www.theasianstar.com Vol 18 - Issue 1
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Suspect identified in shooting of transit officer at Scott Raod SkyTrain station Two Mounties quietly handed out surveillance video images of a man on the platform of a SkyTrain station on Thursday in their search for a suspect in the shooting of a Metro Vancouver Transit Police officer. Just hours later, RCMP identified the suspect in the shooting as 35-year-old Daon Gordon Glasgow (pictured). They said he has a history of violence, is known to police and may be trying to leave the province to evade arrest. The statement also said Mr. Glasgow is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large. Transit police Constable Joshua Harms, 27, was shot and wounded on the platform of the Scott Road SkyTrain Continued on page 7
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Pakistani Christian woman on death row arrives in Canada with the family for asylum The lawyer of the Pakistani Christian accused of blasphemy told a German newspaper that Bibi and her husband had arrived in Canada. Other sources insist she is still in Pakistan. Asia Bibi (pictured), the Christian woman who spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges in Pakistan, has arrived in Canada with her husband, her lawyer told German media early Friday. “She is united with her family,� Saif-ul-Malook told the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. Bibi’s two daughters already live in Canada. The lawyer did not disclose any further details about Bibi’s departure from Pakistan, citing security reasons. The lawyer however reportedly Continued on page 6
Banks offer little on how BC man with criminal record could launder money in real estate A pair of financial institutions, named in a B.C. civil forfeiture suit that alleges a Richmond man laundered money in real estate, would not answer questions about how a man with a lengthy criminal record and no “legitimate� income could obtain mortgages and a home equity line of credit. In a civil claim filed on Jan. 4, Stephen Hai Peng Chen, also known as Hoy Pang Chan, is accused of using money obtained from drug trafficking
to pay for properties in Vancouver and Richmond. The B.C. civil forfeiture office lawsuit lists two transactions that involved TD bank mortgages and and a separate National Bank home equity line of credit, known as a HELOC, used to purchase a Vancouver property. Chan has not responded to the lawsuit. The civil claim contains allegations not proven in court. The TD bank said it could not, for privacy reasons, comment
Online applications to sponsor family immigrants hit limit in less than 11 minutes It took just minutes today for people to snap up 27,000 online application spots for bringing parents or grandparents into the country — fuelling frustration and fury among people who say the new system is flawed and unfair. At noon ET today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada opened up to applicants its online form for indicating interest in sponsoring a family member through the 2019 Parent
and Grandparent Program. Just eleven minutes later, the department tweeted that the applications received had met the annual limit and the form had been closed to new applicants. A flood of angry complaints followed from frustrated wouldbe applicants, many of whom said they had cleared their schedules and set up their computers to fill out the online form — only to find it shut down within minutes.
on any specific customer relationship or specific regulatory reports. TD spokesman Jeff Meerman pointed to information stated by the civil forfeiture office in the claim, repeating that TD, as mortgagee, “did not participate in or know of or have reason to know of the unlawful activity.� National Bank offered some comment on the case, saying the home equity credit
Continued on page 7
Conservatives blame Trudeau’s lack of refugees screening for bomb plot As details emerge about a foiled terrorist plot in Kingston, allegedly involving a Syrian refugee, the incident is already being used as fodder for anti-refugee rhetoric on the right. It’s “clear that Canada’s refugee screening process needs to be seriously examined,� said Conservative leader Andrew Scheer in a statement on Friday afternoon, shortly after the RCMP provided an update on two terrorism-related arrests in Kingston on Thursday. A youth, whose name can’t be disclosed, has been charged with facilitating terrorist activity and counselling someone to use an explosive or other lethal device to cause death or serious bodily injury. The other person arrested, identified Continued on page 7
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www.theasianstar.com
Vol 18 - Issue 1
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Crown wants10-year-jail for truck driver involved in Broncos bus crash
T
he truck driver who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash stood silently for a moment, steadied himself with his hands on a table, then took responsibility for killing 16 people and injuring 13 others. “It happened because of my lack of experience and I’m so, so, so, so sorry,” Jaskirat Singh Sidhu (pictured) said Thursday in front of dozens of the victims’ relatives in a Melfort, Sask. courtroom. The 30-year-old told the families he can’t imagine what they are going through and realizes he took “the most valuable things of your life.” Provincial court Judge Inez Cardinal heard lawyers argue for sentences ranging from 1 1/2 years in
jail to up to 10 years in prison. She said she will hand down her decision March 22. The judge was told that Sidhu was an inexperienced driver, travelling for the first time in a rural area near Tisdale last April, when he barrelled through a stop sign and into the path of the oncoming bus carrying the junior hockey team to a playoff game. The bus was torn into three pieces and the rig, carrying two trailers loaded with bales of peat moss, flipped onto its side. “I came out of the truck and I heard the kids crying,” Sidhu said. “It took me time to see, realize that it’s a bus. “I can’t ever imagine what you guys are going through ... I take full responsibility for what has happened.” Several family members in court hugged each other before they quietly left the courtroom.
Vancouver could see snow after all, with flurries forecast for Sunday Vancouverites have mostly been spared the unspeakable cold in recent weeks, apart from icy glares from Canadians further east. A recent forecast, however, suggests that freezing temperatures are finally coming to the region: The Weather Network is calling for snow in Vancouver on Sunday. While the long-term forecast in the region suggests Vancouver will continue to enjoy the early spring weather that have seen flowers blooming already, the polar vortex expanding southward is expected to swing out west over the weekend, dropping
the temperature below freezing this weekend and into next week. With a 60 per cent chance of precipitation Sunday, a cold spell could turn any falling rain to snow, briefly silencing the smug West Coasters who have been boasting about their mild temperatures as the rest of the country huddles together for warmth. It won’t be much snow, mind you. The Weather Network is predicting about one cm on Sunday — a light dusting at best — and potentially 2-4 cm Wednesday, when the chance of precipitation rises to 70 per cent. Continued on page 6
Former Liberal MP Grewal withdraws resignation Former Liberal MP Raj Grewal says he’s staying on as the member of Parliament for Brampton East. Last November, Grewal announced he was taking a leave to deal with what he called a compulsive gambling problem that caused him to rack up millions of dollars in debt. At the time he promised to make a final decision on his political future before Parliament resumed in 2019.
In a Facebook post Friday evening, Grewal says the last two months has been a challenging time, but also a period of immense personal growth. No clear answers yet in ongoing RCMP investigation of Ontario Liberal MP Grewal says he has since paid back his debts and that every loan he took from family and friends is transparent and traceable. He now sits as an Independent MP.
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OPINION
Saturday, February 2, 2019
By Premier John Horgan
Delivering more quality, affordable child care for families For too long, too many parents in B.C. have been struggling to find quality child care. We’ve heard stories from parents across B.C. who have put their careers on hold or haven’t been able to return to work after parental leave because there’s no care available for their kids. Some people are even having to make the tough decision to hold off having kids, simply because of the lack of affordable, quality child care. To care for kids, help lift families up, and boost our economy, our government has made the most significant investment in child care in B.C.’s history - $1-billion over three years to deliver quality and affordable child care for families in every part of the province. Just this week we announced over 400 new licensed child care spaces created through the Childcare BC Start-Up
Grant Program, and hundreds more are on the way. Families deserve quality child care they can depend on. By supporting new and existing unlicensed child care providers to become licensed, we’re bringing quality child care to more families. In total, we’re investing $237 million over the next three years to support the creation of 22,000 new licensed child care spaces around the province. Almost 1,600 spaces have already been funded through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, including more than 150 spaces for Surrey alone. All of these new, licensed, spaces and facilities will be part of the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, which is helping lower the cost of child care for parents at thousands of approved licensed child care
facilities by up to $350 a month per child. Under the Affordable Child Care Benefit, introduced in September 2018, parents may be eligible for up to $1,250 per month, per child, up from $750 under the previous Child Care Subsidy. The Affordable Child Care B e n e f i t expanded eligibility to families earning up to $111,000 up from $55,000 under the old subsidy. M a k i n g child care more affordable for lower and middle-income families. More than 80,000 B.C. families are now eligible for some level of support through the new benefit, up from only 20,000 families under the previous subsidy. And in November 2018 we launched our Childcare BC Prototype Sites , and converted approximately 2,500 child care spaces at 53 child care facilities throughout B.C. into low-cost spaces that will model child care at a cost of $200 a month, or less, per child. This is only the beginning. We’re on our way to achieving our goal of making sure quality, affordable child care is available to every family in B.C. It’s good for people, it’s good for kids, and it’s good for the economy. We’re going to keep working hard to deliver results, make life better for people, and build a brighter future for everyone in B.C.
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
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
From page 1
Christian woman on death row arrives in Canada with the family for asylum
refused to confirm the statement after he was contacted by the German Catholic charity missio hours later. The Italian-language arm of Catholic charity Aid to the Church denied that Bibi had left Pakistan in a message on Twitter. Previous reports said that Bibi could not leave her native country aboard a regular flight. Shaan Taseer, the son of the former governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, who was killed for supporting Bibi, just told DW that Bibi is still in Pakistan. Pakistan court upholds Asia Bibi’s blasphemy acquittal Bibi was arrested in June 2009 after her neighbors complained she had insulted Prophet Muhammad. A year later, she was sentenced to death despite strong opposition from human rights groups. The case of Asia Bibi in Pakistan Threat from Islamists The news comes just days after Pakistan’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal against its October decision to acquit her. She had been living under the “protective custody” of Pakistani authorities since her release from prison in November. Bibi’s acquittal on October 31 had led to violent protests by hard-line Islamists. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik party, which petitioned the Supreme Court to reverse its earlier ruling, had called for new rallies after the top court this week rejected its petition. But nationwide rallies the extremists had called for on Friday mostly fizzled out,
barring some violence in the southern port city of Karachi. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that Bibi’s lawyer Saif-ul-Malook was still in Pakistan. He had returned to the country shortly before the final Supreme Court hearing after spending months abroad due to death threats.“I’m in my apartment, I’m not going to my office,” he told the newspaper. In 2009, Asia Bibi was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad while she was working in a field in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district. The Muslim women who were working with Bibi objected to her fetching water, saying that as a non-Muslim she was not allowed to touch the water bowl. The women then complained to a local cleric and leveled blasphemy charges against Bibi. Asia, a Christian, was sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010, spent over eight years in jail and was recently acquitted. Now Islamists in Pakistan want her dead. Follow DW’s latest coverage right here. Pakistan’s top court has upheld its decision to acquit Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges, but the grave injustice that kept the Christian woman in prison for almost a decade demands introspection, says DW’s
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Shamil Shams. Blasphemy agreement: Is Pakistan ruled by Islamists? Experts say that an agreement between the government and Islamists to bar a Christian woman recently acquitted in a blasphemy case from leaving the country shows that radical groups are more powerful than the state. (Will 2019 be a better year for Pakistan’s religious minorities? 2018 offered some hope, as the country’s top court released Asia Bibi, a blasphemy-accused Christian woman, from jail. Should we keep our hopes high? (Lawyer says Asia Bibi ‘wants to leave for Germany’ Asia Bibi, a Pakistani-Christian woman accused of blasphemy, was released from jail on Wednesday amid violent Islamist protests against her Supreme Court acquittal. But Bibi can reportedly still not leave the country. Asia Bibi: Pakistani court upholds acquittal decision Pakistan’s top court has dismissed an
appeal against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy. The decision has paved the way for Bibi’s departure from Pakistan, where Islamists want her dead. Asia Bibi case highlights Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws Asia Bibi, a Pakistani-Christian woman, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani court on blasphemy charges in 2010. Who is Bibi, and why has her case attracted international attention? DW newsletter registration link Audios and videos on the topic Pakistan court upholds Asia Bibi’s blasphemy acquittal Asia Bibi’s lawyer: ‘The West must support me’ Pakistanis welcome arrest of Asia Bibi protesters Pakistan’s top court has upheld its decision to acquit Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges, but the grave injustice that kept the Christian woman in prison for almost a decade demands introspection, says DW’s Shamil Shams. Pakistan Asia Bibi 2010 Pakistan’s top court has dismissed an appeal against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy. The decision has paved the way for Bibi’s departure from Pakistan, where Islamists want her dead. Pakistan court upholds Asia Bibi’s blasphemy acquittal 29.01.2019 Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi spent eight years on death row after being convicted of blasphemy. Her acquittal last October triggered mass protests from hardline Islamists. Now Pakistan’s top court has upheld its decision to free her.
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Saturday, February 2, 2019 From page 1
Banks offer little on how BC man with criminal record could launder money in real estate
on the three borrowers’ net worth: their equity and investments. Chan’s parents – Xiong Guang Chen and Jue Ming Chen – were involved in the transactions, according to the court records. In response to Postmedia questions, National Bank did not specifically address Chan’s criminal record, which dates back to 1990 and includes convictions for assault with a weapon; assault causing bodily harm; possession of property obtained by crime; making, having or dealing in instruments of counterfeiting; and extortion. Neither bank would say whether it filed a suspicious-transaction report to Fintrac, the financial transaction and reports analysis centre of Canada, which gathers, analyzes and, in some cases, discloses financial intelligence. “National Bank has an AML (antimoney-laundering) regime in place and complies with all applicable laws but will not provide specific information about its internal procedures,” National Bank spokesman Jean-Francois Cadieux said in a written statement.
Conservatives blame Trudeau’s lack of refugees screening for identified by media as 20-year-old Hussam Eddin Alzahabi, was released without charge on Friday evening. Alzahabi’s family, originally from Syria, came to Canada in 2017 as privately sponsored refugees, according to bulletin posted on the website of one of the churches that helped sponsor them. Alzahabi told CityNews his arrest was a “misunderstanding.” “We’ve recently learned of several examples of dangerous individuals entering the country due in part to lax screening procedures,” Scheer continued, before citing a 2017 CBSA audit that found 39 Syrian refugees who should’ve undergone comprehensive security screenings, but didn’t. “This is completely unacceptable and must be immediately remedied,” Scheer continued. “Conservatives will continue fighting against Justin Trudeau’s attempts to weaken Canada’s national security laws and implement real policies to ensure that Canada’s streets and communities are safe.” But Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale urged people not to jump to conclusions based on early reports. He said Scheer is talking as if he knows the outcome of a police investigation “The important thing here is for all Canadians to know that their police and security agencies are effective... They are doing their jobs,” Goodale said. Experts believe radicalization has largely been a homegrown problem in Canada and that terrorist acts are rarely ever carried out by refugees. A vast majority of known jihadis in Canada have been citizens, born in Canada or who arrived here as children.
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TD also said it has an anti-moneylaundering system in place. “We operate in full compliance with applicable antimoney laundering, anti-terrorist financing, sanctions and anti-bribery legal and regulatory requirements, as well as our own internal risk policies,” Meerman said in a written statement. Fintrac, headquartered in Ottawa, did not respond to questions about whether it received a suspicious-transaction report from either bank and how it would respond. In a written statement, spokesman Dino
Roberge said Fintrac was precluded, u n d e r federal law, from speaking on information it may have received or financial intelligence that it may have disclosed to police about suspicions of money laundering or terrorist activity financing. The civil forfeiture filing against Chan provides one of the few explicit examples of how, allegedly, drug trafficking money is being laundered in real estate in B.C.
An independent B.C. government report established that money was being laundered through B.C. casinos and a similar independent study has been launched into the real estate sector. Transparency International Canada’s executive director, James Cohen, said the Chan case potentially shows how many gaps there are in the anti-money-laundering system, given the number of players involved, including financial institutions, lawyers, real estate mortgagers and notaries. “It’s not just one institution or one actor; there are systems-level changes that need to be addressed here,” said Cohen. During a 2015 RCMP investigation, Chan was identified among a number of customers of an allegedly illegal money services business
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
To earn foreign exchange, Pakistan will soon be exporting donkeys to China
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o Earn Foreign Exchange, Pakistan Will Soon be Exporting Donkeys to China The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa livestock department has decided to set up donkey farms as part of its donkey export plan with foreign partnership. In a unique trade pact, China will be investing in donkey farms in Pakistan and the latter will be exporting the donkeys to the neighbouring country. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa livestock department has decided to set up
donkey farms as part of its donkey export plan with foreign partnership, the Geo TV reported. “Agreements will be signed with the Chinese government as well as registered companies,” the officials in the provincial department were quoted as saying. The export will reportedly take place in phases, wherein ailing and weak donkeys will be supplied first. Around 80,000 donkeys will be exported in the first three years.
The Chinese companies are reportedly ready to invest t $3 billion in the donkey farm industry. The donkeys are an essential source of income the Khyber Pakhtunwala province, with as many as 70,000 households being dependent on the animal. The officials are taking into account this factor so as to maintain ample number of donkeys in the province. According to officials, donkeys are in demand in China as they are used for making medicines, furniture there.
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f you’re a homeowner in an urban centre in B.C., you may have already received a speculation and vacancy tax letter from the provincial government. If not, it’s probably on the way. The tax rate is 0.5 per cent of your home’s assessed value, based on property owned Dec. 31, 2018. It will increase for many people next year, but that gets a little more complicated. And here’s the thing: Most people don’t have to pay it at all. It’s important not to confuse the provincial tax with Vancouver’s empty homes tax, which is similar in some ways — In both cases homeowners need to submit a declaration to avoid paying the tax — but is completely separate. For Vancouverites, the deadline to declare for the municipal empty homes tax is Feb. 4. Homeowners must apply for exemption for BC speculation tax — or they’ll pay it by default The speculation and vacancy tax declaration is due March 31. Taxable regions Not everyone who owns a home in B.C. needs to worry about the speculation and vacancy tax. According to the provincial government, the tax “is a key measure in tackling the housing crisis in major urban centres in British Columbia.” The taxable regions include: Municipalities within the Capital Regional District, except Salt Spring Island, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, and the Southern Gulf Islands. Nanaimo: Metro Vancouver municipalities, except Bowen Island and the Village of Lions Bay. Abbotsford - Mission Chilliwack Kelowna West Kelowna District of Lantzville Within these areas, any reserve lands, treaty lands, or self-government First Nations are exempt. If your home is outside the taxable regions, don’t expect to find a declaration letter in your mailbox. This issue isn’t about you (or your home). Residents in some of B.C.’s larger cities will soon need to fill out a declaration form to avoid paying the new B.C. speculation and vacancy tax. If your home is in one of the affected areas, you still may not have to pay the tax. Is it owned by an Indigenous Nation, a government or public body, a registered charity, or housing co-op? If so, you’re exempt. Even some types of not-for-profit organizations can avoid the tax. B.C. municipalities ask for power to opt out of speculation tax, finance minister says no If you fall into one of these categories and didn’t receive a declaration letter, don’t sweat it — you’re good to go.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Vancouver to ready to crack down illegal pot shops The City of Vancouver is moving forward to crack down on more than
two dozen illegal pot shops that are still open for business despite a B.C. Supreme Court order to cease operations. Last month, the B.C. Supreme Court ordered dozens of shops to close, after the city filed 53 injunction applications against the dispensaries. A handful of them decided to close by Jan. 31, 2019 instead of facing fines or even jail time. But the bulk of the shops remain open. According to city officials, more than two dozen shops are still subject to the court ruling, and it will be moving to clamp down on the dispensaries. “The locations are those that we will be escalating our enforcement against immediately,” said Kathryn Holm, Vancouver’s chief licence inspector. “We’ll be proceeding with prosecution
through the court system.” The city will be moving forward with contempt of court proceedings to obtain compliance with the court’s order. Cannabis activist Dana Larsen is among the shop owners currently defying the court order. Cannabis was legalized across Canada in October 2018, but only a few legal stores exist in B.C., with just two in Vancouver. He is seeking a stay on the injunction against his shop through the B.C. Court of Appeal, which has until Feb. 8 to make a ruling. “We’re hoping they’re going to agree that continuing to serve medical patients is important and that they put a hold on any kind of shutdowns until these legal questions can be addressed in the higher courts,” he said. Larsen is organizing a rally at city hall on Friday, urging the city to allow the illegal shops to remain open while they transition into the legal system. With very few legal shops open, he says the forced closure of dispensaries would make it difficult for medical patients to access cannabis. Higher price of legal pot, lack of convenient supply driving consumers to unlicensed dispensaries
Woman denied $50,000 lottery win and gets arrested over credit card theft A 33-year-old woman hit it big in the lottery, but ended up on the losing end when the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary charged her with theft of a credit card used to purchase the winning ticket. The woman was arrested when she tried to claim the winnings at Atlantic Lottery’s office in St. John’s. She now faces two counts of possessing a stolen credit card and five counts of fraud. A store owner in Paradise confirmed the scratch ticket was purchased at his shop, but declined an interview. He confirmed the prize was $50,000. It all started last Wednesday, when police were called by a man who said his wallet was stolen. His credit cards were used to make several purchases at stores in Paradise, including a lottery ticket that police said won “a large amount of money.” Police said the woman did not receive the
money — in fact, an eyewitness to the arrest says she never made it close to the lottery office before four police cars surrounded the vehicle she was in. Who gets paid? There have been plenty of suggestions on social media that the winnings should go to the man who was allegedly defrauded. However, Atlantic Lottery says it’s impossible for someone to reap the rewards of somebody else’s illegal exploits. “Without commenting further on this specific situation, we do advise that Atlantic Lottery only pays prizes for lawfully acquired tickets,” said spokesperson Natalie Belliveau. “We have a robust process in place with a series of checks and balances to ensure this.” If it goes unpaid, the $50,000 will instead go into the corporation’s unclaimed prize account, which goes toward future jackpots. In the process of making the arrest, the RNC stopped the vehicle in which the woman was a passenger.
LOCAL
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LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Andrew Wilkinson must explain why his longtime organizer Paul Barbeau met with the Clerk, says NDP’s Selina Robinson The Plecas Report has revealed a number of connections between Clerk Craig James and senior BC Liberals. Among those was a meeting with Geoff Plant as well as BC Liberal executive member Paul Barbeau on June 20, 2018. Barbeau has been a trusted organizer for Andrew Wilkinson since he first ran for elected office:· In 2012, Barbeau backed Wilkinson for the BC Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Quilchena · Following Wilkinson’s election as MLA in 2013, Barbeau became the President of Wilkinson’s riding association, a position held until late 2015 ·When Wilkinson became leader, he selected Barbeau in March 2018 to be the “Leader’s Representative to the Party Executive of the BC Liberal Party” · In November
2018, Barbeau was acclaimed President of the BC Liberal Party. What was the June 20 meeting between Barbeau and the Clerk about? According to Deputy Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd, the purpose of that meeting was to determine how to “rein in Gary [Lenz] and ensure he wouldn’t be conducting any investigations in the future.” (Report, page 16) This information adds to the growing list of serious questions for Andrew
Wilkinson: · Did Wilkinson have any discussions with Barbeau about this
meeting? Has Wilkinson asked Barbeau about it since the release of the report? · Does Wilkinson believe it’s appropriate
for his representative to meet with and/ or be legal counsel for the supposedly non-partisan clerk? · Who did the Clerk meet with at “Liberal Offices Vancouver” on Jan 31, three days before the Liberal Leadership vote? What was discussed? · Has Wilkinson asked Linda Reid why she ignored a 2014 memo which warned the Clerk had received a $258,000 payment for which he may not have been eligible? BC NDP MLA Selina Robinson: “It’s troubling that the Clerk met with so many senior BC Liberals, including such a close associate of Andrew Wilkinson. The list of questions for Andrew Wilkinson continues to grow. It’s time for him to tell British Columbians everything he knows about these meetings.”
IIO investigation reveals dramatic details of armed suspect’s final moment More than two years after Daniel Peter Rintoul was shot dead by Vancouver police outside a Canadian Tire, the officers involved have been cleared of wrongdoing. That decision from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. follows a contentious probe that was delayed when officers who witnessed the fatal shooting refused to sit for interviews. The IIO ended up resorting to the courts to compel police co-operation. In a decision released Friday, the IIO’s chief civilian director, Ron MacDonald, said it was clear that the decision to shoot Rintoul was both reasonable and necessary. Rintoul,
according to the decision, “posed a threat of deadly force to members of the public, who may have been in the store and possibly coming out, and to the lives of the officers present who later gave statements regarding their individual threat assessments.” Rintoul was shot nine times on Nov. 10, 2016 after he attempted to rob the store’s gun section and held an elderly customer hostage at knifepoint. He also stabbed a store employee and a police officer. MacDonald’s decision lays out the chaos that unfolded at an East Vancouver Canadian Tire on the day of the shooting.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
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particular — I don’t know what their argument is to have Singh stay on as leader,” a senior NDP MP said. Speaking to the media, Singh sidestepped questions about what he might do if he loses his byelection bid, insisting that he’s in a good position to win. “I’m not focused on myself and I know if we work hard, we’re going to win here,” he said. “We’re going to win in Burnaby South because people need us.” If Singh has agreed privately that he can’t stay on if he fails to secure a Commons seat next month, that would contradict his public stance on the matter. On January 20, Singh insisted he would stay on as leader even if he loses the February 25 vote. “I will be the leader that leads the New Democratic Party into the 2019 election,” Singh said. “I’m confident we’re going to do well in this riding. We’re connecting with people, we’re getting a lot of support.”
NDP MPs warned Jagmeet Singh, he will be out as leader if he can’t win Burnaby Several senior members of federal NDP caucus warned NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh that he won’t be able to hang on as party leader if he loses next month’s crucial byelections in Burnaby South. Two New Democrat MPs, who spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity, were among a small group of caucus members who met with Singh last summer to tell him that a loss in the Feb. 25 byelection would lead to overwhelming pressure on him to resign. They’re among a group of nine NDP MPs who tell CBC News they believe Singh would have no choice but to resign if he doesn’t win his seat next month. “We told him going in, way back in June, when this was being contemplated ... that if you do this, this is all-in. It’s not like you hope to win this thing. You have to. Your leadership rides on it,” one MP told CBC News. “That was understood. There may be some revisionist history going
on if he doesn’t (win).” A former top NDP strategist agrees. “It is self-evident. If you lose a byelection, if you can’t win in the People’s Republic of Burnaby, where can you win?” said Karl Bélanger, former national director of the NDP and former principal secretary to ex-leader Tom Mulcair. “I think Mr. Singh knows that, and I think he is trying to show to everybody that he’s going to win that seat and then lead the party in the next election.” The June meeting took place in a secluded committee room in the basement of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block the week the House of Commons adjourned for the summer break.
An ‘allin’ gamble The NDP leader agreed at the meeting that running in the byelection would be an “all-in” gamble. Singh, according to the sources, said he was confident of a win, that he believed he would be in his element campaigning in the community. “So if he fails at his best, in a part of the country we have to do well in — British Columbia in general and Vancouver in
FBI tip helped RCMP to foil possible terror attack by Ontario man US Federal Bureau of Investigation tipped off the RCMP about a person who was potentially planning a terrorist attack in Canada, which led Mounties to Strathroy, Ontario where a known ISIS sympathizer died in a confrontation with officers. After receiving the tip on Wednesday, police responded to what they called “a potential terrorist threat” in Strathroy, Ontario at the home of a errorist Aaron Driver, 24 (pictured), who had been
under a peace bond for openly supporting ISIS on social media. RCMP told the man’s family that Aaron Driver was shot after he detonated an explosive device in the back seat of a cab. The taxi driver received minor injuries and police
are awaiting results of an autopsy to determine what killed the Driver. Police told Driver’s family they had to shoot him because he had another device and planned to detonate it. A senior police official said that the man allegedly planned to use a bomb to carry out a suicide attack in a public area. This photo taken by a neighbour shows the police operation Wednesday evening in Strathroy. The FBI had learned that a man had indicated he planned to carry out a rush-hour attack in a major Canadian city, according to Reuters news agency. “The RCMP received credible information of a potential terrorist threat,” an RCMP statement said earlier Wednesday. “A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the public’s safety.” One source said the FBI did not know the identity of the man and sent a wide notice across Canada about the potential threat. A second source said the RCMP then realized it was Driver and deployed officers to the home in Strathroy where he was living. The sources Reuters spoke to declined to be identified as they did not have permission to speak to media. There were no details provided of what kind of attack Driver, who also used the alias Harun Abdurahman, had allegedly been planning. On Wednesday morning, the RCMP warned transit and airport
RCMP and FBI foiled terror attack, an explosive device was found in a cab with one passenger. Later, the passenger (24-year-old man) was shot dead by law enforcement authorities.
officials in Toronto of a credible threat, but were not given specific details. Neighbour called police Monday Maria Pereira, who lives next door to the home where Driver was located, said she had been sitting on her porch Monday afternoon and heard what sounded like firecrackers coming from her neighbour’s yard. She called police. “It was louder than fireworks and that’s what started to worry me. And my dog goes nuts — he doesn’t like fireworks. And I was just mad at that point because there was no reason to be setting off fireworks in the middle of the day.”
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LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
New Richmond swimming facility has largest hot tub Those waiting to marinate in Canada’s largest hot tub might want to take a time machine to March 11 – no it’s not a corny bro-flick, but just the promise of the opening of the Minoru Centre for Active Living in a little more than a month. Minoru Centre for Active Living The claim of having the largest jacuzzi in the country is just one of many improvements coming to downtown Richmond leisure services – the new centre doubles the size of the current seniors centre and the surface area of
the water is 60 per cent more than existing Minoru pool. The pool has two 25-metre lap pools, a leisure pool, two hot pools, two saunas, a steam room and a cold plunge pool. The fitness centre is 8,500 square feet in size. The centre’s opening is more than a year and a half later than previously expected, but city staff say it’s still on budget, with the final cost coming in at $79 million.
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Mountie’s misconduct involved boozy affair with potential Surrey Six witness A primary RCMP officer assigned to the deadliest gangland shooting in B.C. history had a months-long, alcohol-fuelled sexual affair with a key potential witness in the case, spanning several provinces in hotel rooms paid for by the force. Then-Sgt. Derek Brassington described it himself when he apologized during a sentencing hearing that revealed details of the relationship earlier this month. “I treated her like a girlfriend,� the ex-officer said through sobs in B.C. Supreme Court. Brassington admitted spending several dozen nights with her in hotel rooms paid for by the RCMP, getting drunk and having sex during the affair in 2009. Then 39, the ex-sergeant took the witness to bars and strip clubs during nights together. He lied to hide their relationship from most colleagues, but told the court others were well aware after a while — and at least once, actively participated in the debauchery. Brassington is one of three officers sentenced for their misconduct in the investigation this month. Two others admitted they knew about his affair and failed to report it during their own hearings on Wednesday. The officers — Brassington, former Staff Sgt. David Attew and suspended Cpl. Danny Michaud — were charged with misconduct in 2011. They all pleaded guilty in separate hearings this month. A body is loaded into a van following a multiple homicide in Surrey, B.C., on Oct. 21, 2007. Five people have been convicted in connection with the Surrey Six murders. The details of the behaviour were a mystery
for the better part of a decade, but details were revealed during their hearings. Those proceedings were initially protected by a publication ban, but portions of that ban were rescinded Wednesday afternoon after a challenge from CBC News and Global News. The Surrey Six investigation continued and resulted in five murder convictions despite the officers’ conduct, but court heard the individual officers’ credibility as investigators was tarnished, and hours of police work needed to be redone. During the hearings, the men also touched on what they were thinking at the time. Two said they weren’t thinking clearly at all, crippled by the punishing stress and trauma of their jobs as principal investigators on high-profile cases to a point beyond reason. In short, as Brassington would tell the court through tears: “I sold my soul for this.� Colossal investigation of 6 killings Brassington, Attew and Michaud worked with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) — a speciality homicide unit made up of officers from the RCMP and municipal police. They were working on the Surrey Six file, a colossal investigation launched after six men were shot to death at a Surrey highrise on Oct. 19, 2007. Attew and Brassington were principal investigators assigned to witness management, with Attew as Brassington’s superior. Michaud worked in exhibits. Brassington pleaded guilty to breach of trust and compromising the integrity and safety of a witness involved in the mass-murder investigation on Jan. 18.
LOCAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Former cop Jim Fisher loses jail-term appeal for kissing sex-crime victims Former Vancouver cop Jim Fisher lost his appeal of 20-month jail term for sex-related offences involving two vulnerable crime victims. In a ruling released three-judge panel of BC Court of Appeal upheld the sentence imposed on the highly decorated 61-year-old former cop. In August, provincial court Judge Robert Hamilton imposed sentence on Fisher, who had admitted that he kissed one of the female victims three times, identified only as A due to a publication ban, and the second victim, identified as B, once. Fisher got 12 months jail for breach of trust of A and another eight months for the breach of trust of B, to be served consecutively. His lawyer argued that the main grounds for appeal were that an eight-month sentence for the single “spontaneous” kiss was grossly disproportionate and that the kiss was a terrible mistake by an officer who was apologetic and remorseful for his actions. The kiss happened in December 2015 in Fisher’s personal vehicle after he asked B, who was 21 years old at the time but was 16 when she was a victim of a prostitution ring run by a pimp, to meet with him to discuss an investigation. Fisher’s lawyer argued that the sentencing involving A and B ought to have been concurrent but if the court found a
consecutive sentence was required, the eightmonth sentence for the offence against B should be reduced to one or two months. But in her reasons for judgment, BC Court of Appeal Justice Nicole Garson found that the sentence was not demonstrably unfit when the kiss was considered in the context of the victim’s history of abuse and her trusting relationship with Fisher. The judge called it a “tragic” case where the victims had grown to trust and admire a senior police officer who had done all he could to help them improve their lives and bring to justice those who abused them. The many letters of support were a testament to the exceptional nature of his police service and his “seemingly inexplicable” offending had had catastrophic consequences, she added. “But, in my view, this appeal seeks to minimize the breach of trust and separate it from the full context in which it occurred,” said Garson. “His offence against B was not just a kiss. His offence must be viewed in the broader context. The appellant must have known, considering his role in B’s life, that even nonaggressive or non-forceful conduct would be a serious breach of her trust in him.” Chief Justice Robert Bauman and Justice Peter Willcock agreed with Garson’s reasons and the appeal was dismissed.
Court date reset for men allegedly trying to buy sex from teens When men Seven men including a responded, they former VSB school trustee were told the and a retired academy subject of the school teacher Nikolaos ad was a girl Dai, and 47 arrested in between the ages sting operation targeting of 15 and 17. men seeking sex with teens. “ O n c e Clement resigned from detectives the board in summer established the 2018 for what he said were Former school trustee Ken Clement (left), age, a sex act and personal reasons. Court fees with the johns, records allege the offence and retired teacher Nikolaos Dais (right) are they were directed among seven who charged. took place in June 2018. to the hotel room,” 40 men arrested in Deputy Chief Const. Laurence Rankin said. sting operation and are expected to face “In the room, they found VPD detectives and same charges, according to BC prosecutors. uniformed officers instead of the teenage girls.” Police operation led to the arrests after 47 men were arrested over the course of officers posing as girls between 15 and 17 years nine nights between June and November 2018, communicated online with the men agreed with about 25 officers involved each night. to meet girls for sex in exchange for money. The minimum sentence for obtaining Police posted decoy ads for sex workers for consideration the sexual services of a on escort websites and social media. person under the age of 18 is six months.
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Influx of foreign students causing inequality & division - BCTF official The upsurge of international students into public schools is contributing to inequality, social division & confusion about the content that ought to be taught in Canadian classrooms, says a research director of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation. Larry Kuehn, a veteran social justice advocate, has written a report and book chapter that maintains the five-fold increase in foreign-student fees that has flooded into B.C. public schools since 2001 has exacerbated inequalities between urban and rural school districts and between the domestic population and an expanding “transnational elite.” Public education in Canada and other English-speaking countries has become a “globally traded commodity“ that treats students as “customers” and “consumers,” Kuehn says. He is worried B.C.’s K-to12 system is losing pedagogical integrity as educators strive to increase the $256 million a year they take in from full-feepaying foreign students, most of whom are the offspring of wealthy parents. B.C.’s education system, which has
endured funding austerity in the past 15 years, should not be so focused on wooing money from offshore students, Kuehn says. Educators shouldn’t forget their key aims include promoting civic responsibility and participation in a democratic society. He questions why, in the profitable age of “international education,” B.C. school officials are progressively s e n d i n g “c ont r a d i c t or y ” messages about how much students should be exposed to Canadian content. The former B.C. Liberal government boasted that the business of teaching more than 130,000 foreign students (including those attending B.C. universities and private language institutes) had become the province’s third largest “export” product, after forestry and mining. International education is defined as such, Kuehn says, “since funds that support the industry come from outside Canada.” “International education is contributing to the formation of a transnational elite,” says B.C. Teachers Federation director Larry Kuehn, a veteran social-justice advocate.
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LOCAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Parking hours extended for Downtown, Vancouver businesses applaud the move A motion to extend parking hours in downtown Vancouver is getting support from business owners in the Granville Entertainment District and in Davie Village. City Council has directed staff to work with EasyPark to explore options to extend overnight parking beyond 6:00am around the city in 125 facilities. The Hospitality Vancouver Association says the initiative would encourage impaired drivers to leave their vehicles, noting people going to a bar or an event can leave their cars overnight while avoiding a ticket if the car is not picked up at 6 a.m.
Year-round pay parking coming for all of Granville Island We all need to continue to work towards ensuring there are safe late-night transportation options for patrons and workers in Vancouver,” says Christa Montpetit, Executive Director, Hospitality Vancouver Association in a release. “It’s imperative we give them options for making the right decision about getting. Councillor Lisa Dominato brought forth the motion during Council’s January meeting.
Councillors say money in suitcases, shopping bags used to pay taxes at Vancouver city hall Citizens are bringing money in suitcases and in reusable shopping bags into city hall to pay taxes, according to accounts from two city councillors, including one who says she saw this happen “a few times” last year. The accounts from NPA Coun. Melissa De Genova and Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr surfaced in debate Tuesday before council unanimously approved a lengthy motion from De Genova to have city staff work with police and government to prevent and deter money laundering in local businesses and in transactions at city hall. “I first-hand have seen this,” De Genova said in the council chamber. “We may have stories of this secondhand, but I’ve seen this a few times now and this does concern me.” Added De Genova: “I’m not saying that all cash that comes in to the City of Vancouver is laundered, is the proceeds of crime. However, I think we can definitely deter and prevent that, or limit that by at least having some types of checks and balances.” Carr said in the chamber that she has not personally seen people bring suitcases
of money into city hall, “but I have had people report to me that they have seen people bring suitcases of cash into city hall to pay for their property taxes.” Added Carr: “So when you get reports like that…we should be checking into this.” The Courier interviewed both councillors Wednesday about the incidents. Last July, De Genova said, she saw a man in the main lobby of city hall carrying a black bag with money in it. The man asked her where he could pay “taxes.” “[The money] was stacked in the bag, and it was very obvious—I could see into the bag,” she said. “I don’t know that they even knew I was a city councillor.” A few months previous, she said, she saw another man in the same location with a bag of cash. “They had a reusable bag—one of those ones you’d see in a grocery store—and it was just filled with cash,” De Genova said. “They weren’t trying to hide it all. I was just quite amazed to see that myself.”
City council supports SkyTrain extention to UBC Vancouver city council supports SkyTrain extension from Arbutus to UBC. Newly elected Mayor Kennedy Stewart says “this is great news for Vancouver, UBC, our core First Nations and the entire region.” The vote was 9 - 2 in favour of the motion, with councillors Colleen Hardwick and Jean Swanson voted no. If approved, the extension would run from Arbutus Street to the University campus. ‘There wasn’t a no’ – big city mayors
ask PM Trudeau for new transit funding Their communities ignored, when it comes to transit. ‘What about us?’ some metro Vancouver mayors say. The decision to move ahead lies with TransLink’s Mayor’s Council now that the City of Vancouver has determined a position. Their next meeting is scheduled for February 15, and a final decision on whether to go ahead is expected.
Gas prices predicted to rise sharply this weekend, more price volatility could be on the way Metro Vancouver gas prices jumped to near-record levels this past weekend with a spike of as much as 17 cents a litre. Jennifer Palma explains what’s fueling the skyrocketing prices and if we’re in for more pain at the pumps. Drivers in Metro Vancouver are back to feeling the pain at the pump. Many areas saw record hikes of up to 17 cents per litre over the weekend, something not seen since 2008. Petroleum analyst Dan McTeague said the surge in prices is due to the temporary shutdown of the Olympic pipeline in Washington state, which he describes as “the proverbial aortic artery of all gasoline supplies in the Pacific Northwest.” “It was to go through some maintenance on Tuesday to Wednesday,” McTeague said. “They discovered a far bigger problem and shut the entire system down.”
“This is not a speculation move, this is a physical move. Traders are short of gasoline, and that’s why prices shot up an average of 17 cents a litre on the wholesale side since Thursday.” “My sense is that by this time next week — in other words, Christmas Eve — we could be looking at prices tiptoeing back down below $1.40,” he said.
$100,000 reward for accused killer of gangster It has been eight years since UN gang boss Conor D’Monte was charged with murder and conspiracy for allegedly hunting
rival members of the Red Scorpion gang. Since then, a dozen members and associates of his violent criminal organization have been convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and other charges. But police are still hunting for D’Monte — the Vancouver man they believe was directing the violent rampage that resulted in dozens of shootings, injuries and deaths. On Wednesday, a $100,000 reward was offered for the arrest of the fugitive gang leader. “Conor D’Monte and his fellow gang members are responsible for an unprecedented level of brazen gang violence in the history of British Columbia. Police will not rest until we have brought all those responsible to justice,” Trent Rolfe, chief officer of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, said at a Surrey news conference. Rolfe noted that D’Monte took over leadership of the UN gang when its founder, Clay Roueche, was jailed in Washington state in 2008. “In that role, we believe Conor D’Monte was responsible for planning and ordering the murders of rival gang members,” he said. Chief Superintendent Trent Rolfe, CFSEU Chief Officer, speaks to the media Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 in Surrey. Jason Payne / PNG Roueche later pleaded guilty in Seattle to drug smuggling and money laundering and was handed a 30-year sentence.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019 NDP survived serious threat to its gov’t, winning byelection in Nanaimo and preserving its hold on power at the legislature. “Apparently government’s don’t often win byelections,” Premier John Horgan said infront of a cheering crowd at the ballroom where NDP was celebrating the victory. Premier Horgan also said “But with a candidate of Sheila’s calibre and the hard work of people right across the city we have returned a New Democrat to Nanaimo and the project continues.” Malcolmson earned 10,165 votes, or 49.45 per cent of the popular vote, compared to B.C. Liberals’ Tony Harris 8,272 votes (40.24 per cent of the popular vote), and Michele Ney’s 1,522 votes (7.40 per cent of the popular vote) — with 108 of 111 ballot boxes counted. The B.C. Conservative candidate Justin Greenwood earned 374 votes. Vancouver Island Party candidate Robin Mark Richardson earned 89 votes. Libertarian candidate Bill Walker earned 77 votes. Preliminary results are posted on the Elections B.C. website here. “Holy smokes what a beautiful crowd,” Malcolmson told the packed ballroom of supporters moments after the results were announced. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, starting tomorrow. We are building affordable housing, we are expanding child care. We are getting an urgent primary care centre. “We are making sure carrying on the
NDP gov’t survices by winning Nanaimo elections project that the NDP has been working on the last year and a half with the Greens.” Malcolmson’s victory was by a considerably smaller margin than New Democrats
won in the past, leading to a nervous evening at her campaign headquarters. The win maintains the NDP’s 41 seats in the legislature. Combined with three Green MLAs who support the government through a power-sharing deal, the NDP-Green alliance has 44 seats compared to 42 Liberal MLAs. Had the Liberals won, the legislature would have been deadlocked in a 4343 tie, forcing independent Speaker Darryl Plecas to break ties and likely leading to an early provincial election. The byelection featured the collapse of the B.C. Green vote to around seven per cent of the popular vote, the party’s worst showing in Nanaimo since 1996.
Spending on BC’s public schools up 11%, study says Government spending on B.C.’s public schools has increased 11.3 per cent per student over the past decade despite enrollment dipping, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute. When adjusted for inflation, the think tank said Thursday that during the 2016-17 school year, each student in the public school system cost $11,656. That’s compared to $11,059 in 2006 to 2007. “Contrary to what we often hear,
spending is on the rise in B.C.’s public education system,” said Angela MacLeod, a senior policy analyst with the institute and co-author of the study. Part of the reason, she said, is enrolment dropped seven per cent over the same 10-year period, amplifying even small increases in cost. Nominal spending, which includes teacher and staff salaries, pensions and benefits, increased by about 12 per cent, from $5.8 billion to $6.5 billion.
Vandals damage 50 trees in Vancouver There’s “no rhyme or reason” to an act of vandalism at Vancouver’s Langara Golf Course that left up to 50 trees sawed down to stumps. “We’ve never really experienced this to this extent before,” said Howard Normann, the city’s parks director. “There’s no rhyme or reason. It doesn’t make any sense.” According to the park board, up to 50 trees at sporadic spots throughout the golf course were felled by vandals over the past four weeks. Damaging trees intentionally is a park board bylaw offence. Director of parks Howard Normann says up to 50 juvenile trees have been vandalized with tops sawed off at Langara Golf Course. The juvenile trees – a variety of species including sequoia, west coast cedar, Douglas fir, Fraser fir and alder – all appear to be intentionally sawed, having sustained clean cuts made by what Normann suspects is a handsaw of some type. The trees are unlikely to recover.
The Greens had peaked in Nanaimo at 20 per cent of the popular vote in 2017. However, with the future of the NDP minority government at stake, it appeared voters re-polarized to split along traditional NDP-Liberal lines. Horgan said he does not believe the Green vote decline will affect the power-sharing arrangement between the two parties. “I’m confident our relationship will
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continue to be as it has been — rocky some days but at the end of the day we focus on what’s best for people,” said Horgan. The NDP and Liberals increased their percentage of the popular vote, but the Greens declined sharply. Nanaimo voters stuck with almost half a century of voting trends to maintain what had been a historically safe seat for the NDP. The party won 14 of the last 16 elections here, stretching back to 1963.
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
US man wanted in connection with girlfriend’s death crossed Canadian border, arrested from White Rock ‘‘There is video of him crossing the border illegally on foot’’ Troyer said the sheriff ’s office contacted RCMP, and a track was put on Eaton’s phone. A short time later, the tracking picked up Eaton’s signal at Peace Arch Hospital where RCMP arrested him. “From what I understand, he tried to run from them,” said Troyer. “They took him down at gunpoint because he was armed, and they did take the weapon off him.” Sturko said Federal Services and Organized Crime Division asked Surrey RCMP for its assistance at approximately 1:20 p.m. Monday. The suspect was located and brought into custody within 30 minutes of that call, she said. The man is being held in custody in a Surrey detachment cell. “As the work continues, we’ll find out what the next steps are and whether or not this person will be sent back to the United States,” said Sturko.
A US man wanted in connection with death of young woman in Washington, arrested from White Rock on Monday. “A short foot pursuit took place and they were taken into custody without incident,” said Cpl. Eleanor Sturko, with Surrey RCMP. “Thankfully, none of the officers or any member of the public was injured as a result of the arrest.” Pierce County Sheriff ’s Department in Washington said the suspect allegedly shot his 19-year-old girlfriend early Monday morning inside a home in Puyallup, southeast of Tacoma. Police say Jordan Eaton, 26, then fled in a stolen van. The vehicle was recovered in Blaine, Wash., by the Whatcom County Sheriff ’s Office. “There is video of him crossing the border illegally on foot — and he was armed,” said Det. Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff ’s Office.
Vancouver’s historical St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church closure for restoration downtown Vancouver landmark will be closing its doors for up to two years as it undergoes repairs, restoration, and a seismic upgrade. St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church is a familiar sight at the corner of Burrard and Nelson, and known for interiors featuring French and Italian-stained glass windows, a vaulted timber roof, and angel reliefs. Lead Minister Dan Chambers said the church, opened in 1933, is a historical piece of architecture. “The architects were Twizel and Twizel, and although that sounds like a candy they were well-known and well-regarded architects of their time. And this is sort of the jewel of their Neo-Gothic architecture on the west coast,” said Chambers. The church said it’s also a popular space with performance choirs and film companies alike. Over next two years — or, as Chambers hopes, eighteen months — it’ll be getting new pews, walls, electrical systems, a
new roof, and getting a seismic upgrade. Chambers said the project is a big undertaking, but a necessary one. “When we tried to imagine the city losing another worship space and performance space, we felt we had to make this happen.” While its doors are shut, the church will be holding services at the Century Plaza Hotel. The First Baptist Church and St. Paul’s Anglican Church are also hosting some of St. Andrew’s Wesley’s events during the restoration. The church will hold its last full Sunday service on February 3rd. The week after, however, worshipers can return after service to the church, where Chambers said they’re invited to a celebration of the space on February 10. “We’ll have a big potluck lunch. We’ll invite children and adults to write prayers of gratitude on the walls,” said Chambers. “It’ll be a way of expressing our gratitude and our prayers of thanks for this sacred space that has served the needs of generations
Ottawa may have overpaid for Trans Mountain by up to $1B, parliamentary budget officer says The federal Liberal government may have overpaid for the Trans Mountain pipeline project by up to $1 billion, the parliamentary budget officer estimates — and there’s a risk its value could decline further if there are any other delays in the construction timeline. Even if Ottawa paid too much, however, the value of the project for Canada’s oil producers — and in turn for government coffers — is considerable, as it will close a price gap that plagues the oilpatch, the Parliamentary Budget Office said in a report released Thursday. The report says both the existing pipeline and the proposed expansion project are valued at between $3.6 billion and $4.6 billion, an imprecise range that pegs it at either well below the government’s purchase price — $4.5 billion — or right on the money. “The government negotiated a purchase price at the higher end of PBO’s valuation range. PBO’s financial valuation assumes that the pipeline is built on time and on budget,” says the report. The PBO said Ottawa was the only known entity that made a bid for the pipeline and its planned expansion, so it’s possible the federal government could have negotiated a more favourable price. “If it was a car, we would say they paid sticker price, they didn’t negotiate very much, they didn’t get that many deals or manufacturers rebates — quite the opposite,” Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux told reporters Thursday morning at a press briefing. “It’s a very risky project to have bought
something that nobody else in the private sector wanted to acquire. There are lots of retirement or pension plans that like to buy infrastructure of that nature that generate streams of revenues.” But the PBO’s valuations are further complicated by the fact that it doesn’t know just how much multiple pipeline terminals and the Puget Sound Pipeline — other assets Ottawa acquired as part of the transaction with the former project proponent, Kinder Morgan — are actually worth. Those related assets are not included in the figure the PBO generated. Officials said Thursday that if the expansion is not built, the value of these properties would be negligible. Finance Minister Bill Morneau, the man who helped broker the deal for the government, said Thursday the price paid was actually lower than the $4.5 billion figure he initially cited when he announced the purchase in May 2018. He said the net purchase price was, in fact, $4.1 billion because of some tax advantages (capital gains taxes) the government booked as a result of the sale — taxes the government would have collected regardless of which entity purchased the project. “We paid an appropriate price — right in the middle of the range that [the PBO] analysis was, the range for the purchase price,” he said. The PBO pegged the final purchase price at $4.4 billion “net adjustments,” suggesting Morneau and the PBO are looking at different figures.
Charge of conspiracy to kill gangsters stayed B.C. prosecutors have stayed a conspiracy to murder charge laid against a Calgary gangster who was allegedly part of a United Nations plot to slay rivals in B.C.’s Red Scorpions gang. Billy Ly had been out on bail since the charge was laid in January 2016. But earlier this month, he learned that the case would no longer be going to trial in April 2019. The reason given for the stay was that the Crown no longer had the same amount of evidence against Ly.
“I can advise that the conspiracy charge against Bill Ly was stayed on 15 January 2019, as it no longer met the charge approval standard,” Gord Comer, of the B.C. Prosecution Service, said in an email. Ly, 35, had been arrested in the conspiracy case along with fellow Calgary gangster Troy Tran, 36. Tran’s trial was held last year in B.C. Supreme Court. The verdict in the case will be handed down later this month. Ly’s trial was severed from Tran’s after Ly’s lawyer died suddenly in 2017, forcing a delay in his case. The witnesses against Ly were expected to be some of the same former United Nations gangsters identified only as A, B, C and D, who testified at the trial of UN gang hitman Cory Vallee. Vallee was convicted of first-degree murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder, for the fatal shooting of Red Scorpion Kevin LeClair on Feb. 6, 2009, as well as plotting to kill Red Scorpion members and the Bacon brothers in 2008 and 2009. Last month, Justice Janice Dillon sentenced Vallee to two life terms with no parole eligibility on the murder count for 25 years. Dillon made several references to Ly’s alleged role in the murder plot in her Vallee verdict. She said Ly was a “recognized member of the UN gang” who had rented a jeep used to hunt the Bacons outside a concert at GM Place in January 2009. Ly was captured on wiretap telling another UN member that night “we have to like shoot ’em” and “to unload the whole thing.”
Anushka Sharma’s net worth $11 Million Anushka Sharma is the eleventh richest actor in Bollywood. In addition to being an in-demand actor, she is also a producer. “NH10” is a film that she both produced and starred in. The crime, thriller gained Anushka critical acclaim in India in 2015. She founded Clean Slate Films which is the production company that she owns and works out of. This isn’t all that the talented beauty is involved in. She’s a magnet for brands who wish to promote their products and this dazzling and savvy business woman has appeared in Forbes celebrity lists for
Neha Kakkar in Vancouver She is the only singer ever to get 10 minute standing ovation at her last appearance in Vancouver and the ‘ Singing Queen ‘ , who recently regaled audiences world wide with her stint as judge at the INDIAN IDOL Season 10 , is coming with all her popular songs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Sunday , April 14,2019 at 7 pm for what promises to be another singing & dancing riot . Accompanied by Indian Idol singer &
most popular and richest from 2012 to 2015. She has received some of her incredible wealth from endorsements
of a variety of different products and brands, some of which include, Nivea,
talented Mumbai musicians , she’ll bring the house down with her latest Aankh Maare… & Kaala Chashma … and many more upbeat songs which have made her the favourite of young & old alike . Tickets at $35,45,55,65,75,100,125,150 & VIP + $3.50 F.C. are available at www. vtixonline.com & www.kvpentertainers. com or call KAMAL SHARMA of Kamal’s Video Palace & KVP Entertainers at (604)833-1977 or (604)592-9777
Elle 19 cosmetics and TVS Scooty, just to name a few. Sharma’s first film of 2018 was Pari, which she starred in and produced. It tells the story of Rukhsana (Sharma), a battered young woman living in the wilderness, who is rescued by a benevolent man (played by Parambrata Chatterjee). Annual list of best actresses, writing,
“going from unhinged to ghastly to mesmeric, here’s an actress who’s game for everything.” It earned ₹400 million (US$5.6 million) worldwide against a production budget of ₹180 million (US$2.5 million).Sharma next played a biographer documenting the life of the troubled actor Sanjay Dutt in Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic Sanju.
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
How Twinkle agreed to marry Akshay Kumar Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna are counted among Bollywood’s A-list couple. The two who got married in January 2001, have two kids — son Aarav and daughter Nitara. Even after 18 years, the couple has managed to keep the romance in their marriage alive. And we are sure that their terrific sense of humour, helps, too. For example, not many know that Twinkle actually prepared two charts before agreeing to marry Akshay. While one chart was to see if Akki has healthy genes, the other listed the pros and cons of marrying him. The hilarious revelation was made a couple of
years ago, on ‘Koffee With Karan’. While the host, Karan Johar, couldn’t believe that Twinkle had drawn the charts, the actressturned-entrepreneur had a ‘valid’ reason for doing so. She said that the main reason people get married is to have children. So, Twinkle wanted to know if there were hereditary health problems in Akshay’s family, at what age the men in his family lose their hair, what did his aunt Kanchan die of, and so on. She jokingly added that while Akshay must have thought she was concerned about his family members, in reality, she was checking his genetic history.
‘‘So much stigma attached to sexual crime’’
604-566-3111 7233 - Fraser St., Vancouver, BC
Richa Chadha said there is so much stigma attached to sexual crime that sometimes it’s impossible to get even the bravest women to speak up. Last year, the Indian audience saw Richa in ‘Love Sonia’, a film which deals with the topic of human trafficking. The Tabrez Noorani directorial released in the UK last week. To promote the film, the Indian actress appeared on a show hosted by Victoria Derbyshire on Monday. She also used the platform to speak about a variety of issues, including the #MeToo movement a global movement which is against sexual harassment and assault.
Read Also:Richa Chadha: ‘Love Sonia’ is an important film with important subject On #MeToo, she said: “It’s upsetting that those women who have come out and spoken, many of them have received death threats, rape threats, for some their livelihood has been snatched away.b “Primarily, there’s an issue of will and consent. There are many cases where a woman may have given the consent to sleep with somebody, but her will may not have been there because they will have a position of authority or power over the woman which they can blatantly abuse.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
HOROSCOPE
Priyanka’s 4th Hollywood project Priyanka is glowing bright post her wedding to Nick Jonas. Her personal and professional life has been going great guns. She has a couple of projects in her kitty and one more gets added to the list. She has announced her 4th Hollywood project at the Ellen DeGeneres show. As she was promoting her forthcoming Hollywood flick Isn’t It Romantic on the show, she announced of the project. She said, “I
am developing a feature with Barry Levinson. He is an iconic American director. We are developing it (from the perspective of) Sheela who is this guru who originated from India. She was his right hand woman and she was devious. She created a whole cult in America. He was called Osho. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him. I am developing that next for me to star in and produce.�
Alia Bhatt’s new futur plans Alia Bhatt has now started investing in her future plans. She already owns two flats
in Mumbai, and is now looking out for more investments. If latest reports are to be believed, the Raazi actress has purchased a property in Juhu and is paying double the amount for it.
A report in Hindustan Times states, “The first floor apartment, located in a posh locality, is worth Rs 7.8 crore, but Alia has shelled out more than Rs 13 crore for it. This is Alia’s third home in Juhu.� Alia Bhatt’s decision comes at a time when she plans her future with boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. The couple, who has been dating for quite some time now, has been making public appearances regularly. Recently, Ranbir-Alia appeared together at Umang 2019. The duo took went up on-stage and also grooved along with Shah Rukh Khan. Meanwhile, Alia is rumoured to be in talks with the makers of Dostana, who are planning the next instalment of the franchise. A source close to the development revealed to Mirror, “The conversation has begun, and Alia has liked the idea. She will hear the final script and close the formalities soon. Casting for her two male co-stars is presently underway after which Karan will make the final announcement. Preproduction on the film has also begun.�
Ekta Kapoor wanted a baby since 7 years
Aries March 21 - April 20 You’re moving through a peak time regarding your social life. This week, you’re encouraged to take a step forward by joining a group or club that appeals to your interests. It could feel like a breakthrough and something that can make On another note, Thursday’s tie between sober Saturn and nebulous Neptune could see you having second thoughts about a goal and whether it’s appropriate.
Taurus April 21 - May 20 The sun’s merger with Mercury in your sector of ambition on Tuesday could see you in the spotlight and ready to share information and ideas that can be useful to others. This isn’t the time to hold back. Be bold and enjoy promoting your skills, talents, and business. If you have certain rigid beliefs, you could this regard.
Gemini May 20 - June 21 Your curiosity could lead you to explore. Travel options may appeal to you over the coming weeks, but so could a course or workshop. The sun’s merger with talkative Mercury, your guide planet, could see you making enquiries and eager to start. There is also a subtle alignment between cautious Saturn in your sector of transformation and nebulous Neptune in your sector of ambition.
Cancer June 22 - July 23 As feisty Mars continues to power through your sector of goals and career, it also angles toward potent Pluto in your relationship zone. This can lend an intense with someone. Perhaps they don’t agree with what you’re doing, or the person is trying to manipulate you. Whatever the scenario, facing up to them directly could be a mistake.
Libra Sept. 24 - Oct 22 A merger between the sun and messenger Mercury could bring you together with a new love interest you can talk to for hours. This person could have a lively intellect and seduce you with their words and concepts. ! falling hard. This may not be true of another relationship that could be going through a decisive time.
Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 22 Give as good as you get, especially with dynamic Mars forging a passionate angle with unrelenting Pluto in your sector of communication. You and another may not see eye to eye, and this could cause you to clash in a dramatic way. Give it a few days and ! " # make a big issue out of this at the outset, you may never talk again.
Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22 A conversation out of the blue could bring just the right advice, pointing you in the direction of information that perfectly resolves a key issue. If you require assistance, getting out and about and chatting with a mix of people could bring you exactly what you need. At the same time, you could feel intense frustration and annoyance with someone. Give it a week or so and they could change their tune.
Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20 A bright idea could see you earning extra cash that can help pay for special treats. Selling items you no longer want or need is one way, but you might also come up with a business idea that provides a permanent side income. On a similar note, researching your ! ! When it comes to family matters, try not to be too pushy or domineering if you don’t agree
Aquarius Leo
Ekta Kapoor celebrating motherhood. She met with famous astrologer Sanjay Jumaani for the name selection (Naamkaran) of the baby. And it was all happening at Ekta’s Krishna bungalow in Juhu. In no time, the lady announced it on social media by means of two back-to-back posts. Her social media posts read as, “By God’s grace, I have seen many successes in my life, but nothing beats the feeling of this beautiful soul being added in my world. I cannot even begin to express how happy my baby’s birth has made me. Everything in life doesn’t go the way you
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Bollywood
June 24 - August 23 You seem eager to enjoy life and make the most of opportunities to travel and explore. New experiences can bring lively and positive relationships your way that you will truly relish. At the same time, a tie between prudent Saturn and dreamy Neptune in your sector of transformation hints that it’s time to relax your grip.
Jan 21 - Feb 19 You could be a live wire at the start of this week as a merger between the sun and Mercury ignites your curiosity and interest in the world around you. This lively pairing could ! that captures your attention. It can also be an excellent time to forge new connections, especially with others who share your outlook. In addition, you might discover something about yourself that shocks you.
Pisces Virgo
want it to but there are always solutions to those hiccups. I found mine and today I feel immensely blessed to become a parent. It is an emotional moment for me and my family and I can’t wait to begin this new journey of being a mother to my little bundle of joy, Ravie Kapoor. – Ekta Kapoor�
Something needs to change over this week, but if it involves someone else, the person may resist and this might only make you even more determined. Rather than get frustrated, try letting the whole thing go. Before the week has passed, the person in question may change anyway. Similarly, someone with a vivid imagination aspect in your lifestyle sector could see you eager to research your options
Feb 20 - March 20 There could be ways in which your views and but this week, with sobering Saturn angling toward dreamy Neptune in your sign, your creative, imaginative nature could inspire one of $ this person out to dance might be one way to change. Whatever it is, your friend will feel much better as a result of connecting with you. Regarding someone else in your social circle
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
Bollywood
Kajol’s mood swings if anyone asks
Many moods of Kajol
Kajol most - “Will your cousin Rani Mukerji tie the knot with Aditya Chopra?� Are you still friend with SRK? It leaves lovely lady thinking time around! tries to get happy about “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’’ alright, but certainly not before singing ‘‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha.�
how she gained her current
Baba Ramdev’s expert pranayam tips. " memory lane and remembers how her initial cine-avatars " $ %
‘Isn’t It Romantic’ ? Priyanka Chopra’s Hollywood film “Isn’t It Romantic� will release in India on streaming platform Netflix instead of having a traditional theatrical release. According to a statement issued on Jan. 31, the romanticcomedy, also featuring Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth and Adam Devine, will premiere on Feb. 28 in India.
“Isn’t It Romantic� tells the story of a New York architect Natalie (Wilson) who works hard to get noticed at her job, but is more likely to be asked to deliver coffee and bagels than to design.
Priyanka C h o p r a essays the role of a yoga ambassador. “I had so much fun doing it,�
Chopra said while promoting her film on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show� earlier this week.“It was a quick, beautiful project to do, and I love Rebel. This is her first time producing, so that’s awesome. I would do anything to support that,� she added. “Isn’t It Romantic� will release on all Netflix territories outside of the US and Canada – where it will open in theaters.
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
‘‘It’s my prerogative as director to take final call’’ DISCOVER Actor turned filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has reacted to allegations leveled against her by her co-actress of “Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi,” Mishti Chakraborty, by saying that it’s her prerogative as director to take the final call about every aspect of a film. Mishti Chakraborty, who plays the role of Kashibai in “Manikarnika...” recently criticized Ranaut for chopping off her role from the film. Ranaut said, “People who are saying that their role has been chopped off from the film, their scene and dialogues have been edited from the film, I just want to tell them that whatever place I have earned today in the film industry, I earned it on my own. It wasn’t inherited by my father. What will they get crying like this?” Kangana Ranaut also said that she has also gone through similar kind of circumstances during the initial phase of her acting career. “I have also done roles which had five minutes of screen time in the film. There are lots of films in which my role has been chopped off, and there are many instances where I have been thrown out of the film in the last minute. So, if it’s my power then, I have deserved it, I have earned it.” Ranaut said that it is her prerogative as
a director to take the final call about every aspect of the film. “It is my prerogative as a director to decide how to utilize a certain actor in whichever way I want to. When Krish left the film and handed over the reins of the film to me then, it my prerogative as a director to take the final call about every aspect of film,” she said. The “Queen” actress said people who are cr it icizing her should t a k e inspiration from her. “Whoever is struggling in their lives should take inspiration from me. What will they get by attacking me or getting jealous of me? They should work hard to reach their desired position then only, they can move forward in their career,” she said. On aime nos vaches autant que vous aimez ignorer des annonces. D’ailleurs, c’est surprenant que vous soyez toujours en train de lire ceci.Indian American Sitarist Hasu Patel Honored by the UN for ‘Extraordinary Service to Humanity’ India Budget Offers Tax Cuts, Handouts for Poor Farmers Kangana Ranaut: It’s My Prerogative as a Director to Take Final Call on Every Aspect of Film’
2019’s popular pairs for big screen On one hand, where 2019 will be witnessing a number of new on-screen pairs, on the other, there are some popular Punjabi jodies that are known to give hits, will also be making it the box office again. These pairs have already been lauded for their on-screen presence and chemistry; and thus, the audience can’t keep calm after listening to the news of them teaming up for 2019 releases. Neeru Bajwa & Diljit Dosanjh From ‘Jatt & Juliet’ to ‘Sardaar Ji’, every time when Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa have come together, their chemistry has been lauded by the fans. Thus, the two have again teamed up for a 2019 release - ‘Shadaa’. Though the duo featured in the song ‘Raat Di Gedi’ that came out in 2017, it was 2015 when the last time Neeru Bajwa and Diljit Dosanjh shared the screen space on the 70mm. So technically, it is after a break of four years that these two artists will be seen together. Talking about the movie, ‘Shadaa’ is reportedly a romantic comedy. Directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, the movie will hit the box office on 21st June. Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa If you have seen ‘Nikka Zaildar’ and its sequel, we are sure you too are a fan of the on-screen couple Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa. Both of these stars are known for their utter innocence and charm that leaves everyone spellbound. Even the industry people know the same and thus, have roped in the two for ‘Muklawa’. The movie is scheduled to release on May 24. It is a comedy drama directed by Simerjit Singh and bankrolled by Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu. Binnu Dhillon and Kavita Kaushik Sometimes it’s not a romantic scene that speaks for chemistry, but the comfort and camaraderie
between two actors. According to Kavita Kaushik, it certainly is the camaraderie between her and Binnu Dhillon that has helped the two garner so much love and appreciation from the fans. After starring together in two of Pollywood’s most hilarious movies ‘Vekh Baraatan Challiyan’ and ‘Vadhayiyaan Ji Vadhayiyaan’, Binnu Dhillon and Kavita Kaushik have again teamed up for ‘Naukar Vahuti Da’. Slated to release on 23rd August, the movie is a Smeep Kang directorial and comes from the genre of comedy dramas. So get ready to be tickled again. Tarsem Jassar and Simi Chahal On one hand, where a couple of on-screen jodies take their time to tighten their grip over the audience, on the other, there are some reel pairings that cast the spell in a single go. The duo of Tarsem Jassar and Simi Chahal falls in the second category. For the first time the two shared screen space in ‘Rabb Da Radio’, and now its sequel also features the very couple again in the lead. Scheduled to hit the big screen on March 29, ‘Rabb Da Radio 2’ is expected to fetch more applauds for Tarsem and Simi’s on-screen chemistry. Roshan Prince and Rubina Bajwa Just like Tarsem Jassar and Simi Chahal, Roshan Prince and Rubina Bajwa worked together only on one movie last year -‘Laavaan Phere’. However, the movie was such a success and the pairing was so much appreciated that the duo will be seen in not just one but two movies this year - ‘Laavaan Phere 2’ and ‘Nanka Mel’. The former is scheduled to release on 22nd February and the latter on 6th September
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
Press release
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Andrew Wilkinson must explain why his longtime organizer Paul Barbeau met with the Clerk, says NDP’s Selina Robinson The Plecas Report has revealed a number of connections between Clerk Craig James and senior BC Liberals. Among those was a meeting with Geoff Plant as well as BC Liberal executive member Paul Barbeau on June 20, 2018. (Exhibit 12, page 77) Barbeau has been a trusted organizer for Andrew Wilkinson since he first ran for elected office: · In 2012, Barbeau backed Wilkinson for the BC Liberal nomination in VancouverQuilchena (Georgia Straight) · Following Wilkinson’s election as MLA in 2013, Barbeau became the President of Wilkinson’s riding association, a position held until late 2015 (Barbeau’s CV)
· When Wilkinson became leader, he selected Barbeau in March 2018 to be the “Leader’s Representative to the Party Executive of the BC Liberal Party” (Barbeau’s website) · In November 2018, Barbeau was acclaimed President of the BC Liberal Party. What was the June 20 meeting between Barbeau and the Clerk about?
According to Deputy Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd, the purpose of that meeting was to determine how to “rein in Gary [Lenz] and ensure he wouldn’t be conducting any investigations in the future.” (Report, page 16) This information adds to the growing list of serious questions for Andrew Wilkinson:
· Did Wilkinson have any discussions with Barbeau about this meeting? Has Wilkinson asked Barbeau about it since the release of the report? · Does Wilkinson believe it’s appropriate for his representative to meet with and/or be legal counsel for the supposedly non-partisan clerk? · Who did the Clerk meet with at “Liberal Offices Vancouver” on Jan 31, three days before the Liberal Leadership vote? What was discussed? · Has Wilkinson asked Linda Reid why she ignored a 2014 memo which warned the Clerk had received a $258,000 payment for which he may not have been eligible? (Background) BC NDP MLA Selina Robinson:
BC Liberals release 20-point ethics plan Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson and House Leader Mary Polak have written to the Legislative Assembly Management Committee and Auditor General Carol Bellringer with 20 tangible, immediately-implementable actions to increase transparency and tighten oversight of legislative spending. “British Columbians want us to fix this as soon as possible,” says Wilkinson. “The public’s trust in our institution has been badly shaken, and understandably so. We must work immediately to reassure the public that when their money is being spent, they will know how and why. Public dollars should be spent
serving British Columbians – full stop. This is an opportunity for us to work together and reform legislative spending, and I am re-issuing my call to Premier Horgan and Mr. Weaver to work together to achieve this goal.” Among Wilkinson and Polak’s proposals are: public disclosure of travel expense claims from legislative officers; regular, open meetings of legislative oversight committees; and a ban on non-emergency international travel without prior approval. “Let’s move forward with common sense solutions for British Columbians,” says Polak. “We have to remember the reason we all came here – and that’s to serve British Columbians. Restoring public trust must be our top priority, and that’s why
Homeowners deserve answers about their private information Press release BC Liberal Finance Co-Critics Shirley not a social insurance number is required to Bond and Tracy Redies have written to the qualify for an exemption from the tax. This B.C. Privacy Commissioner with concerns is unacceptable and is indicative of tax policy that the personal and private information of being made up on the fly.” “Our overall concern homeowners could be at risk under the NDP is what private information is being collected government’s declaration process for the by the government and what guarantees new Speculation Tax. are in place to protect homeowners from “We feel it’s necessary to bring this matter having their data accessed by other branches to the attention of the Privacy Commissioner of government or agencies,” said Redies. because of the botched roll-out of the NDP’s “We are talking about the privacy rights of new Speculation and Vacancy Tax,” said homeowners, most of whom are hardworking Bond. “Just a few weeks ago, 1.6 million British Columbians using their home as a homeowners suddenly learned they must principal residence.” Homeowners’ concerns prove to the government they are not real are amplified by the government’s intentions estate speculators. Now all these people to establish a “new, publicly accessible registry are uncertain about what vital personal of who owns real estate in British Columbia” information they have to disclose. We have that will provide tax auditors, law enforcement been contacted by numerous homeowners officials and federal and provincial regulators who have received conflicting advice from with access to information on who owns the government call centre as to whether or property in the province.
we’ve proposed immediate, actionable differences aside to carry out this very solutions. I hope we can set our political important work.”
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Vol. 10 No. 1
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Saturday - February 2, 2019
Tel: 604-591-5423
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Rural BC joins the rank of world’s least affordable cities including Vancouver & Toronto We’ve all heard about unaffordable housing in Vancouver and Toronto, but a few smaller cities and rural areas in BC have now joined the ranks of the world’s least affordable housing markets. Rising house prices in British Columbia, combined with rising mortgage rates, have pushed Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and the Fraser Valley into the top 20 least affordable cities in an annual survey from research firm Demographia. Yes, that’s right. It’s more affordable to buy a home in metropolitan New York than it is in Nanaimo, B.C. After sitting in third place for several years, Vancouver has leapfrogged Sydney, Australia, to become the second-least affordable
major city in the world. Toronto, meanwhile, has been steadily rising over the past few years. It now ranks as the 16th least affordable city among 309 metro areas surveyed, up from 21st place last year and 28th the year before. Watch: The extreme measures Canadians go through to buy a home. Story continues below. The median house in Vancouver cost 12.6 times the median income in 2018, the survey found — exactly the same
Calgary’s housing market continues to contend with more supply than demand and in 2018 saw the lowest sales numbers in over 20 years, according to a local real estate agent. Figures provided by Jim Sparrow with Royal LePage Solutions show the last time home sales dipped below the 16,144 units sold last year was in 1996 when the population was significantly lower and there were fewer dwellings.
That year saw 15,689 units sold, a jump from 1995, when 11,257 were sold. According to a report form the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), December sales in Calgary dropped 21 per cent from the same month in 2017 with only 794 units resold. There was a 14 per cent decline in yearly sales from 2017 and a nearly 20 per cent decline from long-term averages.
ratio as the year before. But Vancouver rose to second place because house prices are falling rapidly in Sydney, and the city is becoming more affordable That’s not the case with Toronto, which has seen affordability worsen over the past year. A median home in Canada’s largest city cost 8.3 times the median income in 2018, up from 7.8 the year before, by Demographia’s calculations. Hong Kong retained its spot as the least affordable housing market in the world.
Home sales hit lows not seen in over 20 years, in Calgary More than 4,900 units were listed for sale, 30 per cent higher than typical levels for the month, CREB said. Calgary home sales slide 14% compared with a year ago. Realtor Emma May said those holding out for a so-called spring market likely won’t see the results they’re hoping for. “I actually foresee that we’re going to get a lot more inventory coming onto the market here in the spring. But I’m not sure that we’ve got
A median house there costs a dizzying 20.9 times median income. Demographia considers any housing market with a ratio above 5.0 to be “severely unaffordable.� To be considered “affordable,� a housing market would have to have a ratio of no more than 3.0. By those standards, Toronto house prices would have to fall by more than half, and Vancouver prices would have to fall by some 75 per cent, in order to be “affordable.� We’re going to go out on a limb here and say these cities will never be affordable again, at least not by this metric. Looking at Canadian cities alone, the list is dominated by locations close to either Toronto or Vancouver. B.C. and southern Ontario cities take every spot among the top 20, save for Montreal, which just squeaked onto the list.
the buyers to pick that up. So while inventory levels are high I think they’re going to just get higher here for a little for a period of time,� she said. CREB chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie said the job market and lending rates have both had an impact. “We just didn’t see the economic growth that was expected in the second half of 2018,� she said. “Demand hasn’t improved enough to absorb additional supply.�
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
Detached home values likely to drop in next property assessment
The real estate market in most parts of Metro Vancouver has softened over the last year and homeowners will see those changes reflected in their property assessments next spring. Outside Metro Vancouver, it’s a different picture. Home owners in the rest of the province can expect increases of five to 15 per cent for assessed values of single-family homes. And in parts of central and northern Vancouver Island, and Kitimat, home values are at least 20 per cent higher than last year. B.C. Assessment has released a preview of its figures for 2019, which will be sent to property owners in early January. Metro Vancouver home sales and prices down to more ‘historical’ levels, says real estate board
“It’s a real mix in property value changes, but the market can best be summed up as showing signs of stability across most areas of the province,” said property assessor Tina Ireland. “Changes in property assessments
really depend on where you live. For example, assessed values for detached single family homes in many areas of Metro Vancouver may see a softening in value, while other
markets and areas of the province will see modest increases over last year’s values.” Of note this year, B.C. Assessment says it observed a five to 10 per cent drop in prices of single-family detached homes in Vancouver, the North Shore, South Surrey, White Rock, South Delta and Richmond. Other Metro Vancouver municipalities showed stable values or modest increases, according to the independent assessment authority. In general, the rest of the province could expect increases of five to 15 per cent for assessed values of single-family homes. The exceptions were in parts of central and northern Vancouver Island, and Kitimat, which were valued at least 20 per cent higher this year. Climbing property assessments trigger warning letters to 90,000 B.C. homeowners
Real estate industry poised for a tech disruption in 2019 Real estate agent Shawn Zigelstein remembers a time, just a few years ago, when a printer, scanner and fax machine were the most important tools of his trade. “I don’t even know the last time I sent a fax, to be honest with you,” laughs Zigelstein, a sales rep with a Royal LePage brokerage in Richmond Hill, Ont. “Oh the dilemmas we used to have were unbelievable. Now our clients can open their phone up, push a few buttons and the [offer] papers are signed.” Zigelstein says the adoption of technology
in real estate has grown exponentially over the past few years and it’s a trend he thinks will only grow as more options become available and realtors scramble to lure in the millennial market. The agents that are not adapting to this change are going to see their business drop considerably because they can’t adapt fast enough. “The agents that are not adapting to this change are going to see their business drop considerably because they can’t adapt fast enough,” he said. From smartphone apps like Loom, which
Real estate market expected to mederate over next 2 years
allows realtors to remotely share screens and presentation slides with clients, to digital signatures that can be verified with phones and tablets, technology is shaping a new way for realtors to do business. Historically, the real estate industry has been a “laggard” when it comes to embracing technology, says Frank Magliocco, a partner at PwC Canada who specializes in the housing market. “But I think what you’re going to see now is a fairly significant ramp up in embracing that technology once it becomes more mainstream,” he said. “It’ll be increasingly important to remain and be competitive in the marketplace. Once you see these technologies prove out, you’ll see more and more adoption.” Analysis
#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005
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
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
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Classifieds / Jobs Matrimonial
Permanent Resident Ramgarhia Sikh Born In 1975 Is Looking For A Suitable Wife. Girl Should Be From A Good And Respectable
Family Presently In Canada. Leave Message At 604 377 2890
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Saturday, February 2, 2019 South Asian Seniors Carpet Bowling Game January 13th 2019 (Sunday) 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members & even nonmembers to come & enjoy the fun of Carpet Bowling Game, a great exercise free of cost and make some new friends, on January 13th 2019 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey B.C. Even if you have never played, Baldev Raj Kohli, who is well trained, will teach you how to play Carpet Bowling & have great fun. All are welcome, tea & 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 call Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details. South Asian Seniors - Antakshari Hindi Songs Competition Sunday, 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan. Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults, Senior members & nonmembers also to join us for Antakshari Songs Competition with Hindi songs on Sunday from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. The participants will be divided in to two groups, could be male members against female members or combined both. The game is of ending words of the song sung by the last singer, to be continued by the song by the next singer of the opposite group, if one group fails to sing for the last word of the song then the opponent can sing the song and the group who failed to sing is eliminated, No song is repeated in the game by both groups. Tea & snacks will be served to all participants 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 Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.
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LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Grandkids of boomers to face ‘very high’ tax burden: Report A new study that looked at the tax burden of various generations of Canadians has found that those born between the 1950s and 1990s aren’t paying their fair share, putting the burden on those born after 2005. The federal debt has ballooned to $666 billion which translates to $18,030 per person, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Most provinces’ debts are also growing. Ontario now owes $322 billion, Quebec owes $188 billion and Alberta owes more than $51 billion. C.D. Howe Institute’s new research shows that burden isn’t shared equally between the generations. To conduct the research, Senior Policy Analyst Parisa Mahboubi examined current and future net revenues, as well as spending, net debt, and expected demographic
changes like an aging population. “The projected lifetime fiscal burdens of the youngest generation (born since 2005) and future generations are very high: higher than those of any other generations, especially those born from the mid-1950s to the 1990s,” Mahboubi found. “Generally speaking, baby boomers and their children fare well … but the grandkids of baby boomers do not,” Mahboubi added. The study points to health care costs as a particularly vexing challenge. It assumes 1.3 per cent annual growth in health care spending but says that if spending grows at the same rate it increased from 1996 to 2010 (3.3 per cent annually), that would “shift the resulting tax burden to future generations and render a large and untenable imbalance.” Another risk is rising interest rates.
BC gas pipeline work delayed after animal traps allegedly found on construction site Work on a controversial gas pipeline in northern B.C. was delayed on Thursday after crews allegedly found animal traps set on their construction site. The work is being conducted near Houston B.C., as a part of the Coastal GasLink pipeline that would stretch from the Peace Region to Kitimat, and which has been the subject of opposition from some local Wet’suwet’en First Nations members. Coastal GasLink says that on Wednesday, crews arrived at an ancillary site about 17 kilometres from the Morice Bridge to find a number of animal traps in the trees, and signs posted, warning workers that there were traps on the work site.
The company said it had previously notified trappers that work was being done in the area and that the site was off-limits. The company says on Thursday work was shut down temporarily due to “safety concerns arising from a number of individuals entering an active construction site and the continued placement of traps.” “Safety is our top priority. Accessing an active construction site where heavy equipment is at work and placing traps in an active construction site poses a threat to our people as well as those on the site unauthorized.”
Abbotsford driver fined $311 for packing passenger over seating and one in trunk of the vehicle An Abbotsford driver is facing hefty fine after getting caught with human cargo in the trunk of vehicle. In a tweet, Abbotsford Police say a traffic officer “located this little surprise in the trunk of a 2 dr coupe!,” referring to a photo of an unidentified person packed in the trunk. An #AbbyPD Traffic Officer located this little surprise in the trunk of a 2 dr coupe! The trunk is a dangerous places to be in a collision as they are designed to collapse on impact to protect passengers. Please do NOT do this. Your passengers are #preciouscargo. #Drivesafe pic.twitter.com/E0Fb0z2lWY — Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) January 26, 2019 Sgt. Judy Bird said, the trunk passenger was discovered during a traffic stop last weekend. Police say there were six adults in their 20s in the vehicle – a driver and front-seat passenger, and four in the back seat including one person spread out over the laps of the three others.
Gangster facing drug-smuggling charges in Thailand A man who has been linked to the Independent Soldiers gang is facing drug smuggling charges in Thailand. Blair Curtis Stephens, 38, was arrested earlier this month in Bangkok, along with a Thai national. The head of the Thai Office of Narcotics Control Board said other Canadians are also involved in the smuggling operation, which was allegedly mailing heroin hidden in shock absorbers from Thailand to Australia. B.C.’s anti-gang agency says Stephens left Canada about six years ago when he became the focus of law enforcement in this province. “Blair Stephens is well known to police, has criminal connections, and has a significant criminal history related to the Okanagan area,” Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, said Tuesday. She said Stephens moved to Thailand in about 2013 “after increased attention due to his criminal activity” in Canada. “Yet again, we have an example of an individual fleeing to another country escaping their criminality and associated violence. However, as we have seen so many times before, their criminal activity catches up with them and in this case, resulted in an arrest and potential penalties in a foreign country,” she said. Global Affairs Canada said in an emailed statement that officials are “aware of the arrest of a Canadian citizen in Thailand.” “Canadian consular officials are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information. Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed,” Global Affairs spokesman Philip Hanan said. B.C. gangster Blair Stephens (right) with his Thai co-accused Pahol Siwasirikarun.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, February 2, 2019
BC nurses approve new collective agreement with pay increase, workload changes B.C. nurses have narrowly voted in favour of a new three-year contract with the B.C. government’s standard two per cent annual wage increase. But the deal between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association and the Health Employers’ Association of B.C. also includes wage premiums if employers don’t meet staffing levels they have agreed to. Starting on April 1, 2020, nurses will receive an additional $5 an hour if they are working on a short-staffed unit, department or program that has 10 or fewer scheduled nurses. There are other premiums as well for nurses who work in units that are understaffed and for those who agree to work a shift on short notice. The agreement takes effect April 1 and expires March 31, 2022. The B.C. Nurses’ Union says 54 per cent of the more than 21,000 ballots cast in a ratification vote supported the agreement, which was reached in November. B.C. nurses opposed to tentative contract
want more staff, not necessarily more money “I believe we have negotiated an innovative contract that will make a positive impact on the working lives of our members and the patients in their care,” union president Christine Sorensen said in a statement on Friday. “However, nurses have sent a clear message to the government that they are skeptical real change will come.” The union says a provincewide survey in 2017 showed staffing and workload were the biggest concerns for nurses in contract negotiations. “Unsustainable workload coupled with a systemic nursing shortage has a direct impact on a nurse’s ability to provide safe patient care. Our members have spoken,” Sorensen said. “While more needs to be done, this contract is a step in the right direction.” The Nurses’ Bargaining Association represents about 44,000 registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses in B.C.
Hate crimes unit consulted for investigation after Edmonton mosque visited by men known to police Edmonton police said their hate crimes unit was called in to help investigate after a prominent and well-attended mosque in the northwest part of the city was visited by a group whose activities are known to police. A police spokesperson told Global News they could not identify the group being monitored because “groups change names and alliances frequently, so there’s no consistent name they go by.” The communications director of Al Rashid Mosque said people she works with were very concerned when the men visited. “There were two suspicious men that came into the mosque [and] we were not sure what they were doing,” Noor AlHenedy told Global News. “One of them was wearing a toque with the word ‘infidel’ on it in Arabic. We didn’t pay attention at first until our executive director went upstairs. “They toured the mosque, came upstairs to the women’s section… they were just looking like they were scouting the place and then he (one of the men she called suspicious) went downstairs and went to the bathroom.” Al-Henedy said the men left when approached by the mosque’s executive director. She said the men joined other members of their group outside and a confrontation unfolded with members of the community. She said one of the people who was part of the group she didn’t know and who was involved in the confrontation
streamed the encounter live online. “The security and safety of everyone that was coming to pray in the mosque was our priority,” she said. “So we called the cops right away to get them to come and evaluate the situation and eliminate any threats that may have happened because we were not really sure what was happening. “We are entrusted by our community as an organization to make sure that we have the freedom to practise our religion and we wanted to make sure that everybody was in a safe place and nobody was getting harassed.” Ty Hunt told Global News he was one of a group of five men that went to the mosque so that he could use the bathroom and they could ask questions about Islam. He said it’s hard for him to ask questions of Muslims because “there’s no Muslims at the Yellow Vest rallies” and “it’s hard to run into a Muslim on the street.” Hunt is the bearded man seen entering the building to use the bathroom, and who was wearing the toque that says “infidel” in Arabic. “I’ve got a tattoo on my neck that says ‘infidel’ as well… it just means nonbeliever… in anything,” Hunt said. “The Christians don’t get offended by it…I’ve gotten more feedback by the Muslims than I have anybody else…. I put it on my neck because it’s time for them to get over it. You’re in Canada, now it’s [time to] integrate into Canada.”
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NDP candidate doubles down on LNG opposition despite leader’s support NDP candidate Svend Robinson is standing firm in his opposition to any new oil and gas infrastructure, despite NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s support of the B.C. liquefied natural gas pipeline. “I oppose any new oil and gas infrastructure, including that particular one,” Robinson told Evan Solomon when asked about the B.C. “We’re probably going to have to leave a lot of the oil and gas in the ground if we’re going to meet these targets. We owe that to our children,” he said. Robinson first announced his opposition to any new oil and gas infrastructure in an interview with Don Martin that aired Tuesday on CTV Power Play. The comment sparked headlines and even attracted the ire of more than one politician on Twitter, with both Alberta UCP Leader Jason Kenney’s office
and former Tory leadership candidate Brad Trost slamming Robinson’s stance online. Robinson served for over 25 years in the House of Commons under the NDP banner. However, his position on oil and gas pits Robinson against Singh, his own party’s freshly minted leader. “I’ve already mentioned my support for this project given the fact that they’ve done consultation in a very meaningful way, broadly speaking,” Singh told Solomon in an episode of CTV Question Period, which aired Jan. 13. Robinson said he’s also faced backlash from members of his own party over his strict stance on oil and gas. “People say to me what about Alberta, what about those workers, you don’t give a damn about those workers. I’ve even heard that from some New Democrats,” Robinson said.
Cape Breton mother & daughters charged with multi-million-dollar fraud A Cape Breton family is alleged to have defrauded the federal government of $3.6 million over a five-year period. Federal prosecutions officials confirmed the amount involved in 30 charges against a mother and three daughters is $3,628,805.00. Charged are Lydia Saker, 74, of Shore Road, Sydney Mines and her daughters, Georgette Young, 47, of Stanley Street, Sydney; Angela MacDonald, 45, of Terra Nova Drive, Kentville; and Nadia Saker, 43, of Leitches Creek.
The three daughters appeared in provincial court Wednesday in Sydney during which an arrest warrant was issued for the mother, who failed to attend. One of the daughters told Judge Diane McGrath that she was representing her mother but McGrath explained the accused needed to appear. The warrant was issued but will be held until the next scheduled court appearance for all of the accused on March 4. None of the accused have yet to hire a lawyer.
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
Venezuelan-Canadians in Vancouver angry with Canadian leaders’ stances on political crisis Two groups of Venezuelan-Canadians, both with different views on who should lead that country and what Canada should do and say about it: one saying Canada should stay out of the situation in Venezuela, while the other is angry with Canadian politicians for suggesting President Juan Guaido’s power is illegitimate. The first demonstrated in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon, raising signs and holding a banner demanding “U.S./Canada: hands off Venezuela.” Another is circulating letters aimed at NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, outraged because they believe his comments amount to suggesting Guaido’s reach for power is a coup.
Laura Avaledo is one who is interpreting the statement in that way, and says she represents many Venezuelan-Canadians in Vancouver who want Singh to issue an apology. “They should be better informed about what they’re saying, and try to understand a little bit more about what is happening with the Venezuelan people,” she says. “We’re very, very concerned that some comments are being made, when we have family and friends suffering there, and they’ve been fighting for this for many, many years. “The situation in Venezuela is a humanitarian crisis. Food shortages and financial turmoil has led to millions fleeing the country. People’s lives and safety are at risk. The NDP condemns military
Canadian prairies colder than North Pole, The term ‘extreme’ has been circulating across the continent as provinces and states experience cold weather, but few places are as cold as the prairies. Polar Vortex is also a great buzzword, and it has a major impact on the weather and temperatures around a big chunk of the country. The atmospheric conditions are an upper level low pressure system higher up above the earth’s surface. Around the eastern prairies, a ridge of high pressure has built up, essentially meaning that the eastern prairies are getting a steady stream of air from the top of the world. Extreme cold warning continues along eastern Saskatchewan Simply put, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are being blasted by air from above the Arctic, making them the coldest places in the country, and quite possibly on the planet. Cold air sitting over much of
Canada Wednesday Jan 30, 2019. Cold air sitting over much of Canada Wednesday Jan 30, 2019. The coldest place in the country on Wednesday is Key Lake Sask., with an air temperature reading of -47.2 Celsius. The award for coldest major city in Canada goes to Winterpeg. At 7 a.m. the temperature was -39.8 C and the wind chill was as cold as -52. Winnipeg has been dealing with colder than normal temperatures for almost two straight weeks. Typically this time of year, temperatures range from -21 C to -11 C. Only once in the last two weeks have
Chinese state run media attacks Canadian journalist’s reporting which led to Ambassador McCallum’s ouster Joanna Chiu, deputy bureau chief for the Star Vancouver reported that Canada’s ambassador to China said it “would be great for Canada” if US dropped its request to extradite Huawei’s chief finance officer Meng Wanzhou. Ambassador John McCallum’s comments challenged the Canadian govt’s position that it will follow the rule of law on the extradition request, rather than strike a deal with China. Shortly after the story published, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired Ambassador John McCallum. Chinese state media attacked Canadian journalist after reporting on Chinese telecom firm. On Sunday, the Global Times’ editorin-chief Hu Xijin tweeted that “Chiu has the malicious intention to mislead interviewee and ruin him [McCallum]. There is problem with her professional ethics.” An op-ed published Monday in the Global Times continued the attack. “Chiu’s behavior made her look like a paparazzo instead of a serious journalist. It’s not hard to imagine the
serious consequences if such important news is reported in a ‘paparazzi’ way,” the op-ed said. The Global Times is a state newspaper under the official People’s Daily that’s best known for its nationalistic op-ed page. In the past, it has attacked foreign journalists and writers who have been critical of the Chinese government. On Twitter, Chiu was also targeted by pro-China trolls. “Sigh. I’m starting to feel unsafe even though I’m in Canada,” Chiu, a former China correspondent, tweeted in response to the op-ed Monday night. Previously, the Global Times published an op-ed supporting Chinese authorities’ decision to not renew a visa for French journalist Ursula Gauthier in 2015. And last August, it criticized the reporting of BuzzFeed News’ former China bureau chief Megha Rajagopalan. The arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver set off a global political fire-storm. US has charged Huawei tricked US banks into violating sanctions
Liberals write off $163 million in student loans feds will never collect The federal government is writing off more than $163 million in outstanding student-loan payments that officials will never be able to collect. New spending documents show the government is giving up on debts from 31,658 students after “reasonable efforts to collect the amounts owed.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at a Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada meeting on Jan. 25, 2019 in Quebec City, Que. New spending documents show the federal government is giving up on debts from 31,658 students after “reasonable efforts to collect the amounts owed.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at a Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada meeting on Jan. 25, 2019 in Quebec City, Que. New spending documents show the federal government is giving up on debts from 31,658 students after “reasonable
efforts to collect the amounts owed.” It is the fourth time in the last five years that the government has written off outstanding student loans. The government periodically gives up on some of the $19 billion owing in student loans for a number of reasons: a debtor files for bankruptcy, the debt itself passes a six-year legal limit on collection, or the debtor can’t be found. The Liberals have looked to make it easier for graduates to pay off their loans — and the government to collect the cash — by increasing the minimum annual income a person has to make before they are required to make debt payments. The threshold is now set at $25,000. Free-tuition program is gone, tuition reduced and student fees are no longer mandatory, Ford government announces Students demand Ford government reverse course on OSAP changes
Saturday, February 2, 2019
2019 for PM Trudeau A lot has changed for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau since he swept to power almost four years ago. What hurdles does he face as he heads into another election year? Shortly after he was elected as PM, Justin Trudeau grabbed international headlines for a breezy quip explaining his gender-balanced cabinet: “Because it’s 2015”. The come-from-behind ascent of the young leader marked a new era of progressive Liberal politics in Canada after voters ousted previous Conservative government that had been in power for nearly a decade. His government has kept some promises since: it overhauled the child benefits scheme, legalised recreational cannabis, and gave parents the option of taking an extended parental leave. But there were fumbles along the way: a disastrous overseas trip to India, broken promises on electoral reform and on short-term deficits. Now, heading into his fourth year in office, his government is sounding a little less breezy and looking a little more battle-scarred. It’s not surprising to see a politician nearing the end of his or her mandate hit “a patch of malaise or quicksand with the electorate,” says Shachi Kurl, executive director of the Angus
Reid Institute, a not-for-profit national polling firm. “We all remember what felt like the neverending honeymoon, but his approval has been deteriorating over time.” With a federal election scheduled for next October and analysts warning of possible trouble ahead, what are the challenges facing Trudeau as he seeks a second mandate? 1. Some Canadians feel left behind The economy is motoring along nicely. Unemployment is at its lowest in decades, and inflation is on target at just over 2%. Canada also managed to clinch an updated - though still to be ratifiedfree trade deal with the US and Mexico after months of uncertainty that spooked businesses dependent on the North American partnership. But not everyone is feeling confident about the future. “People are feeling like they’re left behind, they feel like they’re not connected, they’re feeling overwhelmed, and they’re concerned that their economic position seems to be declining from generation to generation” says the CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs. “It’s something that’s really emerged over the space of the last three years. It’s the affordability issue.” There are warnings of a possible economic downturn and more market volatility.
Andrew Scheer warns of unaffordable tax increases if Liberals are re-elected Canadians will pay more taxes if the Liberals are re-elected, Andrew Scheer warned Sunday as he rallied his Conservative troops for the last sitting of Parliament before an election this fall. The Conservative leader issued that rallying cry at the close of a three-day meeting with his MPs and nominated candidates — ostensibly held to prepare for Monday’s resumption of Parliament, but with an eye firmly on the Oct. 21 election date. While he enumerated a host of Liberal shortcomings, Scheer zeroed in particularly on what he deems the fiscal failures of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. “If you take one thing away from this whole weekend, it’s this: if Justin Trudeau is re-elected, your taxes will go up,” Scheer asserted. “If he is given another four years, everything — from the gasoline you put in your car to the food you put on your table to the taxes you pay to Ottawa — will cost you more money.” As proof, Scheer pointed to the Liberals’ carbon tax, which went into effect
this year at $20 per tonne of carbon emissions and is slated to rise by $10 a year until it hits $50 per tonne in 2022. Beyond that, Scheer predicted a re-elected Trudeau government would find other ways to make Canadians pay more. “The biggest reason we know Justin Trudeau will raise taxes is because his neverending deficits will force him to,” Scheer said, claiming that the Liberals have “no plan to ever, ever, ever balance the budget. “It’s as certain as anything in life: with Liberals, first come the deficits, then come the taxes.” And the only thing that can prevent a Liberal victory is the Conservative party, said Scheer, while casting himself as the product of an average middle-class family — in contrast to Trudeau’s privileged upbringing. “The everyday Canadians we fight for can’t afford four more years of Justin Trudeau,” he said. The Liberals wasted little time Sunday before firing back — another sign that an election is imminent.
Scheer calls Trudeau’s foreign policy a ‘Disaster’ after ambassador to China fired The “debacle” over the firing of Canada’s ambassador to China is the latest in a string of foreign-policy failures for the prime minister, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer charged on Monday. Scheer also cited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s controversial photo-op-filled trip to India last winter, said Trudeau made “concession after concession” on the trade front to U.S. President Donald Trump, and frustrated Japan and Australia when Canada didn’t immediately sign on to a rebooted Trans-Pacific Partnership in late 2017. “It’s clear that the prime minister’s foreign policy is a disaster and Canadians are paying for his mistakes,” Scheer said in the first question of the government in the newly constructed House of Commons in the West Block of Parliament Hill. The final sitting of Parliament before this fall’s federal election opened with the Liberals on the defensive, following Trudeau’s decision on Friday to fire ambassador John McCallum. The move came
after a turbulent week that saw McCallum — an experienced cabinet minister who was parachuted into a sensitive diplomatic job with Canada’s second-largest trading partner — go off script in Canada’s efforts to win the release of two men imprisoned by the People’s Republic after Canada arrested a Chinese telecommunications executive. “After clowning around in India and inviting a convicted terrorist along with him, he then was forced to take concession after concession from Donald Trump. He even angered our partners in Japan and Australia. And now we have the debacle with China. Why did the prime minister show such weakness and wait so long to fire his ambassador?” Scheer demanded. Trudeau sidestepped the question and reiterated taking points about how the government is devoted to the rule of law and remains committed to marshalling international support to win the release of the two Canadians and seek clemency
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ISRO opens doors to India’s first Human Spaceflight Centre in Bangalore Gearing up for its maiden manned space mission ‘Gaganyaan’, ISRO unveiled its Human Space Flight Centre here Wednesday. The space agency is gearing up for the human spaceflight programme by 2021-end that is likely to include a woman astronaut. Gaganyaan is the “highest priority” for ISRO in 2019, according to the space agency, and the plan is to have the first unmanned mission in December 2020 and second for July 2021. Once this is completed, the manned mission will happen in December 2021 K Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman, in the presence of K Sivan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, inaugurated
the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) Wednesday at ISRO Headquarter campus in Bengaluru, the space agency said on its website. Directors of other ISRO Centres, former Chairman and other dignitaries were also present, it said, adding that a full-scale model of Gaganyaans crew module was also unveiled during the event. The Human Space Flight Centre team, ISRO chairman K Sivan and exChairman K Kasturirangan stand in front of the Gaganyaan crew module replica at the inauguration. Image: ISRO The Human Space Flight Centre team, ISRO chairman K Sivan and ex-Chairman K Kasturirangan stand in
Fix same retirement age for all ranks in CAPFs - High Court orders In a judgment that has implications for thousands of officers from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Delhi High Court today struck down rules that prescribe different retirement age for different ranks and directed the Union Government to fix a uniform age of superannuation for all ranks. At present, the retirement age of officers of the rank of Commandant and below in CAPFs, earlier known as paramilitary forces, is fixed at 57 years while officers of the rank of Deputy Inspector General and above retire at 60. Incidentally, retirement age is different for different ranks as well as for various branches
in defence forces too and certain contentions on this issue are pending for adjudication. Disposing of a bunch of petitions, a Division Bench comprising Justices S Muralidhar and Sanjeev Narula directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to take all consequential steps within four months to decide a uniform retirement age for all members of CAPFs irrespective of their rank, thus bringing them all on par and fix the date from which the changed retirement age will take effect. The Bench observed rules prescribing retirement age of 57 for those of the rank of Commandant and below in IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security
Former finance minister raises concerns over unemployment rate hike Former finance minister P Chidambaram raises doubts over GDP figures, wondering how the unemployment rate is highest in 45 years? when the economy is growing at 7%. Taking a dig at the Centre, he claimed that when the government revised the GDP figures it did not realise that the unemployment figures also got revised. Chidambaram’s remark came ahead of the interim Budget on Friday. The government on Thursday said it had not finalised the survey on labour force which reportedly showed that the unemployment rate in the country hit a 45-year high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18. The National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO’s) periodic labour force survey (PLFS), according to the Business Standard newspaper, states that unemployment was last this high in 1972-73. The unemployment rate was 2.2 per cent in 2011-12, it said. “NITI Aayog vice-chairman asked ‘How can
a country grow at an average of 7% without employment?’ That is exactly our question. With unemployment at a 45-year high, how can we believe that the economy is growing at 7 per cent,” Chidambaram said on Twitter. “Modi Government revises GDP growth figures upwards. What government did not realise was that unemployment figure was also revised upwards,” he tweeted. Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, who had previously mounted a defence of lowering of UPA-era GDP growth rates, at a hurriedly called press conference said the report cited by the newspaper “is not finalised. It is a draft report”. The report generated a lot of controversy, with Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying the Modi government had promised two crore jobs, but five years later a “leaked job creation report card” has revealed a “national disaster”.
No tax for those with income of up to Rs 5 lakh in new Budget Making a big populist push in its final Budget before the General Election, the Narendra Modi government on Friday exempted people with an earning of up to Rs 5 lakh from payment of income tax, announced an annual cash doleout of Rs 6,000 to small farmers and provided a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to workers in the unorganised sector. Converting what was supposed to be an Interim Budget or a vote on account into an almost full-fledged Budget announcement in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal proposed an array of incentives for both middle-
class and farmers, whose disenchantment was said to have cost the BJP dearly in recent assembly elections. Over 3 crore salaried class, pensioners, self-employed and small businesses with total income of up to Rs 5 lakh will save Rs 10,900 in income tax annually after considering the relief Goyal provided in form of a ‘rebate’. For those making investments of Rs 1.5 lakh in tax saving instruments, the tax-free income would be Rs 6.5 lakh. The rebate will cost the government Rs
India to breach fiscal deficit target this financial year: budget Fiscal deficit this financial year would be 3.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), slightly higher than the targeted 3.3 percent, the country’s acting finance minister said on Friday while presenting an interim budget. “Fiscal deficit has been brought down to 3.4 percent in the revised estimate of 2018/19,” Piyush Goyal told the lower house of parliament
as he delivered the Hindu nationalist-led government’s last budget for an election that must be held by May. The deficit was widely expected to be higher than targeted due to a combination of revenue shortfalls and increased spending ahead of the election.
Jobless rate at multi-decade high in India: report An official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India’s unemployment rate rose to its highest level in at least 45 years in 2017/18, the Business Standard newspaper reported on Thursday, delivering a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi months before a general election. A political controversy over the survey erupted after the acting chairman and another member of the body that reviewed the jobs data resigned, saying there had been a delay in its scheduled December release and alleging interference by other state agencies. The assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), conducted July 2017June 2018, showed an unemployment rate of 6.1 percent. That was the highest since 1972/73, the period for which the data are comparable, the newspaper reported, citing documents it had reviewed. It did not give a figure for 1972/73. But the government think-tank NITI Aayog said the report was only a draft and that a final version would be published in March. It denied unemployment was widespread in India, whose economy is
one of the fastest growing in the world. “You can’t be growing annually at 7.2 percent and saying that there are no jobs being created in the economy,” NITI Aayog Chief Executive Amitabh Kant said at a press conference. “To my mind, the problem is that there’s a lack of good-quality jobs, and that’s what we need to focus on. There’s a wages problem, and there’s a very big informal sector in India’s economy.” He said the country was creating more than 7 million jobs a year, enough for “new entrants” joining the workforce. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress party, the main opposition, said the report showed “a national disaster”. Though India’s economy has been expanding by 7 percent plus annually, uneven growth has meant that new jobs are not keeping pace. And critics say the government’s claims of economic success have sounded increasingly hollow. Modi’s ambitious Make-in-India project has failed to take off. It was intended to increase the share of domestic manufacturing from 17 percent of gross domestic product to about 25 percent and create jobs for an estimated 1.2 million youth entering the market each month.
PUNJAB
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Punjab will remain Congress fort, BJP ‘magic’ can’t work here, says Manpreet Badal Punjab’s Finance Minister Manpreet Badal asserted that his state is strong fort of Congress party and any kind of BJP “magic” cannot work there. He also said his party’s decision to draft Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia as general secretaries for Uttar Pradesh was like a smart general bringing the ‘reserve force’ to the battlefront when the war peaks and it would ensure success. Badal was here in this Swiss Alps town to represent Punjab in its maiden appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, during which he made a strong pitch for investments and to boost its international profile to fast-track industrial development. Attending a number of official sessions, sideline events and bilateral meetings with
HC seeks affidavit on CPS powers Nearly a year after the Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the operation of an order setting aside the appointment of retired IAS officer Suresh Kumar as Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, a Division Bench today called for Chief Secretary’s affidavit on powers exercised by him. The Bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli fixed February 13 as the next date of hearing. The direction came after senior advocate Gurminder Singh argued Suresh Kumar was virtually exercising Chief Minister’s power when he was out of station — an assertion objected to by Advocate-General Atul Nanda. Appearing on behalf of the state, senior advocate and former finance minister P Chidambaram had justified his appointment by asserting it was in accordance with the norms. He had added that the CM was in need of able officers for formulating strategies and making plans to fulfil the promises made in the manifesto.
Wild leopard attacks villagers A high drama started in Lamba Pind, village area of Jalandhar there a wild leopard was spotted in a house. Subsequent attempts to capture the wild cat led to the animal attacking at least six people, though none was injured seriously. After the animal was spotted first by a villager, the police were informed. Subsequently, Forest Department officials also arrived, who used a tranquiliser gun twice to sedate the leopard. A net was also thrown on the animal. After waiting for a while, a forest official approached the animal, but to his surprise, the leopard jumped up and escaped. In panic, the leopard ran outside across a field, in the process attacking six people, including a forest official. It was spotted entering another house, and the forest officials were planning to administer a third dose of tranquiliser. Forest department teams of Jalandhar and Hoshirapur were engaged in efforts to capture the big cat. Another team is expected from Chandigarh. Principal Chief Conservator Forests Kuldeep Kumar said, “Most probably the leopard has strayed here from Punjab Shivaliks or from near rivers. Our staff has seen pugmarks of the animal near Beas too. We have tried to tranquilise the animal, which has now been cornered. “Dr MP Singh, Senior Veterinary Officer from Chhatbir, will soon reach the spot and see if more dose can be given. After rescuing him, we will examine if he has any injuries and needs care. We may keep him for some days, if required,” he added.
prospective investors and international organisations, he pitched his state as a great place to do business in with a supportive ecosystem. In an interview on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting that ended Friday, Badal told PTI, “Punjab is the Congress party’s fort and the BJP has never been able to win over the people of Punjab.” “The BJP’s magic may have worked across the country, but it never worked in Punjab,” he added. On the appointment of new general secretaries for Uttar Pradesh, which was announced when the Davos summit was underway, Badal said, “What smart generals do at the time of war, is they keep one part of the force in reserve. When the war has started and reaches its peak, then the reserved force is brought to the front and that helps win the election.”
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Turf war with BJP, Akali Dal skips NDA meeting rift between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its alliance partner BJP is out in the open, with the former today skipping a meeting of the NDA to finalise floor strategy for the Budget session. Accusing the BJP and its ideological wing, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of trying to meddle in Sikh religious affairs, the Akalis have taken a strong stand against the saffron party. The SAD has convened an urgent meeting of its core committee here on Sunday to discuss the issue of “infringement” on Sikh religious affairs by the BJP and RSS. Sources told The Tribune with the BJP unwilling to retract on the issue or call Akali leaders to “sort it out”, the two allies could even snap ties. Three recent incidents — the amendment to Section 11 of the Takht Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib Board Nanded Act, 1956, by the BJP government in
Maharashtra; conferring a Padma Bhushan to sulking Akali Dal MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa by the Centre, without taking the SAD into confidence; and the bid to force a Rashtriya Sikh Sangat nominee as president of Takht Patna Sahib — have set the alarm bells ringing in the Akali Dal. The party leadership is livid at the BJP for trying to “infringe” on their (Akali Dal) territory. SAD senior vice-president Daljit Singh Cheema said the party was “deeply concerned” over the BJP trying to step on their toes. This could have “devastating consequences” as neither the Akali Dal nor the Sikhs would tolerate the bid by RSS (through Rashtriya Sikh Sangat) to take over religious institutions. The party decision to skip the NDA meeting and outburst by Manjinder Singh Sirsa on the issue yesterday, is a carefully thought out strategy by the party to show its annoyance ahead of the parliamentary elections.
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Ousted CBI chief Alok Verma may face departmental action for ‘defying’ gov’t order Ousted CBI director Alok Verma may face departmental action for ‘defying’ a government order asking him to join as chief of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, officials said on Thursday. According to the officials, this non-compliance of the directive amounted to violation of service rules for all India services officers. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had directed Verma to take charge as director general of the Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards on Thursday, the day of his superannuation. As Verma did not take up the new assignment as directed, he is likely to face departmental action which may include suspension of pension benefits, Home Ministry officials said. In a letter sent to Verma Wednesday, the MHA said, “You are directed to join the post
of DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards immediately” which was seen as rejection of his letter addressed to Secretary Department of Personnel earlier this month in which he wrote that he should be deemed to have retired from the services on July 31, 2017, the day he completed his 60 years. In response to the letter the same day, Verma reiterated his position that he stands superannuated from the post of Director, CBI from January 10, 2019 evening. In his response to R S Vaidya, Deputy Secretary in the home ministry, Verma said his date of birth from the official records is July 14, 1957 which implies that date of superannuation was July 31, 2017. “The undersigned has already crossed the age of 61 years and continued to serve even after his superannuation date as Director, CBI which is a tenure post for a
Kerala becomes home of world’s first solar-powered airport Kochi, (also known as Cochin) in state of Kerala is now world’s first solar-powered airport. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), India’s fourth largest international airport in terms of passenger traffic—commissioned a 12 mega watt (MW) solar power project. The airport already had a 1MW solar power plant, which can produce 4,000 units of electricity daily. With its new solar plant, the airport can now produce 60,000 units of electricity every day, which is more than enough to meet its daily requirement. “We initiated a pilot project in February 2013 as part of our plan to shift to renewable energy by setting up a 100 kilo watt unit,” VJ Kurian, managing director of CIAL told Quartz in a telephone interview. “When we found that feasible, we set up a 1MW unit in November 2013.” “We did not want to be identified as just another airport and be confined to it,” Kurian added. After the airport found the 1MW project
financially viable, it invited tenders to set up a 12MW project within the airport complex. ”Work on the 12MW project started in February 2015 and was completed in less than six months” Kurian said. Spread across 45 acres of land— equivalent to 25 football fields—the project was built by German engineering company Bosch for Rs62 crore ($9.5 million). The area for the solar unit was earlier designated for setting up a cargo handling facility. Since the airport expects to produce more than what it is likely to consume, CIAL is planning to feed some of the power into the state grid. “Over the next 25 years, this green power project will avoid carbon dioxide emissions from coal fired power plants by more than 3 lakh metric tons, which is equivalent to planting 3 million trees or not driving 750 miles,” CIAL said in a statement.
Defence budget crosses 3 lakh crore for first time Despite the rapidly expanding military prowess of China, the Narendra Modi-led government on Wednesday maintained a relatively ‘small’ hike of about 6.92 per cent in defence spending and announced an allocation of Rs 3,05,296 crore, that would include Rs 1,03,380 crore as capital outlay for the years 2019-2020. This sum does not include the pensions which have been pegged at Rs 1,12,079 crore or Rs 17,065 as miscellaneous expenses. The capital is meant for new equipment, weapons, aircraft, naval warships, Army vehicles. This year – ending March 31, 2019
— the capital outlay is Rs 93,982 crore. Though the expense of the MoD will account for eight per cent of all government spending, it leaves India ‘gasping for breath’ to catch up with its neighbour China which has spending of US $ 155 billion. In dollar terms India’s budget is around USD 43 billion. MoD has literally been weighed down by increased salaries and pensions — the expected effect of the Seventh Pay Commission and enhanced pensions after the one rank one pension.
Fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari arrested from Africa The fugitive gengster, Ravi Pujari, who used to operate in Mumbai in 1990s, has been arrested in Senegal, Africa according to medial reports. The fugitive gangster was earlier believed to be hiding in Australia. Ravi Pujari was mentored by gangster Chhota Rajan, who is currently serving a life sentence in a jail in Navi Mumbai. The two parted ways sometime around 2001. When most of his shooters were arrested by the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Police, Pujari was believed to have
shifted base to Bengaluru. Pujari, who is from Padbidri near Udupi in Mangalore, is said to be fluent in English and Kannada. Last year, JNU student Umar Khalid, student activist Shehla Rashid and Dalit leader and Gujarat legislator Jignesh Mewani had allegedly received death threats from the gangster. Ravi Pujari also allegedly used to make extortion demands to Bollywood personalities between 2009 and 2013.
Two militants killed in encounter in Pulwama Two militants were killed in a late night encounter with security forces in Drubgam area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Pulwama following information about presence of militants in the
area, a police official said. He said a gun battle ensued as the militants opened fire at the security forces. Two militants were gunned down, the official said, adding that their identities and group affiliation were being ascertained. With PTI inputs
Two Air Force pilots die in Mirage 2000 fighter jet crash in Bengaluru Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Mirage 2000 upgraded trainer version by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited crashed in Bengaluru on Friday morning. The plane was undergoing its acceptance trial by the IAF when both pilots ejected and one pilot crash landed in the burning
wreckage. Sources have confirmed, the second pilot died in the operation theatre. IAF has not released the names of the pilots yet.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
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SOUTH ASIA
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Nearly 5,000 low-paid employees sacked over strikes in Bangladesh Nearly 5,000 low-paid Bangladeshi garment workers sewing clothes for global brands have been sacked by factory bosses for taking part in strikes over wages earlier this month that turned violent. Thousands of labourers walked out of factory floors across the country in days-long protests that disrupted the $30bn industry and saw police fire rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators. One worker was killed and more than 50 injured in clashes in Ashulia, a key industrial town outside Dhaka where clothes are sewn for retail giants H&M, Walmart and many others. Police said thousands of factory workers accused of looting and vandalism during the protests have been fired, but unions have accused the industry of intimidation and a crackdown. “So far the factories have dismissed 4,899 workers due to the unrest,” a senior police officer told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators earlier this month Unions say the real number fired is much higher, closer to 7,000, and that nearly
100 more have been arrested in roundups. Police would not comment on allegations of widespread arrests. Salauddin Shapon, general secretary of industry body IndustriAll Bangladesh Council, said many workers were afraid to return to work. “Cases have been filed against 3,000 unidentified workers which has created panic. Many have opted to stop going back to work,” he said. Police were deployed in a bid to break the strikes, which only ended when the government agreed to a paltry pay rise which amounted to as little as a few cents a month for some workers. “The fact remains that, even after recent amendments, workers in Bangladesh still earn poverty wages,” said Ben Vanpeperstraete, from the Amsterdam-based activist movement Clean Clothes Campaign, on Monday. “The government is undertaking measures to intimidate workers and squelch any attempt of workers to organise.” Bangladesh is home to 4,500 clothing factories employing 4.1 million workers and is the second-largest exporter of garments worldwide after China.
Sri Lankan President lashes out the politicians President Maithripala Sirisena says that ‘There are no wild animals, wild trees or wild forests as such but only wild politicians and wild people’’, President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday at Rajagiriya after declaring open a new building of the Finance Commission. “I know quite well how politicians and officials become corrupt and engage in misdeeds ruining the economy, the establishments they give leadership and the country. But I can’t reveal these things now because they will say I am trying to disrupt the system. They will go on strike. I hope to write a book after my retirement on how politicians and officials
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destroyed this country based on the experience I have by remaining in politics for 40 years. I hope the Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe will also will write a book on the same subject after his retirement,” the President said. “Former education minister I.M.R.A. Iriyagolla composed a popular song sung by schoolchildren. The first line went like this: Loke Uthum Rata Laknawai, Lankawai Siri Lankawai. If we sing this song today it must be changed like this: Loken lokuma horu Lankawei, Lankawei Siri Lankawei,” the President said. Climbing the steps of the Finance Commission new building, he said he was glad
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
US-Taliban talks: As hopes rise of a deal, what comes next? The United States and the Taliban are closing in on a deal to end America’s longest war after six days of some of the most serious Afghan peace negotiations to date wrapped up Saturday. The talks in Doha, Qatar, lasted much longer than planned and longer than any previous attempt to
end the 17-year conflict, and both sides publicly reported progress -- a rarity. The chief American negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Twitter that the talks were “more productive than they have been in the past” and he hoped they would resume shortly. He also said he was flying to the Afghan capital, Kabul, for
consultations with the government there.“We have a number of issues left to work out. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, and ‘everything’ must include an intraAfghan dialogue and comprehensive cease-fire,” he said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday that the news from the peace talks has been “encouraging.”“The U.S. is serious about pursuing peace, preventing Afghanistan from continuing to be a space for international terrorism, & bringing forces home,” Pompeo said on Twitter.Khalilzad’s comments suggested that the key sticking points were the terms of a Taliban cease-fire and getting the insurgents to give up their longstanding refusal to speak to the Afghan government, which they deride as an American puppet.Still, this is the first time in nine years of intermittent peace efforts that all sides seem serious about reaching a deal that, in the first phase, would exchange a Taliban cease-fire for a phased withdrawal of U.S. forces. Then the Afghans and the Taliban would need to detail exactly what the peace will look like in terms of the Taliban sharing power in government and how that might affect an array of other issues, such as the status of women in the country.
Disoriented pilot, bad runway approach cited in Nepal crash A Bangladeshi airliner was misaligned with the runway and its pilot was disoriented and tried to land in “sheer desperation” when the plane crashed last year in Nepal, an investigation report said. US-Bangla Airlines Flight BS211 from Dhaka crashed on its second l an d i ng attempt at Kathmandu’s Tr i b h u v a n International Airport on March 12, 2018. The 51 people killed were 28 Bangladeshi, 22 Nepalese and one Chinese national, and 20 others were injured. The pilot and co-pilot were among the dead. The investigation report compiled by Nepalese officials and made available Monday said the probable cause of the crash was the pilot’s disorientation and loss of situation awareness. “Contributing to this, the aircraft was offset to the proper approach path that led to maneuvers in a very dangerous and unsafe altitude to alight with the runway. Landing was
completed in a sheer desperation after sighting the runway, at very close proximity and very low altitude,” it said. The report also said the pilot had been released from the Bangladesh Air Force in 1993 due to depression and was only allowed to fly civilian
planes from 2002 after a detailed medical evaluation. Also, the pilot was under stress and emotionally disturbed and had lack of sleep in the preceding night. The report also cited a lack of assertiveness from controllers at Kathmandu airport in monitoring the flight path and failing to issue clear instructions to carry out a standard missed-approach procedure.
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FIJI
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Chief justice advices new law graduates maintain reputation for the profession Do not be lax, unprofessional or disrespect your clients or the court and be sure to start well and maintain a reputation for professionalism, accuracy and dependability. These were the words of advice given by Chief Justice Anthony Gates to the 42 law graduates from the University of the South Pacific who have been admitted to the bar today at GPH in Suva. Chief Justice Gates also highlighted to the newly admitted lawyers that they must gain the trust and confidence of the court, that they are going to assist the court and show that they know what they are doing as it would be difficult to win over the court later. Chief Justice Gates says that some young counsels think it is in order, not to turn up to court leaving their clients alone and not knowing what to do. He advised the new lawyers that if they do this, the Legal Aid Commission will delete
them from their list and the young lawyers may have a complaint to answer before the Independent Legal Services Commission. Meanwhile Nadawa resident Kelepi Gauna tried to hold back his tears as thoughts of his late wife came back as he was being admitted to the bar as a lawyer at GPH. Speaking to Fijivillage following his admission, Gauna was emotional as he spoke about his 5 years of studies in India and the hopes he had for his now 3-year-old daughter. The 28-year-old reminisced about beginning his studies in 2010 and then later meeting his wife before completing his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law and moving back to Fiji with his new family in 2016. Gauna says he returned to India this year to visit his daughter adding that he is blessed to have his 3 year old with him as he achieved this milestone.
Seema Shandil appointed as new CEO of Consumer Council of Fiji Seema Shandil is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Council of Fiji. Shandil began her duties as CEO last week and brings with her extensive work experience in the field of Research, Economics, Project management and education. Consumer Council Board Chairman Raman Dahia congratulated Shandil on her
appointment saying it gave the Council added impetus to ensure consumer rights are protected. Shandil has more than 20 years of work experience and has worked for some prestigious organizations like Fiji National Provident Fund as the Manager Research and Product Development, as an Economist at Reserve Bank of Fiji and as an educator with the Ministry of Education.
Two former police officers deny murdering Josua Lalauvaki T wo former police officers have pleaded not guilty to murder in the Suva High Court today. Kelepi Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere are alleged to have killed 26-year-old Josua Lalauvaki on 2nd September last year following an altercation outside a nightclub.
26-year-old Josua Lalauvaki The charges laid against the two men were read in court today. They said that they understood the charges before pleading not guilty before Justice Daniel Goundar. The matter has been adjourned to 18th April, 2019.
Prime Minister tells permanent secretaries that nothing can happen magically unless they make it happen The Prime Minister tell to Permanent Secretaries that he has been in government for long enough and he knows that nothing can magically happen unless they make it happen. While speaking to Permanent Secretaries at their Retreat in Denarau, Bainimarama also highlighted to the Permanent Secretaries that if they spend their days delegating, they will not get
anywhere particularly when it comes to the civil service reforms. He also stressed that if they want something done well, as Permanent Secretaries they need to see it done themselves. Bainimarama adds that they will not take their foot off the pedal until they reach the high international standards they have set for the civil service.
Fiji should continue to maintain a sufficient level of foreign reserves - RBF Governor Governor of Reserve Bank of Fiji Ariff Ali [right] delivering their Annual Report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Ariff Ali says the country should continue to maintain a sufficient level of foreign reserves. While delivering their Annual Report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Ali says ensuring a safe and stable financial system is vital in the continued sustainable growth of the economy. The RBF Governor says inflation in Fiji had declined in the 2017/2018 fiscal year to around 3.1% when compared to an average of 4.4% in the 2016/2017 fiscal year. Ali says the adverse weather we encountered in the past years contributed much to the rise of prices. Ali stresses to the members present that the increase in global crude oil prices and shortages in supply are beyond the control of the central banks.
He says inflation at the end of the 2017/2018 fiscal year stood at 4.7% driven from both domestic and imported inflation excluding alcohol, tobacco and yaqona which contributes
2.9% to inflation. Ali says Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign reserves remains above the benchmark throughout the review period. bAli says the Fijian financial system continues to expand, recording a growth of 8.1% or $1.3 billion to reach $19.8 billion in July 2018. He says commercial banking industry continues to dominate the Fijian financial system taking up nearly 50% of the financial system assets.
Police urges Football Association to provide report players using drugs Police confirm that they have not received any reports from the Fiji Football Association regarding the allegation of drug use, but are ready to work with the Fiji FA executives when they come forward with the information. Chief of Intelligence and Investigation ACP Vakacegu Toduadua says the Fiji FAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to suspend the players allegedly tested positive for drugs is one Police cannot interfere with, however the onus is on the executives to either report or provide information on any drug related activities that they suspect of, or are aware of, so Police can act on it which may also lead to the involvement of other individuals who may
be the supplier or cultivator. ACP Toduadua says the war on drugs is one that Police need to fight collectively and its success lies in the sharing of information which Police continue to advocate with the community at large. Worrying signs continue to emerge in Fiji Football as 9 out of the 33 players tested positive for marijuana during the National Under 23 trials earlier this month while 2 out of the 32 women footballers also tested positive for marijuana earlier this month. When questioned by Fijivillage on when Fiji FA gets the drug test results and how soon can the Fiji Police Force get the information to investigate how the players got the drugs, Fiji
PAKISTAN
Saturday, February 2, 2019 Islamabad police launched massive crackdown against drug dealers as well as land mafias active in and around the apital city. Crime reports indicating 30 per cent reduction in crime rate, which is big achievement against criminals, reflecting ‘improved policing’ by the Police. While fighting crime on all fronts, seemed more active against drugs and recovered sizeable quantities of contraband substances and liquor with market value of more than Rs70 million. Hashish continued to be the most ‘popular’ contraband drug as the Islamabad Police
Police recoveres drugs worth more than $50,000 recovered as much as 309165 kg of hashish with a market value of around Rs30.9 million. In addition to this the Islamabad Police recovered 40.998 kg of heroin with a market value of Rs80.2 million. Other items included 9,382 bottles of liquor worth around Rs9.4 million, 1.446 kg of ‘Ice’ worth Rs5.78 million
Police operation
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan denies any show-cause notice he received from Indian govt The Indian government has issued Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan a show-cause notice in connection with a case pertaining to alleged foreign exchange violation amounting to 20 million Indian rupees in 2011, according to media reports. Rahat’s manager Aamir Hasan said they have “no information of this [show cause notice] as of yet”. The singer’s management has also released a press release stating: “It comes as a surprise that a notice is being served to Khan sahab. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s management company has no idea about this. Interestingly our lawyers in India are also known to the relevant authorities and as of now they have not received any notice either. “Khan sahab has never had any direct dealings with anyone in India or elsewhere, hence, he being blamed for something like this is bizarre. “It would have been better if the authorities had served the notice first (if any) and then made this public. We will address this if and when we get a notice, and our law firm In Delhi will look into this.”
and 1.106 kg of cocaine worth Rs10.4 million. When contacted, IGP Amir Zulfiqar said that the police also took action against the land grabbers in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Under these operations the troubled areas were identified along with the land grabbers and
The Indian Directorate of Enforcement has given Khan 45 days to respond to the notice, which was issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
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their facilitators. In the ensuring operations 58 ‘First Information Reports’ (FIRs) have been registered, 109 individuals have been arrested and 23 pistols, 6 Kalashnikovs and 8 shot guns were recovered. It was interesting to note that an ‘Internal Accountability Unit’ (IAU) has been created in the Inspector-General’s office wherein officers and officials of good reputation have been posted. Since establishment, IAU has received 69 complaints and all have been disposed of, leading to departmental action against 19 officials. Yet another initiative is the establishment of ‘Centralized Citizen Complaints Redressal System’, again in the
First female Hindu Judge appointed in Sindh Suman Kumari from Sindh becomes first Hindu woman appointed as civil judge n, according to media reports. Suman Kumari, who hails from province of Sindh belongs to Qambar-Shahdadkot, she will be working e in her native area. Suman Kumari passed her law exam from Hyderabad and did her masters in law from Karachi According to her father, Suman wants to help people of Qambar-Shahdadkot. “Suman has opted for a challenging profession, but I am sure she will go places through hard work and honesty,”
her father said. Suman is fan of Atif Aslam, and Lata Mangeshkar. This is not the first time that a person from the Hindu community has been appointed as a judge. The first judge from the Hindu community was Justice Rana Bhagwandas, who served as the acting chief justice for brief periods between 2005 and 2007. Hindus make up 2% of Pakistan’s total population.
Pakistan rejects India’s objections to Qureshi - Mirwaiz conversation
after the probe into the case was recently concluded. The ED had initiated an investigation against Khan and his associates in 2014 after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DIR) in 2011 intercepted the singer and his manager Marrouf Ali Khan at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, allegedly carrying $124,000 and other forex instruments.
Pakistan rejects India’s objections to Foreign Minister Qureshi (pictured) calls to Kashmiri Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, according to some media reports. The Foreign Office in Islamabad said in a statement, reiterated that Kashmir is a pending dispute between the two nations and that the same had been acknowledged through United Nations Security Council resolutions and various treaties signed between India and Pakistan including the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. Foreign Office further rejected any insinuation meant to project the legitimate
struggle of the Kashmiri people of rights to self-determination as terrorism. “Pakistan is committed to extending its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of occupied Kashmir,” the statement added. It further stated that Pakistan will maintain its support and solidarity with Kashmiris until the dispute is resolved peacefully in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and wishes of the people of the occupied territory. Indian troops martyr mentally challenged man in Occupied Kashmir
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
Republic day of India celebrated in South Africa with Gandhi’s tableau
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A group of Indian-origin South African nationals who attended the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi today were moved after seeing the Railway’s tableau themed on the transformation of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to Mahatma. Yashika Singh, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal Province, said the Pietermaritzburg train incident depicted in the tableau ‘’Mohan to Mahatma’’ touched “many emotional chords among us”. In the tableau, a steam-engine train was depicted with the first carriage signifying the 1893 incident of Pietermaritzburg, when Mahatma Gandhi, a young barrister at the time, was thrown off a carriage after facing racism. “I am a fourth-generation South African of Indian-origin, and I love my country, but we feel a sense of deep connection with India too. And, Gandhi and Mandela provide strong links. So, this tableau really moved us,” she said. Yashika Singh, who lives in
Estcourt and works in the media sector, said, a group of Indian-origin journalists have come from different parts of South Africa to cover President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State visit. Asked if they were travelling with the president, Johannesburg-based Fakir Hassen said, “No, this has been done separately”. Durban-based Salma Patel, another South African of Indian-origin who works for a radio channel, echoed Yashika’s sentiments. “South Africa is our home. But, we feel a connection with India. And, we are very delighted to participate in the Republic Day of India,” she said. On the top of the engine, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed, which is similar to the bust installed in June last year at the Pietermaritzburg station, according to information shared by the Defence Ministry on tableaux.
Accused mastermind of illegal markeing goes on trial in USA
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The first prosecution of a pharmaceutical company chief executive tied to opioid overdoses begins, when Insys Therapeutics Inc.’s John Kapoor goes on trial. The fallout may jolt an industry facing steep penalties for its own role in the crisis. Kapoor, 75, is accused of masterminding illegal marketing tactics that contributed to an epidemic of addiction and death. A onetime billionaire who rose from modest means in India, he’s on trial for using speakers’ fees, dinners and cash to lure doctors into prescribing a highly addictive opioid painkiller meant solely for cancer patients. The case will be heard in Boston, but the verdict may echo in the boardrooms of the nation’s pharmaceutical companies. More than 1,500 local governments have sued opioid makers and distributors to recoup the billions of dollars spent fighting the crisis. The clash could serve as a testdrive for how jurors weigh claims of industry wrongdoing.
“It’s a real advantage for the local governments’ lawyers to get jury feedback on the Insys marketing evidence,’’ said Richard Ausness, an expert on mass-tort law at the University of Kentucky College of Law. “It will help them build their conspiracy cases against all the companies involved in the opioid litigation.” A conviction could turn Kapoor into the face of the opioid crisis. The first person in his family to attend college, he became a healthcare entrepreneur after earning a doctorate in medicinal chemistry at the University of Buffalo in 1972. He worked as a drugmaker’s plant manager and later became CEO of a hospital-products company. After forming a venture-capital firm that invested in health-care companies, he merged closely held Insys with NeoPharm Inc. in 2010 to get access to technology to develop pain drugs for cancer patients.
Trump administration changes H1-B Visa program to favor advanced degree holders
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced changes to the H1-B visa program for highly-skilled foreign workers, and outsourcing companies aren’t happy. The change is expected to net up to 5,340 immigrants with a master’s degree or doctorate more than the way the program previously ran, according to the Wall Street Journal. The H1-B modification is a result of Donald Trump’s “buy American and hire American” executive order. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he claimed there was “rampant, widespread H-1B abuse.” The demand among employers for H1-B visas almost always exceeds availability. The system uses a pair of lotteries for the visas. In the past, a first drawing for 20,000 visas was open only to those with advanced degrees. The second lottery for the remaining 65,000 visas was then held for anyone who had at least a bachelor’s degree. The new approach flips the order of the
lotteries. That means a bigger pool of people with advanced degrees enters the general lottery and then those who don’t receive a visa go into the second drawing, given a statistical advantage to those with a master’s or higher. Outsourcing companies, often based overseas, don’t like the change, according to the San Jose Mercury News. NASSCOM, an Indian organization representing IT consulting and outsourcing firms, said that the move would shut out a needed segment of tech workers. But as the New York Times has reported in the past, foreign consulting firms have dominated the awarding of H1-B visa, flooding the system with applications. Because of minimum pay levels that were still below market rates, they were exempt from requirements to not displace U.S. workers. The result was pricing competitive advantage and fewer domestic jobs for citizens.
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NRI convicted of illegal drug offences in UK An Indian-origin man has been found guilty of a 60,000 pounds conspiracy to supply illegal drugs after a trial in the UK this week. Baljit Gill was convicted of two charges
of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, one charge of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and one charge of conspiracy to supply class C drugs at Southwark Crown Court in London on Thursday.
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Saturday, February 2, 2019