilgrims, 148 from UK, seven from UAE and thousands from Pakistan, arrived in Gurdwara Punja Sahib, north of Paksitan is third most sacred place of Sikh religion, to perform their rituals which include ‘Akhand Path’, ‘Ashnan’, ‘Matha
Tek’ and ‘Kirtan’, as Dawn media reported. Security measures were taken in and around the gurdwara where many officials from security forces & agencies were deployed. Leader of Indian pilgrims Marjeet
Singh also lauded the role of the Pakistani government in opening up Kartarpur border. He said with this, the Pakistani gov’t had won the hearts of millions of Sikhs living on the other side of the border. The number of pilgrims had also increased compared to last year, he added. Raminder Singh, leader of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak committee, echoed the sentiments, saying that more corridors between the two countries needed to open. Sohan Singh, contingent leader from the Bhai Mardana Sikh committee, said every religion taught love, tolerance and respect for humanity. However, leader of female contingent from India Manmohan Kaur expressed her displeasure over the mismanagement by the railways department as a result of which over 113 pilgrims were left behind at Nankana Sahib also in Punjab province.
36
INDIA
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approves 221-meter Ram statue in Ayodhya “modern museum” inside While the height of the Ram the base that will showcase statue would be 151 metres, its the history of Ayodhya and overhead umbrella would be 20 the entire “Ikshvaku Vansh” metres while the pedestal would right from King Manu to be 50 metres, said Additional the present status of “Ram Chief Secretary, Information, Janmabhoomi”. The finalised Avaneesh Awasthi. The statue sample for the proposed will be made of bronze, he Ram statue in Ayodhya. The added. The proposed statue proposed museum will also will be the tallest in the world. house detailed description of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath finalised the details for the construction of a all the “Avatars” of Lord Vishnu and will also 221-metre long statue of Ram in Ayodhya on have arrangements for depiction on the topic Saturday. While the height of the Ram statue “Bharat ke samasta Sanatan Dharma” using would be 151 metres, its overhead umbrella state of art techniques. “For the selection of would be 20 metres while the pedestal would appropriate land for this statue, soil testing, be 50 metres, said Additional Chief Secretary, as well as wind tunnel testing, is going on at Information, Avaneesh Awasthi. The statue present,” said the official spokesperson of the will be made of bronze, he added. According government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the official statement released by the state had on October 31, inaugurated an imposing government, there will be a provision for a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first home minister, in Gujarat.
Saturday, December 1, 2018 Air India plane with 179 passengers on board hits building at Stockholm An Air India plane carrying 179 passengers struck a building at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport with its wingtip as it taxied to gate on Wednesday, but no injuries were reported, police said. “The 179 passengers could disembark from the plane on a mobile staircase and thereafter enter the terminal,” police wrote in a statement. The cause of the accident was not immediately known, police said.
It occurred at 5:45 pm (1645 GMT), about 50 meters (yards) from Terminal 5, the main terminal for international flights. Pictures from the scene showed the Boeing aircraft parked on the runway with the very tip of its left wing stuck in the side of a building. Several police cars and fire trucks were parked by the plane. According to airport operator Swedavia’s website, the flight had originated in New Delhi.
Sidhu steals the show in Pakistan Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu came in for wholesome praise from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and several other Pakistani leaders for his “persistent” efforts in pushing for the Katarpur corridor project. Sidhu’s “contribution” for the project was even prominently mentioned in a short film on the Katarpur corridor, which was showed after the foundation-laying ceremony of the project here. “Whatever I have seen since yesterday, I can tell you Sidhu, you will win elections here if you contest, particularly in Punjab,” Khan said jokingly, while hailing the former cricketer’s efforts to push for the corridor. Khan said only leaders with determination can improve strained ties between the two countries. “I hope we do not have to wait till Sidhu becomes Wazir-e-Azam
(prime minister),” Khan said. His comments drew laud applause from the audience. Khan wondered why there was a hue and cry back home over the former Indian cricketer’s push for peace and brotherhood during his previous visit to the country around three months ago. “I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back. I don’t know why was he criticised? He was just talking about peace between two countries,” Khan said. “It is foolish for anyone to think there can be war between two nuclear-armed countries as there is no winning for anyone. So, if there can be no war then what other way is there other than friendship?” he added. Sidhu attended swearing-in ceremony, and had hugged Pak Army chief General Bajwa, drew severe criticism in India.
High Court upholds conviction of 70 in 1984 riots case Delhi High Court today upheld the conviction of 70 of the 89 persons awarded a fiveyear jail term by a trial court for rioting, burning houses and violating curfew in East Delhi’s Trilokpuri area during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Sixteen of the remaining 19 persons died during pendency of appeals against the trial court’s August 27, 1996, verdict. The appeals of the remaining three were dismissed after they absconded. Justice RK Gauba asked the convicts to surrender forthwith to serve their remaining prison terms.The court noted that the antiSikh riots were a “dark chapter” in the
history of independent India. “The police force and the civil administration did not take timely or effective action to prevent the riotous conditions from spiralling out of hand. The criminal law process began but hesitatingly and belatedly. “The fact that these cases have continued to linger on in courts at the stage of trial or appeals is itself an indicator of the reality that the response of the law has been tardy, ineffective and highly unsatisfactory.” In its 79-page verdict, the court said the police did not promptly register the crimes and collect evidence and the other agencies.
India hesitant to recover body of American missionary Indian officials have traveled repeatedly in recent days near the remote island where an American missionary was killed by people who have long resisted the outside world. But they have not set foot onto North Sentinel Island since the killing, and it remains unclear if they will. “They are a treasure,” Dependera Pathak, director-general of police on the Andaman and Nicobar island groups, said of the Sentinelese people. “We cannot go and force our way in. We don’t want to harm them.” The Sentinelese, who scholars believe are descendants of Africans who migrated to the area about 50,000 years ago, survive on the small, forested island by hunting, fishing and gathering wild plants. Almost nothing is known of their lives, except that they attack
outsiders with spears or bows and arrows. American John Allen Chau was killed by islanders in mid-November after paying fishermen to smuggle him to the island, where outsiders are effectively forbidden by Indian law. The fishermen told authorities that they saw the Sentinelese bury Chau’s body on the beach. The notes Chau left behind say he wanted to bring Christianity to the islanders. A boat carrying police and other officials approached North Sentinel on Friday and Saturday, watching the Sentinelese through binoculars. On Saturday the tribesmen were armed with spears and bows and arrows, but they did not attempt to shoot them at the authorities, Pathak said.
Rohingyas flee India fearing mass deportation Rohingya refugees are fleeing India and going into hiding, fearing that a government campaign to collect personal information is a prelude to mass deportation. The data-gathering, which includes biometric information, follows the Indian government’s transfer of seven Rohingya back to Burma last month. Critics say the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is targeting the persecuted Muslim community
ahead of a general election due in May. “We are sure the Indian government is preparing to send us back to Burma,” said Abul Foiz, who fled a refugee camp in the northern city of Jammu last week. Intelligence officers had visited the camp and asked him to write down the date when he entered India and his original address in Burma. Our camps were set alight by people we suspect were from the Hindu groups.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
37
38
SOUTH ASIA
Saturday, December 1, 2018
China is doing to Pakistan what East India Company did to Indian sub-continent
Lanka defence chief in court over role in war-time abductions Sri Lanka’s military chief was remanded by court on Wednesday after weeks evading arrest over the alleged cover-up of the abduction and murder of 11 young men during the island’s civil war. Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne (pictured) is the highest-ranking military officer ever held by a court over alleged crimes from Sri Lanka’s wartime past, when the armed forces were accused of grave abuses against civilians. The powerful Chief of the Defence Staff was detained after revelations he attempted to abduct a key witness over the weekend and have a police detective removed from the case. “I am denying bail because in your position you are able to influence witnesses and
disrupt the investigations,” Magistrate Ranga Dassanayake told a packed courthouse in Colombo. Wijegunaratne, who arrived at court flanked by military personnel, has denied protecting the chief suspect in the highprofile murders -- a navy intelligence officer -- or attempting to cover-up the crimes. Wijegunaratne, who was chosen by the president, appeared in full military regalia, earning a rebuke from Magistrate Dassanayake who suggested he was trying to intimidate the court. Earlier, his entourage attacked journalists trying to photograph Wijegunaratne as he arrived at court.
As per reports, China is building a new city for 5,00,000 Chinese nationals in Pakistan at a cost of $ 150 million in Gwadar (pictured) as a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This will be the first such Chinese city in South Asia. According to a report by the Economic Times, the proposed city housing half a million Chinese will come up by 2022. It will help China to house its workforce for the financial district that it is planning to set up in the port city of Gwadar. This city is set to be a gated zone, and only the Chinese will live in this zone. This virtually means that China is going to own a colony in Pakistan. China-Pakistan Investment Corporation has reportedly bought the 3.6 million square feet international port city and is going to start building the gated zone for the anticipated 5,00,000 strong Chinese workforce which will be located here by 2022. China already has such sub-cities which exclusively cater to the Chinese nationals in Africa and Central Asia. It is being alleged that it is now acquiring such territories in eastern Russia and northern Myanmar as well. Such exclusive zones for the Chinese have also been led to resentment among the local. It seems that our terrorist neighbour is also becoming increasingly vulnerable to dangerous Chinese influence. CPEC is the most important project as far as Pakistan’s spluttering economy is concerned. Pakistan is at the mercy of China in order to revive its economy which is in shambles. China
Beijing oversold benefits of US$62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, expert says The economic and energy security benefits of a Beijing-funded investment scheme in Pakistan have been overestimated, and China’s lack of transparency about the scheme has raised tensions with India, a leading geopolitical scholar in China warned. The US$62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is designed to connect China’s far west region of Xinjiang with Gwadar Port in Pakistan via a network of motorways, railways, oil pipelines and trading hubs. Expected to be finished by 2030 it would provide China with an important trading route to the Middle East and Africa. While the CPEC has been hailed as the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s signature “Belt and Road Initiative”, which aims to fund and develop infrastructure links across more than 80 countries, Yang Shu, an international
relations expert at Lanzhou University in northwest China’s Gansu province, said the negative impact of the corridor had been largely underestimated. “Through widespread publicity, the [Chinese] public and media have touted it as a big achievement, but I think the negative impacts of the corridor have been ignored,” he said at a seminar in Beijing. n“And the massive coverage of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ by domestic media, and some irresponsible remarks by scholars have created suspicion [about Beijing’s strategic intentions] in India,” he said in an assessment of the plan’s first five years. China, Pakistan agree to open economic corridor to investment from other countries Yang was referring to suggestions that the CPEC would give Beijing a new overland route from the energy-rich Gulf.
Surrey Hearing Care
in turn is looking at this as an opportunity to gain considerable influence in the region. Beijing has been investing in Pakistan’s pipelines, railways, highways, power plants, industrial areas and mobile networks in order to advance the geographical mid-way link for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Moreover, about 20 CPEC projects worth over $27 billion are under the process of implementation across Pakistan. China has gained unprecedented influence in Pakistan and now the setting up of an exclusive Chinese zone within Pakistan much like a colony shows how China is directly impinging upon Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty and integrity. The Chinese move of setting up its colony in Pakistani port city of Gwadar resembles to a large extent the manner in which the English came to colonise India. The Chinese exclusive zone in Gwadar could very well turn out to be Pakistan’s Fort Williams. The 70-hectares Fort had turned out to be the foundation of the English imperialism in India and the Chinese colony in Pakistan bears striking similarity to the same. The way this gated zone is going will make Pakistanis feel like foreigners/ intruders on their very own soil also suggests the birth of apartheid in Pakistan. The Chinese are going to assert their supremacy over Pakistani locals and natives. But Pakistan will have to tolerate the Chinese excesses and even blatant discrimination. It is too weak to do anything about it.
9 Anniversary Special th
All models and brands available. Try our newest technology
BOOK NOW! 604-496-3338 105-15277-100 Avenue Surrey, BC
Helping you hear the world Regular Hours: M-F 9am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm www.surreyhearingcare.com
Surrey Hearing Care, Inc 101-15957-84 Avenue Surrey, BC, V4N0W7 Tel: # 778-565-4327 Fax:# 778-565-4329
Surrey Hearing Guildford 105-15277-100 Avenue Surrey, BC V3R 8K2 Tel:# 604-496-3338 Fax:# 604-496-3339
Surrey Hearing Central 2151-10153 King George Blvd. Surrey, BC V3T 2W3 Tel:# 778-394-4327 Fax:# 778-394-4329
Surrey Hearing Delta 102- 8035- 120 St. Surrey, BC V4X 6P8 Tel:# 604-593-5284 Fax:# 778-438-2722
SOUTH ASIA
Saturday, December 1, 2018
PM Modi says terrorism, ‘biggest’ challenge
Opposition leader barred from elections in Bangladesh Bangladesh’s imprisoned opposition leader has been barred from contesting general elections next month against her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina, attorney general said on Wednesday. Khaleda Zia is serving 10 years for graft but her supporters, who have appealed the charges, had clung to hopes the 73-yearold would be acquitted before the December 30 poll. But the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a ruling from a lower court that nobody sentenced to more than two years jail or awaiting appeals could run for election. Zia’s supporters had unsuccessfully appealed that decision by the High Court on Tuesday. “Following this judgement, she cannot take part in the elections,” Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said. Bangladesh National Party (BNP), the opposition movement Zia leads from behind bars, had protested the court’s ruling as a “reflection of
the government’s wishes”. “This ruling is not acceptable to us at all. We are aggrieved and are protesting it strongly,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Zia had hoped to contest three parliamentary seats despite being incarcerated in Dhaka on corruption charges the BNP says were designed to keep her from challenging Hasina. Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s and the two powerful women have turned from close allies to fierce foes. Just a month from the polls the BNP has not announced an alternative candidate to run against Hasina, who is seeking a third-consecutive term in office. She was elected uncontested in 2014 after the BNP boycotted the ballot, saying it was not free and fair and rigged against Zia. The opposition has demanded Hasina stand down ahead of the election and allow a caretaker gov’t to oversee the country.
Burglary at Pakistan high commission in Dhaka Pakistan on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over burglary at Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka. According to a press release issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, unknown burglars broke into the Consular Section of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka and stole computers. The matter was immediately reported to Bangladesh’s police and an FIR was lodged. Bangladesh Foreign office was also informed and strengthened security was requested. “The burglary in Pakistan High Commission, located in a
highly secure diplomatic area, is a matter of grave concern,” it said. “We have lodged a strong protest with the Bangladesh’s authorities, both in Dhaka and in Islamabad, over this incident. It has been underscored that as a host, it is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to provide full security to the Pakistan High Commission premises.” The Bangladesh authorities have been requested to carry out a thorough investigation, share a detailed report with us and bring the culprits to justice.
Prime Minister Modi said terrorism and radicalisation were the biggest challenges the world was facing and underlined the need for the BRICS and G20 countries to work together to strengthen the UN counter terrorism framework to stop terrorist networks, their financing and movement. Addressing an informal meeting of the leaders of BRICS countries on the margins of the G20 Summit in Argentina, he also asked the countries to work together against the economic offenders and fugitives, who said were posing a serious threat to the world’s economic stability. “We all agree that terrorism and radicalisation are the biggest
challenges that the whole world is facing today. They are not only a threat to peace and security, but also a challenge for economic development,” he said. He urged all the countries, including BRICS and G20, to work together in implementing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and to strengthen the UN counter-terrorism framework to stop terrorist networks, their financing and their movement. The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering.
China building projects at inflated prices in Maldives - PM Ibrahim Maldives’ new finance minister said that China is executing infrastructure projects at vastly higher prices than originally proposed but the island nation cannot get out of its commitments now. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, which took office this month, is reviewing contracts awarded by his predecessor Abdulla Yameen. Most went to Chinese firms and are feared to have left the country in debt. During a five-year building spree, China built a sea bridge connecting the capital city of Male to the main airport on another island and is developing the airport itself as well as building mass housing on land reclaimed from the sea. But Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer told reporters during a visit to New Delhi that his officials had spend the first week in office
trying to reconcile loans that the previous government took for these projects and the sovereign guarantees that it gave for them. “We believe that most of these projects are at inflated prices, and so we are looking at them,” Ameer said. But he said the government could not go back on the contracts because many of these, including the bridge, were already completed. “We cannot do much in terms of renegotiation but going forward our objective would be to reduce the cost of our infrastructure projects,” he said. One of the projects was a hospital in Male awarded to China which had already run up a cost $140 million, far more than a rival offer $54 million that was originally made, Ameer said.
MAGNUM
8 Qt Stainless Economy Chafer
$45
MAGNUM
PATRIOT
Tomato Slicer, 3/16" Cut
Heavy Duty Double Stock Pot Burner
$175
S/S Roll Top Chafer
$895
$199
PATRIOT
Gas Charbroilers 24" $765 36" $952 48" $1,337
39
Gas Griddles 24" $695 36" $895 48" $1,075
$1,370
36" Heavy-Duty Gas Radiant Charbroiler
Valid until Jan. 4, 2019, while quantities last. *See website for Price Match details.
PLEASE NOTE: We will be closed for the Christmas Holidays from December 24th to January 1st. Reopening January 2nd. We wish our valued customers a peaceful holiday!
Your Trusted Source for Restaurant Equipment for over 30 Years Phone: 604.255.9991 • www.paragondirect.ca • 760 East Hastings St. Vancouver
40
FIJI
Saturday, December 1, 2018
NFP leader Biman Prasad walks out of the Parliament National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad has walked out of the Parliament session. Biman Prasad said he was disappointed that he was not allowed to finish his explanation on the point of order he had raised that the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had misled Parliament yesterday when he accused him of misleading Parliament.
“In fact he misled Parliament and that’s what I wanted to raise today and have the Speaker make a ruling,” Prof Prasad said. “Unfortunately I was not allowed to finish my point of order. “That’s why I’m walking out of Parliament today.” Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni had told Prof Prasad that she would look at Biman Prasad yesterday’s Hansard later and make a ruling on the point of order raised by the NFP leader.
‘Parliament turned into Micky Mouse house’ by gov’t The fast-tracking of Bills under Standing Order 51 has turned Parliament into a ‘Micky Mouse house’, says Social Democratic Liberal Party MP Niko Nawaikula. Naiwaikula said the above while responding to a motion by Leader of Government in Parliament Inia Seruiratu for the House to adopt the parliamentary Standing Orders which was published and gazetted in 2017 in Parliament yesterday. He said the Standing Order adopted in 2014 allowed MPs to a robust and healthy debate, adding that it also protected people’s rights. The new amendment in the Standing Order on petitions, he claimed, would stop people even from the lowest strata of the
land from taking their views to Parliament. Mr Nawaikula said Standing Order 51 should be amended to avoid the fast-tracking of Bills in Parliament. “There are also amendments that need to be made on Standing Order 51 because it has made this Parliament look like a Micky Mouse house because every Bill has been brought under this provision,” he said. Mr Nawaikula claimed the amendments made to the Standing Order was a clear intention to remove the rights of people and robust debates in Parliament. Responding to the motion, Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate said it was sad that the Opposition had already started misleading people on the first day of Parliament.
Australian airline Qantas to increase flights to Fiji Australian airline Qantas plans to renew its service to Fiji next year. Radio NZ reports the carrier made an application to Australia’s air services agency last week, saying it wanted to commence a route at the end of March.
It has applied for nearly 700 seats per week, or around four return flights. In October, Australia and Fiji signed an air services agreement to boost available seats on flights between the two countries by 20%.
No shortage of beer & alcoholic beverages despite factory fire Fiji’s leading manufacturer of beer and spirits Paradise Beverages has clarified there will be no immediate shortages in both beverages despite Tuesday’s fire. In a statement issued moments ago, the company stated there were minor damage to its Fiji Brewery at Walu Bay, Suva, where a fire broke out from the administration/storage rooms. “We have a full warehouse so don’t expect there to be any immediate shortages in beer,” the company stated. “The other good news is that we will be selling again as of 8am tomorrow. We have a manual processing system in place so for our customers, it’ll be
business as usual from tomorrow.” Company general manager Mike Spencer said everyone had worked incredibly hard over the past 24 hours to normalise operations. “I’d like to thank all the Paradise staff as well as FRCS, the NFA and Fiji Police, many of whom worked through the night, for their support in getting us to this position today, barely 24 hours after the fire,” he said. “Having now endured two fires and two cyclones in 12 months, the resilience the team has shown as been incredible.” According to the company, investigations were still ongoing and they were waiting for an outcome from the National Fire Authority in the coming days.
Opposition parties challenge election results in court Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed in parliament that Opposition parties planning to file a case in the High Court to challenge the processes and the results of the 2018 general elections. Rabuka who gave his last parliament speech as Prime Minister in 1999, stood up today to respond to President Jioji Konrote’s opening speech in parliament. Rabuka says SODELPA and NFP will follow the law, and take their petition to the Court of Disputed Returns. Under the constitution, the parties have 21 days after the declaration
of the election results to take the matter to the High Court which is the Court of Disputed Returns. The 21 days expires next Sunday. Rabuka says for now, a win is a win for FijiFirst. However Rabuka believes that the low voter turnout is due to what he calls a difficult political environment. There was 72% voter turnout in the 2018 general elections compared to 84 percent in 2014. 178,000 voters did not turn up to vote this year compared to about 90,000 voters in the 2014 general elections.
Former bank officer charged with corruption released on bail A 26-year-old former Fiji Development Bank officer charged with corruption related offences has been released on bail by the Suva Magistrates Court. Joji Cavalevu has been charged with one count of obtaining a financial advantage of $4,000. Cavalevu between the 1st of October 2017 to the 31st of October 2018 is alleged to have approved the loan of a person which resulted in him obtaining a financial advantage of $4,000. He is also charged with an alternative count of
obtaining financial advantage by deception. It is alleged that between the same dates Cavalevu obtained a financial advantage of $4,000 by deceiving the man who’s loan he had approved by telling him that he would have to remit $5,000 to the bank as bank fees upon disbursement. Cavalevu is released on strict bail conditions where he is to report to his nearest FICAC office and a travel ban has also been imposed on him.
Court discharges case against former vice-chancellor of FNU The case against former vice-chancellor of Fiji National University (FNU) was discharged by the High Court in Suva. This was after the prosecution filed a Nolle Prosequi – a formal notice of abandonment by a plaintiff or prosecutor of all or part of a suit. The trial against Ganesh Chand was scheduled to begin next week on Monday. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) senior counsel, Rashmi Aslam informed the court that they could not locate the main witness in this case.
Mr Aslam said the witness had migrated overseas. Mr Chand was charged with one count of abuse of office. It was alleged that while being employed in the public service as the FNU VC, Mr Chand allegedly abused the authority of his office by doing an arbitrary act for the purpose of gain, namely by approving the payment of $213,905.05 for overseas medical treatment for former Minister of Education and FNU chairman Filipe Bole from FNU funds without the approval of the FNU Council, which was prejudicial to the rights of the university and the council.
Disabled woman seeks justice after being beaten and robbed in her home A 52-year-old woman is seeking justice after she was beaten up and robbed of her jewellery in her home in broad daylight last Thursday. The incident occurred at Shakuntala Nandan’s Brown Street home when she had just gotten inside from hanging clothes outside at around 10am Thursday when she heard noises from another room. Upon hearing this noise, she says she went
in the room and saw a man staring at her in the face who punched her when she attempted to call for help. The woman who has a prosthetic leg was punched and kicked several times before she could run out of the house and called for assistance. Nandan managed to get out the house and after a while a group of men who work at a Coffin Shop came and assisted her but the man had already escaped.
PAKISTAN
Saturday, December 1, 2018 Prime Minister Imran Khan said with focus on socio-economic uplift of the poor and a corruption-free society, Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) gov’t during its first 100 days had set a direction to turn around the country’s
PM Khan presents 100-day performance report economy through effective policy initiatives in diverse areas. “During the first 100 days of government, we have made every effort to follow the model of the State of Madina and the footsteps of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace
Islamabad to invite PM Modi for SAARC summit Foreign Office in Islamabad stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit. Foreign Office spokesman Dr Faisal and Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari addressing Kashmir conference in Islamabad also stressed
resolution of long-standing Kashmir dispute. The spokesman said Pakistan wants resolution of Kashmir issue through talks, however, India is avoiding the matter adding that the matter has been raised at national and international fora.
Pakistan-born woman in US pleads guilty to providing support to ISIS A Pakistan-born woman has pleaded guilty to providing material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) by participating in a scheme under which she wired over USD 150,000 to individuals and shell entities in Pakistan, China and Turkey that were fronts for the terror group. Zoobia Shahnaz, 27, of Brentwood, New York, pleaded guilty before US District Judge Joanna Seybert, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C Demers said.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal last December, Pakistan-born Shahnaz was a naturalized US. Citizen. She had come to the US using a family-based immigration system, under which she had got the US visa because of her family ties. According to court filings and facts presented at the plea hearing, between March 2017 and the date of her attempted travel to Syria on July 31, 2017. ,
Imran Khan opens Kartarpur border for Sikh pilgrims Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed all the guests who came from India and all over the world to participate in opening ceremony of Kartarpur border. He said the happiness he saw on the faces of the Sikh pilgrims was like what Muslims feel when they reach near holy cities of Makkah or Madina. He said Pakistan will also provide facilities to the Sikh pilgrims.”The next year you come here, you will find every kind of facilities,” he said. Imran Khan lauded Navjot Singh Sidhu and said he was impressed by former cricketer’s command of the Sufiana Kalam. Imran Khan described the situation between India and Pakistan with a verse of Munir Niazi that goes “Kuch Sher de log vi Zalam san, Kuj Sanu marran da shoq vi Si”.
He said both the countries cannot move forward without breaking the chains of past. Khan cited examples of France and Germany who fought many wars. “If France and Germany can move forward, why can’t we?” He said all the political parties, government and the army in Pakistan were on same page. “We want civilized relationship. Kashmir is the only problem. Are not we capable of solving a dispute? We need will to resolve the issue,” he said. “Think about the potential we have. I want good relationship with India. If we open our borders and start trade, poverty would decline,” he said. Citing China’s example, he said no other country has lifted as many people out of poverty as China.
Be Upon Him), Who pursued compassionate and people-centric policies,” he said addressing a ceremony here at the Convention Center to mark the first 100 days of the PTI government. The prime minister during his address
Pakistan will never fight “imposed wars” on its territories again: Imran Khan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the ‘war on terror’ as an “imposed war” on Pakistan and promised to never fight such a war inside his country, in a veiled attack on US President Trump who has repeatedly accused Islamabad of not helping US in its fight against terrorism. “We have fought an imposed war inside our country as our war at a very heavy cost of sweat and blood and lose to our socioeconomic fibre...We shall not fight any such war again inside Pakistan,” Khan said while talking to tribal elders during his first visit to North Waziristan. Imran Khan, who was accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, hailed achievements
of Pakistan army, other security forces and intelligence agencies for their successful operations against terrorists. “No other country or their armed forces have done what Pakistan and its armed forces have done in the war against terrorism,” Imran Khan said, apparently referring to Trump who has accused Pakistan of not helping the US in its fight against terrorism. Khan’s remarks came days after Trump reiterated that the USD 1.3 billion in aid to Pakistan will remain suspended until the country acts against militant safe heavens inside its territory.
Chinese firms face resentment after terror attacks An attack on a Chinese consulate in Karachi last week shows the risks Chinese businesses can face as they expand across Pakistan in the face of growing resentment over Beijing’s influence in the economy. As Pakistan becomes more indebted to China, anger is brewing among local. Pakistani businesses say they are being sidelined in state projects and complain that Chinese firms get preferential treatment from a government desperate for foreign money. The hostility has now taken a violent turn. Separatist militants attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi on Friday, killing seven people, the city’s second major strike this year on officials from that country. Prime Minister Imran Khan said the perpetrators are trying to scare off Chinese investors and
undermine the government’s recent trade deals with Beijing. Terror attacks in Pakistan have long been a concern for foreign investors. With Chinese workers and businesses becoming a more visible presence in the country in the past five years, Pakistan has a military force of more than 15,000 to protect them. Beijing has become increasingly vocal over the risks in Pakistan and has asked Khan’s government to take more measures to protect its citizens following the Karachi raid. Much is at stake for Pakistan, which is seeing a second wave of Chinese investment as businesses follow the path paved by President Xi Jinping’s flagship Belt and Road program.
SAVINGS UP TO
New 2019 TERRAIN SLE AWD 2.0L Turbo, A/C, Black Edition, Heated Seats, Luggage Rack Rails #9TE6433
OVER 500VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FROM! 0% FOR 72 AVAILABLE! DL:8430
41
spoke at length on various policy measures, which his government had taken so far to put the country on right track in the areas of health, education, agriculture, business and industry, poverty alleviation, and curbing corruption and money-laundering.
SELECTION, VALUE & TRUST ...Since 1926!
CALL AMIN
604.324.7222 400 S.E. MARINE DR.
Taxes and $595 Documentation fee excluded in Payments. #9TE6433- MSRP $38,630 based on lease purchase price $35,735- 3,650 Down (Included $1,000 Black Friday bonus), LEV $16,611. Offer ends Nov 30th, 2018.
S H O P 24 / 7 O N L I N E @ D U E C KG M .C O M
42
NRI
Saturday, December 1, 2018
NRI cardiologist pleads guilty to illegally distributing opioids
604-596-9201 Welcoming fall with open arms!
Indian American cardiologist Dr. Devendrakumar I. Patel, 59, of Elko, Nevada has pleaded guilty to distributing highly addictive prescription drugs Oxycodone and Hydrocodone to patients without a medical purpose. According to a Department of Justice press release, Patel, who owns and operates Northeastern Nevada Cardiology, contributed to the opioid epidemic by unlawfully prescribing opioids and other prescription narcotics to patients for financial gain. As part of his plea, Patel admitted that, between September 2015 and February 2016, he prescribed Oxycodone (such as OxyContin) and Hydrocodone (such as Norco) to patients without a legitimate
medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. As these prescriptions were in direct violation of his duty as a long-term licensed medical doctor, his license was suspended upon his arrest in December 2017, when he was also indicted by a grand jury. His sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2019, with a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has reported that in 2016 alone, there were 408 opioid-related deaths in the state.
UK bus company fined for fatal crash by Indian-Origin Driver A bus company in the UK has been fined 2.3 million pounds for significant health and safety failings in allowing a fatigued Indian-origin driver to carry on driving that led to a crash causing the deaths of two people. Kailash Chander, 80, had been deemed unfit to stand trial back in September for the fatal crash in the city of Coventry over three years ago due to his dementia. The Midland Red (South) bus company had pleaded guilty last year to two offences contrary to the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act, by allowing Chander to continue working despite warnings about his driving. At a hearing on Tuesday, Chander was given a two-year supervision order due to his mental state and the bus company was handed down the hefty fine. Judge Paul Farrer ruled that “the failings of the company were a significant cause” of the crash. “A moving bus is a potential
lethal piece of machinery and (Midland Red) should have been making sure their drivers were fit to drive at all times,” he said. Chander, a former town mayor of Leamington Spa, mistook the accelerator for the brake before the crash in October 2015. It caused the death of seven-yearold schoolboy Rowan Fitzgerald, who was sitting at the front of the upper deck of the bus and died of a head injury. A 76-year-old pedestrian, Dora Hancox, died from multiple injuries after being hit by the double-decker bus and a falling lamppost when it crashed into a supermarket. Chander had been warned about his “erratic” driving after four crashes in the previous three years, the court was told. It was said he had struggled to punch a ticket seconds before the fatal crash because his hands were shaking. The judge said he made a “fatal error” and was trying to steer the bus but had lost control. The two-year supervision
NRI jailed for molesting flight attendant A 34-year-old Indian-origin man based in Australia has been jailed for three weeks in Singapore for molesting a cabin crew on board a Singapore-bound flight, a media report said today. Paranjape Niranjan Jayant, who works for a logistics firm, pleaded guilty to two charges of molestation of the 25-year-old flight attendant in August and had one charge taken into consideration for sentencing. During the eight-hour flight from Sydney to Singapore, Jayant approached the flight attendant a few times to ask for her phone number, but she ignored him. The business class passenger on board a Scoot flight also caressed the attendant’s left
hip, ‘The Straits Times’ reported. “Subsequently, during the flight, the accused went up to approach the victim at the front galley a few times to request the victim’s phone number. The victim ignored these requests,” said Deputy Public Prosecutor James Chew. The attendant moved away from him and he told her she was beautiful before returning to his seat. About an hour before landing, Jayant approached the woman and molested her, the report said. The woman immediately alerted her supervisor. She later lodged a report at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 police post.
NRI woman jailed for being drunk and abusive during flight
Hours: 9am – 5:30pm Open every day, including holidays
Art Knapp Surrey location only
4391 King George BLVD Surrey BC www.artknappsurrey.com
A drunk Indian origin woman, who caused a harrowing time onboard UK based Jet2 airline in January this year that resulted in a fellow passenger having a seizure mid-air, has been jailed for 6 months in the United Kingdom. The woman, identified as Kiran Jagdev, an executive assistant based in the city of Leicester, in her defence had blamed the crew of the airline for supplying her with alcohol during her flight from Tenerife in Spain back to the UK. According to reports, the plane had a bumpy landing during which the 41-yearold shouted, “we are all going to die”, causing panic among the passengers. As per a report on NDTV, the prosecutor claimed that Jagdev had consumed between six and eight beers even before boarding the four-hour flight to East Midlands Airport.
She then proceeded to drink a further four to six glasses of wine on the plane, using her own supply from her handbag when the crew refused her more drinks. After she went out of control, an off-duty police officer had to sit next to her to assist the cabin crew, but she started hurling abuses to the officer. After the fight landed she was arrested, and even then she made abusive remarks at the airport immigration authorities. The unruly cases of air rage are not new, recently an Irish woman had gone racist on an Air India flight after the crew refused to serve her more wine. The passenger was travelling business class on a flight from Mumbai to London. The video of the incident had gone viral, wherein the drunk woman was seen shouting and using the most abusive language at the crew.
43
Saturday, December 1, 2018
UP TO
*
%
4.0
Bright Term Deposit 3 year escalator Cashable at 12 months SECURE YOUR TERM RATE TODAY!
You deserve ďŹ nancial conďŹ dence
*Limited time offer, terms and conditions apply, rate subject to change.
Speak with a G&F expert to secure your rate today! Sowaran Dhillion
604-419-8888 gffg.com/BrightTerm
Kam Mokha
Business Relationship Branch Manager Manager Willoughby
Richmond Centre 604-549-5410 604-549-5363
Jagjit Pandher Branch Manager
Nordel 604-549-5310
Anand Sharma Financial Planner 604-549-5382
Ranjit Sandhu Associate Vice President Cloverdale 604-549-5350
Peter Unadkat Associate Vice President South Burnaby 604-517-5160
44
Saturday, December 1, 2018