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Vol 19 - Issue 6
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Federal Court rejects SNC-Lavalin’s bid to avoid criminal prosecution
Former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin to investigate BC legislature spending scandal
SNC-Lavalin’s attempt to revisit the chance of remediation — instead of a full prosecution — was struck down in Federal Court on Friday. The Montreal-based engineering company is facing charges of corruption and bribery. SNC-Lavalin had sought a judicial review of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) October decision to proceed with charges, instead of using remediation. But the court sided with the DPP on Friday, saying “prosecutorial discretion is not subject to judicial review,� unless there is an abuse of process.
A former chief justice of the Supreme Lenz and James deny any wrongdoing Court of Canada has been selected to and have filed written responses that investigate allegations of spending abuses outline how their expenses were approved, at British Columbia’s legislature. and saying the Speaker’s report harmed Beverley McLachlin’s appointment is their reputations. A committee that expected to go before the legislature for oversees the management and financial ratification on Thursday, but the three operations of the legislature voted last party house leaders announced they have month to conduct an independent factretained her services. Sergeant-at-arms finding probe led by a top legal official. The Gary Lenz and Clerk Craig James have three house leaders are on the committee. been suspended with pay since November McLachlin will conduct that after members of the legislature learned of investigation and present a final report to an RCMP investigation. the house leaders by May 3. In a report released in January, Speaker NDP house leader Mike Farnworth Darryl Plecas alleged the two men have said McLachlin’s name was at the top of engaged in inappropriate spending everyone’s list to lead the probe. including on foreign trips. Continued on page 6
Continued on page 6
South Asian girl, 12, with an IQ higher than Einstein A South Asian girl, 12, with an IQ higher than Einstein was crowned Britain’s brightest youngster after smashing the competition in front of her adoring Sri Lankan parents - and viewers were left in awe following her ‘feminist’ acceptance speech. The 12-year-old girl with an IQ higher than Einstein was
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Hindus urge Bank of Canada to come up with bank notes free of beef fat Hindus are urging Bank of Canada (BOC) to produce beeffree banknotes in the future. Hindus worldwide are upset over Bank of Canada continuing with polymer banknotes which reportedly contained traces of tallow (rendered form of beef or Continued on page 6
New Delhi is world’s most polluted capital city The Indian capital, home to more than 20 million people, was followed by the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka and Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, according to the study by IQ AirVisual, a Swiss-based group that gathers air-quality data globally, and Greenpeace. New Delhi’s toxic air is caused by vehicle and industrial emissions, dust from building sites, smoke from the burning of rubbish and crop residue in nearby fields. The city’s average annual concentration of PM2.5 in a cubic meter of air was 113.5 in 2018.
Kashmir is not just a border dispute between India & Pakistan Tensions between India and Pakistan have diminished in recent days after repeated military clashes in Kashmir led to fear that the two nuclear powers could be on the verge of war. Kashmir is a disputed territory divided between India and Pakistan but claimed in its entirety by both sides. The latest Kashmir standoff was triggered by a Feb. 14 suicide bombing by Jaish-eMuhammad, a militant group with Continued on page 7
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
Canadian dollar hits two-month low as yield spreads widen on dovish BoC The Canadian dollar weakened to a twomonth low against its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday after a more dovish tone from the Bank of Canada drove the gap between Canadian and U.S. yields to the widest in more than a decade. The gap between Canada’s twoyear yield and its U.S. equivalent began to move wider on Friday after data showing that Canada’s economy barely expanded in the fourth quarter. On Wednesday, the spread widened by 2.5 basis points to about 84 basis points in favour of the U.S. bond, its widest since February 2007. “Today, more dovish-than-expected commentary has been triggering the market again ... the FX side has caught up with that rate spread,” said Amo Sahota, director at Klarity FX in San Francisco. Faced with a slowing global and domestic economy, the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady as expected and said
there was “increased uncertainty” about the timing of future rate increases. At 4:18 p.m., the Canadian dollar was trading 0.6 per cent lower at 1.3432 to the greenback, or 74.45 U.S. cents. The currency touched its weakest intraday level since Jan. 4 at 1.3457. The decline for the loonie came as data showed that Canada racked up a record trade deficit in December and that the pace of purchasing activity slowed in February to its weakest in five months. Also, U.S. crude oil futures settled down 0.6 per cent at $56.22 a barrel after U.S. government data showed a sharp build in crude inventories. Oil is one of Canada’s major exports. A former key aide to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is at the centre of a major political crisis, denied on Wednesday he had pressured the then-justice minister to allow a major company to avoid a corruption trial last year. “It is another election year and politics will be important.
Drug users warned about opioid in cocaine after many overdose cases in Surrey A dozen overdoses within a short period has a medical health officer warning drug users to beware of contaminated drugs in Surrey, B.C. Dr. Shovita Padhi of Fraser Health says first responders including firefighters and ambulance personnel reported the unusual increase in overdoses Sunday and believed people were using cocaine contaminated with a powerful opioid like fentanyl. She says people who typically use cocaine should be extra cautious because they may be at greater risk of overdosing if they have no experience using opioids and therefore no tolerance to
the drug. Padhi is urging drug users to not use alone or have the overdosereversing drug naloxone with them. Drug users are also being encouraged to have their substances tested at SafePoint, a supervised injection site that is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., or at public health units between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The BC Coroners Service says 210 people fatally overdosed in Surrey last year, up from 178 fatalities a year earlier.
BC’s first hit of cannabis tax revenue much lower than expected B.C.’s first hit from legal cannabis has fallen far short of the pre-legalization estimates written into last year’s budget. The provincial Ministry of Finance expects B.C.’s share of federal excise taxes on legal marijuana sales will be $68 million over the next three years, substantially less than the estimate of $200 million over three years that the province wrote into its 2018/19 budget. B.C. has received its first $1.3-million payment from the federal government as its 75-per-cent share of excise taxes for the month of October, the Ministry of Finance confirmed this week, which officials have extrapolated to expectations of $68 million over the next three years. The 2018/19 budget had anticipated $50 million for the first partial year of legalization (when it was still assumed legalization would take effect July 1), and $75 million per year for the following two years. “Given the associated costs, we do not expect substantial revenues from cannabis legalization,” said Finance Minister Carole James in an email response to Postmedia questions. Ministry staff said James wasn’t available for a follow-up interview. No estimates for B.C.’s share of the cannabis excise duty were included in the 2019 budget document. Costs that need to be absorbed include establishing B.C.’s regulatory framework, creation of a new community safety unit to enforce regulations, and establishing “a well-regulated non-medical cannabis retail system,” James said. Municipalities also have designs on the
pot of excise revenues to cover the costs of administering their end of zoning and licensing retail locations, floating the idea of a further split in a resolution at the last Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. The excise tax, $1 per gram on cannabis priced $10 a gram or less, and 10 per cent on product over $10 a gram. The $1.3-million payment to B.C., as a 75-per-cent share, implies that a total of $1.73 million in excise taxes were collected in the first 15 days of legal cannabis sales in the province, or an average of $5.37 per sale for the 32,277 transactions reported by the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch. Total cannabis sales figures in B.C. are hard to come by. BCLDB spokeswoman Viviana Zanocco said the branch is not reporting sales data for its B.C. Cannabis Stores, online or in-store, because it represents competitive business information. However, the BCLDB handled 84,480 separate cannabis sales online and 47,730 at the first physical store in Kamloops by the end of February. The BCLDB did not have details on transactions at private retail locations. Cannabis in the legal market is selling for higher prices than the illicit market, according to consumer-reported figures being collected by Statistics Canada. From Oct. 17 to Dec. 31, the average price in the legal market was $9.70 per gram, Statistics Canada said, compared with $6.51 per gram from illegal suppliers. The excise tax figure does not included provincial sales tax to B.C., GST to the federal government, or licensing fees.
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n a wide-ranging conversation Former US president Barack Obama talks wide-ranging topics in Vancouver with the Greater Vancouver always constructive — to a electoral strategy, he said, but “Sarah Palin’s Board of Trade, former U.S. president the United States as well.” lot of these changes.” Barak nomination suddenly brought that populist Barack Obama looked back on his time in Obama spoke of how we Obama said looking back on energy to the fore in the Republican Party the White House and ahead to big-picture live in an increasingly his presidency, a key moment and helped pave the way for President world issues like climate change, economic interconnected was when Republican Trump’s presidency.” Barak Obama told the crowd of 3,500 inequality and the unique relationship that is facing growing presidential candidate John between Canada and the U.S. Reflecting on uncertainty. He noted McCain chose Sarah Palin as who gathered at the Vancouver Convention his accomplishments in the White House, that “in some ways, his running mate, calling it a Centre that Canada and the U.S. need to be Obama described his efforts at health-care Vancouver is a winner moment when “mainstream global leaders when it comes to fighting in the changes that are reform as a “significant step.” Republicans lost control of climate change. “I’m an old-fashioned guy. “It’s still hanging in there,” he said, adding taking place.” He said the rise of the far their party.” The party had incorporated I believe in facts, and the facts are the planet right in Europe, Brexit and “current politics that he hopes the health care that Canadians strains of nativism and populism into its is getting warmer,” he said. “take for granted will be taken for granted in in the United States is a response — not
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OPINION
Tarek Fatah
Monday night’s circus at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto turned out to be a dramatic characterization of the chaos that defines the Trudeau government ever since the SNC-Lavalin scandal broke and attempts to save the corporation from criminal prosecution came to light. Earlier that day, one of Trudeau’s senior cabinet ministers, Treasury Board president Jane Philpott, had resigned with a stunning rebuke of his leadership, saying, “I have been considering the events that have shaken the federal government in recent weeks and after serious reflection, I have concluded that I must resign as a member of cabinet.” She added, it was “untenable” for her to remain because she had “serious concerns” about pressure by “politicians and/or officials” on WilsonRaybould. Philpott had delivered a body
Saturday, March 9, 2019
This Emperor is wearing no clothes blow to the prime minister, but instead of recognizing the seriousness of the calamity facing his government, Trudeau put on an act of false bravado. Back at the Music Hall, Liberal Party office bearers and MP staffers too acted out as if nothing had happened. They set up the stage of human props that would become Trudeau’s backdrop, arranging just the right mix of ethnicities, age groups, gender balance and everything else that goes into staging a Liberal Party rally nowadays. Usually these stage manoeuvres are hidden from the ordinary Canadian, but Monday night, thanks to CBC and Trudeau being late by an hour, the stage management was seen across the country. My eye caught three little boys, perhaps brothers aged between five and 10, being made to stand still with
placards in their hands. They seemed sleepy and yawned, but then what’s a Liberal rally without the five to 10 year age bracket. The boys were brought on the stage at around 6:45 p.m. and stayed there at attention until way past 8 p.m. And then Trudeau made his grand entry, hyperventilating as if he had just spent an hour inside an oxygen tent. If anyone needed to see an example of contrived enthusiasm and fake grins, this was it.
LETTER Peace rally in Holland Park
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Dear sir I was delighted to see that the community spirit is still alive and well. I congratulate SANSAD and CPPC to organize very important rally at this crucial time. Several community activist and organizations took part in this rally. I saw a majority of old timers were present but unfortunately, I felt that not many young persons showed up. This is their future, they must recognize and get active. Around seventy five people attended the rally. Speeches were excellent. I was a bit disappointed to see the crowed. All Indians and Pakistani have their friends and relatives both sides of the border. Don’t they care for their safety and well being? War could destroy families and thousands of households. With this new invention of nuclear weapons millions could die. Many of us have fresh memories of 1947 massacres when over seven million people were butchered on both side of the border. Religious fanaticism and politicians played a big role in preaching hatred towards people who have been living peacefully as neighbours and friends for centuries. Continued on page 6
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Saturday, March 9, 2019 From page 1
Former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin to investigate BC legislature spending scandal “It needed to be someone who people recognized, who was beyond question, someone with a judicial background that could deal with the issues that we’re facing,” he said. She will review the reports that have already been written on the allegations, he said, and the committee hopes she will provide answers to questions that it has had when it comes to making any decisions about the status of Lenz and James. The terms of reference for the special investigation direct McLachlin to conduct a “fair, impartial and independent investigation” into whether the two officials committed misconduct.
The terms say the reports to be reviewed by the investigator include the Speaker’s report in January, the written responses and legal submissions by Lenz and James, and the Speaker’s report on the written responses. In addition to reviewing those documents, McLachlin may also interview anyone she deems appropriate. Plecas, James and Lenz may provide further verbal or written evidence. The terms say her final report will summarize the allegations and any interviews she conducted, outline findings of fact and provide an analysis and conclusion. She may also make one or more interim reports to the house leaders.
Federal Court rejects SNC-Lavalin’s bid to avoid criminal prosecution From page 1 SNC-Lavalin is facing allegations it paid millions in bribes to obtain business in Libya. The issue of remediation is also at the heart of the scandal rocking Trudeau’s government. Former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould alleged officials from the Prime Minister’s Office pressured her to offer remediation to SNC-Lavalin, garnering accusations of political interference in the legal case. Trudeau has admitted there was
an “erosion of trust” between his office and Wilson-Raybould, but has denied all accusations of pressure. Trudeau dodged questions from reporters about the court ruling on Friday while in Iqaluit, repeating that his government is focused on trying to protect jobs. “On this specific question of a DPA, that is the Attorney General’s decision to make … and the Attorney General will make that decision,” he told reporters.
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South Asian girl, 12, with an IQ higher than Einstein
the winner of Channel 4’s Child Genius 2019 on Saturday after impressing with her exceptional spelling. Dubbed the ‘human calculator,’ Nishi Uggalle, from Manchester, who attends a top grammar school, correctly spelled the word neurohypophysis to run away with the title. Her Sri Lankan parents Neelanga Uggalle, who works in IT security and is a Vice President in Barclays Bank, and her mother Shiromi Jayasinghe who works as an accountant, watched on from the audience. The Stephen Hawking superfan inspired viewers with her feminist attitude, and used her acceptance speech to celebrate women in science, technology, engineering and mathematic subjects. ‘I was clapping when Nishi won,’ enthused one viewer. ‘So deserved, self-motivated and
excellent,’ while another added: ‘I sat gobsmacked watching Nishi on Child Genius. She was wonderful. Well done to her.’ Nishi Uggalle, 12, (pictured) from Manchester, was crowned Britain’s brightest child last night and widely praised for her acceptance speech, in which she said she wanted to prove girls could do mathematics +5 Nishi Uggalle, 12, from Manchester, was crowned Britain’s brightest child last night and widely praised for her acceptance speech, in which she said she wanted to prove girls could do mathematics She ‘gobsmacked’ viewers as she went head-to-head with fellow competitor William, 11 in a lightning buzzer round +5 She ‘gobsmacked’ viewers as she went headto-head with fellow competitor William, 11 in a lightning buzzer round.
Hindus urge Bank of Canada to come up with bank notes free of beef fat mutton fat). Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, urged BOC to show respect to the feelings of Hindus and come up with a banknote production process which did not use beef as an ingredient. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that it was highly insensitive on the part of BOC to continue with reportedly beef-laced banknotes. Rajan Zed urged BOC Governor Stephen S. Poloz and Canada’s Finance Minister Bill Morneau to seriously look into this issue and Prime Justin Trudeau to intervene.
Consumption of beef is highly conflicting to Hindu beliefs and it is certainly banned from entering Hindu religious centers. Cow, the seat of many deities, is sacred and has long been venerated in Hinduism, Zed states. Most of the large companies world over did extensive consumer research before launching a new product. BOC should have been wise and literate enough to look into the religious sensitivities of its consumers before investing so much money and effort into the production of polymer banknotes, Rajan Zed pointed out.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019 From page 1 From page 4
Peace rally in Holland Park Good steps have been taken to renew friendship between people of Pakistan and India. It must continue to strengthen relationships both sides of the border. Many of my friends who visited Pakistan recently told me that the people were very friendly and hospitable. They enjoyed their visit enormously and ask others to carry on these exchanges. Hundreds of families who got uprooted in 1947, their wounds are still fresh. My family was also uprooted from Hong Kong when Japanese bombarded in 1938 during Second World War. We all fled to India. My father was very sad and depressed and died within three months after immigrating to India. War is no good for anyone. I am sure people’s voices will be heard by the both country leaders. They, hopefully, will use dialogue over the war. But I urge at least one thing we can do which is under control. Stop listening to media who preach hatred and ignore them. As a diasporas we should demonstrate respect, love, compassion to each other and oppose fanatics who advocate revenge. Dr. Charan Gill, M.A., M.S.W., O.B.C.
More snow for Metro Vancouver
T
he heavy snow overnight in some parts of Metro Vancouver caused early-morning havoc on the roads Friday, especially in Surrey and east towards the Fraser Valley. A number of cars spun out on Highway 1 near the Port Mann Bridge, including a limo at 3am. The driver was frustrated. “This snow started earlier today and the plows just came by but it’s a little too late,” the limo driver said early Friday. “And I just got back from Whistler and Whistler all the way down to the Upper Levels, it was awesome. The Lower Mainland here is crazy.” cold, upper-level, low-pressure system sitting right over the South Coast. “What we had through the night are bands of snow that have been moving in from the southeast and rolling through parts of Metro Vancouver, especially in a north-south line through Coquitlam and the Surrey area and more out around Langley as well,” “Now, these areas of wet snow will continue to be a problem for several hours, but by midmorning should fizzle a lot more, with drier air for sure later on through the day.”
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Kashmir is not just a border dispute between India & Pakistan links to al-Qaida and founded by the Pakistan-based cleric Masood Azhar. More than 40 Indian soldiers died. India blamed Pakistan for providing moral and material support to the terrorist organization, which is banned in Pakistan but operates openly there. On Feb. 26, India launched air strikes against Jaish-e-Muhammad’s training camps on the Pakistani side of Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated, claiming to have shot down two Indian fighter jets on Feb. 28. Indian sources said that just one Pakistani jet and one Indian jet had been downed, and an Indian pilot taken hostage by Pakistan. Pakistan has since released the pilot, soothing tempers – for now, at least. Why Kashmir? The Kashmir issue has caused tension and conflict in the Indian subcontinent since 1947, when independence from Britain created India and Pakistan as two sovereign states. Jammu and Kashmir – the
full name of the princely Himalayan state, then ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh – acceded to India in 1947, seeking military support after tribal raids from Pakistan into the state’s territory. The two countries have fought three wars over the region since. The first, which began in 1947, ended with the partition of Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan under a 1949 United Nations-brokered ceasefire. Wars in 1965 and 1999 ended in stalemate. But Kashmir is not simply a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan. As illustrated in my recent edited volume on the history of this contested territory, Kashmir is a multi-ethnic region with several internal subregions, whose inhabitants have distinct political goals. Pakistani Kashmir consists of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, jurisdictions that want to become formal provinces of Pakistan to gain more political autonomy over their internal affairs. Indian
Kashmir includes Jammu, Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley. While the first two regions desire to remain part of India, the Muslimmajority Kashmir Valley wants independence from it. A many-sided conflict The desire for autonomy in different areas of Kashmir has led to repeated uprisings and independence movements. The most prominent is a violent insurgency against Indian rule in the Kashmir Valley that began in 1989 and has continued, in ebbs and flows, over the past three decades. Thousands have been killed. The Kashmir Valley has become a militarized zone, effectively occupied by Indian security forces. According to the United Nations, Indian soldiers have committed numerous human rights violations there, including firing on protesters and denying due process to people arrested.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani jumped six positions to rank 13th on Forbes World’s Billionaire list released Tuesday that was again topped by Jeff Bezos. E-commerce colossus Amazon founder Bezos, 55, remains the world’s richest person, ahead of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, as his riches swelled by USD 19 billion in one year and is now worth USD 131 billion, Forbes said. Ambani, 61, saw wealth soar from USD 40.1 billion in 2018 when he was placed 19th richest in the world, to USD 50 billion to be rank at 13th in 2019. “Ambani chairs and runs USD 60 billion (revenue) oil and gas giant Reliance Industries, among India’s most valuable companies,” Forbes said. “In 2016,
Mukesh Ambani is 13th richest in world: Forbes Reliance sparked a price war in India’s hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio.” Jio, it said, has signed on 280 million customers by offering free domestic voice calls, dirt-cheap data services and virtually free smartphones. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, arrives to address the company’s annual general meeting in Mumbai, India July 5, 2018. Ambani, Chairman and
Managing Director of R e l i an c e Industries, arrives to address the c o m p a n y ’s annual general meeting in M u m b a i , India July 5, 2018. Ambani leads the 106 billionaires from India on the Forbes list. Wipro Chairman Azim Premji is ranked 36th with a net worth of $22.6 billion dollars.
Balakot Air Strikes: Calling Pakistan’s nuclear bluff was long over due
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Pakistan, which was created in the name of Islam, has struggled with an identity and governance crisis, almost from the word go. In a futile quest for parity with India, its leadership has made numerous wrong choices, relegating it to the ranks of a failing and rogue nation. In 1979, at the behest of the US, it took to training Mujahideen (Islamic fighters) to wage jihad (holy war) against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. In parallel, they stepped up surreptitious efforts to develop nukes and ballistic missiles. Washington, desirous of keeping Islamabad in good humour, conveniently turned a Nelson’s eye. Pakistan, which has delegated effective control of tactical nuclear weapons to theatre commanders, has since, been blatantly indulging in nuclear blackmail, while engineering terrorist strikes against India. Why India was strategic in targeting it? A pre-dawn strike by the Indian Air Force on Tuesday, 26 February, against terror camps of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has resulted in a propaganda war on both sides. While India caught Pakistan unawares 12 days after the Pulwama suicide bombing that killed over 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir, Islamabad, in embarrassment, pledged retaliation at a place and time of their choosing. One of the PAF (Pakistan Air Force) jets was reportedly shot down by India, three kilometers within the Pakistan territory. On the other hand, Pakistan has claimed shooting down two IAF jets and arresting one Indian pilot. IAF has not issued any official statement thus far. Yet, the bottom line has been the unprecedented nonmilitary ‘preemptive’ strike, carefully planned by India’s top security and defence apparatus on Maulana Masood Azhar’s terror army. The deadliest terror organisation Indian forces have ever encountered. About Balakot: Intelligence sources indicate that a very close watch was being kept on terror training camps, launch pads and several seminaries used for indoctrination of youth in Balakot, Bhawalpur, Peshawar, Sialkot and few areas within Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Not only did the dossier prepared by multiple agencies in India specifically have names of the ring leaders of the JeM and their cadre, but also their National ID details, contact numbers and pinpoint locations, apart from the video and audio evidence of regular claims of terror attacks, radicalisation and training sessions.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
PM Trudeau announces help for homeless in Vancouver as part of national strategy The federal government announced plans Monday to develop three projects in Vancouver that will create new affordable housing, helping those who are homeless and expanding the number of shelter spaces available in the city. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government is providing funding to the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency for a temporary modular housing initiative that is aimed at helping those without a home to transition into longer-term housing. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that his government is providing funding to the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency with the aim of implementing a plan to provide more social housing and affordable rental units in the city. PM Trudeau announced Monday that his government is providing funding to the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency with the
aim of implementing a plan to provide more social housing and affordable rental units in the city. Once completed, the project is expected to provide more than 600 pre-built units that can be relocated where they are needed across the city. The funding will also help with the redevelopment of the Union Gospel Mission’s Women and Families Centre in the Downtown Eastside. The centre is expanding to more than 60 units, which will provide shelter for women who are recovering from addiction. Trudeau made the announcement at the site of the $40-million project that will provide 115 rental-housing units in the city later this year. “By investing in affordable rental housing, temporary shelters for people who are living on the streets, and support centres for women battling addiction, we’re not just investing in our communities — we’re investing in people,” he said.
BC boosts borrowing undaunted by housing slump British Columbia plans to boost borrowing to help fund programs including its biggestever climate-action plan, undeterred that a housing slump poses a significant risk to the economy. The province expects new borrowings to rise to $7.5 billion (Canadian) in the coming fiscal year, up from $6.3 billion in the current year, according to budget documents presented Tuesday in Victoria by Finance Minister Carole James. The fiscal plan forecasts economic growth of 2.4 per cent this year, putting British Columbia on track for the strongest expansion among Canada’s provinces this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Premier John Horgan New Democratic Party had last year unveiled a series of dramatic measures to temper property prices, prompting a slowdown in Vancouver residential real estate. Premier John Horgan New Democratic Party had last year unveiled a series of dramatic measures to temper property prices, prompting a slowdown in Vancouver residential real estate. Premier John Horgan’s New Democratic Party government appears to be staying the course, undaunted by plunging home prices in Canada’s most expensive market. Last year, his government unveiled a series of dramatic measures
to temper property prices — including a speculation tax and hiking a levy on foreign buyers. Those moves, along with tighter lending requirements and rising interest rates, have prompted a slowdown in Vancouver residential real estate, traditionally one of the province’s major economic drivers. James welcomed the housing downturn Tuesday, saying that’s exactly what the government had intended — and indicated that further declines were still necessary to make homes affordable in the province’s biggest cities. “I’m cautiously optimistic when I take a look at the moderation we’re seeing in all segments of the market,” she said. “That’s exactly the kind of approach that we’ve been looking for.” Budget documents noted that the government’s measures helped reduce the benchmark price for a detached home in Vancouver by 8.3 per cent over the past six months and condominium prices by 6.6 per cent. James said despite that, housing starts are still “well above” the historic average. Asked if the downturn had run its course, James replied, “I think there’s more to go. I don’t think anyone in the Metro Vancouverarea would classify housing as affordable at this stage.”
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LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
BC legal aid lawyers say province must boost funding or they’ll strike A group representing British Columbia’s to a request for community service organizations to be disastrous effect on legal aid lawyers says if the provincial comment. However, appointed to the Legal Services Society the legal aid system government does not boost funding, it it released a report board, which oversees legal aid in B.C. It while funding will ask its members to vote in favour on legal aid services also recommends broadening the scope for prosecution of withdrawing their services starting shortly after the of Indigenous legal aid services and services and on April 1. The Association of Legal association made its creating legal clinics for child protection the courts has Aid Lawyers said Monday that per announcement. and refugee cases. And it wants the increased,” he said capita funding has shrunk by 60 per The report by auditor general to perform a value-forin a news release. cent since 1992 and B.C. ranks 10th out lawyer Jamie money audit of Legal Services Society “There currently of 12 provinces and territories in per Maclaren follows an operations. “Legal aid is not broken is a huge decline capita funding. Director Richard Fowler external review and in B.C. It has simply lost its way. Years in lawyers taking said the provincial government must public consultations of underfunding and shifting political on cases. They just restore per capita funding to 1992 levels, can’t afford to do it.” Fowler said if the with legal aid users that was conducted priorities have taken their toll on the adjusted for inflation. Legal aid lawyers government doesn’t announce funding in the fall, the ministry said. It makes 25 range and quality of legal aid services, have only had one pay raise in 28 years increases by March 13, the group will recommendations including launching and especially on the people who need and their numbers have dropped to ask its 514 members to vote for the job an online portal to accept legal aid them,” Maclaren writes. 1,000 from 1,500 in 1991, he added. “Still, the will exists in B.C. to make action. The Ministry of the Attorney applications and to help with clients’ “These cuts and consistent legal aid more accessible and effective General did not immediately respond legal problems. underfunding for decades have had a The report calls for representatives for all its many users.” The ministry said from the provincial government, the Law Society of B.C. and frontline
it would carefully review the report and determine next steps.
RCMP ask for help finding missing 56-year-old woman Surrey RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 56-year-old woman. Police say Marie Eileen Cherpeta was last seen in the 14700-block of 104th Avenue at 6:30 a.m. on March 2. “There has been no contact with her since, and she has not been seen or heard from since,” according to Surrey RCMP Cherpeta is described as Caucasian, 160 cm tall, with a slim build, long blonde
hair and blue eyes. Police do not have a description of her outfit when she was last seen. Police and family are concerned for her health and well-being. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or solvecrime.ca, quoting file number 2019-32225.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
More Canadians living alone than ever before: Statistics Canada
F
or the last few days, Morgan Pearson has unpacked boxes and arranged furniture in the Calgary apartment he recently moved to. At 53 years old, it will be the first time he has lived alone since 2011, before he separated from his spouse and moved in with friends. “I’m an introvert by nature with extrovert tendencies. So living alone is actually kind of nice for me. I don’t mind it,” he said. “But you know, I do get lonely.” “I’m an introvert by nature with extrovert tendencies, so living alone is actually kind of nice for me. I don’t mind it,” says Calgarian Morgan Pearson. “But you know, I do get lonely.” “I’m an introvert by nature with extrovert tendencies, so living alone is actually kind of nice for me. I don’t mind it,” says Calgarian Morgan Pearson. “But you know, I do get lonely.” He’shappyabouthisnewlivingarrangement, mostly, he said, but it’s hard work to make sure alone time doesn’t veer into isolation. Pearson’s situation isn’t unique in Canada — a one-person household is a growing trend across the country. That’s a big part of the reason he helped co-found a Calgary-based non-profit last year called Never Alone Peer Support, where members meet each Tuesday
to share stories and talk about life on your own. According to a Statistics Canada report released Wednesday, more people are living alone than ever before, and one-person dwellings are becoming the most common household configurations. The findings were based on data from the General Social Survey (Families) 2017 and the Census of Population 2016. It also saw the number of Canadians
living alone — nearly four million — more than double since 1981. People living alone make up 28 per cent of households across the country. However, Albertans like Pearson are bucking the trend — they are slightly less likely to live alone and they have the lowest shares of one-person households among the provinces, with 24 per cent of households consisting of one person.
BC cities among worst for air quality in 2018, wildfires to blame: report Three B.C. cities were among the worst regions in the world for air pollution last summer thanks to thick smoke that choked the province during the wildfire season, according to an annual Greenpeace report. Overall, B.C. and Canada aren’t among the world’s top air-polluters cited in the 2018 World Air Quality Report. However, when broken down by month, B.C. made the top 10 list in August because of the smoke from the worst wildfire season on record. Smoke from fires in Washington state and Oregon also contributed to the poor air quality. The report uses PM2.5 as a measure of air pollution. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that measures up to 2 1/2 microns in size, and is regarded as the pollutant with the most adverse health impacts. Quesnel and Prince George had airquality readings in August that put them at Nos. 7 and 9 on the list for that month, with readings of 74.2 and 72.2, respectively. At No. 13, Williams Lake, with a reading of 67, also featured among the 20 worst in the world in August 2018. All three of these areas had airpollution levels deemed “unhealthy” by World Health Organization standards. As a result, Prince George saw its average annual air-quality score worsen by nearly 70 per cent compared with 2017. Notably, other areas hit hard by wildfire smoke last year, including Washington state and California, were also high on the list for August 2018. This screen shot from a Greenpeace
report on air pollution shows how much worse pollution was in August 2018, compared with August 2017. “Climate-fuelled forest wildfires pushed air quality in B.C. communities to be some of the worst in the world last August. We cannot accept this,” said Eduardo Sousa, forest campaigner at Greenpeace Canada. “Our province’s vulnerability to forest wildfires has a major impact on the air we all breathe and has serious public-health implications. The report really underscores that we need to act on climate change more robustly for the sake of our well-being and our environment.” B.C. declared a state of emergency during both the 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons. Last summer, a record 13,000 square kilometres of the province was consumed by fire. Overall, 22 out of 30 of the world’s worst cities for air pollution are in India, with Delhi ranked as the No. 1 capital city, according to the report. As for countries, the report ranks Canada well in terms of air pollution. It’s No. 66 out of 73 countries, with Bangladesh No. 1, followed by Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Bahrain. This is a screen shot from the Greenpeace report on air quality. It ranks the countries that are worst for air pollution. The report, which uses air-quality data from public monitoring sources and IQAir AirVisual real-time data, notes that polluted air is the world’s fourth-leading contributing cause of early death. The WHO estimates seven million people die a year from problems related to polluted air.
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Trudeau admits ‘erosion of trust’ during SNCLavalin affair but does not apologize Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not apologizing over the allegations of attempted interference by himself and his staff detailed by former attorney general Jody WilsonRaybould in the SNC-Lavalin affair. In a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Thursday, he said he “takes responsibility” for what he describes as an “erosion of trust” between Wilson-Raybould and his team but specifically rejected her argument that the interactions described by her were inappropriate. Trudeau was asked twice specifically whether he was apologizing for the behaviour of himself or his staff in the SNCLavalin affair. In response to the first question, whether he was apologizing for anything on Thursday, Trudeau responded by saying he was heading to Iqaluit later in the day to give an apology to Inuit for how the Canadian government treated them in the mid-20th century. When pushed as to whether he was specifically offering any apology for the handling of the SNC-Lavalin affair, Trudeau offered none. “I’m obviously reflecting on lessons learned through this and I think Canadians expect that of us … there are things that we have to understand and reflect on and do better next time.” He said he now believes when it comes to the roughly 10 meetings and 10 phone calls by political staff with Wilson-Raybould around
potential job losses at SNC-Lavalin, his former attorney general “saw it differently” than he did as to whether those constituted improper pressure. Trudeau also did not rule out kicking either Wilson-Raybould or former president of the Treasury Board Jane Philpott out of caucus following their resignations from cabinet. “This has been a tough few weeks,” he said, adding he has reviewed all of the testimony given before the House of Commons justice committee in recent weeks on the matter. Trudeau’s remarks come exactly one month
after the Globe and Mail first published the bombshell report alleging officials in the Prime Minister’s Office pressured Wilson-Raybould to intervene in the court case of SNC-Lavalin to save the Montreal engineering firm from facing a criminal trial and potential conviction. Conviction for the corruption and fraud charges against it would see the company barred from bidding on lucrative government contracts for a decade.
Canadian dollar rallies on jobs surge as bets slashed on Bank of Canada rate cut The Canadian dollar strengthened against its U.S. counterpart on Friday, as investors slashed bets on an interest-rate cut this year by the Bank of Canada after domestic data showing a surprise jump in jobs in February. Employers added 55,900 jobs in February, which was the third month of outsized gains in the last four and exceeded the 20,000 jobs created in the United States for the same month. Analysts had forecast February job numbers to be flat in Canada. Chances of an interest-rate cut by
D e c e mb e r, which had climbed this week on a more dovish tone from the Bank of Canada, fell to 20 per cent from nearly 40 per cent before the data, the overnight index swaps market indicated. “I think if you look at this big picture it is an argument for the Bank of Canada to remain on the sidelines in the near term, rather than one for them to consider eases,” said Andrew Kelvin, senior rates strategist at TD Securities. The Bank of Canada has raised interest rates 125 basis points since July 2017.
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LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
City of Vancouver opens public discussion on future of Broadway corridor The City of Vancouver launched a two-year consultation process Wednesday to gather public input on the future of the Broadway corridor as it plans to build a new subway line. City planners said the building of the Broadway Subway provides significant new opportunities for redeveloping the neighbourhoods and streets around the busy thoroughfare. “By putting the heavy mover of people under the surface we have an opportunity to reinvent what Broadway itself looks like as a major street,” said Gil Kelley, the city’s general manager for planning. Construction of the subway line connecting VCC-Clark station to Arbutus Street is expected to begin next year and last five years. The line will then be extended to the University of British Columbia. Planners will use public feedback to create a long-term plan for the area ranging east-west from Clark Drive to Vine Street and north-south from First Avenue to 16th Avenue. Kelley said the exact nature of the plan is undetermined at the moment, but priorities for the city include building new market and below-market housing, protecting existing rental stock and enhancing opportunities for local businesses. City planners will gather public input
that will be used to develop a Broadway plan ranging east-west from Clark Drive to Vine Street and north-south from First Avenue to 16th Avenue. “We have no preconceptions about what the plan ought to be except that it needs to acknowledge there will be a subway in that corridor,” said Kelley.
“So the engagement is quite wide open.” The consultation begins with an online survey and five open houses to be held over the next two weeks. The open houses will be held at the following locations: March 7, 3-7 pm at City Lab, 511 West Broadway - March 8, 3-7 pm at City Lab, 511 West Broadway - March 9, 12-4 pm at City Lab, 511 West Broadway - March 13, 3-7 pm at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2305 West Seventh AvenueMarch 14, 3-7 pm at Kingsgate Mall, 370 East Broadway.
Pharmacist sentenced for fraudulent PharmaCare claims that benefited low-income patients A Richmond pharmacist who submitted thousands of fraudulent claims to B.C.’s PharmaCare system, mainly to save money for his poor and elderly clients, has been sentenced to a year of house arrest. Jin Tong (Tom) Li, 41, pleaded guilty this week to one charge of obtaining more than $5,000 under a false pretense. That crime can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, but Provincial Court Judge Georgia Docolas said the 12-month conditional sentence recommended by Crown and defence lawyers was more appropriate. “This is what I will describe as a low-sophistication crime, committed primarily to benefit his low-income, senior patients,” Docolas said Wednesday. Pharmacare advisory council calls for national drug agency, but no guidance yet on universal coverage Nonetheless, she added, Li’s actions have had a serious impact. “Any time there is a breach of trust involving a public body like PharmaCare ... the impact is high because it affects all British Columbians,” the judge said. Li sold his house to pay back the more than $616,000 he owed the province, the judge said, and he and his wife have had to move in with family. Li is now a stayat-home dad to their three children while his wife had to go back to school so she could find a job to support the family. Li’s actions, which date from January 2013 to December 2014, were discovered during an audit. When the College of
Pharmacists of B.C. investigated, he admitted to submitting more than 2,400 fraudulent claims to PharmaCare which covers eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies for B.C. residents enrolled in the province’s medical services plan. The court heard that Li would bill an expensive medication to the system,
then reverse the claim so that patients wouldn’t have to pay the deductibles. B.C. removes prescription drug deductibles for low-income residents The B.C. government has not tried to recover the unpaid deductibles, according to Docolas. “I’m told this is due to the financial circumstances of the patients,” she said. As of January 2019, B.C.’s NDP government eliminated PharmaCare deductibles for families with annual incomes less than $13,750. Glucose test strips help people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels.
LOCAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Fraser Health issues alert about opioid-contaminated cocaine after 12 overdoses Fraser Health is issuing an urgent warning about cocaine thought to be contaminated with a powerful opioid, possibly fentanyl. According to the warning posted in a tweet from New Westminster police, first responders responded to at least 12 overdoses in Surrey on Sunday. Drug users who do not feel well are urged to seek medical attention immediately. If someone around you overdoses, call
911 and administer naloxone if it is available. Fraser Health is also urging people to not use drugs alone and to use supervised sites.
Former hotel employee awarded $65K by the court after his wrongful detention and assault by the police A former hotel manager in Surrey has been awarded $65,000 in damages after judge ruled police violated his Charter of rights when they wrongfully arrested and detained him, in addition to assaulting him. The decision was handed down by Justice Murray Blok in New Westminster Supreme Court on March 1. The plaintiff, Michael Fong who was the manager of the Oasis Hotel (formerly known as the Dell) at the time of the incident, had sought roughly $1.3 million. Blok found as a result of a “hard takedown”
by police at the hotel in 2006, Fong suffered injuries to his shoulders, neck, back and arms, and other superficial injuries. However, Blok determined Fong “over-reported and exaggerated matters helpful to his claim” and “minimized” things that did not support his claim or “otherwise put him in a bad light.” “I am satisfied, as well, that the violent
nature of the incident, together with the physical injuries suffered by Mr. Fong, caused him some degree of anxiety and stress,” wrote Blok in his decision. “The most difficult aspect is assessing Mr. Fong’s claim that the incident, and the injuries he suffered in the incident, have led to chronic pain, depression and complete or near-complete disability. This assessment is difficult because Mr. Fong’s claims rest, ultimately, on his own reports, including – most importantly – his reports to his physicians, with whom he has been less than forthright, to put it mildly.” Further, Blok noted Fong’s recollection of altercation was “highly elaborate and detailed, improbably so, to the point that it lost most of its believability.” “I conclude that Mr. Fong’s compensatory damages are limited to those physical injuries and reasonablya s s o c i a t e d symptoms that he suffered by reason of the police assault,” the judge determined. According to court documents, the incident happened at the hotel on March 11, 2006 around 1 a.m. There was a “physical interaction” between Fong and police officers who attended the bar and Fong was injured. It happened after officers asked to see the establishment’s liquor license.
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Surrey Schools receives nearly $2.2M from province for upgrade projects The Surrey School District is receiving almost $2.2 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects. The district is receiving $2,194,054 in funding for school maintenance project, according to a news release from the NDP government We d n e s d a y (March 6). The projects include: boiler upgrades at H.T. Thrift Elementary through the Carbon Neutral Capital program; phase three plumbing upgrades at various schools through the School Enhancement program; and three new school buses through the Bus Acquisition program. Additionalfunding,accordingtotherelease, will also be provided for building envelope upgrades at Coyote Creek, Frost Road, Ocean Cliff and Westerman elementary schools. The release says the funding programs are part of a $206 million provincial investment under the Annual Facilities grant, School Enhancement, Carbon Neutral Capital and Bus Replacement programs. The investments are mean “to
ensure students have well-maintained learning environments and bus services that are safe, comfortable and efficient.” This year’s funding, according to the release, is a $500,000-increase from the previous year and a $20.6-million increase from 2016/17.
Since September 2017, the release reads, the NDP government has also approved more than $17 million for school upgrades in the district, including $11 million provided in Annual Facilities Grand funding for school maintenance costs. Surrey NDP MLAs said the funding will allow Surrey students to “benefit from safer, more efficient schools.” “Students deserve the best learning environment we can give them.
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LOCAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Gov’t invests $3.1M to keep winter shelters open year-round The BC government is investing $3.1 million to keep temporary winter shelters in Vancouver open for the next 12 months. A release from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said the move will make sure homeless people have access to nearly 240 beds
residents deserve a warm, safe place that will keep them healthy year-round. Swanson added that she happened to be visiting a shelter a few years ago, right when it was about to close for the season. “People were crying. They were saying, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do.’
Fiji Canadian Professional Women’s Network held it its first Wine and Chai night at Planet India Restaurant on Thursday Feb 28. It was open for all women as meet & greet evening. Women came out from all works of life to come together to be part of this event, and move ahead to give back to the community.
Anti-gang program to be rolled out in Vancouver schools
at facilities that would have otherwise been closed on March 31 of this year. The ministry said the money invested will go towards operating funds at eight temporary shelters in Vancouver, now keeping them open until March 31, 2020. According to the release, the city’s homelessness outreach team will make sure people who use the shelters have access to income assistance, health supports and housing. The investment comes after a motion introduced in Vancouver’s city council on Feb. 26 by Coun. Jean Swanson. Swanson said last week that people who are forced out of shelters when they’re closed have nowhere to go and that all
(A) lot of them were sick, had cancer, had heart issues, they were elderly, and yeah, it’s really tough,” Swanson said. She added that permanent housing is cheaper than running shelters and is the first thing on her wish list. The newly announced shelter funding is a temporary measure, Swanson said. The province’s release Tuesday reinforces the need for permanent affordable housing. “While access to shelter is critical to ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness, the province and city remain committed to delivering more affordable housing to meet the need of people in Vancouver,” reads the release.
A highly successful anti-gang program will soon be rolled out in Vancouver schools. Vancouver police and the school board announced Wednesday that the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C.’s End Gang Life program would be introduced in 18 schools, reaching out to some 4,000 students. The program includes inschool presentations made by VPD gang-crime officers, followed by a “frank and open” talk by a former gangster to discuss his path in and out of gang crime, his time in jail and the lessons learned. Two presentations have already taken place and more will be scheduled in the coming months. The program and presentations will be tailored to Vancouver’s schools. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of the CFSEU, a former VPD officer himself, emphasized that
a multi-prong approach is needed to tackle the gang problem in the Lower Mainland. “I don’t think I’m saying anything that people don’t already know, but police are not going to arrest our way out of gang
problems,” he said. “If we’re going to be successful in preventing youth and young adults from getting involved with gangs, it’s going to take a long-term, co-ordinated, evidence-based strategic approach.”
TransLink still losing millions to fare evaders but it’s not tracking numbers Three years after spending $200 million to install fare gates at its SkyTrain and Canada Line stations, TransLink hasn’t collected any
data to show they are cutting down on fare evasion. Meanwhile, the number of tickets related to fare gate offences has barely slowed. TransLink acknowledges it continues to lose revenue to fare evaders but hasn’t measured evasion since 2014, said spokeswoman Jillian Drews. “There are a lot of smart people working on it,” said Drews, but they haven’t been able to estimate the number of fare dodgers because “they don’t tap in and out.” People slip through fare gates at the Stadium SkyTrain station in Vancouver in a recent still from video. “It’s ridiculous that they have put so much of our money into this and yet they don’t bother to check and actually monitor how well these gates are working,” said Kris Sims, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “There is strong evidence our fare gates deter fare evaders,” said Drews, pointing out that annual fare revenue rose by $30 million for the first nine months the fare gates were operational on the SkyTrain and Canada lines from April to December 2016. The Evergreen extension to the Millennium Line opened in December 2016, which makes revenue comparisons difficult in the ensuing years. Tampering with fare gates — including following a paying passenger through the gates without tapping a Compass card — has become such a problem that Transit Police have been given new powers to ticket that specific offence. The tickets cover a wide range of offences but the “majority of these incidents are associated to officers’ active observations and enforcement.
BC BUDGET
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Meng Wanzhou’s lawyers cite ‘concerns about political character’ in extradition case A lawyer for Meng Wanzhou says he has concerns about the “political character� of attempts to extradite the Huawei executive to the United States to face allegations she conspired to violate sanctions against Iran. Richard Peck’s comments came during a short appearance in B.C. Supreme Court Wednesday in which Meng’s lawyers gave a brief preview of some of the arguments they expect to make in the coming months. Peck said he expects to make abuse of process applications concerning circumstances surrounding the detention of the Huawei chief financial officer by Canada Border Service Agency
officers and RCMP last December. And he noted comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump in the immediate aftermath of Meng’s arrest suggesting Trump might intervene in the case if it would help secure a trade deal with China. American prosecutors want the 47-year-old extradited to the United States where she and Huawei face 13 criminal counts of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction. Meng is the daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei. Wednesday’s appearance was the first time Meng has appeared in court since Canada’s department of justice gave the go-ahead last week to proceed with an extradition hearing. A throng of cameras greeted Meng as
BC to strengthen civil forfeiture laws to fight gangs & drug crime The British Columbia government plans to strengthen its civil forfeiture law to better target drug crime and hidden assets. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says amendments to the civil forfeiture law introduced today in the legislature would expand the reach of the legal tools used to fight gangs and organized crime. He says the proposed amendments will require people accused of criminal behaviour to prove an asset involved in a civil forfeiture proceeding is not an instrument or proceed of crime.
Farnworth says under the proposed amendments the onus will be on defendants to prove items seized in civil forfeiture cases came from legitimate sources. He says the amendments will make the process more efficient and costeffective, and ensure maximum amounts of forfeited funds are available to invest in community safety programs. Farnworth says the amendments are the first significant revisions of the civil forfeiture law in 13 years.
Alliance of BC Students spokesperson says Wilkinson’s student loans are insulting BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson is in hot water again, this time for his comments on the NDP government’s decision to forgive interest on student loans. Wilkinson said interest-free loans might encourage students to “get carried away� with debt and not have a reason to pay it back. But Alliance of B.C. Students chairperson Noah Berson called the notion that students don’t have the foresight to take care of their finances “insulting.� “Students are folks who are capable of forethought. We’re going to get our education, we’re investing in our future. This isn’t the kind of thing we take upon lightly,� said Berson. “Mr. Wilkinson referenced a student he talked to with $80,000 in debt, and it surprised me that the minister of advanced education, at one time, didn’t say: ‘This is a student with $80,000 in debt — let’s help them out.’ He said: ‘This is a student with $80,000 in debt — they’ve wasted their money.’� Berson said there are plenty of checks in place to encourage students to pay back loans without interest, like maintaining a good credit rating. “Your credit rating will go very poor if you’re not paying back your student loans. It’s going to impact your ability to get credit cards, your ability to get a car loan, to put a down payment on a house so this idea that interest rates are the only way we get students to pay back loans is a little insulting,� said Berson. Canadian students owe $28B in government loans, some want feds to stop charging interest He said that extra money for interest can now go towards helping students start their lives post-graduation.
Wilkinson was most recently in the hot seat for comments he made Friday, saying that renting is a wacky, enjoyable time of life and a rite of passage.
she arrived at the downtown courthouse, wearing a purple hoodie and cap. She was escorted into the courtroom on the arms of a pair of security guards who are providing around the clock surveillance as part of Meng’s bail conditions.
A long line of international reporters began gathering outside the courtroom more than an hour before the hearing started. The B.C. Supreme Court’s media accreditation committee has been inundated with requests from reporters around the world for press credentials.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
Surrey Board of Trade signs MOU with Surrey School District The Surrey Board of Trade and the Surrey School District have signed an agreement to work together to develop programs and strategies designed to prepare students for their future careers. In order for students to fully appreciate the range of career options open to them, determine their values, explore interests, experience work environments and benefit from mentorship relationships, they must have opportunities to connect with employers and business representatives in their community. “The Surrey Board of Trade’s Youth Entrepreneurship Policy advocates for and creates entrepreneurship pathways,” said Anita Huberman, CEO Surrey Board of Trade. “It isn’t only about building a career, it is about creating innovative skill sets and building the jobs of tomorrow.” “Opportunities to connect with members of the business community through the Surrey Board of Trade will be invaluable to Surrey students. We believe that this partnership between business and education will enable us to develop innovative solutions to shared challenges,” said Laurie Larsen, Surrey Schools Trustee Chair. The objectives of the partnership between the Surrey Board of Trade and Surrey Schools is to: 1. Expand the current SBOT
entrepreneurship initiatives such as the PowerPlay Youth Entrepreneurs and Project Enterprise Programs within Surrey Schools. 2. Connect students to career ideas and opportunities by having them participate in Surrey Board of Trade events, including the Surrey Industry Bus Tour, the Top 25 Under 25 Awards, and the Surrey Business Excellence Awards. 3. Facilitate and encourage new ideas and initiatives by having students participate as members of the Surrey Board of Trade Youth Entrepreneurship Team and other relevant teams. 4. Expand the array of businesses that are sponsoring work experience students and participating in mentorship programs. 5. Lead Surrey Board of Trade presentations to Surrey School staff and students with career presentations. “This Memorandum of Understanding will allow Surrey Schools and the Surrey Board of Trade to meet career and workforce development goals that will provide long term economic benefits to Surrey students and to the Surrey business community,” said Jordan Tinney, Superintendent, Surrey Schools, SD36.
South Asian teen charged with crimes in Surrey, Coquitlam & Burnaby A man allegedly robbed a driver of his vehicle in Surrey, then caused a hit-and-run collision with a police cruiser in Burnaby and then shot at another vehicle in Coquitlam. An 18-year-old Vancouver man faces robbery and firearms charges in connection with a December crime rampage that played out across three Lower Mainland cities. On Dec. 11, a man robbed a driver of his vehicle in Surrey, then caused a collision with a police cruiser in Burnaby and then fired a gun at another vehicle in Coquitlam. Jeevan Johal Saepan has been arrested and charged with robbery with a restricted/prohibited firearm, unlawfully discharging a firearm, possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm, occupying
a vehicle knowing a firearm is present, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a collision. “We live in good communities and we want the public to know that their local RCMP detachments will always work together to keep our streets safe,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “No one was hurt in this incident, but we appreciate that it could have been worse. We have done a thorough and impartial investigation and want to reassure people that this is believed to be an isolated incident.” Saepan, who is well-known to police, has been released on a number of conditions and is scheduled to appear in Port Coquitlam court March 13.
South Asian man charged with attempted murder, sexual assault & stabbing outside North Delta elementary school At a press conference Feb. 21, DPD Chief A South Asian man accused of stabbing Neil Dubord confirmed that George and the a woman and an off-duty police officer woman were in a relationship and have one outside a private elementary school child who attends the school. He said police in North Delta last month, now faces “were aware the marriage was dissolving … additional charges including attempted but certainly we had never seen any violence.” murder stemming from the incident. George was not known to police, had no Manoj George, 49, of Delta had previously criminal record and there was no restraining been charged with two counts each of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in relation to the incident outside Immaculate Conception School just after 3 p.m. on We d n e s d a y, Feb. 20. D P D Acting-Sgt. John Jasmins intervened after witnessing a man allegedly assaulting a Manoj George, 49, of Delta is facing 10 charges, including attempted woman outside murder, aggravated assault and sexual assault with a weapon of the school. Jasmins, who order in place between him and his wife. was off-duty and unarmed at the time, was On March 6, Delta police announced stabbed several times in the abdomen. Crown Counsel has approved six additional Police began to receive 911 calls at 3:03 charges stemming from the investigation in p.m., and by 3:04 p.m. the first on-duty the circumstances that led to the events of Feb. police officer arrived on scene. A suspect was 20. George has been charged with attempt to identified and taken into custody by 3:06 p.m. commit murder, sexual assault with a weapon, Jasmins and the woman were extortion, unlawful confinement, choking rushed to hospital in critical condition. to overcome resistance and uttering threats. “Investigators believe that if John hadn’t Police say the new charges are in relation acted so quickly, the woman involved to the woman who was injured in the Feb. in this incident could have lost her life. 20 stabbing and there are no new additional He is a hero,” Delta Police Chief Neil victims in relation to this investigation. Dubord said in press release announcing “These are serious charges, regarding the first set of charges against George. circumstances that only came to light once Jasmins underwent surgery on Feb. 20 the police investigation was underway,” said and has since been released from hospital. lead investigator Insp. Guy Leeson of the He is expected to make a full recovery. DPD investigation bureau in a press release. The woman, a 41-year-old Delta resident, George has been in custody since Feb. remains in hospital in stable condition. 20 and will so pending his next court In an update provided Feb. 27, police appearance on March 13. He is now facing a said her condition is slowly improving total of 10 charges in relation to the stabbing but she has a long recovery ahead of her. outside Immaculate Conception School. No children were harmed.
Teens charged with trying to steal $700 sunglasses, tasering security guard When a mall security guard tried to stop the pair, one of the two boys allegedly tried to use a stun baton on him. Two teens are in custody and face several charges after trying to steal a pair of pricey sunglasses before attempting to stun a mall security guard. On Wednesday, the two boys, age 17 and 18, visited Sevenoaks Shopping Centre and allegedly attempted to steal a pair of $700 sunglasses. When staff tried to stop them, the boys ran off. When a mall security guard tried to stop the pair, one of the two boys allegedly tried to use a stun baton on him. The teens were quickly identified and captured shortly after. The boys remain in custody and now face charges of robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failing to comply with court orders.
‘Kalank’ a multi-starrer of the season
K
alank is one of Karan Johar’s most anticipated films of all times,
Sanjay Dutt from his upcoming multi starrer film Kalank, filmmaker Karan Johar shared Alia Bhatt’s first look of her character
considering its star-studded cast, which includes Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur. After sharing first look character posters of Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur and
Roop. On the occasion of Women’s Day, the director is revealing the strong and intense characters of his film. “To love her is to love fire. Presenting Roop,” Johar wrote while sharing Alia’s look on social media. After unveiling Alia Bhatt and
Sonakshi Sinha’s look from the much-awaited film, Kalank, the makers of the film have revealed the most enchanting character of the Kalank gang, Madhuri Dixit-Nene. The actress, who has smitten the world with her smile plays the character of Bahaar Begum in the movie. Take look! ‘Kalank” a period drama film directed by Abhishek Varman and produced by Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala and Fox Star Studios. It stars Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanjay Dutt. [4][5] Principal photography began in April 2018 and the film is scheduled for release on 19 April 2019This will be Alia and Varun’s fourth collaboration after working together in blockbusters like ‘Student of the Year’, ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’ and ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
Vidya Balan about the audience and female sexuality
V
604-566-3111
7233 - Fraser St., Vancouver, BC
idya Balan on how female sexuality has increased courtesy more female narratives on screen like Lipstick Under My Burkha and the recent Amazon Prime Original, Four More Shots Please. Vidya Balan’s unabashed celebration of south Indian star Silk Smitha’s sexuality in The Dirty Picture is hailed as one of the best acts in Hindi cinema and looking back at the 2011 success, the actor says she didn’t mean to use her body to tell a story. Today, at a panel discussion on Women shaping the narrative in media and entertainment, Vidya recalled how many dissuaded her from doing The Dirty Picture, saying it was “only about sex.” “When I did The Dirty Picture, people said that it’s only about sex. ‘She used her body to get ahead in life. You are using your body.’ I said it’s okay, if that’s what get you to the theaters. Because only then you will know her story,” the actor said. Vidya Balan also shared how discussion around female sexuality has increased courtesy more female narratives on screen like Lipstick Under My Burkha and the recent Amazon Prime Original, Four More Shots Please. “Whether it’s sexuality or body, we start from there and then move inwards.
Just the kind of conversations that it has sparked,” Tumhari Sulu actor said. Other panellists at the discussion included filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Guneet Monga and Gazal Dhaliwal.
Later, during the session, the moderator asked the panellists if they felt in the post Me Too-era men are being left out of the increased dialogue around women and their stories. “I was thinking there is no man on this panel. We aren’t even listening to them. We don’t want to know what they say,” the moderator said. Vidya replied, “I don’t think there was any intentional exclusion of men here. For the longest time, we have waited to be heard. It is not that this is not for men and will not include men.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
HOROSCOPE
‘Luka Chhupi’ (hide & seek!) She is trying to choose the right mix of roles and films, and is also cashing in on the fact that her film “Bareilly Ki Barfi� changed the perception of her from a glam, urban girl to someone who could be convincing as a smalltown youngster. On the eve of the release of her newest film, “Luka Chhupi,� Kriti Sanon elaborated on her choices and career at a meet at Mumbai’s Sun’N’Sand. interview: Q: What changed after “Bareilly Ki Barfi� besides this perception you mention? A: The opportunities changed. People had formed a set image of me after just two films, “Heropanti� and “Dilwale� – I don’t know how they can do this! – but someone had the vision of a different me and staked their money on me, and the film worked. No one had imagined me
like that, and when a film like “Bareilly Ki Barfi� does well, it opens doors. Now, I am a girl from Mathura in “Luka Chhupi� and from Ferozepur in “Arjun Patiala.� Q: How do you choose your films now?A: I think that films choose you. I just go with my gut feeling. Q: You are also doing “Panipat.� A: Yes, and again it’s great to know that Ashutosh (Gowariker)-sir said that I was his first choice. So I, a Delhi girl, am playing Parvatibai, Sadashivrao’s wife, who accompanied her husband all through the third battle of Panipat. Not so much is actually known about her life. But Ashutosh-sir has created her character very beautifully with some fictional touches about how she was, and what was her love story.
International Women’s Day:
Is there equality in Bollywood? Here’s what women say
B
ollywood has become more sympathetic towards female issues, their desires and aspirations. The current generation has female actors and filmmakers who are taking charge and calling the shots. They are bolder in their choices, and fiercer in their performances. On Women’s Day, indianexpress.com spoke to several women in the Hindi film industry about how it is to find a footing in an industry which till recently was dominated by men, and whether surviving has become any less challenging. Taapsee, who had a fabulous 2018 after headlining Manmarziyaan and Mulk, began 2019 on a rough note when the makers of Pati Patni Aur Woh allegedly replaced the actor without informing her. Pointing out the same, she shared, “The struggle is real. I still hear things from producers like ‘I will first go to the hero and get a go ahead. On the basis of that I will decide who the heroine will be’. “Today women are choosing what they want. 2018 helped me gain confidence that our audience is now ready to see a female protagonist who doesn’t need to be a conventional righteous character but can be more real and believable,� she added. Richa Chadha is known for her unabashed view point that reflects in her choice of films and even social media. Richa, who will soon be seen in the biopic Shakeela, added, “In this industry it is always difficult for women but only in comparison to men. It’s a tough business to survive in regardless of gender. I haven’t always been tough or headstrong or opinionated. In the beginning of my career, I was often gullible and stupid. I would lose good opportunities to more
scheming actresses. But now I have learnt not to be a sitting duck.� “Today if I sense that someone is trying to bully me, I don’t cow down under pressure. I am straight forward when it comes to what I need and I think this policy works very well for me. Especially in context of how the business operates overall because most people lie so that they don’t offend the other person,� she said. National Awardwinning director Sarvnik Kaur shared, “I have noticed how men in creative fields seem so self-assured. I blame it on how we are conditioned differently. But I believe that is a great plus for women who do non-fiction storytelling. Real people respond well to imperfections and intuitively trust women to be more compassionate and empathetic.� Singer Harshdeep Kaur, who carved her own path from being a reality show winner to one of the leading female voices in Bollywood, said, “Because there are more male dominated movies, the songs are also mostly male dominated. Thankfully, the trend seems to be changing with more female oriented movies like Raazi, Manmarziyaan, Hichki, etc.� Kanika Dhillon’s stories not just have very strong women characters, but she also excel in unleashing their unspoken dreams. Having written Manmarziyaan and Kedarnath, Kanika said, “I love being a woman in a man’s world!� The writer, whose next is Mental Hai Kya, added, “I feel I find my footing with my stories and characters which are at par with any of my male counterparts. I believe being a writer and author is gender neutral as ideas cannot and should not have a sexual preference or domination!�
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Bollywood
Aries
March 21 - April 20 The sun continues its journey through your spiritual sector and a more private part of your chart this week. This is an opportunity to continue clearing away emotional baggage and releasing those situations that no longer serve you. Toward that end, there’s a new moon in this same zone on Wednesday that can assist you. However, with hazy Neptune also aligning with this powerful lunar phase, it could be easy to lose your focus and let things drift.
Taurus
April 21 - May 20 As chatty Mercury rewinds in Pisces from Tuesday until March 28, it would be just as well to expect the unexpected and to factor in the possibility of delays. Things may not go as planned, but this can still bring fresh options and ideas into the mix. This week can bring opportunities for fun outings and events and possibly a friendly reunion.
Gemini
May 20 - June 21 The week commences as expressive Mercury, your personal planet, turns retrograde in your sector of goals and ambitions on Tuesday. This phase lasts until March 28, and it could bring delays to your best-laid plans. With a focus on getting ahead, it would pay to be careful regarding any deals, new contracts, or communications in general. There is a new moon in Pisces and your career zone on Wednesday, and this could be an opportunity to kick-start a goal or new project.
Cancer
June 22 - July 23
The focus on your sector of far horizons could see you yearning for a break and a chance to get away to somewhere beautiful and healing. Perhaps you need the opportunity to deeply relax and allow any might be the week to take time out and follow your heart’s desire. The new moon on Wednesday can be a call to grab a golden opportunity if you dare.
Leo
June 24 - August 23 What secrets will emerge out of the shadows this week? A focus on your sector of change and transformation and all things hidden could make for an interesting few days and weeks. The sun in Pisces and in this sensitive sector aligns with nebulous Neptune. And with a new moon also factoring into the equation, this could be a time of revelation. A piece of information or news could have a powerful
Virgo week’s blend of energies could spotlight their real motives. The Pisces sun linking to nebulous Neptune with it’s illuminating qualities can pierce the fog of misunderstanding and bring anything hidden into the light. again in your sector of relationships, could encourage conversations that get to the heart of the matter.
Libra
Sept. 24 - Oct 22 As innovative and refreshing Uranus moves into a deeper and more sensitive sector of your chart, the years until 2026 could see you becoming acquainted with some hidden aspects of yourself. Whatever idealistic picture you may have painted about your life could be shattered by emerging you can reclaim your power by aligning with impulses you’d previously ignored.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 22 Your sector of recreation and romance is emphasized, encouraging you to indulge in hobbies you enjoy, revel in a budding relationship, or spend some relaxing downtime with your longterm partner. Thoughtful Mercury rewinds in this sector from Tuesday to March 28, which could put you back in touch with hobbies or pastimes you enjoyed in your younger years. And perhaps an !
"
Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22
Home and family life could be your focus over this week, and you might be eager to resolve an issue that has puzzled you for some time. Perhaps somebody’s behavior is mysterious, or a niggling issue seems to continue on and on. As a new moon conjoins
# $ % inspiration could enable you to see the truth of a situation. This could inspire you forward, and sound decisions will clear the way for further progress.
Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20
& ! misunderstandings with someone, the coming week can help you to clarify why this might be. With the new moon in your sector of communication, the answer may become obvious. Then you’ll need to act on it. To complicate matters, chatty Mercury turns retrograde in your sector of talk and thought from Tuesday.
Aquarius
Jan 21 - Feb 19 As expressive Mercury goes into reverse in # to come to grips with money matters. And you might need to be more careful when it comes to buying big-ticket items. Things like computers or cars might be better left until the planet of talk and thought turns direct again '( & keep any receipts and paperwork.
Pisces
Feb 20 - March 20 You should be in your element with the sun in ) & * + & on those plans and projects that are closest to your heart. Plus, with the new moon in your sign on Wednesday, this is the perfect time to make a start. However, with hazy Neptune in the mix, it
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Saturday, March 9, 2019 By Vibhooti
B
e it foggy mornings or wet and cold nights, it’s always the strength of woman that keeps the family together, happy and healthy and irony is that we have always deemed women very weak, timid, suppressed, exploited, powerless and address her as poor women who needs to be uplifted and empowered. They may seem physically not strong, when trained have achieved all that a man has and beyond. Hardships they face due to whatever reason, be it religious, social, cultural traditions, have made their DNA adapt to current life and thus we see that there are more females educating themselves and succeeding in every possible field , surpassing the domination of male. Yet their heart is ever so loving, caring, affectionate, giving , yes they are overflowing with emotions and sentiments They give birth , they are blessed to be able to shape an entire life within them, they are mothers , they nurture, they love unconditionally. This is why women are already empowered by default. If you close in to people’s life it will be very obvious that where ever and
Happy Women’s Day however and whenever men have fallen short it’s women who has risen to fill that gap, be it financial support, for most part, or even emotional support, as mother, as wife, as sister and as daughter. W o m e n seek freedom from having to be permitted to educate themselves, work, follow her dreams, To spend their earnings, to laugh, to have some good time. Does this mean she has to rebel against modesty, and responsibilities of home? Do men have this freedom of not earning at all? Aren’t they expected to take on financial responsibilities at least? Why are we forgetting what is family all about? In giving too much importance to individualism we have become self centric and this has a visible effect on society. What we have missed out on is to train men to respect and accept women
as an individual in any field and not take them as a commodity. What we do instead is ridicule, assume, judge if a woman finds her wings to fly and the problem is the very fact that even
women don’t appreciate and support other women Often women have a feeling of insecurity, dissatisfaction and have regrets and complaints about their situation. Lack of appreciation is the reason why they are looking for sympathy and sometimes pity. So at the end of the day it’s women who will have to uplift themselves and
each other, rise above the mental block of accepting male partner to be more capable, earning etc and start becoming independent in the sense not just working and earning but then own the aftermath of it as well. How to invest money, what policies are better, etc etc Time has also come where women should come out of another mental block that their men will make them happy, they need to find their own inner happiness and be happy themselves. This will make women stop complaining and self pitying. And this is what happens in relationships or marriages where it is a kind of arrangement to meet financial, social, emotional and physical need of humans maintaining the synchrony, minimizing the chaos and animal instinct and consciously living as humans that we have evolved. Where is love in all this. Love between family members, neighbours, society, humanity. One has to live oneself first and appreciate and respect ones own life and then expand that love to family or neighbours or coworkers. Physical and emotional love between a man and a woman should ideally be at a level to create something beautiful, it should make them better people, loving, caring and sharing people, compassionate people.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
New app from TELUS Health and Babylon enables Canadians to visit a doctor through their smartphone More than 50% of Canadians find it difficult to quickly access after-hours medical care without going to an emergency department; New smartphone app gives Canadians convenient access to doctors and healthcare information where and when they need it
T
oday, following a recent announcement , TELUS Health and Babylon are together launching Babylon by TELUS Health , a future-forward virtual healthcare solution that promises to revolutionize how Canadians take control of their own health from the convenience of a smartphone. Babylon by TELUS Health will empower Canadians with access to healthcare support and information day and night - a huge step forward in the evolution of Canada’s healthcare system and how patients currently access care. The app also improves the efficiency of communication with doctors to help drive better health outcomes for all Canadians. At launch, British Columbians will be the first to get access to the app’s one-on-one video consultation feature, allowing them to speak directly and privately with a BC-licensed family doctor. This video consultation will be covered by the patient’s BC provincial MSP. Canadians across the country who download the Babylon by TELUS Health app on iTunes or Google Play can immediately use the app’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot Symptom Checker. Developed by a team of dedicated doctors and scientists, the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Symptom Checker draws non more than 500 million streams of medical knowledge and asks patients questions about their symptoms providing information on possible causes or courses of action.The smartphone app is available in English immediately, with a French version to follow later in the year. “TELUS Health is leveraging the power of technology to improve health outcomes for all Canadians because we believe that by giving people the right tools, information and support we can empower them to manage their own health leading to healthier, happier lives,� said Juggy Sihota, vice president, TELUS Health. “Babylon by TELUS Health revolutionizes how Canadians can access healthcare with a unique patient-centric approach that’s built upon TELUS’ unparalleled Customers First strategy. Quality healthcare and support underscored by putting patients first.� Canadians can use Babylon by TELUS )FBMUI #$ POMZ BU MBVODI UP t #PPL an appointment with a doctor through UIF BQQ JO TFDPOET t "DDFTT EPDUPS consultation notes and video consults GPS RVJDL SFGFSFODF BOE PS TIBSJOH t Manage prescription details and preferred pharmacy for easy prescription pick up; and t (FU SFGFSSBMT GPS EJBHOPTUJD UFTUT PS specialists when needed. Babylon’s suite of digital solutions is currently being used by approximately three million registered users outside of Canada and is accessible to tens of millions more through Babylon’s worldwide partnerships. “We are honoured to be partnering with TELUS Health, an organisation dedicated to driving enhanced patient experiences and greater efficiency in healthcare, to launch
Babylon by TELUS Health. Through this partnership, we will enable access to innovative, high quality healthcare for all Canadians. Consistent with the progressive mindset in this country, our partnership with TELUS Health shows that by working closely and collaboratively, we can use advanced technology to help bring accessible, affordable healthcare services to patients and doctors, as demonstrated already in Rwanda and the UK.� said Tracey McNeill, Chief Mobilisation Officer, Babylon. Plans are also currently underway to integrate Babylon’s virtual care platform into TELUS Health electronic medical records systems (EMRs) to enable physicians across the country to also easily conduct virtual sessions with their own patients. TELUS Health is committed to ensuring that patient privacy is respected and Babylon by TELUS Health meets or exceeds legal and industry standards for privacy. Patient records are retained in accordance with national best practice guidelines and all data is securely transmitted using industry-recognized encryption methods. About Babylon Babylon’s Mission is to put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on Earth. Babylon uses a combination of cutting-edge technology and the best available medical expertise to deliver 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week access to digital health tools (including health assessment, Symptom Checker and medical information tools), to people across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as well as video doctor consultations. For more information, please visit: www.babylonhealth.com . About TELUS Health and Payment Solutions TELUS Health is a leader in home health monitoring, electronic medical and health records, as well as consumer health, benefits management and pharmacy management solutions. TELUS Health leverages the power of technology to enable better health outcomes for Canadians with innovative digital solutions that enable collaboration, efficiency and productivity for physicians, pharmacists, health authorities, allied healthcare professionals, insurers, employers and citizens. TELUS Payment Solutions complements our health solutions by delivering secure, industry-compliant payment and lending solutions that connect lenders, payors, insurers, extended health care providers and financial institutions to their customers across Canada. For more information please visit: www.telushealth.com and www.telus. com/payment-solutions .
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Saturday, March 9, 2019 Last week, I responded to the NDP government’s budget in the Legislature. In particular, I talked about the ways that their initiatives are hurting affordability in B.C. During that speech, I made some references to my experience of renting a home. I understand that my comments upset people. I can understand why. Renting, especially in the Lower Mainland, is extremely difficult. Prices are high, and there are not enough units available. The need to urgently address this problem was the central point of my remarks. Among the solutions I am proposing are: 1. Support a dramatic increase in rental housing supply by:
Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson-Op-Ed-Renters
trade relationships with the U.S. and China. This means less rental supply, higher taxes, and fewer job opportunities. None of these factors add up to a positive future for renters. We need to do better. I understand the frustration with my comments and I regret their lack of clarity. I intend to show British Columbians how deeply I care about the affordability issues we face by continuing to hold the NDP to account. Their damaging policies aren’t helping anyone to get ahead in life. In fact, British Columbians are starting to fall behind, and my team and I will do what we can to help.
exemption. Housing Minister Selina Robinson replied that his complaints prompted Mayor Belenkie to follow cities jeopardized Lions Bay’s exemption. like Langford and Kelowna in requesting Local MLA Rick Glumac then added a formal exemption from the Speculation that Belenkie was risking the support that his community currently receives Tax for his community.
from the province although was unable to name a single supportive initiative. Glumac went on to say that Belcarra’s relationship with the province would become much more “difficult” if Belcarra continued to protest.
“My message to the government was that this tax is hitting people without the cash to pay it,” said Belenkie. “My constituents aren’t rich, and these cabins have no rental value. But they refused to listen and threatened to punish my community if I continued to raise concerns.” Mayor Belenkie cited Lions Bay as an example as to why Belcarra should also receive an
Premier refuses to defend forest industry Premier John Horgan continues to disregard B.C.’s forest industry after deciding not to join other Canadian premiers who went to Washington D.C. last month to fight unfair tariffs, including those on softwood.
“Fifty per cent of Canada’s softwood exports to the U.S. originate from B.C. and the Premier’s notable absence sent a strong message to British Columbians that their jobs and communities simply aren’t that important to him,” said Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Critic John Rustad. “The Premier chose not to take the time to defend B.C.’s forest industry and
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were they about people who rent for much or all of their lives. There are significant differences between my experience in the 1970s and 1980s, and today. The most critical difference is that I had: the opportunity to get a good education, the opportunity to find a good job, and opportunities to build on that foundation. More than anything else, the lack of these opportunities is what motivates me in the Legislature. Under the NDP, opportunities are fading away. We have significant economic challenges ahead: collapsing housing construction, falling resource revenues, and unstable
* Giving builders the certainty they need to invest in building new rentals. * Working with local governments to cut red tape to speed up new construction. 2. Build additional student housing so that students aren’t competing with other renters for affordable rentals off campus. 3. Maintain and expand our supply of rentals by supporting long-term affordable co-ops. I was a renter for 18 years. I had some good experiences, and some bad ones. In my speech in the Legislature, I was referring to that time of my life. My comments were not about the general state of renting now, nor
NDP Governs by Intimidation and Threats: Mayors Another BC mayor has come forward to say the NDP threatened his community after expressing concern over the misguided Speculation Tax. Last month, Belcarra mayor Neil Belenkie addressed media, bringing attention to the undue stress and anxiety that the NDP’s Speculation Tax has placed on local families. The tax will unfairly apply to the many summer cabins in Belcarra that have been family retreats for generations and cannot be feasibly rented out. This
Press release
that’s just not acceptable.” The premiers of Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick attended the annual gathering of state governors in Washington D.C. late last month. They were seeking an end to punishing U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and softwood lumber in particular. In 2017, Horgan promised he would ‘go to Washington to get a fair deal for B.C. workers’, and when given the opportunity to do so this year, he decided he had better things to do. When Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart asked him when we would start seeing some action from him and the NDP, Horgan called her a ‘whiner’ and refused to answer the question. “We are talking about working families in 140 communities who depend on this industry for their livelihoods,” said Tegart. “Last week we were called “whiners” by the Premier for demanding answers as to why he doesn’t seem to care about the difficulties these families face. The Premier owes the people of this province a sincere apology.”
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
Vol. 10 No. 6
Saturday - March 9, 2019
Tel: 604-591-5423
E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com upcoming federal budget to help first-time homebuyers. CIBC economist Royce Mendes said 2019 is shaping up to be a tougher year for homebuilding. “Residential investment was downright ugly in the fourth quarter, and the latest reading on housing starts only added to the bad news on Canadian homebuilding,� Mendes wrote. “Prior to this reading, starts had seen a bit of a renaissance, rising back above 200,000 for four straight months. But the market has been a contending with the effects of higher interest rates and stricter lending standards, and a pace of 200,000 looked unlikely for the year as a whole.� The overall decline in the pace of housing starts came as the annual rate of urban starts fell 18.0 per cent in February to 155,663 units.
Housing starts suffer ‘steep decline’ in February as tougher mortgage rules finally take a toll The annual pace of housing starts slowed in February as higher mortgage rates and less stimulative economic conditions helped soften demand, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said Friday. The housing agency said the seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts fell to 173,153 units in February compared with 206,809 units the month before. Economists had expected an annual pace of 205,000, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon. “As a leading indicator of economic activity, February’s steep decline in housing starts may raise some eyebrows in Ottawa,� Fotios Raptis, senior economist at TD Bank, The benchmark price of a detached home in Metro Vancouver fell nearly 10 per cent year over year as more sellers listed properties, the local real estate board says — but house hunters continued to take their time in February. The total number of homes sold in the region last month fell to 1,484, down more than 30 per cent from the sales recorded in February 2018 and more than 42 per cent below the 10-year February sales average.
wrote in a report. “Although housing starts seemed to be unscathed by the new B-20 regulations that took effect in January 2018, higher borrowing costs and tougher mortgage qualifying conditions may finally be taking a toll on new residential construction.� ‘The Bank of Canada is on hold,’ with little good news to be seen on the economic front Mortgage stress test proponents say rules are working. But what
exactly were they supposed to do, again? With the Bank of Canada holding interest rates ‌ just how vulnerable are Canadians to debt? The slowing housing starts come as sales of existing homes has also been slowing. The Canadian Real Estate Association reported home sales posted their weakest January since 2015. Rising mortgage rates and tighter lending rules have been blamed for the slowdown in sales, prompting some to call on the federal government to make changes in the
Slow months for home sales The composite benchmark price for a home, which includes detached properties, townhomes and condominiums, went down less than one per cent from January to land at $1,016,600. That’s a six per cent decrease over the past six months, according to data from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV). B.C.’s biggest housing spike is happening in a city 6 hours from the Lower Mainland
The numbers reflect a market that increasingly favours buyers over sellers, with cheaper properties and less competition. Home sales in the region hit their lowest level in nearly 20 years last year, recording the lowest annual total — 24,619 — since 2000. Metro Vancouver home sales fall to lowest total since 2000 REBGV president Phil Moore has called 2018 “a transition period’’ for the region’s housing market, which moved away
from sellers’ market conditions. “High home prices, rising interest rates and new mortgage requirements and taxes all contributed to the market conditions we saw in 2018,’’ he said. Vancouver home sales fall nearly 40% in January as prices pull back The housing market in the Fraser Valley also saw a slowdown in 2018. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board said sales dropped 30.2 per cent last year, down to 15,586 total sales — the lowest since 2013.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
Real estate market expected to mederate over next 2 years
#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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Community / News
Saturday, March 9, 2019 South Asian Seniors - Group Birthday of 15 Senior Members, Celebration on 9th March 2019 from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm. Vedic Senior Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Senior members & Guests to attend group Birthday of 15 Senior members born in between 6th Jan. to 9th March , will be celebrated on March 9th 2019 ( Saturday ) from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple - 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
DREAM CARPET
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LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
South Asian man charged with attempted murder after shooting injures teen in Surrey A South Asian man has been charged with attempted murder after a 17-year-old boy became the unintended victim in a targeted shooting. Rajinder Sandhu faces six charges, Surrey RCMP say. The teen had been struck by gunfire at a townhouse complex on January 9 at around 11:15pm Surrey RCMP found evidence two cars had been involved in a collision. Investigators later alleged that the driver of a Jeep had rammed a Toyota before firing a gun into the Toyota. The gunfire struck the 17-year-old passenger,. Police quickly identified the driver of the Jeep and he was arrested a short time later.
Investigators now believe the shooting was a targeted incident between two parties who know each other but that the teen was not the intended target. The shooting is also not related to gang activity or the drug trade, say RCMP. Sandhu, 32, has since been charged with attempted murder, as discharging a firearm with intent, discharging and possessing a restricted firearm, possessing a restricted firearm with ammunition, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle. He remains in custody. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators at 604-599-0502
Local gun violence problem gains attention of federal ministers The federal government has announced 5.3-million dollars to help B-C combat gang and gun violence with initiatives that include prevention and early intervention. O rg an i z e d Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair made the announcement this
morning in Victoria, joined by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and B.C.’s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth. There were 30 more homicides in B-C in 2017 than the year earlier and Sajjan says more than half of the total 118 slayings that year involved firearms, while just over two-thirds were known or suspected to be gang related. He says the problem is not just found in large cities anymore, adding guns and gangs are having a negative impact on safety in communities across B-C.
Suspect at large after 2 police officers struck in Burnaby hit-and-run Police are searching for a suspect after a hit and run in Burnaby that sent two police officers to hospital with nonlife threatening injuries on Monday. Burnaby RCMP said the collision happened just before noon near the 5000-block of North Fraser Way. Cpl. Michael Kalanj said the two officers, who are members of the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, were struck by a driver in a white late-model Toyota Camry. The vehicle had been reported stolen. Kalanj said police had received a report about a possible impaired driver in the vehicle just prior to the collision. When a Burnaby RCMP officer responding to the call located the vehicle, the suspect fled. Police found the trashed vehicle in a nearby industrial area near Keith Street and Ivy Avenue about an hour later. Kalanj said the two police officers had been standing outside their police vehicle training their dogs when they were hit. Investigators are searching for a suspect in a hit and run that left two officers injured on Monday in Burnaby One of the injured officers is an RCMP member from outside Burnaby. The other is an officer from the Abbotsford Police Department. Botharecurrentlybeingtreatedinhospital. Sgt. Judy Bird of the Abbotsford Police Department said the Abbotsford police officer is expected to be released from hospital Monday night. “He is sore but we are pleased that he has no broken bones,” Bird said. “Our thoughts are with the RCMP, and we hope that both officers have a speedy recovery.” Roberto Farinah, who works in the area, said he heard a siren go off and saw a white flash, which he believes was a car accelerating through at a very high speed.
LOCAL / NATIONAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Jason Kenney threatens defamation lawsuit against South Asian ex-colleague accusing him of cheating Alberta Opposition Leader Jason Kenney is threatening to sue a former caucus colleague for defamation over accusations Kenney cheated to win the party leadership contest. Kenney’s lawyers have sent a letter to former United Conservative legislature member Prab Gill ordering him to stop making those claims or face possible legal action. Kenney says attacks and anger are part and parcel of political life but that Gill’s accusations are baseless, go too far, and are unfairly smearing the entire party. Gill, who now sits as an Independent, could
not be immediately reached for c o m m e n t Gill left the United Conservative caucus last summer after an internal investigation determined he was stuffing the ballot box to elect board members in his Calgary constituency. Last month, he sent a letter to RCMP saying he believes Kenney’s team may have committed criminal fraud in the 2017 leadership contest by redirecting thousands of voting passwords to off-shore sites to ensure those votes went to Kenney.
Scarborough man gets letter mistakenly saying his pension payments will be $60,000 per month A Scarborough retiree was stunned when he received a letter from the government telling him his monthly pension payment would be much larger than anticipated – about $59,000 more. John Easton is set to receive his first pension payment in March. He said that he confirmed his monthly payments online and it came up to about $600 a month. The 65-year-old was then shocked when he
received a letter from the government saying that he is due to receive $60,145 a month. I was fantasizing for a few minutes about what I could do with all this money,” Easton said. “Sixty-thousand dollars a month would radically change my lifestyle.” “And then reality started to sink in. This can’t be right.” Easton immediately reported the error to Employment and Social Development Canada.
When CTV News Toronto reached out to the agency, a spokesperson said in a statement that there was a “technical issue with the production of a batch of old age security (OAS) and guaranteed income supplement (GIS) entitlement letters.” “The monthly benefit amounts for both OAS and GIS, on the letters, were incorrectly stated. The incorrect letter will not have an impact on recipients of OAS and GIS and they will still receive the correct payment,” the statement read. The agency said that the error applies to letters dated Feb. 10, 2019 and relates to March payments. Service Canada said they will be sending correction letters to individuals impacted by the error. It is not clear how many people received an erroneous letter. Easton told CTV News Toronto that he hopes his first cheque is for $600 and not for $60,000. “I would be too nervous and too scared to even touch it,” he said.
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Jane Philpott resigns from cabinet, citing loss of ‘confidence’ over Liberal govt’s handling of SNC-Lavalin Jane Philpott, one of Justin Trudeau’s most trusted ministers, announced today she has resigned from cabinet as the Liberal government’s crisis over the SNC-Lavalin affair deepens. “I must abide by my core values, my ethical responsibilities and constitutional obligations,” she said in a written statement. “There can be a cost to acting on one’s principles, but there is a bigger cost to abandoning them.” Trudeau later praised Philpott for her diligent work on crucial government files. How to watch today’s testimony on SNC-Lavalin Philpott, the MP for Markham-Stouffville, said she has been considering the events that have shaken the federal government in recent weeks and, after “serious reflection,” concluded she must quit. She said the constitutional convention of cabinet solidarity means ministers are expected to defend all cabinet decisions and other ministers publicly, and must speak in support of the government and its policies. “Given this convention and the current circumstances, it is untenable for me to continue to serve as a cabinet minister,” she wrote.“Unfortunately, the evidence of efforts by politicians and/or officials to pressure the former attorney general to intervene in the criminal case involving SNC-Lavalin, and the
evidence as to the content of those efforts, have raised serious concerns for me. Those concerns have been augmented by the views expressed by my constituents and other Canadians.” Trudeau has support of remaining 33 members of cabinet, survey shows Jane Philpott’s departure leaves Trudeau without one of his strongest performers Philpott is a close ally of Jody WilsonRaybould, the former justice minister and attorney general at the centre of the SNCLavalin scandal. Wilson-Raybould testified before a Commons committee last week that 11 officials in the Prime Minister’s Office and other offices inappropriately pressured her to override a decision to prosecute SNCLavalin on bribery charges related to contracts in Libya. The Quebec-based global engineering and construction firm faces a 10-year ban on federal contracts if it’s convicted. Philpott said the principles that maintain an independent justice system are at stake in the SNC-Lavalin affair. A fundamental doctrine of the rule of law is that the attorney general not be subjected to political pressure or interference regarding the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases. ‘Lost confidence’ in government’s response “Sadly, I have lost confidence in how the government has dealt with this matter and in how it has responded to the issues raised,” Philpott said in the statement.
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NATIONAL
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Bank of Canada holds key interest rate, and signals no hikes on the horizon The Bank of Canada is confused. And when it’s confused, it stops what it’s doing until it figures things out. Canada’s central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75 per cent on March 6 and signalled that policy has entered an extended period of stasis. Stephen Poloz, the governor, and his deputies on the Governing Council expected slower global economic growth, but the slowdown has been “more pronounced and widespread” than forecast in January, the central bank said in its latest policy statement. Similarly, they assumed Canada’s economy would stumble, but the fall in the fourth
quarter was “sharper and more broadly based” than they predicted, the statement said. We’re getting a look at the true state of Canada’s economy — and it’s no world beater Canada’s economy practically grinds to a halt — and nobody saw it coming Stephen Poloz’s dashboard: The latest charts that matter most to the Bank of Canada After economic growth of three per cent in 2017, and 1.8 per cent in 2018, the central bank is bracing for a period of subdued economic activity.
PM Trudeau’s former top aide says ‘Nothing inappropriate’ in Lavalin scandal Gerald Butts, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former top aide, testified Wednesday there was no intention on the government’s part to pressure Jody Wilson-Raybould to change her mind on the criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, and official engagements were meant only to ensure she had the full facts on the impact of a potential conviction. “I am firmly convinced that nothing happened here beyond the normal operations of government,” he told the Commons justice committee. At all times, he said, the prime minister made it clear that the decision to prosecute or not was Wilson-Raybould’s alone to make as attorney general, but that the issue
merited robust discussion and consideration because there were so many jobs at risk. Butts said highly trained legal staff worked on the file to ensure no line was crossed in engagements with the thenattorney general. He said the objective was to underscore the impact of a prosecution, including the thousands of jobs at stake. Those discussions continued because Wilson-Raybould never informed the prime minister or other officials in writing of her decision, he said, leading people to believe that new information could come to light that would affect the decision. Butts said he first learned her decision was final in her committee testimony last week.
Housing market this bad normally means recession: BMO Usually, when Canada’s housing market is this badly in the dumps, the country is in a recession, according to a research note from the Bank of Montreal. Canada’s economy ground to a nearhalt at the end of 2018, according to data from Statistics Canada, with growth slowing to a 0.4-per-cent annual rate in the fourth quarter. Among the weakest parts of the economy recently have been anything related to the housing market. Residential investment, which includes building new homes and buying and/ or renovating existing homes, has dropped 7.5 per cent over the past year, BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic said in a report earlier this week. “Historically, declines of this magnitude in such an important sector have usually correlated with a broader recession,” Kavcic wrote in a client note. He produced a chart showing a
clear correlation (but not necessarily causation) between recessions and large declines in residential investment. Kavcic noted that 1995 “was one false positive, but that wasn’t exactly a jubilant time.” That was the year of the second Quebec sovereignty referendum, and real estate markets in central Canada tend to
be weak when Quebec talks separation. When Kavcic called residential investment “such an important sector,” he wasn’t kidding. A recent report from CIBC noted that residential investment had become larger as a share of the economy recently than “at any other time on record.”
Bank of Canada ignores its mandate On March 6th, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1.75 %. The next rate announcement is scheduled for April 24th, by which time it will have been six months since the BoC’s last rate increase. The BoC’s mandate “is to conduct monetary policy to promote the economic and financial well-being of Canadians.” It conducts this policy through the buying and selling of financial assets and manipulation of the aforementioned interest rate. Unfortunately, the BoC’s actions appear to be counterproductive. For more than a decade, the BoC’s low interest rate policy has punished savers, thus reducing their “economic and financial well-being.” Low rates have also enticed home buyers who are burdened with high cost mortgages when the BoC arbitrarily decides to force interest rates higher, a process it began almost two years ago. Starting from a level of 0.5 % in July of 2017, the BoC raised the interest rate by a quarter
point on five separate occasions. As the BoC rate rises, so do interest rates on mortgages and other consumer debt. Analysis of historical data reveals “a two-year lag between the time interest rates began to rise and when consumer insolvency filings start to increase.” Sure enough, in a December, 2018 survey , forty-six per cent of Canadian respondents “said they’re within $200 of insolvency every month,” up six percentage points from the September, 2018 survey. Furthermore, thirtynine percent of respondents “said they’re worried they’ll be pushed into bankruptcy if interest rates rise any higher.” And this is in environment where bankruptcies were already up 15 per cent in the last half of 2018 . Clearly, the BoC’s actions are not promoting “the economic and financial wellbeing of Canadians.” In fact, these actions appear to be producing the opposite effect. Perhaps the BoC’s official mandate is not its primary purpose. After all, it is failing so miserably to achieve this mandate, surely this must be by design.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
NB Liberal MP calls for inquiry into SNC-Lavalin controversy A Liberal member of Parliament from New Brunswick is calling for an investigation into the SNC-Lavalin controversy. As the political firestorm rages, Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long says he believes his government has nothing to hide. Long received a warm welcome at an afternoon announcement in Saint John. “Right now, there’s a bit of a cloud that’s overshadowing all those great things that we’re doing, so what I’m saying, not to be cliche, is to let the sun shine in,” Long said. With the bombshell resignation of Jane Philpott from cabinet, Long has reiterated his call for an investigation, but many Maritime colleagues appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach. “I would ask at this point, let’s wait and hear what people have to say before people are cast in judgement,” said Karen Ludwig. Here are some excerpts from the replies we received from other Maritime Liberal MPs. Andy Fillmore “I will be watching the work of the justice committee closely and I am reassured that the ethics commissioner is carrying out his own non-partisan investigation.”
Sean Casey “I am disappointed with her decision. I still have full faith and confidence in the prime minister and the ongoing probes by the ethics commissioner and the justice committee.” Bernadette Jordan “I remain focused on creating a rural economic development strategy to ensure the continued success and vibrancy of these communities.” Darrell Samson “In addition to the work of that committee, the ethics commissioner, an independent and impartial officer of Parliament is conducting his own investigation. I am fully supportive of both processes and am confident they will provide Canadians with the answers they need and deserve.” Sean Fraser “Ms. Philpott has my deepest respect and I am proud of the government’s accomplishments on the health and Indigenous services portfolios that occurred under her direction.” Dominic Leblanc “I have full confidence in the Prime Minister. We will continue to take action to make life easier for Canadians, and create good, middle-class jobs across the country.”
BC introduces sick days as part of proposed employment law changes British Columbia may soon introduce unpaid sick days as part of a slew of proposed changes to the province’s Employment Standards Act. The province released a report late last week seeking feedback on the adjustments to the act over the next month. The report says most of the review committee members agreed on a total of seven days unpaid leave per year for workers who are sick, or need to take time off to attend to urgent family needs. Currently, the province only protects up to five days unpaid leave per year for family care. B.C. and Nunavut are the only Canadian jurisdictions that don’t include protections for workers who need to take time off when they’re sick or hurt, according to the province’s report. Lack of sick leave in Employment Standards Act a factor in B.C. human rights case The report acknowledges that many larger businesses already have sick leave
policies. The absence of a statutory minimum sick leave in B.C. mostly affects small business employees and those in part-time, temporary jobs. No one from the B.C. Federation of Labour was available to comment on the proposed changes, but former president Irene Landzinger previously told CBC News her organization had been advocating for sick leave for years. Richard Truscott with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, however, says mandated sick leave could prove complicated for small busineses. “I do definitely worry that what they may come up with may not reflect the reality of small business and may not be sensitive to the needs of entrepreneurs,” Truscott said from his office in Calgary, Alta.
Trudeau ‘very concerned’ as China accuses detained Canadians of stealing state secrets Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is “very concerned’ about China’s stance following reports coming out of Beijing this morning accusing two Canadian men of working together to steal state secrets. In a short statement posted online, the ruling Communist Party’s Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission accused Canadian citizen Michael Kovrig of stealing state secrets passed on to him from another detained Canadian, Michael Spavor. “We are obviously very concerned with this position that China has taken,” Trudeau told reporters during a funding announcement in Charlottetown this morning. “The safety and security of Canadians is always of first order for this government. That’s why we’ve been engaging and standing up for the two Canadians who have been arbitrarily detained by China from the very beginning.” Businessman Spavor and Kovrig, a Canadian diplomat on leave, were arrested in early December shortly after Canada arrested Huawei Technologies
executive Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to the United States. China has demanded repeatedly that Meng be released and has lashed out publicly against Canada throughout the extradition process. Last week, Beijing cited the ongoing SNC-Lavalin controversy as leverage in Meng’s case, questioning the state of judicial independence in Canada. While China has invoked national security to justify detaining the Canadian men, Monday’s statement marks the first time Chinese authorities have gone into more detail. The Chinese Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission’s statement said Kovrig had often entered China using an ordinary passport and business visas, “stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence via a contact in China.” “Spavor was Kovrig’s main contact and provided him with intelligence,” the commission added, without giving details. The next phase in the judicial process for Kovrig and Spavor will start soon, the statement said.
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SC refers Ayodhya dispute to mediation; appoints three mediators The Supreme Court on Friday referred the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute at Ayodhya to mediation and appointed former top court judge Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla, spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Chennai-based advocate Shriram Panchu as mediators to find an amicable solution to the problem. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the proceedings would be held in Faizabad. The three mediators could start work within a week and could co-opt more members, it said, adding that the mediators had to complete the task in eight weeks.
The Bench--which also included Justice SA Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer-said media couldn’t report on the proceedings of the mediation. The mediation proceedings would be held in camera but mediators could take legal assistance, the Bench said. It directed the Uttar Pradesh government to provide necessary facilities in Faizabad to the mediators. Hindu and Muslim parties to the dispute had on Wednesday taken diametrically opposite stands on the court’s move. Hindu parties, except Nirmohi Akhara, had opposed mediation while Muslim parties to the dispute supported it.
Rafale papers stolen from defence ministry, govt tells Supreme Court As the Supreme Court began hearing review petitions on the Rafale jet deal today, the government told the court that Rafale papers were stolen from the defence ministry. The apex court, which is hearing petitions seeking a review of its December 2018 verdict refusing to order a probe into the deal, put off hearing until March 14. The Centre took a strong exception to advocate Prashant Bhushan reading out from “secret” documents. Attorney General KK Venugopal said these documents were stolen from the government either by current or former officials. “What have you done about it?” the threejudge Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the AG, who said an investigation had been ordered into the matter.
The Bench left it to the government to file an affidavit detailing the action taken. The NDA Government signed a deal with France in 2016 for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation at an estimated cost of Rs 59,000-crore in flyaway condition. The top court had last year dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the deal. Top court refused to hear the petition filed by AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh seeking a review of its verdict, saying he had made “very derogatory” remarks on its verdict. The CJI said the court would take action against him after completing the hearing on the review pleas. Before the action was taken, Singh would be given an opportunity to explain his conduct, said CJI Gogoi.
PM Modi launches smart city projects After inaugurating five Integrated Command and Control Centres of Smart City Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the projects will bring about a sea change in urban amenities and will boost the development of cities. “Applying the digital technologies through centralised monitoring, smart solutions would be used in traffic management, transportation, waste management, energy conservation, drainage system, water supplies,” PM Modi said. “Crime against women, citizen centric basic necessities, water harvesting, housing and other human matters would be dealt with by the ICCC. Under the Smart City Projects,
people can enjoy free internet through a large number of WiFi hotspots,” he added. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said Rs. 11,370 crore would be spent on the Smart City Projects in Agartala. Chief Executive Officer of Agartala Smart City Projects Shailesh Kumar Yadav told news agency IANS that the ICCC would administer various electronic, service components, information and smart solutions by using modern technologies to make the cities world class smart metropolises. He said the GPS (Global Positioning System) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Services)enabled wireless communication services would be put in place to administer various services, schemes and works.
US trade snub should be a wake-up call for India It’s hard to find anyone willing to say -- on the record -- that anything could be wrong with the relationship between India and the U.S. Over the past 20 years, the world’s two largest democracies have grown steadily closer. But, the truth is that this has happened in spite of the economic linkages between the two countries, not because of them. The last few years have been particularly bad and they’ve just been capped by news that President Donald Trump intends to remove imports from India (and Turkey) from the Generalized System of Preferences program that allowed some goods tariff-free access to U.S. markets. The Indian government has downplayed the move, claiming that the GSP only provided $190 million or so worth of benefits to Indian exports. But, this is
misleading. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP scheme, with about $5.6 billion worth of its imports qualifying. Many of these will lose a crucial degree of competitiveness as a consequence of Trump’s decision -particularly when compared to competitors from countries such as Mexico that have free trade agreements with the U.S. The U.S. administration’s argument is simple: India isn’t lowering its trade barriers enough. To the contrary, it’s raising new ones. U.S. dairy imports into India aren’t being allowed for “religious reasons” by a government that has increasingly focused on protecting the sacred cow. New Delhi is worried, for example, that American cows may have been given bovine somatotropin, a growth hormone that’s extracted from the pituitary gland of other cattle.
Air India flight returns to Delhi after mid-air cabin pressure dropped Air India’s Delhi-Frankfurt flight was forced to return soon after taking off from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport on Wednesday afternoon due to low pressure in cabin, two officials familiar with the matter said. According to an officer, the cabin pressurisation system developed a snag and the overhead oxygen mask dropped when the aircraft was cruising at 20,000 feet. “The pilot decided to return as the oxygen masks dropped and the plane landed safely at Delhi airport. The passengers were asked to deboard and were taken to the terminal,” said a senior Air India official. The maintenance team of the national carrier is inspecting the aircraft to ascertain the cause of the snag. “Air India flight AI121 operating from Delhi to Frankfurt today faced an issue of decompression and keeping the safety of the 220 passengers in mind, the flight had returned to Delhi. No passenger has suffered any injury. The
flight will now operate with a change of aircraft at 0600hrs on 7th March from Delhi. All pax are safe and are being extended all assistance at Delhi. Air India is committed to maintaining highest standards of passenger comfort and safety,” Air India said in a statement.
Koklata rape victim killed her attacker by throwing him into the burning fire
A woman who was raped and then set on fire turned the tables on the monster who attacked her — dragging him into the flames and killing him, police in India said. The 35-year-old woman, a widow, told police that the man, 42, attacked her inside her home north of Kolkata in eastern India on Monday while her three daughters were out of the house, the AFP reported. “Then he poured kerosene on her body
and set her on fire,” police officer Sajal Kanti Biswas told the news outlet. Miraculously, the woman survived the attack, suffering burns to her face and hands, while the man succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital. The woman remains under treatment at the Malda Medical College and Hospital, the Times of India reported. Ongoing sexual assault epidemic swept India, in 2016, an average of more than 100 rapes were reported each day, according to the media.
PUNJAB
Saturday, March 9, 2019
5,178 temporary teachers to get permanent jobs Punjab’s Council of Ministers regularised the services of only 5,178 teachers with full pay scales from prospective date, October 1, 2019. However, regularisation of services of the remaining category of teachers and employees in other departments, who are over 30,000, has been put off for the time being as the Cabinet decided to constitute an officers’ committee to look into the entire issue. The committee has been asked to submit its report in the next 90 days to Cabinet sub-committee on regularisation of employees, attracting adverse reaction from employees’ leaders who dismissed today’s Cabinet decision as timebuying tactics by the Congress government.
Finance Minister Manpreet Badal said the committee would look into different aspects of different category of employees. Of the 5,178 teachers whose services have been regularised, 5,078 were recruited in the master cadre and 100 as classical and vernacular teachers by the Department in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The services of the teachers recruited during 2014, 2015 and 2016 would be regularised at full scale on completion of their two-year probation, reducing the probation period from three years to two years. Davinder Singh Punia, general secretary of the Democratic Teachers Front, said, “Today’s decision is fraught with financial implications.
Moga turns fortress for Rahul rally Congress president Rahul Gandhi is set to preside over “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” rally at Killi Chahal village in the district on Thursday to launch party’s campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. More than 10,000 police personnel summoned from across districts have been deployed at the venue and other vulnerable locations. The civil and police authorities, including intelligence agencies, have set up their camp offices near the rally site. The administration has instructed all banquet halls and hotels in Moga, Ajitwal and Baghapurana that their premises should not be occupied for three days beginning today. Sources said at least 115 acres of land had been taken at Rs 40,000 per acre from the farmers for the rally. Helipads have been constructed near the venue. At least, 10
Missing boy reunited with family The joy of 11-year-old Joban knew no bounds on seeing his parents after five years. The credit goes to governmentrun Child Welfare Centre (CWC) whose coordination facilitated him to reunite with his family. His parents Balwinder Singh and Nirmal Kaur couldn’t believe their eyes on seeing their only son before them. They have two daughters too. Joban was handed over to them by the CWC, Amritsar unit in the presence of District Child Protection Officer. Hailing from Amritsar, Joban was just six when he left his home in a fit of anger after being scolded by his parents for indulging in a street altercation with his fellows.He boarded a train from Amritsar with no idea where it will take him to.
College student shot dead in Chandigarh, three injured A 23-year-old youth was killed and three others were injured after armed assailants attacked them at their rented accommodation in Sector 49, Chandigarh early morning on Wednesday. The crime is being seen as a fallout of the rivalry over control of DAV College unit of student outfit Indian National Student Organisation (INSO). The victim has been identified as Vishal Chillar, 23, who was in the city to take the short service commission exam for the constable’s post. The injured are Pankaj, Megal and Ashish, all in their 20s.
parking lots have been notified with traffic restrictions on the Moga-Ludhiana national highway.
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Guru Gobind Singh Skill Institute inauguarated Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh laid the foundation stone of Guru Gobind Singh Skill Institute. Over Rs 500 crore will be spent on this constituent college of Inder Kumar Gujral Punjab Technical University to be set up on 42 acres. He also initiated beautification and facade development and strengthening and upgrade of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Marg costing over Rs 15 crore. The CM announced the construction of two gates in the city in the name of Baba
Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, the two elder Sahibzadas. Local bodies and Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu announced to upgrade the Chamkaur Sahib Nagar Panchayat to municipal council. Lashing out at the previous SAD-BJP regime, the Chief Minister said they did not take care of even the “Guru Ghars” during their 10-year of destructive rule.
Giani Iqbal to challenge expulsion A day after Giani Iqbal Singh was removed from the Jathedar’s post, he threatened to take legal course of action against the managing board of the Patna Sahib Takht. “I am left with no option but to knock the door of the court now. There is a valid provision and I will not hesitate to approach the Supreme Court to get justice. I will file defamation against those who conspired to tarnish my image,” he said. He alleged that the former Jathedars of other takhts, referring to the then Akal Takht
Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, and Takht Talwandi Sabo Jathedar Giani Gurmukh Singh, had tampered the controversial Sirsa dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s apology letter sent to the Akal Takht in September 2015. Ironically, he was one of the signatories of the controversial flip-flop on pardoning the dera chief. He alleged that the dera chief never submitted an apology, but it was later converted by including the word “Khima Da Jachak” over his signatures by the then takht heads. —
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US to scrap India & Turkey’s preferential trade status US President Donald Trump moved to end Washington’s preferential trade treatment for India and Turkey, affecting billions in exports. India has failed to assure the US on “equitable” access to Indian markets, Trump said. India and Turkey are set to lose their preferential trade treatment with the US, according to statements from the White House on Monday. “I am taking this step because ... I have determined that India has not assured the United States that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to the markets of India,” Donald Trump said in a letter to leaders of the US Congress. Washington intends to terminate Turkey’s preferential status because the country is “sufficiently economically developed” and no longer qualifies, according to the US Trade Representative’s office. Since receiving preferential status in 1975, Turkey has shown a growth in income per capita,
reduced poverty and diversified exports, officials said. The trade officials also accused New Delhi of deploying “a wide array of trade barriers that create serious negative effects on United States commerce,” echoing Trump’s letter to US lawmakers. In February, India started enforcing new rules on e-commerce in an attempt to shield domestic traders from foreign-based business giants. The rules caused severe disruptions for Amazon and Flipkart, which is majority-owned by the US retail giant Walmart. Last year, New Delhi ordered Visa and Mastercard to store their data on transactions involving subjects in India solely on Indian servers. US firms have opposed such legislation in various parts of the world. India also boosted tariffs on electronics and smartphones. Previously, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imported from India.
India inks $250-million loan agreement with World Bank The World Bank and the Indian Government have signed a $250-million agreement for the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP), which will help women in rural households shift to a new generation of economic initiatives by developing viable enterprises for farm and non-farm products. The $250-million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) has a 5-year grace period, and a final maturity of 20 years. A key focus of the project will be to promote women-owned and women-led farm and non-farm enterprises across value chains; to enable them to build businesses that help them access finance, markets and networks; and to generate employment.
Trump’s trade move could be a blow to Modi gov’t US President Donald Trump has decided to end Washington’s preferential trade treatment for India that allows a duty exemption on more than $5 billion (€4.4 billion) worth of its goods coming into the United States. Trump, who has often called out India for its high tariffs, said his move was prompted by lack of assurances from New Delhi that “it will provide equitable and reasonable access to the markets of India.” Indian officials played down the impact of the move, saying the preferential treatment brought benefits of just around $200 million annually. India exported around $50 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2017. “It does not come as a bolt from the blue,” Ajay Sahai, the director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, told DW. “Even though the GSP (preferential treatment) is given on a nonreciprocal basis, the US was seeking market
access and tariff reduction in exchange during our negotiations.” Sahai said the US move, which would see tariffs of between 2-3 percent on the exempted goods, is most likely to hit leather, food processing, textile
and few engineering goods. He, however, warned that the removal of the preferential trade status would also hurt US companies, which import Indian intermediate and semi-finished goods as raw materials on the cheap.
Pinnacle Finetza is futuristic Indian RV you’ve never heard of Looking like a Ford E-Series van of the future, the Pinnacle Finetza is a luxury motorhome from India that hides a neat trick in the back. Upon arriving at your destination, the rear extends to make a little more space for the folks inside. Pinnacle claims that its the first Indian firm to offer an expandable RV. The Finetza’s interior looks quite plush but with a very beige color scheme in these images. A customer could tweak the shades, though. Buyers can also customize the seating arrangement throughout the rest of the vehicle to include recliners or a motorized sofa that converts into a bed. A fixed sleeping area is available, too. A variety of table layouts include folding and sliding designs for getting rid of them when the flat areas aren’t necessary.
Depending on the configuration, a Finetza can sleep two to eight people. When it’s time to relax, there are multiple screens around the cabin, and there’s a home theater system for connecting things like video game consoles, movie streaming equipment, or music devices. Adjustable ambient lighting lets owners set the mood. For keeping fed, the Finetza has a tiny kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, oven, and electric kettle. The bathroom comes standard with a toilet, and there’s an optional shower. Pinnacle doesn’t offer many technical details about the Finetza. The company’s website only mentions that it has a monocoque body and air suspension.
7 of the world’s 10 most polluted cities are in India Air pollution is an insidious killer. If you are among the 91% of the world’s population who breathes air the World Health Organisation (WHO) deems unsafe, then every time you inhale, microscopic particles are being drawn into your lungs. They get into your bloodstream, causing cancers, strokes and heart disease, stunting children’s growth and development, and even reducing your intelligence. Now, a new study by IQAir AirVisual and Greenpeace has identified the cities where air pollution is highest. The list is dominated by India, with seven of the worst 10 cities, and 22 of the worst 30. The most polluted city on earth is Gurugram, a financial and industrial hub of nearly 1 million people
situated about 30 kilometres southwest of New Delhi. There, average air pollution levels in 2018 were more than 13 times the level permitted under WHO guidelines, although air quality had actually improved slightly since the previous year. Like Gurugram, the next four Indian cities on the list are satellites of Delhi, which is the most polluted capital on earth. Patna and Lucknow, along with Faisalabad and Lahore in Pakistan, and Hotan in China, round out the worst 10. The research focussed on the levels of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles 20 times smaller than the width of a human hair are the most damaging to human health.
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A ‘brother’ betrays Pakistan By Karamatullah K Ghori
As the old maxim goes, the enemy of your enemy is your friend. But what would you say when your friend starts courting your enemy? How would you handle a gratuitous test coming your way, especially with your hands full, already, with hostility from your enemy? Pakistan was confronted with precisely that kind of a dilemma on its diplomatic front while dealing with a serious threat to its territorial integrity from ‘archenemy’ India. Pakistan was posed an acute diplomatic embarrassment—one of its kind in the living memory of most Pakistanis— by none other than the affluent ‘brotherly’ state of UAE, where millions of Pakistanis are expatriate workers. More, Pakistan has only recently been the beneficiary of billions of dollars pledged by the Emiratis as a bailout for its hard-pressed economy badly in need of foreign assistance. A more broad-based economic cooperation is also in the works. However, this factson-ground couldn’t obscure the diplomatic dilemma masked in the UAE government inviting the Indian external affairs minister as a guest of honour to the 46th Conference of foreign ministers of the OIC—Organisation of Islamic Cooperation—hosted by it. Pakistan felt slighted and hurt that ‘brotherly’ UAE hadn’t thought it necessary to consult it on the sensitivity of the issue. It also felt deeply betrayed because the diplomatic salvo came at a crunch time in Pakistan’s tense ties with India. The February 14 bloody incident at Pulwama, in Kashmir—in
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which at least 40 Indian Forces were killed— degenerated into a shooting conflict from the previously war-of-words between India and Pakistan on February 26, when New Delhi claimed to have blasted, from the air, an alleged training camp of Jaish-e-Muhammad at Balakot, deep inside Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The following day, February 27, there was a dogfight between India and Pakistan. An Indian jet was hit and a Wing Commander was captured. There was plenty of gung-ho optics and commentary for Pakistanis to celebrate the capture of the pilot, but there was a lot of heart-burning at the same time, at brotherly UAE’s refusal to rescind their invitation to Indian FM Sushma Swaraj, to grace the OIC conclave in Abu Dhabi. Pakistanis have a long memory on India’s persistent efforts, over the last half-a-century, to gatecrash into OIC and back-stabbing of Pakistan on this question by some Arab states with a soft heart for India. There’s a history of India seeking to embarrass Pakistan by consistently demanding some sort of status in OIC. OIC was founded, back in 1969, when Israel had made an abortive attempt to take control of Masjid-e-Aqsa— the third holiest shrine to Muslims—in its occupied Jerusalem. India had then asked for full membership or observer status at OIC. The Indian demand emanated from its claim that it had a Muslim minority that outnumbered the populations of several of OIC’s 56-member-states combined.
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Saturday, March 9, 2019 Solomon Islands struggle with nation’s worst oil spill On a normal weekend, the waters of Kangava Bay would be busy with children playing or collecting clam shells and villagers heading out to catch reef fish to eat. But last Sunday the bay was quiet. Locals can no longer cool off in the neon blue waters of Rennell Island, a tiny dot in the vast South Pacific that lies at the southern tip of the Solomon Islands. They can no longer spot parrotfish swimming in the shallows, picnic on the sand or fetch fresh water from streams and springs near the sea. The reason lies just yards offshore. It is hard to miss. Four weeks ago the huge Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier MV Solomon Trader, carrying 700 tonnes of oil, ran aground on Kongobainiu reef after becoming
loosed from its mooring. Now dead fish float in the bay. The tide is black. A thick oily blanket of tar covers the surface of the water and coats beaches, rockpools, logs and leaves. The coastal villages of Matanga, Vangu, Lavangu and Kangava have been the hardest hit by the oil spill. Paul Neil, who lives in Lavangu village, told the Guardian that children had been told not to swim in the sea and that fishing had been banned for the foreseeable future. With no way to find their own food, the villagers were now depending on deliveries from the capital Honiara, 150 miles away. Neil said the slick had changed the local way of life.
Indian held over plot to kill Lankan president acquitted An Indian national held in Sri Lanka over an alleged plot to assassinate president Maithripala Sirisena was acquitted on Wednesday, court officials said. Marceli Thomas, from Kerala, was arrested in October following a complaint by Namal Kumara, a police informant, who had alleged a plot to assassinate Sirisena and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the former top defence ministry bureaucrat and brother of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court acquitted Thomas of the charges of conspiring to assassinate the VIPs when the case was taken up for hearing on Wednesday. Colombo fort magistrate Ranga
Dissanayake on February 13 informed the CID to present to court evidence against the suspect regarding the plot in two weeks. However, the CID has not been able to produce any evidence against Thomas implicating him in the conspiracy charges. Thomas had denied the allegation in the court and claimed that he is innocent and that an attempt was being made to frame him. Considering the facts in the case, the Magistrate said he cannot order to keep a person in remand without evidence as the police wanted. However, Thomas has been remanded further on charges of staying in the country without a valid visa
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Cops stop Arundhati’s Bangladesh event The Bangladeshi authorities on Tuesday barred Indian writer-activist Arundhati Roy for a second time from holding a discussion to be hosted by a government critic as the police withdrew the permission for the venue. The organisers of the talk title ‘Utmost Everything’ were informed at 10 pm on Monday that the permission for the author’s talk at the Krishibid Institute Auditorium, one of the venues of the photography exhibition Chobi Mela, was cancelled due to “unavoidable circumstances”. No further details were provided, the Chobi Mela Secretariat said. The venue for the talk, scheduled for Tuesday evening, was later shifted to Midas Centre in
the Bangladesh capital, it said. The invited guests were asked to join the function at 5.30 pm but as they started arriving the venue, MIDAS staff informed them the programme was cancelled. “MIDAS authorities just told us they could not allow us to stage the event due to lack of police clearance,” said Shahidul Alam, an antigovernment activist. Roy’s session was to be moderated by Alam, a photojournalist and festival director. Roy was behind bars for over 100 days last year for expressing solidarity with students protesting Dhaka’s dismal road safety infrastructure.
Pakistan’s isolation on international stage is India’s biggest victory The ceremonial handover by Pakistan of a captured Indian Air Force pilot might make for good television, but Pakistan’s increasing global isolation is the story that has greater significance. Talking heads on television in both countries claim victory for their side on an almost daily basis. Amid this noise, and well after the current heat dissipates, it is Pakistan’s loss of friends abroad that will have strategic consequences. The day Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned, Pakistan failed to attend a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), of which it is a founding member, for the first time ever. This was Pakistan’s way to protest the refusal by OIC foreign ministers to rescind their invitation to India’s foreign minister to address the conference in Abu Dhabi. That India’s external affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj, addressed the 57-member body of majority-Muslim countries while Pakistan was absent speaks volumes about the state
of Pakistan’s ties even with traditional allies. The host, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had only recently helped bail Pakistan out of its economic difficulties. But it chose India over Pakistan as the preferred guest at the OIC meeting within a couple of weeks after the Pulwama terror attack and just a few days after the Indian air strike inside Pakistan. India-Pakistan crises are not new, nor are terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based groups or India’s attempts to coerce Pakistan in their aftermath. What has changed this time is the regional and global reaction to both the February 14 terror attack at Pulwama, where a Jaish e Muhammad suicide bomber attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy, and India’s punitive action against Pakistan. Almost every major country, as well as the United Nations Security Council, have been unequivocal in condemning the terrorist attack and most have not minced words in assigning the blame to Pakistan.
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FIJI
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Reclaim the Night March to bring about visibility to issues of rape and violence against women - Ali Reclaim the Night March is a small part of the larger initiative to bring about visibility to issues of rape and violence against women in Fiji. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali says the march also allows people to come together and show their opposition towards this kind of action towards women and children. Ali says that the youngest rape victim in Fiji is a 4-month-old
baby and the oldest is a 90-year-old and these cases are now coming to light because more and more people are talking about this issue. The Reclaim the Night March that coincides with International Women’s Day will begin at 6.30pm tomorrow from the Suva Flea Market to Government Buildings.
23-year jail for Australian national convicted of possission of illicit drugs Australian national John Nikolic has been sentenced to 23 years imprisonment by High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar. Justice Goundar has set a non-parole period of 18 years. Nikolic is convicted of two counts of possession of illicit drugs, one count of possession of arms and ammunition without a licence and two counts of unlawful
importation of illicit drugs. Nikolic had imported 12.9 kilograms of cocaine and 34.4 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated value of between $20 million to $30 million. While delivering his sentence, Justice Goundar said the yacht which the drugs were found in went to Florida, Colombia, Panama, Tahiti and then to Fiji.
Fire destorys a house near Suva A six bedroom house in Narere Stage 1 was destroyed in fire. Firefighters were able to control the fire from spreading to nearby houses. The National Fire Authority says that the owner of the house and
two tenants were at the scene when they arrived and there have been no reports of any injuries. The Valelevu Fire Station responded to the call at 12.30 this afternoon.
Senior staff of FRCS told to adhere to his bail conditions FICAC will be making an application to transfer the case of a senior staff of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service to the High Court. Senior Counsel Rashmi Aslam informed the court today that they will be making this application in the case of Shameem Khan, who is the Director Intelligence, Compliance and Investigations and the Chief Ethical Standard Unit Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. He says this will be done once the plea has been taken. Khan was charged last October with a count each of Abuse of Office and General Dishonesty – Causing a Loss. Khan has been reminded to adhere to his
bail conditions especially the one regarding the approaching of or interference with prosecution witnesses. Aslam says most of the witnesses work with or under Khan. Resident Magistrate, Deepika Prakash concurred and reiterated the same to Khan and his counsel, Faizal Haniff, who assured strict adherence to conditions. It is alleged that Khan prevented Fiji Revenue Customs Service from obtaining revenue of $4,118,994.08 from January 2016 to May 2017. He allegedly prepared an investigation report with false contents which allowed this loss to occur. The matter has been adjourned to 2nd April.
Australia to introduce more Kava concessions for Fiji travellers Australia’s Office of Drug Control is now taking feedback on a proposal to increase the quantity of kava from 2kg to 4kg that may be taken from Fiji to Australia for personal use. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement in January this year confirming Australia would be putting together a pilot program to ease some of the limitations around kava imports for personal use into Australia. The Australian High Commission in Suva has hosted an information session for members of the Kava Taskforce and relevant stakeholders. Members of the
Kava Taskforce, chaired by Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, David Kolitagane, together with public and private stakeholders were present in the session. Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes acknowledged the significant strides Fiji has taken to develop and regulate the kava industry, inviting attendees to participate in this process and influence the design of the pilot program. Morrison had noted that this was part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-Up, recognizing in particular the cultural and economic importance of kava to Pacific Islanders. He says kava is an important product and has a great and successful market around the world.
Police record statement of 13-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted Police investigators have spoken to a number of people living around the Saweni area to gather more information after a 13-year-old boy alleged that some Chinese nationals tried to abduct him over the weekend. Investigators will also be speaking to the boy and his parents with the hope he may have recalled other details. The boy’s statement was recorded by Police yesterday. The team continues to liaise with medical authorities and await the results on the tests conducted on the alleged use of drugs on the boy. Police are also urging members of the public to
call Crime Stoppers on 919 or the Western Division Command Centre on 9905457 if they have any information that could assist with the investigation. The 13-year-old boy claimed to the Lautoka Hospital staff that he was drugged by some Chinese nationals and found in a confused state on the road side. He claimed that the Chinese nationals tried to inject the boy with some kind of medicine on his chest. The boy told the hospital staff that he managed to escape. He claims that he found a girl of around his age in a fridge in the same vehicle.
Man sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for aggravated robbery A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for a count of aggravated robbery however Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar has suspended the sentence for three years. Semisi Tuinanuya with another man had committed a street mugging last year whereby they stole $100, a mobile phone and perfume from a woman in Laucala Bay. Justice Goundar says that street mugging is too prevalent in Fiji and the court has the
duty to denounce such offences. However, Justice Goundar considered the factors such as the man was a first offender, no violence was involved and that his remorse to the crime was genuine. Justice Goundar said that these circumstances justified the man’s sentence to be suspended.
PAKISTAN
Saturday, March 9, 2019 US visa duration for Pakistani nationals has been reduced to three months from five years, said a spokesperson of the US embassy in Pakistan. Apart from civilians, the new visa policy will also be applicable to Pakistani journalists. The scribes will be issued visas for three months, ARY News reported quoting the US embassy spokesperson. The US government
US visa duration for Pakistani citizens reduced to 3 months has also increased visa application fees for the Pakistani citizens to USD 192 form USD 160. The move, announced on Tuesday, comes after Pakistan took reciprocal steps in modifying the visa policy for US citizens, including reduction of visa period and fee increment in applying
Gov’t begins crackdown on militant groups amid global pressure Pakistan said on Tuesday it had begun a crackdown on Islamist militant groups, detaining 44 members of banned organizations including close relatives of the leader of a group blamed for a deadly bombing in Indiancontrolled Kashmir last month. The interior ministry said it was a move to “speed up action against all proscribed organizations”. Officials said it was part of a long-planned drive against militant groups, not a response to Indian anger over what New Delhi calls Islamabad’s failure to rein in
militant groups operating on Pakistani soil. Pakistan is facing pressure from global powers to act against groups carrying out attacks in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the Feb. 14 attack that killed at least 40 paramilitary police. The incident led to the most serious conflict in years between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with cross-border air strikes and a brief dogfight over the skies of Kashmir. Tension cooled when Pakistan returned a downed Indian pilot on Friday.
Detention of Masood Azhar’s son and brother could be Army’s ploy to give security: officials 44 members of Jaish-eMohammad including Masood Azhar’s son & brother arrested by Pakistan gov’t, but Indian security agencies were unmoved by reports of arrest of with officials saying the terrorists were not arrested under the anti-terrorism laws but have only been taken in “preventive detention for investigation”. Similar actions by the neighbouring country against leaders of the proscribed outfits in the past turned out to be farce as those who were taken into custody were let off soon on different pretexts. The 44 members of the JeM,
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including its founder Masood Azhar’s brother Mufti Abdul Raoof, were said to have been taken in “preventive detention for investigation” and have not been arrested under Pakistan’s antiterrorism law, a security official said. There is every possibility that the detention could also be an attempt by the Pakistan Army to provide security to these terrorists, given the “fear psychosis” that has gripped Pakistan in the past few days following the Indian Air Force strike at Balakot, the official said.
for the document, the spokesperson said. However, issuance of visas to the government officials will be made in view of their working period by the US administration, the spokesperson added. In May last year, Pakistan foreign ministry had announced travel
restrictions on US diplomats in a titfor-tat move, after the US had imposed similar restrictions on Pakistani diplomats in that month, amid the rocky ties between Islamabad and Washington. The US government had stated that Pakistani diplomats at its embassy in Washington DC and consulates will not be allowed to travel over 40 km from their posts without prior permission,
Pakistan sends diplomatic envoy back to India Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Islamabad is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage more with New Delhi to reduce tensions. “Pakistan has decided to send back the Pakistani high commissioner to New Delhi (Sohail Mahmood),” Mr Qureshi. Pakistan had called its envoy back to Islamabad for urgent consultations in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed or JeM which left more than 40 soldiers dead. Islamabad took the step after India called back its envoy Ajay Bisaria to
New Delhi. After the Pulwama terror attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counterterror operation as a “non-military, Preemptive” strike, hitting a JeM terror camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force, while losing an F-16 jet of their own. Pakistan also detained the MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on Friday.
Pakistani paper urges gov’t to establish ties with Israel Israel is one of India’s chief suppliers of arms, and weaponry it provided during the Kargil War in 1999 between India and Pakistan is widely believed to have contributed to India’s successes. With India and Pakistan facing their worst crisis since the countries last went to war in 1999, a Pakistani daily editorialized on Tuesday that Islamabad should explore ties with Israel to challenge the “worrying” IsraelIndia “nexus.” Barring their ideological differences, Israel and Pakistan “are not enemies,” read the editorial in Pakistan’s liberal, English-language Daily Times. “[Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu has opened doors for Islamabad from
time to time, but the domestic political environment of Pakistan are some of the key hindrances,” the paper wrote. The editorial, which noted the close relationship that has developed between Jerusalem and New Delhi, wrote that “perhaps a time may come when Islamabad opens its doors to the Israelis on pragmatic grounds.” The paper cited former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf as arguing in favor of a policy shift toward Israel, and wrote, “Perhaps the Parliament could initiate a debate on our relationship with Israel and forge a national consensus on how to tackle the challenge of India-Israel nexus.”
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NRI
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Indian-origin UK restaurant chain set to shut down The restaurant group owned by Britain’s Indian-origin “chicken king”, Ranjit Singh Boparan, is set to shut down 27 of its outlets as part of a deal to save the wider brands due to over-supply of restaurants in the sector and a softening of consumer demand. The Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) unveiled plans this week to close around a third of the branches of Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner restaurant chains this week, affecting an estimated 300 workers. “We have been examining options for the two brands for some time and the CVA [Company Voluntary Arrangement] is the only option to protect the company,” said BRG chief executive Tom Crowley. “The combination of increasing costs and over-supply of restaurants in the sector and a softening of consumer demand have all contributed to the challenges both
these brands face,” he said. The CVA process involves support from landlords and other creditors as part of arrangements to save the wider business. Boparan is referred to as “chicken king” as the founder of the 2 Sisters Food Group, one of the UK’s largest poultry supply businesses in the West Midlands region of England. His BRG restaurant business owns a series of popular restaurant brands, including fish and chips chain Harry Ramsden. The company acquired Giraffe in June 2016, before buying Ed’s Diner out of administration months later. The company said while sales had improved since BRG bought the chains, some branches remained unprofitable. Britain’s restaurant chains are battling a mix of increasing costs and consumer caution, resulting in a number of outlets facing closure over the past year.
NRI jailed for 33-month for $2.6m fraud An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison and ordered to pay USD 2.6 million in restitution for being convicted of mail fraud and embezzlement. Dinesh Shankar, 41 of San Jose, California was sentenced to 33 months in prison as a result of the mail fraud conviction for embezzling from a medical device company, US Attorney David Anderson said. In addition to the prison sentence and the USD 2.6 million restitution, he was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release. Dinesh Shankar will begin serving his sentence this year. According to the plea agreement, from March 2013 until January 2018, Dinesh Shankar was an employee of a medical device company. Beginning
July 2013 until December 2017, he submitted false expense reports and false invoices to the company’s finance department, causing the company to pay more than half a million dollars in excess of the legitimate expenses and expenditures for services provided to the company. In addition, Dinesh Shankar admitted that he created false invoices that appeared to be issued by six different entities, which were actually fictitious business names for entities that he controlled. He prepared the false invoices to make it appear that the entities provided testing and quality assurance services to his employer when, in fact, they had not provided the services. Dinesh Shankar admitted he caused a total loss to the company of about USD 2.5 million.
Congress woman Ocasio-Cortez and her top South Asian aide could be facing jail time if their control over PAC was intentionally hidden For the second time on Monday, socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and her chief of staff Saikat Chakrabarti are facing bombshell corruption allegations that not only threaten to derail their future in politics but could potentially end up with both of them “facing jail time,” according to a former FEC commissioner. Daily Caller investigative reporter Andrew Kerr reported on Monday evening that Ocasio-Cortez and Chakrabarti “obtained majority control of Justice Democrats PAC in December 2017, according to archived
copies of the group’s website, and the two appear to retain their control of the group, according to corporate filings obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation.” “If the Federal Election Commission (FEC) finds that the New York Democrat’s campaign operated in affiliation with the PAC, which had raised more than $1.8 million before her June 2018 primary, it would open them up to ‘massive reporting violations, probably at least some illegal contribution violations exceeding the lawful limits,’ former FEC commissioner Brad Smith said,” Kerr
NRI dentist Killed in Australia in murder-suicide A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist in Australia, who went missing under mysterious circumstances, has been murdered with her body bearing numerous stab wounds found dumped in a suitcase in Sydney, the police said today. The man suspected of murdering the Sydney dentist Preethi Reddy, whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase in her car parked in an eastern Sydney street, New South Wales, is another Indian-origin dentist and her ex-boyfriend Harsh Narde. Narde died in a fiery car crash on the New England Highway on Monday night, a day after his ex-girlfriend was reported missing, New South Wales Police (NSW) said. The
head-on collision, around 340 kilometres from where Reddy’s body was found, is believed to have been deliberate, they said. The police said they spoke to Narde as part of the missing persons investigation, before his death. They said the investigation was still in its early stages. “I cannot qualify exactly what has happened and I won’’t put it out there because if we’’re wrong and it’’s not substantiated then we’’re doing a disservice to Preethi and her family,” Detective Superintendent Gavin Dengate said. “At this stage we know they met up in Sydney and now we’’re looking at all the movements between these two,” the officer was quoted as saying.
NRI student dies in University pool University of Rhode Island officials say a graduate student from India died after an incident in a campus pool. The school said in a statement that first responders were called to the Tootell Physical Education Center pool on the Kingston campus Sunday afternoon and found lifeguards performing CPR on the student. The university says the student was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The student was identified as Suhail Habeeb. The school says Habeeb was from India and was
studying physics. He had been enrolled at the university since fall 2016. The school did not provide any further details. An Indian student died in the campus pool of the University of Rhode Island, on Sunday, the second such drowning death of Indian students in two days. Suhail Habeeb died following an accident that took place in a Tootell Physical Education Center pool on the Kingston Campus of the university.
SUPER
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Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Saturday, March 9, 2019