The Asian Star - August 31, 2019

www.theasianstar.com Vol 19 - Issue 31

Saturday, August 31, 2019

‘Unexplained difference’ of 13 cents per litre in BC - Enquiry finds The B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) has found that the gasoline market in the province is not truly competitive and that there’s a “significant unexplained difference” of about 13 cents per litre in gas prices between southern BC and other parts of the Pacific Northwest. The findings of the public inquiry into gas and diesel prices were announced Friday morning, just as gas prices surge ahead of the Labour Day long

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South Asian suspects wanted on Canada-wide warrants give themselves up to police Two men wanted Canada-wide for multiple charges have turned themselves in, Surrey RCMP say. Shakiel Singh Basra (pictured left) and Amarpreet Singh Samra (pictured right), both 25, were wanted for unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon and uttering threats. According to police, they turned themselves in on Monday and are scheduled to appear in court on Friday. On Aug. 14, Surrey RCMP asked the public for help locating the two men,

Continued on page 7 Continued on page 2

Body of missing South Asian man found in Sylvan Lake RCMP have recovered the body of Palwinder Singh, 19, who had been missing after a wave knocked him off an inflatable on Wednesday. In a press release sent Thursday evening, Sylvan Lake RCMP said they found and retrieved Singh’s body at 6:35 p.m., in an area near the spot he had last been seen.

“Family, friends and members of the public have been deeply affected by this tragic event,” RCMP said in the release.

Singh’s family and friends watched from the shore as RCMP searched for Singh’s body earlier Thursday.

Friend Maninder Kaloti said the family is in shock. “Nobody could believe that happened. Even this morning when we came in, we were still having a hope he would come out from somewhere and we could find him — maybe in rough shape but alive.” Palwinder Singh, 19, of Edmonton, drowned in Sylvan Lake on Wednesday. Police located his body on Thursday at 6:35 p.m.

RCMP say two males were floating on the lake west of Red Deer on Wednesday afternoon when a wave knocked both into the water. It was unclear whether they were being pulled behind a boat, or just bobbing on the

Continued on page 2

India liberalizes foreign investment rules in a win for Apple India has further liberalized its foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for many sectors, opening new avenues for global investors and giants such as Apple as Asia’s third-largest economy attempts to jump-start its years-low economic growth.

New Delhi said Wednesday evening that it is easing sourcing norms for singlebrand retailers like Apple. As part of the new proposal, which has been approved,

the government said single-brand retail companies will be allowed to open online stores before they set up presence in the bricks-and-mortar market. This would allow Apple, which has yet to set up retail stores in the country, to start selling a range of products through its own online store. Currently, Apple sells its products in India through partnered third-party offline retailers and Continued on page 2

Chinese influence in Canada ‘alive and well,’ says student leader threatened by trolls CanadaisfailingtocombatthespreadofChinese influence that is “alive and well” throughout the country, one prominent student leader says.

And she argues the presence of politicians like former Ontario trade minister Michael Chan as a headliner at a rally last week to mobilize the Chinese diaspora against pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong is just another sign of

how far Beijing’s influence has spread.

“I’m definitely concerned,” said Chemi Lhamo, president of the student union at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, and a Canadian citizen of Tibetan heritage, in an interview with The West Block‘s Mercedes Stephenson.

Continued on page 7

Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community split over Hong Kong protests Images of police using rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters in Hong Kong in early June spurred Joel Wan to pick up the phone and call the United Nations human rights office from his home in Vancouver. “It was 3 a.m. and I was watching live on my computer. I can’t just sit there and watch, so I have to report this somewhere immediately,” recalled Wan, who is

18 and was born in Hong Kong.

Wan called the actions of police in Hong Kong a “trigger” for him, although he was already concerned about a proposed extradition bill that sparked the ongoing mass protests in the semiautonomous Chinese territory.

Continued on page 7

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

India liberalizes foreign investment rules in a win for Apple From page 1 e-commerce platforms such as Amazon government says it is broadening the definition India, Flipkart and Paytm Mall. Over the years, to include both materials sold in India and Apple has requested the government numerous those exported in the local sourcing law. “It times to relax the local foreign direct investment has been decided that all procurements made (FDI) rules. Company executives have long from India by the single brand retail trade entity expressed disappointment at Amazon India, for that single brand shall be counted towards Flipkart and Paytm Mall for offering heavy local sourcing, irrespective of whether the discounts on the iPhone and MacBook Air to goods procured are sold in India or exported. boost their respective GMV metrics. Even as Further, the current cap of considering exports this boosted the sales of iPhones in India, the for five years only is proposed to be removed, discounts diluted the brand image of iPhones to give an impetus to exports,” Piyush Goyal, in the country, executives feltApple will soon Commerce and Industry Minister, said in a press explore selling its products through its online conference. Apple had urged the government store in India, a person familiar with the matter previously to ease this requirement, as well. told TechCrunch. But the move is unlikely to India has emerged as one of the world’s biggest materialize before next year, the person said, battlegrounds for smartphone vendors. As sale requesting anonymity. New Delhi previously of smartphones slow or decline in nearly every also forced companies like Apple to source 30% corner of the world, Indians are showing a of their productions locally (PDF). Now the growing appetite for handsets.

Body of missing South Asian man found in Sylvan Lake From page 1 inflatables. One of the males was helped out by some people who were close by in a dinghy but the second person could not be found.

A child who was in the dinghy swam to shore for help but police say no children needed to be rescued. Mounties, aided by the RCMP helicopter and civilian boaters, started a search for the missing man on Wednesday but eventually had

to suspend it due to darkness. They resumed the search Thursday morning, with the use of underwater cameras and sonar.

The Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society’s underwater recovery team also joined the search.

Crews searched all day Thursday, and located Singh’s body at 6:35 p.m., near the place he had last been seen.

South Asian suspects wanted on Canada-wide warrants give themselves up to police

From page 1

men, who were believed to be in the Surrey area. Members of the public were asked not to approach the pair, but to call police immediately with any leads on their whereabouts.

Surrey RCMP’s General

Investigation Unit and Gang Enforcement Team were investigating incidents involving the two suspects, which were believed to be isolated and targeted, police said.

Happy Labour Day! Saluting workers in every walk of life for the jobs you do, and the contributions you make, for us all.

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Drunk driver gets 5 1/2 years for killing Markham mother & daughter Social media users are expressing their anger following a Markham man being sentenced to 5-1/2 years after being found guilty of killing a Markham mother and her daughter while drunk driving in a 2016 collision. Christopher Singh, 30, who was found guilty March 29 of two counts of impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and over-80 causing death, was sentenced Aug. 26 in a Newmarket courtroom for his role in the double fatality.

Justice Shannon McPherson also gave Singh an eight-year driving prohibition. York Regional Police investigators responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a black Toyota Corolla and black Infiniti G35 at around 9:40 a.m. on Aug. 29, 2016 on 16th Avenue, near BurOak Avenue.

Pradeep Guruge, husband of Inoka AthuraliyaLiyana-Waduge, 42, who was killed along with the couple’s daughter, Savani Guruge, 4, said the mother and daughter were returning from

dropping him off at the GO Station on his way to work at a financial company in downtown Toronto The pair died in hospital. The court heard how Singh, who worked at Bell Canada, had been drinking in the lead up to picking up his daughter from his partner’s home. When he arrived, his partner’s sister told the court she could not tell he was inebriated and gave the small child to Singh. In the lead up to the crash, in which Singh’s vehicle crossed the centre line, the police’s collision experts said there was no evidence of an attempt to stop. Singh’s child, who was strapped into a child’s seat, survived. Guruge gave an extensive interview to YorkRegion.com following the death of his wife and child said at the time he still had his 12-year-old daughter, who did not go along for the car ride, at home with him. About his wife he said: “She was very pleasant and helpful.

She was actually like a second mother to me.

Feds haven’t delivered on promises to combat money laundering: BC Attorney General The Prime Minister has been doling out money across the country ahead of the fall election, but so far he hasn’t followed through on some significant promises in B.C. B.C.’s Attorney General David Eby is blasting the federal government for failing to follow through on promises to help B.C. combat money laundering. “If we’re on our own on this, the federal government should tell us that,” Eby says. He says it’s been months since he raised the alarm about the extent of money laundering in B.C., but he hasn’t seen any resources or money coming from the federal government. “It’s their responsibility, and to know that we’ve gone so long without

any announcement of even one that I am aware of — additional police officer at the federal level working on this issue– is disturbing, and I think time is running out for them to take that action,” he says. Eby is referring to the clock running out before the writ drops ahead of the federal election coming this fall. He says if there are no federal officers or forensic accountants dedicated to combat money laundering, it means the work — which is under federal jurisdiction — is simply not being done. “We’re going into a public inquiry on this in the fall, and I can’t imagine that this is going to be the way the federal government is going to go into that process.

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Vol 18 - Issue 31

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Police target children as young as 10 years old in effort to curb BC’s middle-class gang problem Sgt. Mike Sanchez didn’t expect to find himself working in elementary schools as a senior officer with the RCMP’s gang enforcement unit in Surrey, B.C. But when he looks around some classrooms, he said there are already signs of kids glorifying what he describes as a “gang lifestyle.” They wear clothes mimicking older kids who sell drugs and show no surprise when his team gives its

presentation. “When you see a young individual in Grade 7 already looking like that, that’s alarming. I never thought we’d be delivering this content to Grade 6s and Grade 7s and that is actually our target now,” Sanchez said. British Columbia is facing what some law enforcement officials have called a unique and unprecedented gang problem. Unlike Los Angeles and Chicago

where gang members are born into poor neighbourhoods with no other options, police say a large portion of B.C.’s gang violence is between young men who grew up in middle-class and affluent families. It means the province is carving its own path as it tries to stop the trend without other models to follow.

Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper & Andrew Sheer attend memorial for Deepak Obhrai Former prime minister Stephen Harper told a memorial service Monday that former Calgary member of Parliament Deepak Obhrai opened doors for new Canadians to become involved in politics.

“Deepak lived the Canadian immigrant dream and he led a generation of Conservatives in demonstrating how to build relationships in communities of different backgrounds across the country,” Harper said at the public service held in Calgary. “He reminded us that the strength of free and democratic societies is not in the virtuous narratives and vanity of our leaders, but in the simple aspirations of everyday hard-working families for a better life.” Obhrai, 69, died earlier this month from liver cancer. Born in Tanzania to parents from India, he settled in Calgary with his family in 1977. The businessman

became the first Hindu elected to the House of Commons in 1997 when he won the Calgary East riding for the Reform party. He was reelected six times under the banners of the Canadian Alliance and Conservative parties.

“He never looked back,” Harper said. “There can be no doubt that, had God been willing, he

would have made it eight successful campaigns in a few short weeks from now.” Obhrai was the longest-serving parliamentary secretary to a minister of foreign affairs in Canadian history — from 2006 to 2015 — and was also the longest continuously serving Conservative MP, “as he frequently reminded me,” Harper said. Obhrai’s family said they want to continue his legacy. Aman Obhrai is seeking a federal Conservative nomination in hopes of filling his father’s seat in what is now called Calgary Forest Lawn.

Priti Obhrai-Martin said she will continue what was supposed to be her father’s retirement project. The Obhrai Canadian Refuge Opportunity Foundation plans to build centres in refugee camps around the world

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

By Tegan Hill and Milagros Palacios The Fraser Institute

Bad budget decisions make Canada vulnerable

The latest economic news foreshadows recession. Canada’s persistent government deficits will only worsen the situation.

Recently, the U.S. stock market had its worst day in 2019, plunging 800 points. The bond market is showing weakness with short-term interest rates higher than long-term ones, a situation that preceded past recessions.

Growing trade disputes among global superpowers is eroding business confidence and affecting investment. This will have an important impact on Canada’s economy and finances. Even before considering a recession, Canada’s federal finances were worrying. With no plan to balance the budget and government spending (perperson inflation-adjusted) at a record high, a recession in the U.S. would only amplify our fiscal problems. In many ways, the federal government is repeating the fiscal

mistakes from the 1960s to the 1990s that led to persistent and prolonged deficits. So what mistakes contributed to the deep and prolonged deficits over that period? In 1966, as noted in a recent Fraser Institute study, the size of the deficit relative to the economy was only 0.7 per cent. But despite a period of higher-than-forecast revenues, the federal government routinely incurred deficits for more than 30 years. Nominal program spending grew at an average of 10 per cent annually, which is higher than what’s needed to offset the combined effects of inflation and population growth. At its peak, the size of the deficit relative to the economy was nearly eight per cent in 1984. To put this in perspective, the government’s total program spending (excluding interest on debt) was 16.5 per cent of the economy that year.

Throughout this time, the federal government frequently stated the need for spending restraint. The government was at

least concerned about growing spending, even if there was little action until reform in 1995. Today, the government seems to approach federal finances in much the same way. The size of the deficit relative to the economy is 0.9 per cent, markedly similar to the situation in 1966. Since 2015, Ottawa has routinely spent all its higher-thanforecast revenues, program spending is growing at an average annual rate of 6.3 per cent (exceeding inflation plus population growth) and, considering interest rates are historically low, interest costs will likely continue to rise. More worrisome, the federal government is forecasted to run deficits until 2040. And this doesn’t account for the likelihood of a recession. If a recession occurs – as many economic indicators predict – government revenues would automatically decline and expenditures would rise, deepening the deficit even before any action (stimulus spending, for example) from the government. But Canada’s finances face an additional headwind that wasn’t present in the 1960s to 1990s. Today, the population is getting older because people are living longer and fertility rates are declining. This demographic shift will affect the ability of governments to raise tax revenues while at the same time create pressure for higher spending on benefits such as old age security and health care, increasing the risk of consistent deficits like we saw from 1965 to 1995. Perhaps most alarming, the current federal Liberal government expresses no concern about the deficit, growing debt or historically high levels of spending.

The government would do well to craft and execute a plan to balance the budget within the next three years. If Ottawa continues on its current track of repeating past fiscal mistakes, Canada will risk incurring the deep and prolonged deficits of the past, particularly in the face of recession.

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‘Unexplained difference’ of 13 cents per litre in BC - Enquiry finds Public inquiry into gas prices in BC finds

From page 1

Day long weekend. Prices at the pump were hitting $1.52 per litre of regular in Vancouver at daybreak. “The higher price differentials cannot be explained by economic theory or justified by known factors in the market,” said David Morton, chairman of the utilities commission. “They are higher than they would be expected under more competitive conditions.” The commission looked at different factors that may have been influencing prices at the pump since 2015 but, Morton said, there is no obvious trigger that would explain the “disconnect” in prices since then. Regulator investigating high gas prices in B.C. has power to examine gouging Premier John Horgan ordered the inquiry in May, when prices reached a recordbreaking $1.70 a litre for regular, saying gas and diesel price increases were “alarming, increasingly out of line with the rest of Canada, and people in B.C. deserve answers.” At the time, Horgan said British Columbians — particularly those in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island — were used to higher gas prices compared to other provinces but not to the extent seen this spring. In the investigation, the BCUC

Chinese influence in Canada ‘alive and well,’ says student leader threatened by trolls From page 1 “These are the folks that are actually implementing the propaganda and amplifying the propaganda that the Chinese state is trying to control.”

Lhamo made headlines earlier this year when her election as student union president prompted a wave of abuse by Chinese trolls who mobilized online to threaten Lhamo’s position, her future — and even her life.

“Somehow the international Chinese community came to find out that I was running for the elections, but to be specific, it was more like a Tibetan running for the campaign. When they found out, they immediately released a petition online against me. In addition to that, they took it on social media and they started giving me comments in the thousands from rape threats to death threats — not only to me but my family members,” she said.

“There was a pattern in these comments.

Everything was talking about Tibet and China.”

Those attacks came both from abroad and at home. In some cases, she says she was even told by attackers that they went to school right on her campus.

And Lhamo believes what she experienced is part of a broader pattern of Chinese influence spread throughout Canada.

Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community split over Hong Kong protests The bill, which has since been suspended, would have allowed certain suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face charges, a move Wan and others in Canada view as a blow to Hong Kong’s legal independence. In response, Wan helped form a group called Vancouver Hong Kong Political Activists, which aims to shed light on what he sees as the erosion of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. “When I’m enjoying the freedom and human rights in Canada, and myself being a part of Hong Kong identity, I have a greater responsibility to speak up for the people when they can’t,” said Wan in a recent interview. “I decided to step up to let Canadians hear what we’re saying.” Earlier this month, the political climate in Hong Kong spilled into the streets of Vancouver as an event organized by Wan’s group sparked a counter-rally by supporters of China’s central government and the Hong Kong police. As many as 300,000 Canadians live in Hong Kong, according to the Asia Pacific Foundation, and more than 200,000 people living in Canada were born in Hong Kong.

looked at evidence presented by all the major companies that have refining and retail business in the province, as well as more than 70 letters of comment from members of the public and three reports by independent consultants. The gasoline market in B.C. is not truly competitive, the report found, adding that retail market prices can be controlled by five refiner-marketers. That said, the report noted that there is no evidence of collusion among the retail operators or of cartel behaviour.

Regulation could potentially improve the situation but further investigation is needed, the report also said. “The prices for gasoline sold in B.C. are higher than other parts of Canada — specifically, the retail margin is higher,” Morton said. “Even if cheaper gasoline is available, we would still pay the Pacific Northwest price — consumers in British Columbian don’t benefit from cheaper gasoline that’s brought in from elsewhere.”

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Modi is betting big on electric vehicles. But does he need China’s help?

J

uly was the Indian auto industry’s worst month for passenger-vehicle sales in almost two decades, with numbers plummeting 35 per cent from the corresponding month last year. But the same month also saw top carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra announce their plans for new models, with one thing in common – they were all plans for electric vehicles (EVs) .EVs account for just 0.1 per cent of India’s car market, according to figures released by manufacturers. Mahindra leads the sector by a wide margin, with some estimates putting its market share at more than 50 per cent, and has been in the business for close to a decade – but few of its own shareholders are aware of the company’s involvement in EV manufacturing. It is an oversight Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to correct. How a wave of Chinese money is powering Indian start-ups The industry’s move to shift gears from conventional internal combustion engines to EVs follows

a similar thrust from the government, which over the years has set out a blend of “carrot and stick� policies to achieve its ambitious target of becoming a 100 per cent EV nation by 2030.

These include aiming for all three-wheelers manufactured in India to be EVs by 2023, while all two-wheelers with an engine capacity of below 150cc must be electric by 2025.

The government’s plan also seeks to curb rising air pollution and mitigate India’s dependence on imported crude. The energy-hungry country is the world’s No 4 car market by sales, and is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world. Carmaker Mahindra leads the Indian electric-vehicle sector by a wide margin. Photo: Shutterstock India’s first major EV push came in 2010 when

the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy unveiled incentives for manufacturers, but this was accelerated by the Modi administration in 2015 when it earmarked 10 billion rupees (US$140 million) for infrastructure development, incentives, research and pilot projects over the next two years. The second phase of the scheme – known as “faster adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles� – was originally unveiled in 2015, and received funding of 100 billion rupees in February.

Last month’s budget brought with it more goodies for the sector, with a reduction in the federal sales tax on EVs from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, and on electric car chargers from 18 per cent to 5 per cent. Consumers who purchase EVs will also be given tax exemptions, and the import

duty on lithium-ion cells was removed. “Our objective is to clean up cities, reduce imports, and utilise the sun and its energy for driving EVs,� said Amitabh Kant, chief executive of the government’s policy think tank Niti Aayog and a confidant of Modi. “From the perspective of energy security and competitive advantage, new mobility solutions will reduce oil import costs, lower India’s trade deficit and limit our vulnerability to oil supply disruptions,� Kant told a conference on sustainable mobility last month.

The country’s famed automobile sector is the engine of the economy, contributing close to half of the GDP’s manufacturing component – which in turn makes up around 15 per cent of India’s economy. The Modi administration’s continued push for eco-friendly vehicles has sent jitters through the car industry, which has voiced concerns over the ambitious time frame for the transition while pointing out a lack of infrastructure.

The Planet Is Doomed Unless We Stop Eating So Much Meat, UN Warns

C

ountries have to rapidly shift to restorative forms of agriculture and dramatically reduce meat production to save the planet from catastrophic climate change, according to a leaked version of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on land, the Guardian reports.

Even if renewable sources of energy and electric vehicles become the overwhelming norm, the environmental harm caused by food production will still render the planet uninhabitable in the decades ahead. From deforestation to soil degradation to water pollution, food production has become a liability that must be addressed, the report warns. “We are now getting very close to some dangerous tipping points in the behaviour of the climate — but as this latest leaked report of

the IPCC’s work reveals, it is going to be very difficult to achieve the cuts we need to make to prevent that happening,� Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, told the Guardian.

This leaked report, which will soon be released in full, follows a series of similar reports calling for a transformation of the global food system. In July, the UN released a report exploring the state of food security and found that world hunger is on the rise. The World Resources Institute

teamed up with the UN for another report on food sustainability not long after. That report concluded that the world needs to produce more food on less land by 2050, otherwise catastrophic climate change will occur.

The latest report by the UN expands the discussion by focusing on how land is being used around the world.

More than 72% of the Earth’s ice-free surface is being exploited to support humanity’s rapacious appetite for food and natural resources, the authors of the report found. The vast majority of this land is being used to raise livestock or grow crops, two systems that are both adversely impacted by climate change and heavily contribute to it.

In fact, land use is responsible for a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions that heat up the planet each year. Cattle, in particular, are the leading source of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.

Deforestation is another driver of climate change. As forests are mowed down to make space for cattle grazing or crops, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, and a vital carbon sink is erased in the process.

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Frustrated taxi drivers mulling options to ‘pull support’ from NDP A day after Surrey mayor Doug McCallum expressed disappointment with new ridehailing rules, cabbies south of the Fraser accused the NDP government of breaking its promise to bring in a level playing field.

In a video clip making the rounds on Twitter today, a Channel Punjabi interview posted to YouTube shows several men identified as taxi drivers expressing concern with new regulations. Particularly, they’re upset ride-hailing companies can have as many vehicles on the road as they want (to start at least) and being able to operate in zones that are larger than what taxi drivers face.

“Harry Bains bhaji, please resign,” one man can be seen saying in the 30 minute plus interview. The same man calls on other NDP MLAs from Surrey to also resign, if the politicians’ voices weren’t being heard in caucus.

Gurminder Singh, the general manager of Newton Whalley Hi-Way Taxi Ltd confirmed discussions and meetings were underway

with those unhappy with the new ridehailing rules. He said there’s been talk of ‘pulling support’ from the NDP, but said at this point, nothing has been decided.

The Vancouver Taxi Association is also unhappy with the new ride-hailing regime; particularly what the organization says is lower insurance rates for companies like Uber and Lyft, and with the unlimited fleet size. However, that organization differs from other cabbies expressing frustration, in that it wants to keep boundaries.

VTA says if boundaries are removed, it could mean a flood of suburban cabs in downtown Vancouver.

There’s another player, The BC Taxi Association, which says it represents a majority of cabs companies in B.C. It also is advocating for larger boundaries for cabs and also has expressed concerns with the insurance model and unlimited fleet size.

Vancouver broadcaster resigns after outcry over Hong Kong remarks A Vancouver broadcaster resigns after outcry over Hong Kong remarks, Thomas Leung called the July 21 attack ‘a fight between black and white.’

An on-air columnist at Vancouver’s most-listened-to Chinese radio station has resigned after making controversial remarks about the protests in Hong Kong, suggesting pro-democracy demonstrators were partly responsible for a violent incident last month.

The remarks, aired through Fairchild Radio’s Cantonese channel AM 1470 last Wednesday, drew huge backlash online. Hong Kongers and Canadians who have ties to Hong Kong condemned Mr. Leung for twisting the facts and called his comments “false.”

“Due to personal reasons, Dr. Thomas Leung has submitted his resignation to Fairchild Radio as of August 22, and has left the ‘News Talk’ program on AM 1470 with immediate effect.”

He added that different editing of videos from the Yuen Long attack may lead to different opinions.

Mr. Leung is also the president of a non-profit organization called the Culture Regeneration Research Society. A staff member with the organization said Mr. Leung was not available for an interview on Tuesday.

“That observation on his part is not in accordance to what most people [saw] who were there, or who have viewed the footage either online or through TV.”

CELEBRATE

Labour Day 2019!

BC’s teachers stand proudly with all workers, determined to protect our quality public services and build a more equitable society for every British Columbian.

A message from the Surrey Teachers’ Association, a local of the BC Teachers’ Federation, a social justice union.

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South Asian police inspector in Delta fired for sexual misconduct, false information A Delta police inspector has been fired for becoming sexually involved with a woman curious about employment with the Delta police, and then later lying about it when he was investigated. Varun Naidu, a former inspector with the force, was found to have reached out to the woman via social media after she had expressed interest in applying to work with Delta police. Their conversations started off about what it was like to work with the force before later turning sexual via text and then moving offline. After the allegations were raised and an investigation launched, Naidu was found to have provided false or misleading information when questioned about the communications.

Saanich Police Chief Scott Green, the external discipline authority with the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, was tasked with investigating and submitting

a report. He found that Naidu made a “deliberate and calculating effort to establish safeguards that would enable him to engage in a covert and sexually explicit relationship with (the woman).”

The report also noted that Naidu was “in a position of trust and authority by virtue of being a male, a police officer, a senior officer and someone who could have significant influence on (the woman’s) career aspirations.”

The complaint commissioner accepted Green’s findings and recommendation that Naidu be dismissed.

As a result, a public hearing will not be held.

“The discipline authority in this matter has sent a clear message that conduct which exploits a relationship of trust, or where there is a power imbalance, will attract the most serious of consequences,” said

Andrea Spindler, deputy police complaint commissioner. “In these cases the public must be assured that senior-ranking police officers will conduct themselves with integrity in all matters.” While Naidu retired before the discipline hearing, his employment records with the Delta police

will be changed to reflect his dismissal from the force. In a statement on Tuesday, Delta Police Department Chief Neil Dubord said the department immediately contacted the police complaint commissioner’s office after receiving a complaint and Naidu was suspended in September 2018.

More than 74,000 Surrey students expected to enroll in district this year The Surrey School District is expecting to enroll between 1,000 and 1,200 new students for the 2019/2020 school year. In total, the district’s projected enrolment is 74,700 students. In the 2018/2019 school year, the district surpassed its projected enrolment. “Just for perspective, one year of growth in our school district is the equivalent to the population of a secondary school, or a couple of elementary schools,” said Surrey Board of Education chair Laurie Larsen in a release from the district.

“Schools take at least two to three years to plan and build, so it’s difficult, but we’ve worked hard with the Ministry of Education to speed up the process.” The Now-Leader previously asked Minister of Education Rob Fleming how the ministry plans to get ahead of the overcrowding issue, and he said, “You have to build another high school; 1,700 is a very large high school and you can’t keep adding and going into 2,000 (students) and beyond.” Fleming said there are plans to build another high school, “and we’ll probably have

to do that every five to seven years.”

“We’re certainly going to have to build a number of elementary schools. We’re doing that now. We have five under development or under construction. Additions are possible and are part of the new spaces that we’re planning to create.” Within the district, there are multiple sites that are currently under construction for additions and new schools.

This fall, N e w t o n ’ s Panorama Park Elementary addition will be completed which will add 200 student seats.

According to the district, it will be ready in October. South Surrey’s Pacific Heights Elementary’s 300-seat addition is scheduled to be completed by the spring. There are also four brand-new schools in various stages of construction: Maddaugh Road Elementary in Clayton; and in South Surrey, the Edgewood Drive area and Douglas area elementary schools and Grandview Heights Secondary school.

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Khalsa Business Centre

128th Street, 84th Ave., Surrey, BC

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BC teachers & government agree on program support for most vulnerable students While the province and teachers have yet to strike a deal at the collective bargaining table, they’ve found consensus in improving supports for B.C.’s most vulnerable child populations.

Provincial Education Minister Rob Fleming says ramping up reconciliation efforts, addressing student mental health and continuing support for gender and sexualityinclusive SOGI 123 programming are at the top of his priorities as more than 545,000 kids return to B.C.’s public schools next week.

“We have to be focused on students that are vulnerable to mental health and addictions issues — those that are the target of bullying, sometimes on the basis of racism or anti-LGBT attitudes,” said Fleming.

This school year brings a new curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 with a heavier focus on mental health. B.C. has also been expanding the Foundry network of mental health and addiction support centres and investing in SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity).

B.C. Teachers Federation 1st Vice-President Clint Johnston says issues like these have

gained prominence in recent years, partly because of the B.C. NDP’s direction and partly because of advocacy from parent groups.

“It is a focus that’s sorely needed,” he said.

“There’s a recognition that our system serves the average student quite well, but there are some gaps that need to be made up.”

He sees it as a common thread linking a range of programs. LGBTQ+ students are often more likely to have acute mental health needs, for example, and resources are scarcer in rural parts of B.C. where there are fewer teachers and support workers.

Indigenous students, whose graduation rate hit a record high of 70 per cent this year but is still substantially less than the figure of 86 per cent for non-Indigenous students, are also a government priority. Fleming highlighted newly introduced Indigenous language programs and an expanded curriculum for First Nations studies courses in upper grade levels and the integration of Indigenous traditional knowledge into other subject areas.

Former army reservist linked to neo-Nazi group missing The man accused of recruiting for a global neo-Nazi terrorist group while serving in Canada’s Army Reserves has gone missing, and his boss is pleading with him to contact his distraught family.

On Monday, Beausejour RCMP in Manitoba got a missing persons report for Patrik Mathews, 26, who was last seen on Saturday evening by his father, who reported him missing on Monday evening.

Mathews’s alleged ties to the group known as The Base led to his release from the Armed Forces this week.

“Efforts to contact and locate him by family and police have been unsuccessful since the report was received,” says an RCMP statement.

“This is a missing person investigation.

There is no warrant for arrest and there are no charges pending against the individual.”

Mathews’s boss last saw him on Friday. He asked for permission to leave work early so he could turn in his military kit and resign from the Forces.

“I told him, ‘We’ll ride this out with you, we’ve got your back, but I can’t see any scenario that will play out well unless you disassociate from that group,’” said his boss, who is not being named by media because he owns a construction company in rural Manitoba and is concerned about putting his livelihood at risk.

Mathews does not work in the community in which he lives.

His boss expected Mathews to phone him early Monday morning to get details on his roofing job, which Mathews does like

Higher levels of opioids and meth found in Vancouver waste water: StatsCan Metro Vancouver has higher-than-average levels of opioids and methamphetamine in its waste-water system compared with other Canadian cities, according to a new Statistics Canada study analyzing cannabis and drug use in the country based on what Canadians flush down their toilets.

In contrast, Vancouver reported less-than-average levels of cannabis in sewage, casting doubt on the city’s reputation as Canada’s cannabis capital.

The pilot project uses a new technique called waste-water epidemiology, which has been used in Europe since 2007 to gauge the consumption

of different types of drugs in urban areas. It collected and tested municipal waste-water samples from 14 treatment plants in five major urban centres between March 2018 and February 2019. Samples were taken every halfhour for a week per month, and were analyzed by researchers at McGill University in Montreal.

The test areas serve 8.4 million residents, about 20 per cent of Canada’s population — the largest conducted in North America in terms of population covered, said StatsCan. “Clear differences … emerged in the drug profiles of the different pilottest cities,” concluded the report.

Dead Hells Angel’s company linked to second murder victim A Hells Angel who was shot to death in Surrey on August 2, once formed a numbered B.C. company that he transferred to an underworld associate who also ended up being murdered, Postmedia has learned.

Before he was gunned down in a Starbucks drive-thru, Suminder “Allie” Grewal (pictured) had a checkered financial history, with several recent lawsuits filed against him over unpaid debts, including a 2018 mortgage he got from a registered B.C. charity.

But as early as 1999, he was registering companies with the B.C. Corporate Registry that would later become known to police.

Historic corporate records obtained by Postmedia show that Grewal formed 596896 BC Ltd on Dec. 2, 1999.

He listed himself as president and secretary of the numbered company, as well as the principle shareholder.

Grewal stated that he worked as a “businessman” on the records, which

do not say what his company’s business was.

Less than two years later, he filed more documents in Victoria, stating that the company has passed a “special resolution” changing its name to Lower Mainland Autoglass Ltd. and was moving to a Richmond address.

The documents said Grewal ceased to be a director on Sept. 1, 2001, with the new president and secretary listed as Jagdip Johal.

In 2009, the auto glass company was dissolved for failing to file annual reports.

Just like Grewal, Johal was shot to death in his car in a busy commercial area of Surrey on Sept. 6, 2012. His wife and young child were in the vehicle with him, but were uninjured.

Unlike Grewal’s case where two young Edmonton men were arrested and charged, Johal’s slaying remains unsolved.

Saturday, August 31, 2019

‘I do not support ride-hailing,’ Mayor McCallum warns of effect on taxi industry In an open letter to the premier, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum criticized new provincial regulations for ride-hailing operators saying they will create an unlevel playing field for the province’s taxi industry.

“I do not support ridehailing,” McCallum wrote to Premier John Horgan.

“This lack of regulation will negatively impact the environment and increase congestion. It will also negatively impact the existing taxi industry that has loyally served Metro Vancouver’s residents for decades,” wrote McCallum.

The Passenger Transportation Board announced on Aug. 19 there will be no initial limits on fleet size for ride hailing companies, but a cap could be imposed later if congestion becomes an issue.

Ride-hailing companies will also have larger operating areas, unlike Lower Mainland taxi companies, which have geographic restrictions on which passengers they can serve based on which municipality they belong to.

“These new regulations would allow ridehailing companies the ability to pick up across

boundaries, while the taxi industry must abide by limits,” wrote McCallum.

‘Bad public policy’: Taxi industry calls new ride-hailing rules unfair McCallum’s comments echo arguments from the taxi industry.

The Vancouver Taxi Association said last week the new rules were not in the public interest.

Surrey Coun. Linda Annis spoke out against the mayor’s stance on Wednesday.

“Frankly, the best thing governments can do in this industry is get out of the way, rather than regulating things well past the point of common sense. Just ask anyone who’s been stranded waiting for a taxi or who has been refused a cab late at night,” Annis wrote in a statement.

“The public are so far ahead of government on this issue because common sense says we should have had ride hailing years ago, just like the rest of the world,” she continued.

No cap on ride hailing fleet sizes, says Passenger Transportation Board

Racist rant in parking lot not criminal but some social reaction to it might be, say Richmond RCMP The woman who was videoed swearing and yelling racial slurs at a family in a Richmond parking lot on Friday will not be facing criminal charges, according to RCMP. The video captured a confrontation over a parking dispute and shows a Caucasian woman blowing raspberries and mocking another driver. The footage has her expressing hate for “you people” and other racial slurs.

Amy Xu, who filmed the rant, was the target of the abuse, along with her young daughter and mother. She reported it to Richmond RCMP. After investigating and consulting with the B.C. Prosecution Service, police concluded the incident was “disturbing and troubling” but not considered criminal in nature.

Police investigate racist rant in Richmond, parking lot captured on video

The video, which went viral on social media, generated significant backlash with thousands of comments and messages to the woman and members of her family.

Richmond RCMP emphasized that while the incident itself isn’t criminal, some of the responses on social media could be.

“We can appreciate that the community here in Richmond and the extended community online feels strongly about comments made in the video, but we would certainly not wish for anyone to cross the line from spirited conversation to criminal cyberbullying,” said Insp. Sunny Parmar in a statement about the incident.

“We must respect this individual is still entitled to due process and has a reasonable expectation of personal privacy.”

Vancouverites revel in last blast of August heat It’s the last week before school starts, which means it’s also the unofficial end of summer. people sunbathe at Sunset Beach The good news Meteorologist Brett Soderholm says it should be sunny and warm for much of the week, with no rain in the forecast.

People ride bicycle along

Second Beach in Vancouver Temperatures will be four to seven degrees higher than normal, sitting in the low-to-mid 20s across Metro Vancouver.

People on the seawall Aug. 26, 2019.

Kiera Baryluk and David Frank jump off a cliff into the Capilano river in North Vancouver.

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Man arrested after death of woman found unresponsive beside BC highway RCMP have launched a homicide investigation after a woman was found unresponsive by a highway near Kimberley, B.C., and later died.

Police and paramedics found the woman after they were called to an unspecified location on Highway 95A, known as the Kimberley Highway, just east of the Kootenay city on Sunday.

She was declared dead after an “extensive intervention” by paramedics and police officers, according to an RCMP release.

A statement said a 39-year-old man has been

arrested in connection with the woman’s death.

The RCMP’s Southeast District Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation, with help from local police in nearby Cranbrook. Police dogs and drones are also being used in the investigation.

RCMPsaidTuesdaynofurther information was available.

Highway 95A branches off Highway 95 just north of Cranbrook and runs through Kimberley, which has a population of around 7,400 people.

Police remind drivers school-zone limits are back as students return Drivers are being reminded to obey school-zone speed limits as students return to school next week. School in B.C. is back Tuesday, prompting White Rock RCMP to put out a reminder that the limit in school zones is 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days. Meanwhile, playground zones are 30 km/h from dusk to dawn daily.

“There is no excuse for speeding in a school zone and we have zero tolerance,” said RCMP Const. Chantal Sears. “What most people don’t realize is the stopping distance at 30km/h is 18 metres or 60 feet before you can come to a full stop. You will not get a second chance if a child runs in front of your vehicle.”

Driver unscathed after car destroyed in Langley train crash A man walked away unscathed after his car was hit by a passing train in Langley, B.C., Wednesday afternoon.

Langley RCMP said the crash happened around 6 p.m. on River Road at 240 Street.

“Luckily the car was hit just at the front of the car,” said Sgt. Berry Beales with Langley RCMP. “[The] car was written off but because of where it was struck, the driver was able to walk away with no injuries.”

Beales said the train — which was about three kilometres long — took a

while to slow down because of its weight.

The cause of the crash is under investigation but Beales said the driver may have had the sun in his eyes and subsequently had “a hard time distinguishing what was going on.”

“It is a fully operational level train crossing with lights and arms so I’m not sure what exactly happened there,” Beales said.

The area was closed off for hours following the incident.

At some point, the train had to be split to allow emergency crews to get to the scene, Beales added.

Two Canadian nationals indicted for bitcoin fraud in USA Karanjit Singh Khatkar, 23, and Jagroop Singh Khatkar, 24, of Surrey, allegedly stole 23.2 bitcoins valued at $233,220 from a woman in the north-western US state of Oregon, according to charges filed in a federal court there, the department said on Thursday. Karanjit Khatkar was arrested when he flew into Las Vegas last month, while Jagroop Khatkar was still at large, likely in Canada, the Department said. It did not say if the two were related. Bitcoin is an internetbased crypto-currency and is outside the control of any country and can be stored or exchanged online for real currency or used for transaction through companies that provide the services. The Justice Department said that according to the complaint filed in the court, the Khatkars set up a Twitter account with a name that gave the impression that it was connected to such a firm in Hong Kong and when the woman contacted them with questions about withdrawing money from that company they persuaded her to send information that enabled them to take over her email and bitcoin accounts.

The complaint said that 23.2 bitcoins were transferred from her account to that of Karanjit Khatkar, who transferred about 11.6 bitcoins to Jagroop Khatkar. On July 18, 2019, Karanjit Khatkar was arrested upon arrival at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. The following week, a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Las Vegas ordered Karanjit Khatkar detained pending transport by the U.S. Marshals to the District of Oregon.

Karanjit Khatkar made his first appearance in the District of Oregon on August 12, 2019.

At a hearing on August 20, 2019, he was ordered detained pending a four-day trial scheduled to begin on October 8, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon.

Jagroop Singh Khatkar remains at large and is believed to be in Canada. This case was investigated by FBI and is being prosecuted by Quinn P. Harrington, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Pharmacist fights for right to take opioid replacement medication on the job B.C.’s Human Rights Tribunal will hear the case of a pharmacist who claims restrictions on opioid replacement medication for working healthcare professionals is discriminatory — even though he’s been cleared to re-apply for his licence.

The 16-year pharmacist, who is not named or identified in any way by the tribunal, is now free to return to work following a second opinion from an addictions specialist. It’s unclear if he has applied to do so and he argues his screening process took too long.

The pharmacist argues there’s no scientific reason to restrict healthcare workers from using medications that curb drug cravings and withdrawal in order to aid addiction recovery.

Developer behind quashed Chinatown condo tower takes city to court over permit The developer behind a proposed nine-storey condo tower in the heart of Chinatown is taking the City of Vancouver to court after it was denied a permit in 2017.

Beedie Holdings Ltd. is seeking a judicial review of the city’s decision to deny it a development permit for a proposed market housing complex at 105 Keefer Street. A petition to the B.C. Supreme Court was filed on Aug. 16.

The project was met with fierce opposition fromsocialhousingadvocatesoverseveralyears of development proposals starting in 2014.

In November 2017, the city’s development permit board ultimately denied Beedie Holdings’ final application for a nine-storey tower with 100 per cent market housing and ground level cultural space. Board members said it did not meet technical zoning requirements for design aspects.

City of Vancouver rejects proposed Chinatown condo at 105 Keefer Street But according to the petition, the city’s decision was inconsistent with recommendations made by the board

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Crown seeking almost two years jail time for Surrey crash that killed two, injured one The call came late at night, from his 17-yearold son, saying “Everybody’s dead, Dad.�

At first, Paul Dhillon didn’t comprehend. Then his son, Tage, told him that his mother, Dhillon’s wife Sarah, had been driving home from an engagement party when there was a terrible crash.

Dhillon, a police officer for almost 30 years, rushed to the scene. “I get to that crash and I see my wife’s car, up on the curb, and I see what the damage is from a distance, as Mounties are holding me back, doing their Nicolas Karvouniaris at Surrey Courthouse on Thursday job,� Dhillon said. “I see a yellow blanket draped over the driver’s seat. I know what that means. I know my wife’s dead, because I’ve seen it before.�

Dhillon delivered an emotional victimimpact statement at a sentencing hearing on Thursday for Nicolas Fotis Karvouniaris.

Karvouniaris (pictured), who turned 26 on Thursday, pleaded guilty in May to two counts of dangerous driving causing

death and one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm for the crash that killed Sarah Dhillon, passenger Paige Nagata, and injured another passenger, Livia Kilian.

Just after midnight on Nov. 4, 2018, Karvouniaris was speeding west on 88th Avenue in Surrey, travelling 167 kph, more than three times the speed limit, when he lost control of his Jeep and ran almost head-on into Sarah Dhillon’s Ford Escape.

Dhillon, an Abbotsford maternity ward nurse, was killed on impact. Nagata, 19, died from her injuries 15 days after the crash. Kilian had a traumatic brain injury, liver laceration, shattered spleen and multiple rib fractures.

Dhillon’s 17-year-old son had a head injury.

Sarah Dhillon, 50, died on impact. Paige Nagata, 25, died 15 days after the crash.

Olivia Kilian suffered devastating injuries.

The four had just left an engagement party.

Dhillon described the devastation that the crash wrought on his family during the past nine months, particularly his three sons.

Dhillon’s eldest lost his mother and girlfriend in the crash, a second lost his mother and his girlfriend suffered devastating injuries.

His youngest saw his mother die. Dhillon suffered an apparent heart attack in June. “I’ve had to watch each one of my three sons react differently. I’ve seen each of them sink

Lawyer for BC man who pleaded guilty to migrant smuggling to challenge mandatory minimum penalty An upcoming sentencing hearing for a B.C. man linked to an elaborate operation that exploited an international park to smuggle migrants into Canada is shaping up to be a contentious one.

A provincial court judge on Thursday heard that five days may be needed to hear arguments, being raised by the defence, over the constitutionality of a mandatory minimum sentence attached to the smuggling offences.

Michael Kong, 62, who last month pleaded guilty to four counts of human smuggling, pleaded guilty to one additional count Thursday, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled for next week.

No agreed statement of facts — a summary of the facts that Kong is admitting to — has yet been filed with the court. But search

warrant documents previously obtained by the National Post showed Kong was the subject of a years-long investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency into an operation that saw Chinese nationals fly to the U.S. on valid travel visas and then walk across the border into Canada via Peace Arch Park — a park that straddles the boundary between Surrey, B.C., and Blaine, Wash., and is located next to a major port of entry.

Once the migrants were on Canadian soil, there would be someone waiting for them in a vehicle to take them further inland, the records state. Many ended up filing refugee claims in the Toronto area. Electronic ledgers — or “score sheets� — found on a computer in Kong’s home suggested more than 900 foreign nationals may have been smuggled between 2011 and 2016, according to investigators.

‘Value of Trees’ event to be held in South Surrey An urban forestry and environment researcher at the University of British Columbia is to share her findings and speak to the importance of mature trees at a South Surrey event later this month.

Lorien Nesbitt is to be the feature speaker at the Ocean Park Beautification Committee’s ‘Value of Mature Trees and Community Health’ event, scheduled to take place Sept. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Ocean Park Community Hall (1577 128 St.).

Nesbitt told Peace Arch News over the phone last week that she plans to touch on the health and social benefits of trees, and of particular interest to her, the benefits of “greenness exposure.� “Usually the focus is trees, and those can be street trees, backyard trees or trees in parks,� Nesbitt said when asked to describe greenness exposure. “There’s also some evidence that having spaces that are somewhat natural is beneficial.�

Nesbitt said there can be a positive psychological benefit that comes with being able to “look out your window

and see something green, like even grass or shrubs or a nice garden.�

into various states of depression,� Dhillon said. “I’m left to pick up the pieces each and every time one of them falls. It’s a far cry from what my life was supposed to be, Sarah’s life was supposed to be, their lives were supposed to be.�

Abbotsford police officer Paul Dhillon, husband of crash victim Sarah Dhillon, outside Surrey provincial court on Aug. 29, 2019, site of a sentencing hearing for Nicolas Karvouniaris in connection with the two-vehicle crash

that killed Sarah Dhillon and Paige Nagata in November 2018.

Francis Georgian / PNG Dhillon, an Abbotsford police officer, said he used to be a “street cop,� but now he has been moved to a different position. At the first collision scene he attended two days after returning to work, he froze, unable to make a decision or give direction like he could before.

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Saturday, August 31, 2019 Former Consul General of India Ashok Das visits Vancouver

Former Consul General of India Ashok Das recently had a visit to Vancouver.

Pictured above, Mr Das (fourth from right) local businessman Daljit Singh Thind (right), Balbir Singh Jawanda , Balwant Singh Sanghera (third from right) and Dr. Bhatti.

Ashok Das is India’s Ambassador to Brazil.

Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is burning and Canada has committed $15 million and water the whole world is taking notice. Spread over bombers in this regard. Last week there was 5.5million square kilometers, this special part a local connection to Brazil and the on-going of South America is called the lungs of the wildfires there in the Amazon rainforest. With world. The Amazon rainforest provides more the compliments of a prominent member of than 20% of the oxygen to the world. It is the our community, Mr. Sudesh Kalia, some of us largest tropical rainforest in the world famous had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ashok Das. He for its biodiversity .It crisscrosses thousands was the Consul General of India in Vancouver of rivers and streams through various South a few years ago . Currently ,Mr. Das is posted as American countries. Due its importance, India’s Ambassador to Brazil. Last week he was the huge wildfires in the Amazon rainforest visiting Vancouver. Mr. Das is a very pleasant, attracted the attention of the G7 leaders meeting well informed and amicable person. Most of us taking place in BIARRITZ, France. To their were eager to learn about the current situation credit, the G7 leaders have pledged $20 million in Brazil and the raging wild fires in the Amazon to help Brazil fight these devastating fires. U.K. rainforest . Mr. Das mentioned that Brazil, with has promised $12 million .In addition to that , an area 2.5 times that of India.

Two men face charges for catalytic converter thefts Surrey RCMP has arrested two men in relation to multiple catalytic converter thefts in Surrey and Vancouver. On July 15, 2019, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the 12700-block of 76A Avenue. The Surrey RCMP Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) were engaged and took conduct of the investigation. On August 20th, two suspects were located and arrested in the 900-block of SW Marine Drive in Vancouver, where they were allegedly caught in the commission of a further theft. Police subsequently located three catalytic converters in the trunk of a vehicle associated to the suspects.

Numerous charges have been approved for Stephen Pelland, 39, and Kristopher Larson, 27, both of whom were known to police and were already facing several charges for property related offences. As a result, both were held in custody for appearance at Surrey Provincial Court on August 27, 2019.

Pelland has been charged on ten counts,

including Theft Under $5000, Mischief Over $5000, and Driving While Prohibited.

Larson has been charged with Theft Under $5000 and Mischief. “The arrest of prolific offenders is significant as these individuals represent ongoing safety risks to the public on multiple levels,” said Staff Sergeant Glenn Atkins, acting Proactive Enforcement Officer.

“This case highlights the excellent proactive efforts of the Surrey RCMP PCTT and the importance of the public reporting all crimes to police.” In order to protect yourself from becoming a victim of this type of crime, it is recommended that vehicle owners park in well-lit areas or in their garage, if possible.

Anyone who feels they may have been a victim of this, or a similar crime is encouraged to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or go to www.solvecrime.ca < h t t p : / / w w w. s o l v e c r i m e . c a / >

Crime of the week Unsolved Crime: Bank Robbery, Date: May 3, 2018 Location: 777 W. Broadway, Vancouver Case: VPD 18-88059 A male entered and robbed the BMO, at 105 - 777 W. Broadway, on May 3, 2018. He wore a mask that he had just stolen from a nearby Michael’s store. He is described as: Having a dark complexion, 30-40 yrs, 5’5” to 5’8”, medium build and short, thick, dark hair. He also had a possible odor of liquor. He was captured on video holding hands with a female, around the time of the robbery; however, it is not known what role; if any; she played in the offence. At this time, she is a person of

interest.

If you recognize either of these parties, and wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Crime Stoppers MOST WANTED --------------------------Name: HOOD, Laura Age: 23 Height: 5’ 0” (152 cm) Weight: 150 (68 kg) Hair: Blonde, possibly dyed Black

Eyes: Green Wanted Theft under $5,000 Warrant in Effect: August 27th, 2019 -------------------------Name: HENDERSON, Leanne Age: 27 Height: 5’8” (172 cm Weight: 166 (79 kg) Hair: Blonde Eyes: Blue Tattoo: ZIG ZAG MAN “13” with Flames on Left Shoulder, Spiderweb on Hand, Swastika on right and left arm, Eagle on right thigh Wanted: Parole, Manslaughter Warrant in Effect: August 27th, 2019 -------------------------Name: MOUNTAIN, Ian Gerald Age: 33 Height: 5’6” (168 cm) Weight: 124 (56 kg) Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Wanted: Possession of stolen property over $5,000 Warrant in Effect: August 27th, 2019 -----------------------------If you have any information regarding the individuals listed here, please contact Crime Stoppers anonymously. You could be eligible for a reward of up to $2000 upon arrest and charge. You will never be asked your name or have to appear in court.

Expect a superscript from Shah Rukh Khan for Netflix?

Three months after mid-day broke the news about Shah Rukh Khan bankrolling a political thriller for Netflix, the project seems to have taken an interesting turn. It has been

heard that the superstar has gone beyond his role as a producer to turn writer for the web series.

A source reveals, “Khan, who is enjoying a self-imposed sabbatical since Zero (2018), has joined the writing team in scripting the show. He sits with the team, which includes renowned political columnists, to discuss the material every day. Given his vast knowledge

of world politics, he comes up with scenes, referencing them from real-life events and the workings of the political dynasties around the globe. Whether he is taking credit for the concept or writing is yet to be known. However, the superstar has taken to writing keenly.”

Khan has been brand ambassador of various governmental campaigns, including Pulse Polio and the National

AIDS Control Organisation.[264] He is a member of the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in India,[271] and in 2011 he was appointed by UNOPS as the first global ambassador of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council.

[272] He has recorded a series of public service announcements championing good health and proper nutrition, and joined Health Ministry and UNICEF

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With her very first film, “Parineeta,” Vidya Balan showed that there was space in the industry for a homely girl whose forte was acting and not glamour.

Fourteen years later, after playing roles as varied as a housewife, a ruthless femme fatale, a brothel-owner, sister to a murder victim, lady detective and an RJ, she has shown that she is a star with a difference.

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Bollywood

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Aamir Khan gets a response from PM Narendra Modi for end single plastic use initiative Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Thank you @ aamir_khan for the valuable support to the movement to eliminate the usage of single use plastic. Your encouraging words will inspire others to strengthen the movement as well.”

Earlier, on August 26, Aamir Khan extended his support towards the intiative and wrote “The initiative by the Hon’ble PM @ narendramodi to curb ‘single-use plastic’ is an effort all of us should strongly support.

It’s up to each of us to make sure we stop using ‘singleuse plastic’.” Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Thank you @aamir_khan for the valuable support to the movement to eliminate usage of single use plastic.

Your encouraging words will inspire others to strengthen the movement as well.” Earlier, on August 26, Aamir Khan

extended his support towards the intiative and wrote “The initiative by the Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to curb ‘single-use plastic’

is an effort all of us should strongly support.

It’s up to each of us to make sure we stop using ‘single-use plastic’.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi did his monthly address on ‘Mann Ki Baat’, where he urged citizens to start a new revolution against plastic on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Amitabh Bachchan says that he will distribute his wealth equally between Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan During one of the episodes of the ongoing show Kaun Banega Crorepati, actor Amitabh Bachchan said that he will be distributing his wealth equally between his two children A b h i s h e k and Shweta Bachchan.He has been vocal about this even in the past. Once he had tweeted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I die, the assets I shall leave behind shall be shared equally between my daughter and my son.â&#x20AC;? Amitabh Bachchan often speaks about female empowerment, especially on social media, where he routinely shares pictures and achievements of his daughter and granddaughters. In a letter addressed to Aaradhya and Navya, shared on social media he had written, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live in the shadows of

peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judgment. Make your own choices in the light of your own wisdom. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anyone make you believe that the length of your skirt is a measure of your character. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion of who you should be friends with dictate who you will be friends with. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get married for any other reason other than you want to get married.â&#x20AC;? He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This may be a difficult, difficult world to be a woman. But I believe that it is women like you that will change that. It may not be easy, setting your own boundaries, making your own choices, rising above peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s judgment. But you, you can set an example for women everywhere.â&#x20AC;?

Amitabh Bachchan is the UN ambassador for the girl child and has also endorsed the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.

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Bollywood HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21 - April 20 Enjoy being playful a little while longer, because from this week your focus swings more toward work and productivity. Even so, the sun and lovely Venus are in close contact early in the week, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still time to take advantage of this romantic blend of energies to kick-start a new relationship. Do you enjoy being creative? Get out the art or craft materials and have fun.

Taurus

April 21 - May 20 Entertaining could be very much in the cards at the start of the week, and you manage to play your role as host to perfection. In fact, friends and family may be eager to come back for more. Lovely Venus, your guide planet, moves into Virgo and your leisure sector on Wednesday, followed by the sun on Friday. The coming weeks are an opportunity to explore activities that you enjoy very much. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted to learn a particular skill, this is a good time to start. Plus, you might enjoy cultural activities, such as art exhibitions or

Gemini

May 20 - June 21 Do you have something to say? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seems no one will be able to get a word in edgewise.

With a powerful focus on your sector of communication, your conversation and desire to interact could ramp up several notches. If you work in sales, media, or tech, you could have a busy and productive week ahead of you. And with the sun merging with luscious Venus, it might be possible to sign a lucrative deal or bond with someone who can be of

Cancer

June 22 - July 23

Your words can be very persuasive.

You may be enjoying this time when you can make great strides on key projects because of the connections youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to make. If you work in sales, media, or any other creative

productive time. However, there is a gradual shift as lovely Venus joins lively Mars in Virgo and your home zone on Wednesday. Her presence here can inspire you to beautify your home, and her pairing with Mars encourages

Leo

June 24 - August 23 The emphasis shifts this week to a more grounded focus as sultry Venus moves into Virgo and your money zone on Wednesday, followed by the sun on Friday. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved with brainstorming creative ideas and projects, the coming weeks could encourage you to be more realistic. Look into costs and other practicalities and decide which hold the most value for you. At the same time, an expansive aspect between chatty Mercury and upbeat Jupiter could see you connecting with

Virgo If aspects of your life have felt out of control, then this week youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll begin to feel as though youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat. Sweet Venus moves into your sign on Wednesday, giving you the attractor factor and perhaps encouraging you to consider a makeover if you feel this might boost your

link with upbeat Jupiter may encourage you to consider a bold plan. Are you eager to start a

you to have a go.

Libra

Sept. 24 - Oct 22 Your social life has been buzzing with energy recently, and you may have enjoyed taking center stage and being the star of the show. However, the focus shifts to a more secluded sector over the coming days.

On Wednesday, luscious Venus moves into Virgo and a quieter zone. This can see you breaking bread with those who share your spiritual ideas and ideals. Feel like taking up yoga or meditation? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll connect with others and regain a sense of peace. And there

Scorpio

Oct 23 - Nov 22 You may enjoy being a beacon of light for a little while longer. Gradually, though, the emphasis changes as key planets slowly move out of your sector of goals and ambitions and into your social zone. However, as dealmaker Mercury aligns with positive Jupiter on Wednesday, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to grab an opportunity that could turn out to be quite lucrative. Yes, there may be a bit of risk involved, but if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re realistic and check the details, you could do well.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22

Have you been enjoying a bohemian lifestyle? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed a few weeks of travel, exploration, and discovery traversing new terrain, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely ! " # $

passport away just yet, because there may be % # # to miss. From this week, the emphasis on your sector of goals and ambitions increases. With feisty Mars already blazing a trail here, sweet Venus moves in on Wednesday to encourage you to charm those you want to do business with.

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20

If the past few weeks have seemed fairly intense, things should become easier from this week on. You may still be busy unraveling

& # As sociable Venus moves into Virgo on Wednesday, followed by the sun on Friday, you may feel like a burden has been lifted. Issues that seemed very involved and oppressive may appear less so, and solutions could show up as

Aquarius

Jan 21 - Feb 19 Relationships may have been delightful over past weeks, with plenty of activity, social events, and a chance to clear the air.

With talkative Mercury aligning with outgoing Jupiter on Wednesday, there could be one event that you thoroughly enjoy. It could be a self-improvement workshop or a chance to interact with someone who has enjoyed a lot of success in their life. Or an encounter could boost your spirits and give you the courage to forge ahead. As lovely Venus moves into Virgo and a more emotional zone midweek, followed by the sun on Friday, life could become a little more intense.

Pisces

Feb 20 - March 20 If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been busy juggling various tasks and making sure deadlines are met and customers are happy, give yourself a pat on the back. It might be time to treat yourself to a soothing massage or other treat that can help you feel relaxed and refreshed.

Midweek, lovely Venus moves into Virgo and your relationship sector, followed by the sun on Friday. With Mars already on the scene, you may be proactive about clearing the air and working through any relationship issues.

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Bollywood

Sunny Deol’s son Karan Deol has got second film in works The third generation of Deols is making his way to the film industry.

Sunny Deol is making his directorial venture Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas in which he is introducing his son Karan Deol opposite debutante Sahher Bambba.

The debutantes are excited about their upcoming romance drama.

But, even before his debut, there are reports that Karan Deol has already signed his next project.

Confirming the same, Karan recently said that he does have his second film in works and it is a comedy. It is very different for him from what he has done in Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas.

While his father Sunny Deol and grandfather Dharmendra were known for their action, the new lad in the town has chosen a romantic script as his first film. He said that he is intensely romantic and found the script very interesting. When they were brainstorming, the idea came up and that is how it all began. But, he promises that the later part of the film has a lot of action. He also revealed that in the film, there is also a reference to his father Sunny Deol’s iconic dialogue ‘Yeh dhai kilo ka haath’ from 1993 film, Damini.

Revealing about how he wanted to become

an actor, Karan further said that he told his father about this. But, Sunny said that they have to inform their grandfather Dharmendra since he is the senior in the family. While his grandfather was elated, he also informed Karan about the competition and how he will have to be emotionally and mentally strong.

While Dharmendra was nervous about him, the family eased to the idea of him making his debut.

Karan Deol also said that he wanted to theatre in school. But, he was a reserved kind of kind. Instead, he would resort to the films especially Star Wars franchise and Quentin Tarantino movies. He would also write poetry and started at the age of 12. It has most of his work with him and hopes someday he could write a script as well.

Diljit Dosanjh Defends Shahid Kapoor’s character in Kabir Singh Ever since Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani starrer Kabir Singh hit the screens on June 21, 2019, Kapoor’s character in the film raised many eyebrows. The film which was the remake of 2017’s hit film Arjun Reddy, was labeled to be glorifying toxic masculinity and misogyny. While many celebs came in support of Shahid Kapoor, others celebs like Taapsee Pannu, Sona Mohapatra didn’t take long to slam the misogyny in the film.

During a recent interview, when Diljit Dosanjh (who also received same kind of criticism for his character in Udta Punjab) was asked about the same, he said these are just films, they should not impact the

audience. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Diljit said, “If you think people should learn from everything an actor does onscreen, then it will become very difficult for us to perform various characters… actor ko chor bhi banna hai aur sant bhi (an actor has to play both sinner and saint). As artists, we try and portray new characters and make them look convincing. That doesn’t mean I don’t put in enough thoughts before signing a film. Agar mujhe lage ke yeh film char paise bana sakti hai, aur isse kuch zyada harm nahin hai community ko, toh main kar leta hoon.”

Binnu Dhillon, from a bhangra performer to the leading Punjabi movie star, here’s how Binnu Dhillon rose to success Binnu Dhillon is one of the most popular Punjabi actors. Today, the industry swears by him as his impeccable comic timing is something that draws masses to theatres. However, Binnu Dhillon was not a big name right from the start.

The actor made his way to this height after taking one step at a time. Today, as the Punjabi star has ringed in his 44th birthday, here’s the tale of how Binnu Dhillon rose to success.

For those who don’t know, Binnu Dhillon was a bhangra performer in his initial days. Back in his college days, before he could have fallen for the camera, he fell for bhangra. He was an international level bhangra performer, and he told ETimes in an exclusive word that he was four times gold medalist in the respective folk dance form. In fact, he was so passionate about bhangra that he couldn’t think of anything else.

Thereafter, when he began his acting career, he started with television. His first television show was written and directed by Gurbir Singh Grewal in 1998. Post that he was seen in a number of famous tv serials before getting a movie break.

Today Binnu Dhillon is a big star in Pollywood and is seen essaying the part of the male protagonist. However, he didn’t start this big. He made his way to Pollywood by being a supporting artist. Having said that, even his part as a supporting artist always had the right meat. Gradually, he started doing two hero movies, wherein he played the second lead and proved his mettle in the industry.

After Binnu Dhillon started doing two hero movies, it was just a matter of time that he was being roped in to play the main lead. One of his biggest hits as the main lead is ‘Vekh Baraatan Challiyan’. Thereafter, it was ‘Vadhayiyaan Ji Vadhayiyaan’ - his last year’s outing, which became one of the highest grossers of 2018. This year also, he has given three movies already as the lead star and all three have fetched him a lot of appreciation. Also, he is ready to hit the screen again soon with his fourth outing of the year ‘Jhalley’.

Saturday, August 31, 2019 Press release Pratap Reddy who moved to Canada from India is a writer who distills his immigrant experience into Fictional Tales. His New and Second Book is The Novel ‘Ramya’s Treasure’. He is excited to be embarking on a book tour of western Canada this Fall.

Ramya’s Treasure is published by Guernica Editions the renowned, independent publisher. The author is looking forward to the first leg of the tour commencing on September 6th, 7th and 8th in Vancouver.

Pratap’s tour opens with a reading event scheduled for September 6, at 2:00 p.m. at the South Hill Library, 6076 Fraser Street. Then, there’s a signing on September 7 at Chapters/ Indigo at 1033 Robson St., from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. And on September 8 from 11:00 – 6:00 p.m., Pratap has another signing at Chapters/Indigo at the 2505 Granville St., and Broadway location. He is also booked into Calgary and then in Winnipeg for the remainder of his tour.

He has visited Winnipeg and Vancouver previously for either business or pleasure, but this time round he is charting new territory with a tour which showcases his novel Ramya’s Treasure which was praised by the ‘Toronto Star’ as ‘a warm spicy debut.’ “Exploring Western Canada is high on my to-do list,” says the author who lives in Mississauga with his wife and son. “I look forward to interacting with my potential readers at the book-signings.

While I intend to popularize my books in Western Canada, I would also like to take this opportunity to acquaint myself with the culture and literary landscape there.”

Pratap Reddy knows first hand all about the highs and lows of starting over. After all, he immigrated to Canada more than a decade ago with a childhood dream of becoming a writer one day. This youthful, more correctly fanciful, ambition became a reality when Guernica published his collection Weather Permitting & Other Stories in 2016. The fictional stories contained in the book centred on the peculiar and unforeseen problems new immigrants face immediately upon arrival in Canada. In his latest book Ramya’s Treasure, Pratap Reddy writes about Ramya, the eponymous protagonist, who is approaching her 50th birthday and appears to be “down on her luck.” She is recently separated and was laid off work. She feels lonely, alienated and despondent. Written with humour and sympathy, the theme of the novel is about discovering one’s own path to self actualization. According to Pratap, “I wanted to explore the circumstances of a vulnerable immigrant who, lacking in the support

systems she may have had back home, finds herself in an unenviable situation in her professional and personal life. Even as she finds her life unravelling, her midlife crisis is ameliorated by a chance discovery of a sandalwood box containing her cherished childhood treasures.” The novel on the one hand examines the present-day issues as Ramya battles to rebuild her life, and on the other, it revisits Ramya’s history, underlining the belief that one’s past often defines the future. Far from being torn between two cultures – one which is avowedly modern and multicultural and the other purportedly steeped in myth and mysticism – Ramya endeavours to discover the strength in both cultures to help her out of her predicament. Will she succeed in getting her life back on track?

Pratap observes, “When I tried to conceive a ‘vulnerable character,’ the image of a woman immigrant presented itself at once. Especially since, coming from a country like India, women face the brunt of adjustment problems associated with immigration, even though the decision to immigrate was primarily made by their spouses.

Being a woman adds another layer of challenge to an immigrant. While I knew right away that it was a difficult proposition to write from the point of view of a female protagonist, as an author I wanted explore this creative avenue, hoping to rely on empathy and an author’s imaginative faculties. While many early critics have given the experiment the thumbs up, I leave it to my readers to decide for themselves…” “My first book was a collection of short stories. So, this time round I wanted to attempt a longer piece of work – a novel rather than short fiction regarding immigrants who have lived in Canada for some time. As a writer I believe we have to be innovative in order to grow and expand our personal, creative universe.” Pratap Reddy describes himself as an underwriter by day and a writer by night. He is very appreciative of his publisher, Guernica for publishing his second book and for organizing a book tour in Western Canada. He believes, “This tour out West will enrich my perspective of another region of our vast country. I hope to enjoy immersing myself in the Canadian western culture.” Pratap Reddy’s books are available online at: www.guernicaeditions.com and also available online at Chapters/Indigo and at Amazon.ca or Amazon.com.

Amrita Arora breaks silence on Malaika a and Arbaaz Khan ‘s divorce For the first episode of our brand new chat show, No More Secrets, we have Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora coming together for an exclusive conversation where they discuss about almost everything - the relationship they share, their mother Joyce’s influence on

their life, her decision to separate from exhusband Arbaaz Khan, and more. Written

By Nayandeep Rakshit 87676 reads Mumbai Updated: August 28, 2019 03:11 am There’s always a side to us that only comes out in front of the people we know and love. Witness the real side to your favourite stars through their

Will Shah Rukh Khan & Salman Khan clash on eid 2020 It’s old news by now that Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Salman Khan are not doing a movie together. But while Salman has moved ahead and now doing Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick 2, the filmmaker is said to already be adding the finishing projects for his next, an announcement which is expected by next week. SLB is said to have finalised Shah Rukh

Khan for his next and the film will release on Eid 2020. Akshay Kumar too announced the release of Laxmmi Bomb on Eid 2020. If all three movies release on Eid 2020, it will mean a clash of the biggies with the box office getting divided into three parts and nobody emerging a clear winner. But chances are that Shah Rukh and Salman being close buddies

Saturday, August 31, 2019

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Renowned social activist, businessman & founder of Punjab Bhavan in Surrey Canada, Sukhi Bath distributing aid for flood affected peoples of Punjab with the help of social activist baba Balbir Singh ji Seechewal.

MTV to remove late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s name from Video Vanguard Award The award had the “Dangerous” hitmaker’s name in its prefix. The Network has removed the name in the wake of HBO’s controversial documentary “Leaving Neverland”, which focuses on sexual abuse allegations against the late pop superstar, reports “pagesix.com”.

MTV did include Jackson’s name on a press release sent out to announce rapper Missy Elliott as this year’s Vanguard recipient but other promos excluded his name. While accepting the award, Elliott did mention Jackson during her acceptance speech. “The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award means so much to me,” she said.

Cricketer MS Dhoni to go into film production?

There is widespread talk in the film industry that iconic cricketer MS Dhoni is all set to embark into a new phase in his life. If reliable sources are to be believed Dhoni turns film producer very shortly. Sources in the know say Dhoni has zeroed in on some projects that he wishes to produce in

collaboration with corporate houses in the film industry. Says a well-informed source, “Films have always interested Dhoni. He is a huge movie buff.

When Neeraj Pandey made the biopic M.S Dhoni – The Untold Story, the superstar-cricketer got a chance to observe the entertainment industry up close. And Dhoni loved it. He was waiting for an opportune time to take the plunge.” With the ace-cricketer bidding goodbye to cricket, now is the time for Dhoni to strengthen his ties with the film industry. He has many close friends in the movie industry, like John Abraham. In fact there are reliable rumours that one of Dhoni’s initial film productions would be in collaboration with John.

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Premier John Horgan meets with Joelle and her daughter on the day they get the keys to their new home. In less than two years, more than 21,000 new affordable government-funded housing units are underway

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Vol. 10 No. 30 Saturday - August 24, 2019

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Condos, the ‘future of our communities,’ now cost more per square foot than a detached home Condominiums may be the “future of our communities” but per square foot, they are hardly a bargain. According to a Royal LePage report released today, aside from Vancouver and Calgary, every major city’s condo price per square foot has increased. With the exception of Vancouver, the median price per square foot of a condo is now higher than that of a single family detached home nationwide.

Canadian home prices are up — but by the smallest amount in a decade. Seven reasons Canada’s housing market is stronger than it looks

The latest Canadian house price forecast from Moody’s Analytics really has no good news for anyone. If you’re a homeowner hoping to make big equity gains, forget it. And if you’re an aspiring homebuyer hoping for a reprieve from astronomical urban house prices, forget

Vancouver’s housing market is dismal — but you still need six-figure income to get your foot in the door “While condo units are smaller, they are the present and future of our communities. With more development opportunities, they can meet both the growing need for housing and lifestyle expectations of homebuyers,” said Phil Soper, the president of Royal LePage in a press release.

The Greater Ottawa condo price per square foot appreciated the fastest among the cities that were measured,

rising 17.9 per cent year-over-year to $395, while the Greater Vancouver price actually declined the most by 8.3 per cent to $764.

“We are seeing significant interest in Ottawa’s south and west ends from residents working in the nearby military and technology hubs,” said Kent Browne, broker and owner of Royal LePage TEAM Realty.

The city of Vancouver remains the most expensive condo market in the country, with homebuyers paying $1,044 per square foot for a condo and $1,279 per square foot for a singlefamily detached home.

Greater Calgary offers the lowest condo price

per square foot, with a fall of 6.7 per cent to $313.“For the fourth consecutive month, condo inventory in the region declined compared to last year. It’s a good sign that the condo market may be stabilizing,” said Dawn Maser, a realtor for Royal LePage Benchmark.

“It is no wonder that the city vaulted to number four in The Economist’s ranking of the World’s Most Livable Cities,” said Soper.

The Greater Toronto price increased 9.1 per cent to $743, while the Greater Montreal area increased 10.3 per cent to $362.

Canadian house price forecast: What the next 5 years will look like in 33 cities that too. The forecast calls for house prices nationwide to grow by an average of 2.2 per cent per year over the next five years. Given that the Bank of Canada is predicting inflation at 2 per cent in the coming years, this means that inflation-adjusted house prices will likely

see no net growth. With Canada’s economy bouncing back from a slowdown at the start of the year, Moody’s expects mortgage rates to rise by a full percentage point over the next two years. That increase in monthly housing costs, combined with high prices and high debt levels,

will keep prices in check, the research firm predicts.

“House price appreciation will slow down in 2020, turn briefly negative in 2021, and only recover in the following years,” wrote Andres Carbacho-Burgos, a director and head housing economist at Moody’s Analytics.

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Growth in Greater Vancouver house prices slowing: realtor survey

P

rices for homes in Greater Vancouver have stalled over the last two quarters, a new survey says, even as prices year over year still show big growth.

The latest Royal LePage House Price Survey, released Tuesday, shows that when compared to the same time a year ago, the aggregate home price in the region is up 7.2 per cent to $1,269,816, with condominium sales driving much of that growth: the median condo price is up 18.4 per cent compared to a year ago, at $692,452.

But when tracked with data from January, when the same survey showed the aggregate home price was up 8.5 per cent year over year — a number driven again by condos; they were up 20.2 per cent — there has been a slowing in growth over the last six months.

The latest survey’s data show there has been little growth over the last two quarters, with the latest three-month period up just 0.5 per cent compared to the first three months of 2018.

While the year-over-year growth in aggregate price in Vancouver (2.4 per cent), West Vancouver (3.8 per cent), North Vancouver (5.9 per cent) and Richmond (six per cent) are all below the regional average; Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey and Langley saw above average growth of 8.5, 14, 16.4 and 21.2 per cent respectively. The aggregate price in both Surrey and Langley remains below $1 million: Surrey is at $900,433, Langley at $975,360.

The median condo price in Surrey is now $381,626, up 25.6 per cent compared to last year.

The long term picture is a staggering thing to contemplate, as laid out by a Royal LePage representative.

“Condominium prices continue to grow at unprecedented levels across Greater Vancouver,” Adil Dinani, real estate adviser, Royal LePage West Real Estate Services said in a news release.

“Purchasers look to condominiums for relative affordability, yet with competition continuing to intensify, property values within the segment now outstrip most detached markets across the country.

“To put it into perspective, the budget now needed to purchase a condo could have netted someone a two-storey home here in Greater Vancouver four years ago.”

New rules introduced in January, aimed at curbing consumer debt, have made it harder to get a mortgage, for instance.

“During the quarter inventory began to rise in the region’s detached segment as sales activity slowed and affordability constraints continued to price many purchasers out of the market.

“As a result, large swaths of prospective homeowners continued to look to condominiums in the metropolitan area in search of value, pushing prices higher and intensifying competition within the segment,” they said in a news release.

Meanwhile, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest report on housing starts showed an upward trend in the number of multiunit dwellings being built.

June 2018 saw 222,041 housing starts across the country, compared to May 2018’s 216,701.

At the beginning of the year, Royal LePage predicted there would be 5.2 per cent growth over the rest of the year, but they now expect growth to be relatively flat, just 1.5 per cent over the next quarter.

Royal LePage points to erosion in affordability and new governmental policies that have put pressure on purchasing power as the reasons for this slowed growth.

“Notably, the national inventory of newly completed and unabsorbed multi-unit dwellings has remained below its 10-year historical average so far in 2018, indicating that demand for this type of unit has absorbed increased supply,” said Bob Dugan, CMHC’s chief economist.

In Vancouver, however, housing starts trended lower in June 2018; the first half of 2018 matched housing starts in the same period during 2017.

Affordable housing unit projects starts in Toronto The city has commenced construction work on hundreds of affordable housing units, with the help of a $357 million cash injection from the federal government.

Liberals detail $40B for 10-year national housing strategy, introduce Canada Housing Benefit.

Adam Vaughan, MP for Spadina–Fort York, made the announcement on Thursday,

said the project would include three towers comprising some 761 units, of which 229 are affordable units; 532 market units; and 4,371 square feet of non-residential space.

“We are in a housing crisis in this part of the country,” said Vaughan, who is also parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

“This investment is wonderful news for the Toronto middle-income families that will

move into these new rental housing units.”

The project, located on Block 8 of the West Don Lands in downtown Toronto, will provide affordable housing options close to public transit, schools and services for middle-income families. Mayor John Tory described the announcement as “a big deal” for the city.

“This investment will positively impact the

Over 11% of Vancouver condos have a non-resident owner, says new CMHC report

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

Over 11 percent of Vancouver condos have at least one non-resident as an owner, a number that jumps to more than 19 per cent when it comes to newer built condos.

The information is contained in a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation housing market insight report which also found that non-residents — defined as someone who

doesn’t have their principal residence in Canada — tend to own more expensive properties than residents, especially in Vancouver.

Some of the other findings: 7.2 per cent of all Vancouver properties have at least one non-resident owner.

Non-resident ownership is highest in

lives of many residents in our city and ensure that more families have access to affordable and quality housing here in Toronto,” Tory said. Toronto Community Housing data paints ‘grim’ picture of future repair needs, mayor says The mayor said the project represents the kind of co-operation that can occur between three levels of government and the private sector.

26

Classifieds / Jobs Looking for work?

Cleaning company wanted workers for clean up job in Coquitlam For more details please call 604-902-2858

Matrimonial Punjabi Bansal family seeking a suitable mach for their 31 year old,” son, Height 5’.11, Handsome,Sober, soft spoken, vegetarian currently in Patiala Punjab India. He has done studies in BTech Computer Science and working in Judicial Department as IT Analyst in Patiala. Girl should be well educated and family oriented freferably Canadian citizen or Canadian Permanent resident. For more details please call 604-617-0615 or email Kushal.20776@gmail.com

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Matrimonial Seeking match for a Canadian Citizen,BSC Nursing, good family value, 31 years old girl from a reputed family, Boy must be well educated & Vegetarian.

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Matrimonial Parents are seeking suitable match for for their British born son of 31 year age, holding Master degree in Marketing and he is in Canada on work permit.

Please contact by Email vazir@talk21.com Minnegill@gmail.com or Phone 604-763-6727

Help wanted Clean-up workers wanted Tsawassen Mills area mall, only sub-contracters, bring your own ride, experienced workers only please phone:

Phone: 778-240-0101 / 604-902-2858 South Asian Adults / Seniors - Carpet Bowling Game September 1st 2019 (Sunday) - 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members & even nonmembers to come & enjoy the fun of Carpet Bowling Game, a great exercise free of cost and make some new friends, on September 1st 2019 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 140th street Surrey B.C. Even if you have never played, Baldev Raj Kohli, who is well trained, will teach you how to play Carpet Bowling & have great fun. All are welcome, tea & snacks will be served after the game is over. Please call Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945

Child care provider required at a private home Location Surrey, BC - Salary $14.50 to $14.75 / Hour (To be negotiated) Permanent, Full time 40 Hours / Week Start date As soon as possible Job requirements Languages English Education College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years Experience 1 year to less than 2 years Additional Skills Assume full responsibility for household in absence of parents, Perform light housekeeping and cleaning duties, Shop for food and household supplies, Travel with family on trips and assist with child supervision and housekeeping duties, Wash, iron and press clothing and household linens Children’s Ages School age (6 - 12 years), and 2 - 3 years Specific Skills Bathe,

dress and feed infants and children, Discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents, Prepare infants and children for rest periods, Keep records of daily activities and health information regarding children, Sterilize bottles, prepare formulas and change diapers for infants, Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home, Take children to and from school and to appointments, Tend to emotional well-being of children, Instruct children in personal hygiene and social development, Organize, activities such as games and outings for children, Prepare and serve nutritious meals, Supervise and care for children, Help children with homework Work Setting Employer’s home How to apply By email: umendrasingh@hotmail.com By phone: 604-537-3551

27

Saturday, August 31, 2019

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Press release

More failed NDP promises, B.C. Ride-hailing customers to get less service or no service at all John Horgan and the NDP’s failure to introduce a ride-hailing model based on common sense has left the largest ridehailing company committed to operating only in Metro Vancouver and warning that there may be fewer drivers thanks to unnecessary licence requirements.

“John Horgan and the NDP flipflopped on their promise and have betrayed British Columbians by crafting a convoluted framework that picks winners and losers in the marketplace,

leaving us with reduced service in Metro Vancouver and no service anywhere else,” said Jordan Sturdy, BC Liberal Transportation Critic. “This is not what people were promised or expecting. The BC Liberals offered a plan that ensured a level playing field for ride-hailing and the taxi industry and would have meant both could thrive, with customers getting better service and more options. Instead, British Columbians are stuck with a plan that will lead to less of both.” Yesterday, BC Liberal

MLA Jas Johal called for the elimination of municipal boundaries for taxis. This move would ensure a level playing field that guarantees the taxi industry and ride-hailing services can fairly compete for customers to provide British Columbians with more transportation options throughout the entire province.

“Ride-hailing and the taxi industry coexist all around the world, yet here we are in B.C. stuck with a scheme concocted

by John Horgan and the NDP that leaves

Metro Vancouver with an inadequate service and the rest of the province with nothing,” added Jas Johal, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough.

“The largest ride-hailing company in the world has admitted it will only serve one region of the province.

The company expects to compete for existing class 4 operators rather than attracting new drivers. At the end of the day, this means fewer services for B.C. customers.”

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WorkSafeBC review rigged by John Horgan and union donors The BC Liberal Caucus is standing with workers and employers following widespread backlash against John Horgan and the NDP’s sham review of WorkSafeBC. The move comes after 46 business organizations claim that the review of BC’s workers’ compensation system cannot be conducted in an independent, impartial, and balanced manner.

“John Horgan has commissioned yet another phony review in a long series of sham investigations with outcomes pre-determined by political c o n s i d e r a t i o n s ,” said MLA John Martin, BC Liberal Labour Critic. “This government has crafted an entire review based on a decade old report from their union friends at the BC Federation of Labour.

Again we see John Horgan choosing his insider friends and donors over British Columbians.”

John Horgan appointed labour lawyer Janet Patterson to lead the review. In a 2009 report commissioned by the BC Federation of Labour, Patterson outlined 24 recommendations for workers’ compensation in British Columbia. All but one of those 2009 recommendations made it into the WorkSafeBC review that she is now leading.