The Asian Star August 1 2015

www.theasianstar.com Vol 14

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Issue 27 Saturday, August 1, 2015

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Bollywood section

Fiat Chrysler recall and $105M fine

Tomato Rice bollywood section

Harper hoping to bury his opponents with money in a long campaign

By Umendra Singh

Check Inside for Details

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onservative Prime Minister laid out the main platform of his election strategy late this week when Conservative sources leaked information that he will drop the write this Sunday or Monday. In other words, he will ask the Governor General David Johnston to dissolve the Parliament and kick off an 11-week campaign ending in the general election on October 19. October 19 is the date of election

Delhi residents buy water on black market

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illions of people living in the Indian capital, Delhi, are having to buy water from private contractors because of shortages in supply. About 20% of Delhi’s population have no access to piped water and have to be supplied by water tankers. But the difference between demand and supply is more than 750 million litres a day.

So people are turning to the illegal, so-called water mafia to stay hydrated. Sanjoy Majumder visited the streets where the water mafia rule, and saw them replenishing their supplies.

Water will be scarce in India by 2025, govt admits India is faced with the alarming prospect of becoming water scarce in 10 years’ time, or by 2025, the government has said citing a study by a consulting firm in the water sector. In his reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat yesterday said that consulting firm ‘Everything About Water’ (EA Water) has concluded that India’s demand for water is expected to exceed all current sources of supply and the country is set to become water scarce by the year 2025.

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this year as part of the Conservatives fixed election date legislation.

Harper can move that date around a little bit but he is unlikely to meddle with his own foxed election date. The 11-week election campaign will be the longest in the history of Canada. Why does Harper want a historically long election campaign? Here is a one word answer: Money.

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India ‘to overtake China’s population by 2022’ - UN A new UN study of global population trends predicts that India will overtake China to become the world’s most populous nation by 2022. The report also says that Nigeria will replace the US as the world’s third most populous country by around 2050.

Africa is expected to account for more than half of the world’s population growth over the next 35 years. The current world population of 7.3 billion will reach 9.7 billion

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State funeral for former Indian president

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ens of thousands of people have attended the funeral of former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the state funeral, which was held in Kalam’s native town of Rameshwaram.

He served as India’s 11th president from 2002 to 2007 and was known as “Missile Man” after pioneering the country’s military missile programme. He died on Monday after collapsing as he delivered a scientific lecture. The funeral was

carried out with full military honours and attended by prominent political leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Thousands of people lined the roads to get a last glimpse of his body as it was taken from his ancestral home to a local mosque. Rich tributes have been paid to Kalam since his death, including on social media, where the tag #KaAPJ Abdul Kalam at Simon Fraser Uni- lamSir was the top versity in Burnaby on October 5, 2006. trend on Twitter In-

Photo: Chandra Bodalia

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South Asian woman jailed 10 years for beating death of 3-year-old daughter TORONTO – An Ontario woman convicted in the brutal beating death of her three-year-old daughter was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday, as the judge presiding over the case called her the child’s “greatest enemy.” Nandini Jha, who was originally charged with second-degree

murder in the death of her daughter Niyati, was found guilty of manslaughter after a seven-week jury trial earlier this year. In delivering her sentence, Superior Court Justice Deena Baltman said the 38-year-old Jha was

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Local

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Being topless in public in BC is legal, says woman stopped by Police

f you’re topless in any part of British Columbia and a police officer tells you to put a shirt on, you don’t have to obey.

That’s the message a Kelowna woman wants to deliver to anyone who doesn’t realize being topless in B.C. is legal.

Susan Rowbottom says she was at a local beach last week, sunbathing without a top on, when an RCMP officer approached her and told her to cover up. Rowbottom said she did as she was told at the time, though she was fairly certain it was legal for both men and women to be bare-chested in public.

After confirming with city staff and the local RCMP detachment, Rowbottom said her understanding of the law was correct.

“Hopefully this comes to the RCMP’s attention that they can’t enforce laws that don’t exist,” she told CBC’s Radio West.

In 1996, the Ontario Court of Appeal granted women in that province the right to bare their breasts in public after over-

turning the earlier conviction of Gwen Jacobs. Jacobs was initially found guilty of committing an indecent act, but the appeal court later ruled that “there was nothing degrading or dehumanizing” about her decision to take off her shirt in public.

In 2000, the B.C. Supreme Court also stood behind the right of women to bare their breasts. Linda Meyer had been charged with violating a clothing bylaw after showing up topless at a city-run pool, but the judge in the case wrote that there was no evidence to support “the view that the parks could not operate in orderly fashion if a female were to bare her breasts in a circumstance that did not offend criminal laws of nudity.”

Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Joe Duncan says arrests for public nudity are rare, and usually only happen if someone is “doing something sexual,” or if a convicted sex offender is naked near children or a school.

Forced marriages happen in many cultures, says MOSAIC MOSAIC says service providers lack training needed to help victims of forced marriages Contrary to some beliefs that forced marriages are most prominent among South Asian communities, a British Columbia group that assists immigrants and refugees has found the phenomenon happens across many different ethno-cultural groups.

MOSAIC is on a quest to find out how often forced marriages happen in the province and how they can be prevented.

It began the project a year ago. At the time, the only research available about forced marriage — or marriage without the consent of at least one partner — in Canada was done by the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario, which found 219 cases of forced marriages in that province.

However, there is no data specific to B.C., says MOSAIC project developer Chany Chea.

After speaking with key informants and community service providers, and holding focus groups, Chea says the surveys indicate women and girls are the predominant vic-

tims of forced marriages, and they are coerced into marriage for economic exchanges or for citizenship sponsorship reasons.

Chea says the 40 focus group participants come from 13 different countries across several continents.

Forced marriage is also a means to control sexuality, Chea said.

“So if somebody is perceived to be promiscuous or from identifying as LGBTQ, that could be used as a way to control that,” she said.

“There could be several reasons why, but ultimately it is a gendered issue where predominantly women are being forced into marriage. It is the assumption that women should be controlled by men in their families that causes forced marriages.”

Chea says most of the 53 service providers who participated in the study said they don’t feel equipped to help a client who may be in a forced marriage.

As a result, the next phase of the study will focus on developing a framework that could inform and help service providers aid victims of forced marriages.

Abbotsford homeless lawsuit closing arguments begin at B.C. Supreme Court Case could have national implications if court sides with homeless campers

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losing arguments begin on Friday in a case that pits the homeless against the City of Abbotsford, in a bid for the right to tent and sleep on city property.

Six homeless campers filed a human rights complaint in 2013 against the city alleging they faced discrimination after city officials sprayed chicken manure on a homeless encampment. Police officers slashed and pepper sprayed tents in another incident.

Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman apologized for the chicken manure incident two years ago. But the efforts to uproot the encampment sparked the B.C. Supreme Court lawsuit.

The B.C./Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors represents the homeless campers in the lawsuit and it’s suing the city over three different bylaws, one of which makes it illegal to set up tents in the city.

Its lawyers are expected to argue that the city is criminalizing homelessness and displacing people with no concern to the effect.

The group’s lawyer, D.J. Larkin with Pivot

Legal Society, says this case is about protecting the constitutional rights of the homeless, one of the most vulnerable groups in Canadian society.

“People living on our streets have the right to the basic necessities of life. They have the right to somewhere to sleep. A way to shelter themselves. To food and rest and to live in community, “ says Larkin.

Larkin says they are not arguing for unrestricted occupation of parks or public spaces, but a balance of the rights of those who rely on public space for survival.

Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman says said in the past that the camp is a safety issue and must go.

“We have people using open barbecues, open heaters, candles, the tents and clumped together, this is a real fire hazard,” said Banman.

If the court sides with the group representing homeless campers, it could set a precedent for groups in other municipalities to challenge similar bylaws.

The case is expected to wrap by next week.

Local

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RU-486 abortion pill approved for use in Canada

he abortion drug known as RU-486 has received the green light from Health Canada. The regulator said late Wednesday it has approved the use of Mifegymiso to terminate pregnancies up to a gestational age of 49 days.

Canadian women will need ​ to obtain a prescription from a doctor to purchase the combination drug. “Health Cana-

da confirms that this decision has been taken and that the company has been informed yesterday,” a spokesman said in an email.

The product will be distributed by Celopharma Inc. and is expected to be available for sale in winter 2016, said a statement from the drug’s manufacturer, Linepharma International Limited. “The decision does not rest with me,” Health Minister Rona Ambrose said Thursday from St. Albert, north of Edmonton. “It’s out my hands and the decision is final.” The drug has been available since 1988 in France. The drug was approved for use in the United States in 2000 and is also available in more than 57 countries, Linepharma said. While it is often called mifepristone, mifegymiso contains two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. The former blocks production of the hormone progesterone, needed to sustain a pregnancy. The latter prompts the uterus to contract and expel the placenta and the fetus.

Canadian women will take one pill at a doctor’s office, go home and take four pills within 12 to 24 hours and then return to the doctor one to two weeks later

for a followup visit, a spokeswoman for Linepharma said.

Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation and its Canadian offshoot, NAF Canada, said the application has been before Health Canada since December 2012.

Gold standard approach “No one can claim that they fast-tracked the approval process and didn’t very thoroughly and completely review the application,” Saporta said. NAF Canada represents health-care professionals who provide most of the abortion care in this country and worked to introduce the drug in Canada. Dr. Erika Feuerstein, a family physician at Women’s College Hospital and Bay Centre for Birth Control in Toronto, said it’s more effective and efficient than the current medical option available in Canada — a combination of anticancer injectable drug methotrexate followed by misoprostol. “It works a bit faster, it has a higher success rate,” Feuerstein said. Some women want to have a surgical abortion and other women prefer a medical abortion, Feuerstein said.

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Fassbender vows to find ‘consensus’ on fixing TransLink after B.C. cabinet shuffle

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ne of Premier Clark’s most respected ministers is vowing to restore confidence in Metro Vancouver’s transit authority, which has been plagued by ongoing criticism and the recent defeat at the polls of a multibillion-dollar transportation plan. Peter Fassbender was named Thursday the new minister of community, sport and cultural development and the minister responsible for TransLink during a small cabinet shuffle.

His appointment follows the July 2 announcement by Elections B.C. that 62 per cent of those who voted in a plebiscite rejected a proposal to pay an extra half-per-cent sales tax to raise $7.5 billion for transit upgrades. Only hours into the job, Fassbender promised to “chart a new course” for the region’s mayors and the province and restore public confidence in TransLink’s fiscal management and direction. He said he also wants to consider the authority’s current governance structure and possible changes as part of a new plan. “Very often we look for silver bullets to fix things when really what it takes is collaboration, consensus building, the opportunity to find solutions that ensure

Former police chief hired by company that owns Canucks Jim Chu, former Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police, has been hired by AIG, the company that owns the Canucks.

The 36-year crime fighting veteran will shift to private enterprise as vice-president of special projects and partnerships.

Aquilini Investment Group (AIG) says Chu will ensure safety standards are upheld and meaningful partnerships are developed

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with B.C. First Nations in agricultural, energy and development projects.

Chu retired earlier this year after seven years as chief constable, breaking ground as the Vancouver Police Department’s first non-white leader.

AIG President David Negrin praised Chu’s prov-

en leadership, prominence and business acumen.

The company is best know for ownership of the NHL Vancouver Canucks, but the family-run business has various commercial, industrial, residential construction, agriculture and energy projects.

that we do not destroy some of the good things that are going on,” he said.

Fassbender said he has ideas, which he’ll continue to share, but no preconceived notions. Opposition Leader John Horgan said the mayors were given the task of selling a referendum they didn’t approve of to a community that didn’t want to say yes.

“Now Mr. Fassbender, I’m hopeful, will come with an olive branch for the mayors and Metro Vancouver, and for the people of Metro Vancouver so that we can put in place a transportation system that we all want to see here.”

Fassbender served as the city of Langley’s mayor before voters in Surrey-Fleetwood elected him to the legislature in May 2013. He led the government through a bitter labour dispute involving unionized public school teachers last year before a settlement was reached with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation. “If I have a reputation, I do my best to build consensus and look at what our goals are, as opposed to the problems,” he said. “I clearly knew when I took on the minister of education that there was some challenges but I was resolute, as was the premier and the government, to get a long-term negotiated settlement.” Thursday’s cabinet shuffle means Mike Bernier, who has been a parliamentary secretary for the environment minister, replaces Fassbender as B.C.’s education minister.

Coralee Oaks, who had been in charge of the community sport ministry, is now minister of small business and is responsible for the liquor distribution branch.

Naomi Yamamoto, who was minister of state for tourism and small business, is now minister of state for emergency preparedness under the Transportation Ministry.

4 i Saturday, August 1, 2015 From page 1

OPINION

Harper hoping to bury his opponents with money in a long campaign

Conservatives have lots of it. In fact, Conservatives have more money than the other two parties, NDP and Liberals combined. And Harper intends to use every cent of this advantage for his party’s benefit. An 11 week campaign will not

only be long, it will also be very, very expensive.

Apart from costly office lease/rental, telephones, staff salaries and transportation, the parties will also have to pay for advertising over the 11 weeks.

Some non-Conservative candidates may even run out of money long before October 19. And mon-

his many aces in the current election – in fact his ey de ides elections like nothing else (unless you have most important ace- money. a referendum like the funding for Translink funding plebiscite that was held in Metro Vancouver recently.)

Realizing this advantage of Harper and the Conservatives, federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (currently sitting in third place in the polls) is already complaining. He said on Friday that Harper is changing the rules to hold on to power. Trudeau knows that he can’t www.theasianstar.com match Harper dollar for dollar when it comes to mon# 202 - 7028, 120th Street, ey. According to an analysis by The Canadian Press of the parties’ financial returns to Elections Canada, Surrey, BC V3W 3M8 the Conservatives, at a national level, had raised $20.1 Ph: 604-591-5423 million by the end of last year. The Liberals followed Fax: 604-591-8615 with $15 million and the NDP with $9.5 million. But more crucially, the Tories electoral district associations E-mail: editor@theasianstar.com ended the year with net assets of more than $19 million –more than the riding associations of the Liberals, Editor: New Democrats, Greens and Bloc combined. Liberal Umendra Singh riding associations reported a total of about $8 million in net assets, NDP associations more than $4.4 Associate Editor: million, the Greens almost $1.2 million and the Bloc Shruti Prakash Joshi about $410,000. Pre-campaign, there are no limits to what a party can spend — spending rules only kick in once the writ is dropped and the campaign has offiMarketing and Sales: cially begun. In a typical 37-day election period, each Ravinder S. Cheema..604-715-3847 party can spend a maximum of $25 million. For each Shamir Doshi..............604-649-7827 additional day, the limit is increased by 1/37th, or an extra $675,000, meaning an 11-week campaign would Harminder Kaur..........778-708-0481 allow parties to spend more than $50 million. The Parminder Dhillon.......604-591-5423 Conservatives not only have the advantage of money on hand, but are better at raising money during the Pre-Press: campaign. During a campaign, parties can also take advantage of the campaign rebate, meaning taxpayers Iftikhar Ahmed subsidize 50 per cent of what the parties spend on a national campaign. Parties don’t usually have enough Contributing writers: money in the bank to pay for a national campaign and typically need to get a bank loan, using the campaign Akash Sablok, rebate as security, he added. If one party starts with a Kamila Singh, Jay Bains financial advantage over the others, it allows that party Photographer: to multiply the advantage, he said. For example, the Chandra Bodalia Conservatives, going in with more money, and an ability to raise more during the campaign, would likely be able to secure a larger loan than the Liberals or NDP. Another possible advantage for the Conservatives is Publication Mail Agreement No 428336012 that third-party advertising, unlimited before an offiReturn undeliverable Canadian addresses cial campaign begins, becomes severely restricted afto Circulation Dept. ter the launch (about $400,000 for an extended cam# 202 - 7028, 120th Street, paign). This means that millions of dollars that could be spent against the Conservatives by groups like pubSurrey, BC V3W 3M8 lic service unions would be eliminated.

All advertising in The Asian Star is subject to And while the scrapping of the per-vote taxpayer the publishers’ approval and the advertiser agrees subsidy will affect the Conservatives, their fundraising to indemnify the publishers against claims arising abilities mean other parties will be hurt more by its from publication of any advertisement submitted by the advertiser. elimination. So Harper is expected to use the first of

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 5

6 i Saturday, August 1, 2015 From page 1

Delhi residents buy water on black market

According to the minister, the average annual water availability for the country has been assessed by the Central Water Commission to be at 1,869-billion cubic metres (BCM). But due to topographical, hydrological and other constraints, the utilisable water

From page 1

LOCAL has been estimated to be about 1,123 BCM, he added. The National Commission for Integrated Water Resources Development, in a 1999 report, had said that the annual water requirement by 2025 and 2050 will be about 843 BCM and 1,180 BCM, respectively, Jat further

said. Noting that several steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources are undertaken by state governments, he said that the Centre provides technical and financial assistance in order to supplement their efforts.

State funeral for former Indian president

India for two days. APJ Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 into a middle-class family in Rameshwaram, a town well-known for its Hindu shrines. His father owned boats which he rented out to local fishermen, but he himself began his career as a newspaper vendor. He then earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from a technology institute in Chennai (Madras). n Kalam joined the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in the neighbouring state of Kerala in the 1960s as one of its first three engineers. He played a major role in the centre’s evolution to a key hub of space research in India, helping to develop the country’s first indigenous satellite-launch vehicle.

Indian scientists have hailed him as the father of the Indian nuclear bomb and its missile delivery systems. He also played a key role when

India tested its nuclear weapons in 1998. The former president was proud of his Indian education and liked to describe himself as “Made in India”, having never been trained abroad. Twitter tributes There has been an outpouring of grief on Twitter and since his death on Monday, nearly half a million tweets have mentioned “APJ Abdul Kalam”.

Twitter users have used phrases like “inspiration”, “legend”, “great human being” and “people’s president” to describe Mr Kalam. Most users seem to be united in their thought that India has lost “a great son” and “leader” after his death. Hashtags like #KalamSir and #RIPKalam have been popular among his admirers.

#KalamSir has generated around 100,000 tweets. The hashtag has been used by people who saw him as a teacher and guide. Mr Kalam was known for his friendly interactions with students across the country.

Most Twitter users are using #Rameshwaram to pay their final tributes to the former president on Thursday.

Thousands, including top politicians, paid their respect at his funeral in the southern city of Rameshwaram. And it seems those who could not be in the city are using the hashtag to show their love for Mr Kalam.

India ‘to overtake China’s population by 2022’ - UN From page 1

lion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, it predicts.

The new projection has India overtaking China’s population six years earlier than previously predicted. The reports says half of the world’s population growth between 2015 and 2050 is expected to be concentrated in nine countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States, Indonesia and Uganda.

The populations of 28 African countries are projected to more than double, and by 2100, 10 African countries are projected to have increased by at least a factor of five. “The concentration of population growth in the poorest countries presents its own set of challenges, making it more difficult to eradicate poverty and inequality, to combat hunger and malnutrition,”

South Asian woman jailed 10 years for beating death of daughter From page 1

deeply ironic that while the Jhas moved to Canada to improve their children’s lives, that displacement might have brought Mrs. Jha to kill her daughter.”

Jha had claimed that Niyati was very mischievous and got hurt constantly while playing, court heard. She had also said a bookcase fell on Niyati when she was trying to climb it about a month before her death, suggesting the two incidents were linked, court heard.

Niyati’s sole protector but “instead of defending her, she beat her repeatedly, ultimately to death.” “This crime was a betrayal of the most sacred bond of trust and care that should exist between a parent and a child,” Baltman said. “The very person to whom a child would look for refuge turned out to be her greatest enemy.”

Crown lawyers alleged that Jha beat her daughter over many weeks, culminating in a final fatal attack. Court heard that Niyati sustained a massive brain injury in September 2011. She was unconscious when her family took her to a walk-in clinic near her Mississauga, Ont., home and was declared brain dead in a Toronto hospital a day later. “By the time Niyati arrived at the hospital her head had swollen to the size of a football and there was brain matter oozing out of her ear,” Baltman said, noting that in addition to the fatal injuries Niyati suffered, her body was later found to be riddled with dozens of internal and external injuries, that included bruising, hemorrhaging and multiple fractures.

Just why Jha repeatedly abused her Nandini Jha, 35, was convicted in the beating death child, however, was hard to underof her three-year-old daughter. stand, Baltman said. Jha was not a young inexperienced mother — she had a child Baltman rejected Jha’s bookcase defence, saybefore Niyati was born and two after — nor did ing it was a “fiction she concocted to explain the Jha allege she was a victim of abuse herself, and there was no evidence at her trial of an addiction bruises caused by her beating Niyati.” Baltman also found that Jha did not express remorse for her or a low intellectual ability, Baltman said.

The judge noted that Jha had immigrated to daughter’s death and noted that the girl must have Canada from India with her husband “largely felt “terribly lonely and abandoned.” “Niyati was against her will.” She had no family or friends, a young and helpless child,” Baltman said. “Even couldn’t speak the language and felt burdened by now, not one family member appears to sincerely the responsibility of raising the children virtually mourn her death … it is left to this court to speak on her own while her husband worked long hours, for her.” With credit for time already served, Jha Baltman said. “But many immigrants overcome now has nine years and two months left in her senthose obstacles for the sake of making a better life tence, after which she could be deported to India in Canada for their children,” Baltman said. “It is as she is not a Canadian citizen.

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Canadian dollar dips below 77 cents

he Canadian dollar is nearing its low for the year Friday, after news that the economy contracted for a fifth straight month in May. The loonie was at 76.43 US cents at mid-afternoon, down half a cent from Thursday, after Statistics Canada said the economy shrank 0.2 per cent in May. The lowest close this year is 76.40 US cents.

TD Bank economist Leslie Preston says the dollar is likely to go to 73 cents this year, and will stay in the mid-70s for at least another year. “Lower oil prices and more stimulative monetary policy also led us to downgrade our forecast for the loonie.

We now expect the Canadian dollar to depreciate versus the U.S. dollar, reaching 73 cents by the sec-

ond quarter of next year, before rising gradually back up to 76 cents by the end of 2016,” she said in a report to investors. Canada’s economic performance is a sharp contrast from the U.S. economy, which grew 2.3 per cent in the second quarter of the year according to the latest assessment from the Commerce Department.

Low oil prices, which have stayed below $50 per barrel for the past month, are hurting capital investment by the oil sector and have resulted in elimination of hundreds of jobs.

The low loonie was supposed to help Canada boost exports and stimulate the manufacturing sector, especially with the U.S. in growth mode.

OPINION

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 7

Shred-It, iTunes and Twitonomy – just some of the government’s credit cards

By Dermod Travis

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ne of the more feared aspects to the release of the public accounts each year – at least as far as government ministers are concerned – is that tiny volume itemizing each ministry’s credit card charges.

Guess the anxiety finally got the better of them, because last year the Finance ministry decided to post the statements online on a quarterly basis instead, presumably hoping fewer would take notice.

It didn’t seem right not to wait for the annual totals though.

While the charges themselves are a drop in the bucket of a $44.4 billion budget, sometimes they offer a peak at a ministry’s attitudes or priorities.

In 2014-15, there were 102,418 purchasing card transactions totalling $45.1 million, up from $41 million the year before.

More than 1,250 transactions were for less than $5.00; eight of them at 7-Eleven, 27 at iTunes and one at Ogos Ice Cream.

There were 976 purchases over $5,000.

The largest? A $92,513 charge at Sensus Communications by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

In the shred that file department, ministries charged $46,078 for shredding documents and that’s on top of the $258,260 they billed to the government’s account at Shred-It. Top three ministries for shredding fast: the Ministry of Technology, Innovation, and Citizens’ Services at $3,664 which coincidentally oversees B.C.’s access to information legislation, the Ministry of Children and Family Development at $5,821 and the Ministry of Justice at $17,848.

Though it is a mystery why the government spends so much money shredding documents when it goes to such great lengths not to create them in the first place.

Thirteen ministries chipped in $58,697 to help ensure the success of B.C.’s second international conference on LNG. Over at the Ministry of Children and Family Development, someone is a tad tone deaf politically speaking.

A few of the charges that stand out: the Four Seasons Hotel ($1,730), the Empress ($607), the Westin Bear Mountain Resort ($2,543) and Seasons in the Park ($343).

Establishments you might expect to see in the charges at International Trade, not Children and Family Development.

Speaking of which no surprise over some of the charges at International Trade, where five-star is the order of the day.

Total tab of $1.18 million. Among the ritzier ones: $3,302 at Singapore’s Fullerton Hotel, $25,907 at Taj Mahal, $37,495 at Millennium Residences in Beijing, and $51,193 at India’s Taj Hotels.

There were a few pricey meals too, including a $2,495 charge at Victoria’s Saaz Restaurant which is about five times what the ministry charged at Tim Horton’s ($575) over the entire year.

Someone took the bus one day if that $2.75 charge at TransLink is any indication and someone needed a passport ($160).

Ever find yourself in need of a good caterer? The government’s rankings are in and include: Cooks Day Off ($57,954), Mr. Mom’s World ($47,354), Food for Thought Catering ($26,407), Potluck Cafe and Catering ($17,245) and Truffles Catering ($12,777).

Put all the ministries together and they charged $30,528 at golf courses in B.C., $20,386 of it by Children and Family Development.

The Ministry of Justice continues to celebrate at Earl’s Restaurants. The ministry rang up a tab of $10,434 at the restaurant chain, more than half of the $17,540 spent by all ministries.

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8 i Saturday, August 1, 2015

Half of Canadian voters back NDP-Liberal coalition: Poll

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ore than two-thirds of Liberal and Research. Of Liberal supporters surveyed, NDP supporters favour the idea of 68 per cent support a coalition, while 75 per the parties forming a coalition in the event cent of NDPers favour the idea –– about half of a Conservative minority in the Oct. 19 all Canadian voters.

TEL20150508_H1 FFH_Asian Star_JrPg:Layout 1of05/06/15 10:18 PM Page 1“The two opposielection, according to a new poll by Forum

get hitched as soon as a minority Conservative government is elected –– if that happens,” said Forum Research president Lorne Bozinoff. Support for a coalition was strongest among young people surveyed — 57 per cent of those between the ages of TELUS STORES 18 and 34 favour the idea. Jamie Abbotsford Cruickshank, 25, of Toronto, likes Highstreet Shopping Centre the idea of a coalition because he Sevenoaks Shopping Centre believes it would represent the 2140 Sumas Way 32915 South Fraser Way views of a broader segment of votAldergrove ers. “You’re getting a better cross 26310 Fraser Hwy. section of what people are really Burnaby Brentwood Town Centre looking for,’’ he said Cruickshank, Crystal Mall who works a sales associate.

Lougheed Town Centre He hasn’t yet decided how he’ll Metropolis at Metrotown .

3855 Henning Dr. vote in the Oct. 19 election.

4501 North Rd. Forty per cent of all responCoquitlam dents to the Forum poll don’t supCoquitlam Centre Westwood Mall port a coalition, while 11 per cent 1071 Austin Ave. don’t know.

Delta The New Democrats have said Scottsdale Centre publicly they are open to the idea 1517 56th St. 4841 Delta St. of a coalition, but Liberal Leader 4912 62nd St. Justin Trudeau has poured cold Langley water on the notion.

Willowbrook Mall 8700 200th St. Another poll by Forum Re19638 Fraser Hwy. search this week tracking voter 20159 88th Ave. intentions at this point in time has 20202 66th Ave. Maple Ridge the Conservatives and NDP tied Haney Place Mall at 33 per cent support, and the 22661 Lougheed Hwy. Liberals at 25 per cent.

Mission Mission Smartcentre Based on those results the To32670 Lougheed Hwy. ries would form a minority govNew Westminster ernment. In the 338-seat House Royal City Centre North Vancouver of Commons, the Conservatives Capilano Mall would win 156 seats –– 14 fewer Lynn Valley Centre than they’d need for a majority.

1295 Marine Dr. The NDP would grab 122 seats, 1801 Lonsdale Ave. Pitt Meadows with the Liberals holding the bal19800 Lougheed Hwy. ance of power with 58 seats.

Port Coquitlam The Bloc and Greens would 2020 Oxford Connector Richmond each get one seat.

Lansdowne Centre The Forum survey shows the Only Optik TV™ lets you enjoy the most South Asian channels.

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Pacific Centre Bozinoff attributes much of 220 East 1st Ave. 551 Robson St. the bump in Tory fortunes this 808 Davie St. week to Prime Minister Stephen 991 Denman St. Harper’s government doling out 1095 West Pender St. its “Christmas in July’’ cheques 1143 Robson St. 1855 Burrard St. to families last week as part of the 2338 Cambie St. Universal Child Care Benefit in2372 West 4th Ave. creases.

2706 Granville St. Call 310-MYTV (6988), go to telus.com/freetv 2748 Rupert St. “It’s clear the Conservatives or visit your TELUS Store.

3121 West Broadway have gained favour in the last West Vancouver week,’’ Bozinoff said.

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Alleged Fentanyl kingpin to appear in Vancouver court after rash of overdoses Amidst growing alarm about a spike in fentanyl-related deaths, Walter James McCormick, a man accused of being a kingpin in the Lower Mainland distribution of the drug, is set to be arraigned in Vancouver provincial court Friday.

McCormick and his common-law spouse, Karen Marie Armitstead, face multiple counts related to Project Tainted, a police operation carried out in response to a rash of overdoses in October 2014.

A search warrant for their North Vancouver home is sealed, but details of the investigation are contained in B.C. Supreme Court documents filed in an attempt to seize their assets through civil forfeiture.

According to a notice of civil claim: “Mr. McCormick is a high level drug trafficker with access to large quantities of fentanyl pills and was ... the supplier of fentanyl as well as other illegal drugs to mid-level drug traffickers.”

The claim goes on to allege those drugs were then supplied “to a large sophisticated drug trafficking network comprised of multiple drug trafficking lines and numerous ‘employees.’”

Growing problem The allegations provide a glimpse into a growing problem highlighted this week by the fentanyl-related overdoses of Hardy and Amelia Leighton, a North Vancouver couple whose sudden deaths left their two-year-old son an orphan.

NDP organized Eid open house in Surrey

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which police say is being cut with other drugs in order to provide a cheaper and more addictive high. But fentanyl is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

According to their responses to the civil forfeiture claim, McCormick is an ironworker and Armitstead is a registered nurse earning $90,000 a year at Lions Gate Hospital.

Both deny any illegal activity.

B.C.’s director of civil forfeiture is going after their $818,000 North Vancouver home, a 3.4-acre property on Gambier Island and a property in the Okanagan.

McCormick, 50, faces 22 criminal counts, including trafficking in fentanyl.

Armitstead faces 12 counts, including possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, and both are also charged with possession of weapons.

None of the charges against them have been proven in court.

Their home, located in a family friendly North Vancouver neighbourhood, was raided in February.

“There were illegal drugs concealed in the crawl space. There was a significant quantity of illegal drugs hidden in the main floor storage room as well as in the bedroom along with a significant amount of cash,” reads the notice of claim.

“There were ‘score sheets’ [used to record illegal drug transactions] in the waste paper bin in the second floor bathroom.”

NDP threatens to pull out of broadcasters’ debates

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 9

NDP MLAs and MPs held an Eid Open House in Surrey last week.

Pictured above are MP Jinny Sims (second from left) MLA Sue Hammell (fourth from left), BC NDP leader John Horgan (third from right) and MP Jasbir Sandhu (second from right) with community members. MLAs Bruce Ralston and Harry Bains were also present at the function.

Fake Vancouver fireman checking out homes Vancouver police are warning of a man pretending to be with the fire department and asking for access to people’s homes.

Police urge people to refuse access to “fake” emergency officials and demand verification.

“If a firefighter shows up at your door asking to enter your home, ask for proper identification,” says Const. Brian Montague. “If you still have concerns, call 311 to confirm who they are.”

A man knocked on the door of an East Vancouver home on July 27 at 35th Avenue and Main Street. Police say he told the homeowner that he was with the Vancouver Fire Department and needed to conduct safety inspections looking for fire hazards.

The man requested access to all entrances, exits and bedrooms in the house. The homeowner refused, but later in the day a relative did escort the strange man through the home.

Acting on suspicion, the homeowner called city hall the next day and learned that no fire department officials conduct safety inspections of private homes unless requested in advance by the homeowner.

Police suspect the man was looking for an opportunity to steal or was casing the house.

The fake fireman wore a blue t-shirt with a logo that read: Fire Department. He was white, over 6 feet tall and average build.

and calling the decision by the NDP leader Canada’s largest broadcasters may be out of “anti-democratic”. luck when it comes to hosting a federal leaders debate. NDP will only consider debate invitations until Friday, Aug. 7. While EYEGLASSES CONTACT LENSES SUNGLASSES the NDP did initially agree in principle to attending the consortium debate held by Vision Test and Eye Examination Available Canada’s biggest broadcasters, it now says it will only attend that debate and any others if the prime minister is present.

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10 i Saturday, August 1, 2015

LOCAL

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Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 11

Dramatic accident in Surrey injures seven

n Tuesday, July 23 at approximately 9:30 p.m., a white Mercedes was travelling southbound on 152 Street when it collided with a vehicle entering a driveway to a golf course near 79 Avenue on the west side of the street. The Mercedes careened off of the car and drove into northbound lanes where it hit a pick-up truck. Meanwhile, the vehicle entering the driveway lost a golf cart it was towing in a trailer. The cart then headed down the road, hitting another car.

In all, seven people were hurt.

It’s unclear how many were taken to hospital. It was originally believed the driver of white Mercedes

was critically hurt, but he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has further information is asked to call the

Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), if they wish to remain anonymous.

New Provincial Court judges named in Surrey, Abbotsford

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he province has appointed five new Provincial Court judges, including two to be posted in Surrey and one in Abbotsford.

Judge Valliammai Chettiar and Judge Kathryn Ferriss will serve out of the Surrey courthouse, while Judge Jay Solomon is assigned to Abbotsford.

Chettiar has extensive experience as a civil lawyer, Solomon was a criminal defence and personal injury lawyer, while Ferriss was a family lawyer primarily represented legal aid clients.

Two other Provincial Court judges include one posted to Victo-

ria and another yet to be assigned.

Meanwhile, a judge who graduated from UBC and the University of Victoria is the newest appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Russell Brown, previously an Alberta Court of Appeal judge, was appointed in July

by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Brown’s appointment has been viewed by some observers as an attempt to place a more conservative voice on the high court after rulings against the federal government on multiple fronts, including mandatory minimum sentences, prostitution and medical marijuana.

Surrey overnight shooting was actually a stabbing Police investigating what was believed to be the 44th local shooting in five months, overnight, instead found a man suffering from stab wounds.

It happened in Port Kells just after midnight, near 184th Street and 92ndAvenue. Police were called to the area after receiving reports of shots fired.

“Surrey RCMP are clarifying that a shots fire report from overnight has not been unsubstantiated,” Surrey RCMP Staff Sgt. Dale Carr said at 9:30 a.m. Monday. “The injuries to the male have been determined to be consistent with being stabbed rather than being shot.”

Police have yet to identify suspects.

Staff Sgt. Joe Johal issued a news release at 5:09 a.m. saying that the victim, whose name and age has not been released, is being treated in hospital.

“At this time this incident does not appear to be a random act, but rather targeted at this young man,” Johal said.

Meanwhile, a Surrey pedestrian was

struck down by a car in the Newton early Saturday morning, in the 10600-block of King George Boulevard. Police responding to a 911 call at 2:50 a.m. found the 22-year-old man with multiple injuries, lying on the road.

“The driver is cooperating fully with police,” Staff Sgt. Murray Hedderson said. “It appears that the victim pedestrian was on the median and stepped off of the median without looking, or noticing the vehicle, and was struck by the Toyota Corolla.

“Speed and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this collision,” Hedderson said. “The pedestrian that was struck was transported to hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Police are also investigating a fatal collision between a motorcycle and a car that happened at the intersection of 8th Avenue and 172nd Street in South Surrey at about 9 p.m. Saturday.

It involved a 2003 Saturn driven by a North Vancouver resident. The 32-year-

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LOCAL

Kitchener women say they were stopped by police for cycling topless

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hree Kitchener, Ont., sislaw that if a female chooses to ters are planning to file go topless, that is their right.” a formal complaint after The sisters say they plan to file they say they were stopped by a a formal complaint with the Ofpolice officer for cycling topless. fice of the Independent Police Tameera, Nadia and Alysha took off Review Director, which overtheir shirts while riding their bikes in sees public complaints against downtown Kitchener because of the municipal and regional police heat. They say they received mostly services in Ontario as well as positive reaction, until a police offithe Ontario Provincial Police. cer stopped them on Shanley Street.

“When men take off their tops in “He said, ‘Ladies, you need to put public, it’s clearly because it’s a hot on some shirts,’” said Tameera Moday and clearly it’s for their comfort. hamed. “We said, ‘No we don’t ... it’s our legal right in Ontario to be topless as women.’”

The officer said there had been complaints, according to Mohamed. She said the officer began back- Tameera, Nadia and Alysha Muhammed say they were stopped tracking once her by police for riding their bikes topless. sister, Alysha, began recording with Women should be given the same her smartphone. The officer then freedom,” said Nadia Mohamed. denied having pulled them over for “Even though legally we have that riding topless, before letting them right, socially we clearly don’t.” continue their ride, Mohamed said.

The women are holding a rally in “We went on our way and uptown Waterloo on Saturday to went straight to the police stasupport the desexualizing of womtion to report it,” she said. en’s bodies. Shirts will be optional.

Waterloo regional police acknowlIn July 1991, University of Guelph edge there was an incident involvstudent Gwen Jacob was charged ing three topless female cyclists after removing her top on a hot and a police officer, but would summer day That act started not discuss the incident in detail. a movement, eventually giving “We’re doing an internal review all women in Ontario the leon the situation,” said Staff Sgt. gal right to expose their breasts.

Michael Haffner. “It is a current

Metro Vancouver food trucks starving for business: Vancity report

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municipalities – permit costs range C residents are hungry for food from $97 in Delta to $1,200 in Richtruck fare, but the beloved meals mond – forcing operators to wade on wheels industry is at risk dethrough different mazes if they spite the demand, according to a new want to cross municipal boundaries. report by Vancity. An impressive 44 The report recommends cities extend per cent of Metro Vancouver and Vicmobile business licensing toria residents have eaten “We’re workto mobile food vendors so at one of 305 food trucks in the past year, bringing ing incredibly they don’t have to wade through 21 different buthe total value of the inclosereaucracies in the Lower dustry to an estimated $50 ly with the food Mainland. It also recommillion, according to the cart people.” mends reviewing rules report released Tuesday. about proximity to restauThat amounts to about rants, although it gives Vancouver kudos $160,000 in revenue per truck. Yet for its 100-metre buffer between food Industry Canada estimates operators trucks and spots with similar menus. make an average profit of $31,300 and Vancouver Coun. Heather Deal said 29 per cent do not make any profshe’s more than happy to explore whethit. While that’s a slightly better foreer that’s possible at the regional level. cast that traditional bricks and mortar restaurants with higher fixed costs, the report found municipal red tape is making it harder for food trucks to stay in business in the tough industry that has grown sevenfold in the past five years.

There’s an estimated 80 per cent turnover in the City of Vancouver, as operators struggle with She acknowledged it’s a challenging inhigh kitchen costs and low demand dustry, but said the city is working hard at some fixed locations, according to to “get out of the way and let them run.” the StreetFood Vancouver Society. In “About six years ago, it was just a 2014 alone, 17 food trucks started and couple of hot dog stands,” she said, failed in the city, according to ownnoting there are now about 100 oper of Kaboom Box Andrew Fielding. erators. “We’re working incredibly Regulations differ wildly between closely with the food cart people.”

LOCAL

Critics dispute Liberal Govt’s LNG job numbers

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he minister responsible for tional jobs in gas extraction, pipeBritish Columbia’s lique- lines, supply and service indusfied natural gas industry in- tries to support the industry, he said. sists it can create 100,000 jobs, despite “If you have five LNG plants produca new report critical of the forecast. ing 82 million tonnes of LNG, it will The Canadian Centre for Policy Alterna- generate up to 100,000 jobs,” Coletives (CCPA), a left-leaning think-tank, man said. “I won’t deviate from that.” released a “reality check” report on LNG Last week, the government passed the Liqand employment in B.C. on Tuesday, con- uefied Natural Gas Project Agreements cluding that the government’s much-tout- Act, which allows for the ratification of ed job numbers are “grossly overstated.” the first LNG project agreement signed Based on project proponents’ own estimates with Petronas-led Pacific NorthWest LNG. and data from Australia, the sector would It marks the largest private capital investment in B.C.’s history. only support up to 3,000 construcThe proposed $36 biltion jobs and 300 permanent worklion project, which still ers per LNG plant, the report says. needs an environmenIt also accuses the government, and tal certificate and agreeconsultancy firm Grant Thornton, ments with opposing of being “excessively optimistic First Nations, is slated at almost every step in the proto create 4,500 construccess” when estimating the number tion jobs and net B.C. of related support and indirect $8.6 billion in royalties spin-off jobs the sector would creand taxes over 23 years. ate should five LNG plants ever The opposition NDP end up setting up in the province.

Green parties, “It’s a work of fiction,” said CCPA Minister responsible for and economist Marc Lee. “There LNG and housing Rich who voted against the act, accused Liberare some really bizarre as- Coleman. als of giving too many sumptions made to get to those to industry. numbers. The onus is on the govern- concessions ment to defend its 100,000 jobs figure.” NDP critic Bruce Ralston, who thinks Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural the Liberals’ job estimates are “hogGas Development, said the B.C. gov- wash”, said guaranteed jobs for Canaernment is sticking to its numbers as dians should have been written into it forges ahead with the LNG industry. the agreement with trade organiza“We know this thing has a significant in- tions fearing the jobs that are created vestment in jobs,” Coleman told Metro. could end up going to foreign workers.

“I’m an optimist, I think this can happen. If Coleman said B.C. is currently engaged you add $175 billion in capital investment with at least four other proponents reit would be staggering for our economy.” garding project agreements as they try Every plant built would spur addi- to secure final investment decisions.

Federal NDP nominates Amandeep Nijjar in Vancouver South

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mandeep Nijjar, a community activist, was nominated tonight

by NDP members in Vancouver South to take on Conservative Wai Young. Nijjar is a staff person in the finance department of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378. “I am so happy to have Amandeep Nijjar on the NDP team,” said NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. “She will be a great representative for Vancouver South and her experience as a community activist and her deep commitment to revitaliz-

ing the local business community will make her an excellent Member of Parliament.”After winning the nomination Nijjar said “I am proud to be part of Tom Mulcair’s team, and I am looking forward to being part of the change that Canadians are looking for.” Nijjar pledged to work towards boosting the local economy by cutting the small business tax rate from 11 to 9 percent. “I have seen the impact of Conservative neglect on our community, and I want to be part of building positive solutions,” she said.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 13

14 i Saturday, August 1, 2015

Police investigate targeted killing of 20-year-old man in East Vancouver

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eath of teenage boy in East Vancouver a homicide, police say Update: City of Vancouver confirms veteran employee killed in targeted attack Vancouver woman randomly attacked on Marine Drive: Police Police are investigating what they are describing as a targeted shooting that claimed the life of a 20-year-old man in East Vancouver on Monday night.

Const. Brian Montague, spokesman for Vancouver Police, said the victim, identified as Samir Mokhtar, is known to police and was on bail at the time of his death on a charge of manslaughter.

Police responded to several 911 calls reporting the sound of gunfire shortly after 9 p.m. near Seaforth Drive near Rupert Street.

Officers found

Mokhtar lying on the side of the road.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators continue to canvass he scene for video and speak with witnesses. No arrests have been made.

The death is this city’s 10th homicide, and the second in as many days in East Vancouver.

On Sunday afternoon, a 15-year-old boy was found with serious injuries in a home just a few blocks away on East 24th Avenue near Rupert Street. He was rushed to hospital but later died.

No arrests have been made in that case.

Montague said police don’t believe the two murders are linked.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers.

Real time travel time information offered by Surrey

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he City of Surrey will be the first municipality in the province to install a real-time Travel Time Information System which will help improve the flow of goods and vehicles within the region. The system will also provide data to the city’s Traffic Management Centre and the City of Surrey’s website.

“This project will improve the efficiency of the transportation network as a whole,” said Mayor Linda Hepner in a news release. “By making this investment into our community, we are improving movement of goods and people within our city which results in a better city for all who live and work in Surrey.”

The system will employ Bluetooth technology and Dynamic Messaging Signs on key corridors that correspond with major truck routes in Surrey. Multiple routes are proposed for detectors that

will allow travellers to select the optimal route of travel based on real-time traffic conditions. Coun. Tom Gill, chair of Surrey’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the system is a significant step forward in improving Surrey’s ability to monitor and manage traffic.

“With a population of over 500,000 residents and growing, the efficient movement of goods and traffic are top priorities for the City of Surrey,” said Gill. “The Travel Time Information System will benefit both regular commuters and commercial vehicle traffic.”

Data collected from this project will also provide input into future transportation planning and infrastructure improvement projects. On Monday, Surrey council approved the funding of 50 per cent of the $2-million installation cost of the Travel Time Information System. The remaining half will be funded by the federal government as part of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.

Mounties searching for alleged serial fraudster in Coquitlam

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CMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying an alleged serial fraudster in Coquitlam.

The man was captured on surveillance footage July 4 at a bank on Johnson Street allegedly trying to cash a

Coquitlam RCMP are searching for an alleged serial fraudster captured by surveillance footage at a bank on Johnson Street on July 4.

fraudulent cheque with a stolen ID, according to Coquitlam RCMP. For unknown reasons, the man suddenly became nervous and fled the bank before getting the cash, police said.

The incident was not the first time the man has been suspected of fraud.

Police said he allegedly tried to cash a fraudulent cheque at the same bank on June 29, as well as in other jurisdictions.

He is described as white, and was wearing a hat, sunglasses and a sleeveless shirt. He also has tattoos on both arms.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to contact Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.

LOCAL

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Senior arrested after pouring white paint on Pride crosswalk

91-year-old New Westminster man is being investigated for mischief after witnesses saw him pour white paint on the newly-installed Pride crosswalk.

The crosswalk is at Church Street and Columbia Street. Multiple witnesses contacted the New Westminster Police Department regarding the incident, and the man

was apprehended a short distance away.

He was also taken to hospital for evaluation.

The incident is still under investigation.

The New Westminster Pride Columbia Street Party is scheduled for August 15 from 3-8 p.m. and will close down Columbia from 4th Street to Begbie Street.

Other cities across B.C. will have rainbow crosswalks installed to celebrate gay pride.

Gurdwara Nanak Niwas hosts Punjabi students’ graduation Balwant Sanghera

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ndia Cultural Centre of Canada’s Gurdwara Nanak Niwas has been running a Punjabi school for the past three years. At the conclusion of each school year, students with assistance from their teachers, share with their parents, grandparents and the Gurdwara management their learning experiences. They are presented with Certificates of Participation by the Gurdwara. In a sense, everyone looks forward to this year-end celebration. Like previous years, this year again, the students were excited to share their stories and other experiences at a function held at the Gurdwara on Sunday, July 26. The student recital of poems, stories, Gurbani, alphabet, numbers, names of the ten Gurus of Sikhism and various other items were well received by the attendees. The teachers-.

Harpreet Kaur Swaich, Prabhjot Kaur and Jasbir Kaur Atwal commended the students and thanked the Gurdwara management for making it possible for the children to learn Punjabi in a very relaxed environment. Prominent local writer Avinash Kaur Gill also commended the students, teachers and the Gurdwara management for their commitment to Punjabi language. She urged parents to encourage their children to be proud of the language of their ancestors. As co-ordinator of the Punjabi Program at the Gurdwara I am very pleased to see so much interest in Punjabi language amongst our children and their parents. On behalf of the Gurdwara management, Mrs. Kashmir Kaur Johal presented Certificates of Participation and cash awards to the students. At the conclusion, everyone was treated to light refreshments including vegetarian pizzas, juice and tea etc.

The children will now get a break for the month of August. Punjabi classes will resume on Sunday, September 13 at the Gurdwara. Sometime before that, parents will be invited to the Gurdwara for registration etc.

On behalf of the Gurdwara management I would like to thank the students, parents, grandparents and teachers for a very successful school year for Punjabi.

(Balwant Sanghera is co-ordinator of the Punjabi School Program at Gurdwara Nanak Niwas in Richmond)

A

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 15

Army officer facing multiple charges for sex offences, including assault and exploitation

high-ranking Canadian Forces officer faces serious, sex-related charges involving allegations that stem from the mentoring of military cadets.

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service says Lt.-Col. Mason Stalker has been charged with 10 offences including sexual assault, sexual exploitation and breach of trust.

The investigative service says the charges are connected to a series of incidents that are alleged to have occurred in Edmonton between 1998 and 2007. The 40-year-old Stalker is commander of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.

He is charged with three counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual exploitation and one count each of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and breach of trust by a public officer.

Anyone with information that may be related to the investigation is asked to contact the Canadian Forces Na-

tional Investigation Service western region tip line at 1-877-233-6066.

“These are serious and significant charges under the Criminal Code of Canada,” CFNIS commanding officer, Lt-Col.Francis Bolduc, said in a statement.

“Regardless of a member’s rank and role in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service works diligently and independently from the Canadian Armed Forces chain of command to protect individuals from those who violate the law.”

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LOCAL

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Gurpartap Singh Wadala (middle), who is the MLA of District Nakodar of Punjab, is in Vancouver and is pictured here meeting with community members at India Cultural centre in Richmond last Monday.

Photo by Chandra Bodalia.

Decade of greed puts Ponzi scheme orchestraters behind bars for 12 years

he effects on invesinvestors of betors in a greed-motween $120 and tivated, multi-mil$200 million on lion-dollar Ponzi scheme one phase of the orchestrated by Calgarians fraud involving Gary Sorenson and MiloSyndicated Gold we Brost were devastating, Depositories and a judge said in sentenc$36 million on Brost and Sorenson get 12 years ing the pair to 12 years another involvfor massive Ponzi scheme in prison on Tuesday. ing Strategic Met“A review of the victim impact statements als, initiated to support the first phase. show the devastating loss to investors,” The average lost investment among 477 said Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Rob- investors in the second phase was $77,000, ert Hall, alluding to the bogus gold mining he said. It’s unclear how much was lost in operation primarily in Honduras between the first phase as there are no records of 1999 and 2008 that is recognized as one how much was returned in the Ponzi setup. of the largest frauds in Canadian history. He cited the sheer magnitude of the fraud, “There was an abandonment of life- the large number of investors and adverse style, some had to return to work, some effect on them, length of time over which the were homeless, many suffered shame fraud occurred and large amount of money and embarrassment, it eroded once-hap- involved as significant aggravating factors. py marriages, some considered suicide.” “These companies were set up to faciliHall found that Sorenson and Brost bilked tate the fraud being carried out,” he said.

“The second fraud was motivated by greed from the first fraud. Family and friends of victims were also encouraged to invest.

“Nether of the accused has expressed any remorse.”

Hall also gave Brost five years to be served concurrently for money laundering. He did not order restitution, saying it was unclear exactly who lost what amount, and left it to the civil courts to sort out.

Police investigate two separate stabbings in Surrey last night

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ounties in Surrey are investigating two separate stabbings Thursday night, making that three such incidents this week.

In one case, a 40-year-old man is in hospital after he was stabbed in the 10000-block of Semiahmoo Road at around 11:30 p.m.

Officers arrived and found the man suffering from stab wounds and he was transported to a local area hospital in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators do not know how the victim sustained stab wounds to his body, but they believe the man knew his attacker.

Meantime, another man was stabbed in front of the Gateway Market in the 13200-block of 108 Avenue shortly before 11 p.m.

RCMP say an argument broke out between a group of males, and a 36-year old Surrey man suffered a stab injury to the torso.

The victim was taken to a local area hospital and is in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators say the victim, who was not known to the suspects, is co-operating with police.

No suspects have been arrested in either case.

On Monday, a man was stabbed in a targeted attack in the 184 Street and 92 Avenue of Surrey.

Initially, Mounties thought the man had been shot, but later realized the victim’s injuries were from a stabbing.

His wounds were not life-threatening.

Police suspect that attack was targeted.

LOCAL

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Local female terrorist wanted to kill “little Jews”

woman found guilty

of helping to mastermind a terrorist bomb plot wanted to infiltrate a synagogue and kill “small Jews” to save the children from going to hell, a court has heard.

Police notes presented in B.C. Supreme Court on Monday recounted Amanda Korody and John Nuttall Amanda Korody’s husband John Nuttall telling an under- ing from kidnapping and robbery to agcover officer that his wife believed gravated assault. Nuttall had also been she would be doing Jewish children a kicked out of various mosques, he added. favour by sending them to paradise, The court has previously heard that Nutsince she believed “grown-up Jews” tall and Korody both saw themselves as go to “eternal hell” when they die. jihadist warriors behind enemy lines, “I asked Nuttall how he thinks he will waging holy war against the Western have access to Jewish kids and he said World for its treatment of Muslims. they were both white and could pass for Jewish,” Crown lawyer Sharon Steele read from the undercover RCMP officer’s notes, dated from March 2013.

“They will be regulars in the synagogue. They will gain the trust of everybody. And once they have everything they will get enough guns and ammo to go ahead with their mission.”

Nuttall acknowledged that Jewish children were non-combatants but explained that they would be raised to hate Arabs and Muslims, wrote the undercover officer. However, Nuttall eventually conceded that “you never know, they may convert (to Islam) in their adulthood.”

Nuttall and Korody were found guilty of plotting to detonate homemade pressure-cooker bombs at the B.C. legislature during Canada Day celebrations two years ago.

Lawyers for the self-described Muslim converts are in court arguing that the RCMP entrapped the pair through an elaborate, monthslong undercover sting operation.

The court heard that Canada’s spy agency sent a brief disclosure letter to the RCMP in late 2012, identifying Nuttall as a possible threat.

Police had already confronted Nuttall on a number of occasions by then, including after his friend reported that the suspect claimed to have shot a Jewish woman.

RCMP Cpl. Stephen Matheson told the court an officer interviewed John Nuttall, but he denied killing anyone.

The officer was concerned about the radical, jihadi-style views Nuttall was expressing and asked for a mental health assessment on the man, said Matheson.

A mental health nurse concluded Nuttall did not have a mental illness but that he may be developmentally delayed, said the officer.

On Jan. 31, 2013, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service sent a follow-up advisory letter alerting the RCMP that Nuttall had attempted to buy potassium nitrate -- an ingredient in homemade explosives -- from pharmacies in the Lower Mainland.

Matheson told the court about Nuttall’s criminal history, listing offences rang-

Fake Vancouver fireman checking out homes

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ancouver police are warning of a man pretending to be with the fire department and asking for access to people’s homes.

Police urge people to refuse access to “fake” emergency officials and demand verification.

“If a firefighter shows up at your door asking to enter your home, ask for proper identification,” says Const. Brian Montague. “If you still have concerns, call 311 to confirm who they are.”

A man knocked on the door of an East Vancouver home on July 27 at 35th Avenue and Main Street. Police say he told the homeowner that he was with the Vancouver Fire Department and needed to conduct safety

inspections looking for fire hazards.

The man requested access to all entrances, exits and bedrooms in the house. The homeowner refused, but later in the day a relative did escort the strange man through the home.

Acting on suspicion, the homeowner called city hall the next day and learned that no fire department officials conduct safety inspections of private homes unless requested in advance by the homeowner.

Police suspect the man was looking for an opportunity to steal or was casing the house.

The fake fireman wore a blue t-shirt with a logo that read: Fire Department. He was white, over 6 feet tall and average build.

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GARRY GREWAL

604-614-3400

Sutton Group Medallion Realty 7832 - 120 St., Surrey, BC V3W 3N2 Ph: 604.572.1211 Fax: 604.572.3216

Commercial Medallion Club Memeber

Vol. 5 No. 52 - Saturday - August 1, 2015

Tel: 604-591-5423

Vancouver rent increase ‘tsunami’ expected

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ew renters can expect “a rent increase tsunami” as building owners, faced with growing demand and restrained by decades of rent controls, begin hiking rents to better reflect fair market value. That warning comes courtesy of David Goodman, principal of real estate services company HQ Commercial and a Vancouver realtor specializing in rental apartment building sales. In his latest newsletter, Goodman says he and partner/son Mark Goodman have been monitoring rent increases in the past year and have noticed, “sizable rent increases, of 10 to 20 per, cent are regularly occurring on turnover.

“Is this an aberration, or a harbinger of things to come? We contend the latter.”

Such rent increases impact only those signing brand new leases. The province has been limiting rent increases for existing tenants to inflation-plus-two-per cent. Last December, it set a maximum allowable increase for 2015 at 2.5 per cent.

Big upward adjustments in rental rates for new tenants is no small matter, however, since some 30 per cent of the region’s 104,681 rental suites change owners annually. Also, the rental pool is becoming larger, not just because of population growth but because more people are opting to rent. “Severe (property) pricing pressure is driving numerous individuals and families to rent, instead of buying.”

The vacancy rate, now 0.5 per cent, is considered extremely low, and, says Goodman, growth in Vancouver’s stock of rental units has been stalled by a municipal prohibition on demolition of aging purpose-built apartments.

Goodman reports recently learning of a West Side building’s owner who sought city Continued on page 2

- E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com Professional and Award Winning Service

New CMHC rules make it easier for homeowners with suites to borrow money

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irst-time home buyers in Metro Vancouver’s hot housing market will soon get a break when it comes to buying a new home.

Starting this fall, the crown corporation will allow buyers to include their income from secondary suites when they apply for a loan.

The rule change is aimed at boosting affordability, although some experts say the new regulations could actually further heat up housing markets in Toronto and Metro Vancouver.

In the Vancouver area, the changes would most likely be felt in suburban areas, including the Fraser Valley, where single family homes are still within reach of average first-time buyers.

Can purchase bigger properties

Professor Tom Davidoff of the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business said the changes will likely appeal to young families, allowing them to buy bigger properties with suites that can later be used by the owner.

“When the family is larger, they can toss out the renters and occupy the space themselveswithouthavingtomove,”Davidoffsaid.

Tsur Sommerville, also with the UBC Sauder School of Business, said the CMHC change will have more impact than the Bank of Canada’s recent prime rate reduction.

“For someone who is looking to buy a house with a basement suite that was generating $1,200 in rent, they can borrow an additional $72,000 to purchase that unit because of that change,” Sommerville noted.

Real Estate analyst Don Campbell says this policy change will mean a bigger boost in suburban markets and predicted that the population in these regions could rise along with the demand.

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real estate / finance

Vancouver ‘rent increase tsunami’ predicted by local realtor

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shortage of rental stock and unWhile there have been some new precedented demand in Vancourental stock in peripheral areas, such as ver are creating the perfect storm along Kingsway and near SkyTrain stations, Goodman says they’re still not for a “rent increase tsunami,” according to a enough to address the rental shortfall. veteran realtor’s report. David Goodman, Though he understands principal of HQ Commercial, the city wants to protect says in the July edition of the existing, aged rental apartGoodman Report that vacancy ments because it is conrates are hovering around 0.5 cerned about displacing per cent, and rents are going vulnerable, low-income up by 10 to 20 per cent whenever there is a suite turnover. tenants, Goodman says “it’s “It seems that the already sebasically a five for one revere [rental] shortages have been placement if you tear down worsened or have been exacan old 16-suiter and you Report says replace it with 80 units.” erbated because of a lack of average rent for “It’s a noble gesnew supply and again, many a two-bedroom ture, however, they’ve people are opting to rent as opsuite in basically thrown the posed to buying,” he told On Vancouver has gone baby out with the bath the Coast’s Stephen Quinn. water by not allow“The pot has been boiling up by 5.6 per cent ing some of these alfor many, many years and most derelict buildings to come down to I think it’s coming to a head right now because of the heightened demand for rentals.” be replaced with higher density rentals and According to Goodman’s report, the perhaps some market housing,” he said. average rent for a two-bedroom suite The Goodman Report forecasts that the in Vancouver in April 2015 is around rental shortage will only get worse over the $1,352 — roughly a 5.6 per cent innext few years, and annual rent increases will far surpass inflation rates. crease from the same time period in 2014.

Vancouver rent increase ‘tsunami’ expected permission to demolish a 60-year-old building with 16 suites to build a new 80-unit rental building. The city turned him down.

“Council appears terrified at the prospect of having to answer to 16 irate displaced tenant groups despite knowing full well that 80

very appreciative ones would inhabit the new building,” Goodman says in his newsletter, calling the city’s position “a travesty”.

The veteran realtor says he is anticipating big rental increases because Metro Vancouver rental rates no longer reflect market values.

BOLLYWOOD / FILM

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Paratha

hese breads, called parathas, are flaky and somewhat more elaborate than chapattis or rotis. The dough is rolled out and brushed with ghee or oil folded and brushed with ghee or oil again and folded again to form a layered slice. This is then rolled out again. This is then put on a hot griddle and brushed with oil. The heat makes the layers of dough swell and puff, resulting flaky, pastry like flat breads. They may also be used as snacks, lunch-box favourites, light brunch items or travelling munching companions. Allow 1 or 2 per person.

Ingredients: 2.5 cups chapatti flour 1 cup water at room temperature 1 cup chapatti flour ghee for brushing the bread Method to roll out the dough Prepare Basic dough and allow to rest for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. To make triangularshaped parathas, divide the dough into peach-size balls. With a rolling pin, roll out 1 ball to a circle 5 inches in diameter. Brush the circle of dough with ghee, and fold in half to from a crescent then brush again with ghee and fold into a triangle. Seal the edges well. Dust the paratha with finely sieved whole wheat flour and roll into a large, flat triangle or round paratha. Try to make the edges slightly thinner to ensure uniform cooking. Rather than shaping all the parathas at one time, cook each one as the next one is rolled out.

Method of cooking the paratha Preheat a cast-iron tawa over medium heat. Place the rolled dough on the palm of one hand and flip it over on to the tawa. When the colour changes on the

top and bubbles appear, brush ghee over the surface of the paratha and turn it over. Repeat the process of brushing the paratha on the other side. Keep flipping it over till both sides are browned and spots appear on the paratha.

With experience the paratha will puff on the tawa.

To keep the parathas warm as they are cooked, place them in a towel-lined bowl and fold over the sides of the towel. Serve hot.

Tomato Rice

Recipe

Add more water and cook until rice is done.

Serve hot.

Extra fancy: Top rice with cheese, tomato and green pepper slices (rings, e.g.) and bake for 20 25 minutes at 250o.

CURD RICE Ingredients Rice 400 gm Fresh curd 600 ml Milk 400 ml Salt to taste Ginger 10 gm Green Chillies 10 gm Mustard seeds 4 gm Asafoetida A pinch Curry leaves 1 sprig Oil 30 ml Method: · Boil rice, add salt and cook slightly · Mix with curd, add boiled and cooked milk chop green chillies and ginger · Heat oil, fry mustered seed and asafoetida. · Add curry leaves and chopped ingredients sauté for 2 minutes. · Switch off the fire and add the rice, curd mixture to the pan · Mix well · Serve with pickles

Ingredients Rice 1 cup Tomatoes 1/2 can, Green Pepper 1, Onions 1-2 Green Chillies 2-3, Ginger 1/2 inch, Garlic 2-3 cloves Fresh coriander bunch

Random spices Method: · Fry cut onions, green pepper, ginger, garlic, random spices (cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves) and salt for 5 10 minutes. ·Add tomatoes, sauté for a while. ·Add washed and drained rice, fry for 5 minutes or so.

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MORE THAN 40 VARIETIES OF DOSAS (VEG. NON VEG) We also make IDLI, VADA, CHICKEN 65, FISH PAKORA & LOTS OF SOUTH INDIAN SPECIALITIES

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BOLLYWOOD / FILM

Singer par excellence

Remembering the living musical soul Mohd. Rafi

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ohammad Rafi, one of the greatest play back singers of all times of Hindi cinema. The singer, who has been inspiring generations of music lovers, gave his first public appearance and performance at the age of 13.

His heart rendering melodies included such as ‘Suhaani Raat Dhal Chuki’, (beautiful night) ‘Pathar Ke Sanam’, ‘Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja’, ‘Maang Ke Saath Tumhara’, ‘Kasme Waade Pyar Wafa’, and many Rafi more.

was honoured with National Padma Shri award in 1967 and National Award for music for his song ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ (your promise) from the movie ‘Hum Kisise Kum Naheen’ in 1977. A famous magazine voted Rafi the most

popular playback singer ever in 2010.

‘Shaam phir kyun udaas hai dost’ from the movie ‘Aas Paas’ was Rafi’s last song which he recorded just few hours before his departure from life

Rafi

to another life on Thursday, July 31, 1980. His last composition was with Music Director Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the pair had been music composers for most of Rafi’s compositions. Other than Laxmikant-Pyarelal, he had worked in award winning compositions with Shankar Jaikishan, RD Burman and Naushad Ali. Rafi saab had sung over 25,000 songs in his musical career and when he died, it was considered death of a musical era.

Mohammed Rafi was born on December 24, 1924 in Punjab.

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NATIONAL

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Critics upset with perks offered to new CEO of Translink

oes the head of Metro Vancouver’s transit provider really need a $14,400 transportation allowance?

That’s the question being raised by critics who say they’re baffled by the salary and perks being advertised to attract TransLink’s next CEO. “It’s a slap in the face to the people who take the transit system every day,” said Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation.

“I think it’s tone deaf, I think it’s wrong and I think that the TransLink board should scrap that perk immediately.”

The TransLink head office, where the new CEO will work, happens to be located near a SkyTrain station.

Critics have also cried foul about the advertised pay: $319,000 per year, the same as former CEO Ian Jarvis, plus a bonus of up to 30 per cent that could add up to $415,000 total.

By comparison, the head of the Toronto Transit Commission, Andy Byford, earns $338,000. He also oversees about 14,000 employees – more than twice as many as there are at TransLink.

TransLink seeks new CEO, offers $319,000 salary The TTC boss doesn’t own a car or receive a car allowance either.

Bateman said in light of B.C.’s failed transit plebiscite, which many took as a referendum on TransLink’s operations, the salary being offered is shocking.

“Whether the board wants to recognize it or not, the public has lost confidence in their leadership,” he said.

“They need to do things to restore that confidence. Job one: cut some salaries.”

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson noted that TransLink is working on a new executive compensation plan, which could affect

Canada-developed Ebola vaccine works very well: World Health Organization

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he experimental Ebola vaccine designed by Canadian scientists seems to work, the interim results of a trial in Guinea suggest.

If proven effective, the vaccine could be “a game changer,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, which sponsored the trial.

The interim findings were published online Friday in the medical journal The Lancet.

The findings so far are persuasive, Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, a senior author of the trial, told reporters from Geneva.

“We believe that the world is on the verge of an efficacious Ebola vaccine,” said Kieny oversees research and development related to Ebola at WHO. The search for a vaccine was spurred by the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa , which has killed more than 11,000 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia since the epidemic began in Guinea in December 2013.

The vaccine, known as rVSV-Ebola, was tested on more than 4,000 people who had been in close contact with a confirmed Ebola case in Guinea.

Of those who received the vaccine within 10 days of being identified as an Ebola contact, there were no cases of the disease. That compared with 16 cases in more than 3,500 people who received the the shot after 10 days.

“It suggests it works, it works pretty quickly and it works well,” said Kieny.

More conclusive evidence is needed and trials will continue, WHO tweeted.

Dr. Joanne Liu, international president of Doctors Without Borders, said more research is needed to understand exactly how the vaccine protects and how long the protection lasts.

“But this is a first ray of hope: an effective vaccine could be a game changer to finally put an end to the outbreak which is still not under control in West Africa,” Liu said on Facebook.

In a “ring vaccination trial,” rings of contacts around Ebola cases are identified and randomly vaccinated either immediately or after 21 days. The time lag avoids the need to use a placebo.

Doctors used the same strategy of vaccinating those at greatest risk first to eradicate smallpox.

‘Exciting and encouraging’ Given the positive results, Kieny told reporters that the delayed vaccination arm of trial will end and all contacts will be vaccinated immediately. Children and teens will also now likely receive it.

Kieny added Sierra Leone’s government will now need to decide if it also wants to use the ring vaccination approach.

Dr. Andrew Simor, chief of microbiology and infectious diseases at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, worked in Sierra Leone training Ebola-fighting crews.

Simor agreed with Chan’s assessment of the vaccine as a game changer. “Potentially very exciting and encouraging,” Simor said in a phone interview with CBC News Network. “Had the vaccine been available at the onset of this outbreak, I think in-

Tory defector and Trudeau favorite Eve Adams loses Liberal nomination

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ory defector Eve Adams, who appealed personally to Prime Minister Stephen Harper — to no avail — to let her run for the Conservatives in the next federal election, has now failed in her bid to carry the Liberal banner instead.

Adams was soundly defeated Sunday in the Liberal nomination battle in the Trudeau’s warm welcome for Tory defectror Toronto riding of Eglinton–Lawrence, Eve Adams. falling to lawyer and former riding association executive Marco Mendicino, the members. Some of that disaffection was only other candidate in a hotly conteston display Sunday as Adams, who does ed race.

Party officials said Mendicino not live in the constituency, made a final, garnered 1,127 votes to 792 for Adams. unsuccessful appeal to riding Liberals to Adams, who crossed the floor to the Liblet her carry their standard against Oliver. erals in February and currently represents She had barely begun her pitch to about the riding of Mississauga—Brampton 150 members in a steamy high school South, west of Toronto, ran afoul of the auditorium when a man stood up in Conservatives as she fought for the parthe audience. “I urge you today for the ty’s nomination last year in the new ridsake of the party, if you love the Libing of Oakville–North Burlington. She eral Party, please withdraw,” he said. and her fiancé — former top ConservaAdams ignored the heckle. tive Party official Dimitri Soudas — were After her loss was announced, Adams said accused of breaking the rules by paying she would spend some time with her famfor memberships, allegations they denied. ily but suggested she would not disappear Sunday’s result in Eglinton–Lawrence from politics. Oliver issued a statement means Mendicino, 42, a married father Sunday night saying, “I welcome Marco of two, will now face off against Finance Mendicino as the Liberal candidate for Minister Joe Oliver in the election, which Eglinton–Lawrence.” The riding president must be held no later than Oct. 19. Libfor the NDP, which has yet to choose a eral Leader Justin Trudeau’s warm embrace candidate, extended his congratulations of Adams when she crossed the floor in to Mendicino as well. “It is very good for February angered some party members.

Eglinton–Lawrence that the local candi“There’s no booing for Eve,” he said in a date won against somebody who had no victory speech. Earlier, during the canties whatsoever with the riding,” Thomas didates’ final speeches to riding memGallezot said in an email. Eglinton–Lawbers, Mendicino called Adams’s decision rence had gone Liberal in every election to leave the Conservatives “a courageous from its creation in 1979 until 2011, when one” and said “I salute you.” Adams had Oliver defeated incumbent Liberal and been welcomed personally into the fold former cabinet minister Joe Volpe by 47

by Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, whose per cent of the vote to 38 per cent. warm embrace of her angered some party

NATIONAL

Mulcair leads election poll on economy

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ith Canada mired in an economic slowdown, new survey data suggest voters see Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair and the New Democratic Party as the best choice to improve the country’s prospects.

A Globe and Mail/Nanos Research poll asked 1,000 Canadians last week how the election of each of the three main party leaders would affect the economy. And 47 per cent said a Mulcair victory would have a “positive” or “somewhat positive” impact. That was well ahead of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 31.7-per-cent positive result. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau garnered 41.4 per cent.

Respondents were also asked what election result would have “the most positive impact on the Canadian economy.”

While a Harper-led Conservative majority ranked highest, at 24.1 per cent, a Mulcair majority came in at 20.6 per cent, compared with 13.5 per cent for a majority Liberal government led by Mr. Trudeau.

The poll is a potential blow to Mr. Harper’s self-styled reputation as the best steward of the economy, a central part of his

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message since coming to office in 2006. “If you’re a Conservative strategist you have to look at a number like that and be a bit concerned,” said Nanos Research president Nik Nanos. “The biggest takeaway is the NDP is not seen as a bogeyman in terms of their impact on the Canadian economy.”

Former Conservative pollster Dave Crapper called the results “groundbreaking,” suggesting voters who appear to be warming to Mr. Mulcair and the NDP are ready “to give them credit” for being able to manage the economy – a reputation that has long eluded the party. While the economy is expected to be a key issue in the fall election, strategists across the political spectrum said it’s premature to read too much into one poll.

“Campaigns matter,” Mr. Crapper said. “And Harper is an excellent campaigner.” Most suggested that Mr. Mulcair has benefited from the NDP victory in the Alberta election in May that ended 44 years of Progressive Conservative rule. Some also said the federal Conservatives, which have focused their efforts on hammering Mr. Trudeau, have yet to turn their firepower on Mr. Mulcair and the NDP.

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Harper to launch election campaign on Sunday

rime Minister Stephen Harper will call an election as early as this Sunday, kicking off what would be the longest federal election campaign in modern history, CBC News has confirmed.

The election is generally considered to be set for Oct. 19, 2015, under the Conservatives’ fixed election law, although there is wiggle room. But Prime Minister Stephen Harper told Bloomberg News Wednesday that he considers that date to be set in stone.

Harper is expected to go to Rideau Hall Sunday or Monday to ask Gov. Gen. David Johnston to dissolve Parliament.

The Conservatives have sent out invitations to supporters for a rally in Montreal Sunday night. Harper is likely to head to Toronto after that. Rumours about possible dates have swirled around Ottawa in recent

weeks, partly because of a change in electoral law thought to benefit the Conservative Party. Until last year, the spending limits were set no matter the length of a campaign, the minimum amount of time for which is 37 days (with voting day falling on the 37th day).

But the Conservatives’ Fair Elections Act provided for the parties’ $25-million limits to be increased if the campaign is longer than 37 days: for each additional day the limit is increased by 1/37th, or an extra $675,000. Candidates get an additional $2,700 a day to add to their usual limit of approximately $100,000. ‘Don’t speculate on my own actions’ Dropping the writ more than 11 weeks before voting day will make it the longest campaign in modern history.

Comedy King Kapil Sharma wins hearts with his performance

Olivia Chow launches federal run for NDP in Spadina-Fort York

livia Chow confirmed on Tuesday that she would be seeking the NDP seat for Toronto’s Spadina Fort York riding.

Launching her second political run in less than two years, Olivia Chow will try to ride an Orange wave back to the House of Commons. “Canadians are ready for change because after 10 long years of Stephen Harper, his plan just isn’t working,” Chow said in making the announcement standing next to NDP leader Thomas Mulcair, inside a downtown condominium Tuesday morning with makeshift daycare and children playing at her feet.

“I refuse to stand on the sidelines.” She pitched needed change as including “stable” public transit and a $15 minimum wage.

But the centre of her platform appears to be a push for an affordable national child care strategy. “We’re on the edge of having a government that will finally build affordable child care for kids across this country.”

Mulcair, in a long speech officially introducing Chow as part of his team, called her “a tireless champi on of this city.” “ Toron to is Canada’s most important city. Only when Toronto is strong, is Canada strong,” Mulcair said. “Olivia has always been an outstanding advocate for Toronto.”

Mulcair said Chow is dedicated to affordable child care and social housing in Canada — a file that has been closely cultivated in Ottawa by her new opponent Liberal Adam Vaughan, who won Chow’s old seat in a by-election last year when she returned to Toronto to run for the mayor’s chair.

The election is set for Oct. 19.

The Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence for Canada was also present at the show, and he shared a humorous interaction with comedian Kapil Sharma

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CLASSIFIEDS

Saturday, August 1, 2015

C JOBS “Balwinder Singhmaar, resident of 15095 92 Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 5V8 has a vacancy for In-home Child caregiver for infant child and 9 years old son. Full Time, 40 hrs/week. Applicant must have high school with minimum of 1 year of related experience within last 3 years or 6 months of full time training in caregiving.

Job Duties includes supervise and care for children, prepare formulas and change diaper of infant, feeding, bathing, dressing, prepare children for rest period, escort child to school, prepare and serve nutritious meal and snacks, accompany to and from activities & appointments, light housekeeping, laundry, maintain safe environment at home, keep record of day-to-day activities, health and progress of children. Optional accommodation is available at no charge but this is not a condition of employment. Please send resume at balwindersinghmaar@gmail.com” ------------------------------Jun13_15 5 Long Haul Truck Drivers Reqd.

Sal:$23.00/hr, 40hr/wk, +1yr exp. & Class A 0r 1 license reqd., FT/ PT Duties: Operate, drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods & materials on local routes or over long distances.Plan trip logistics & obtain required documentation to transport goods.

Perform pre-trip & post-trip in-

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JOBS spection of vehicle systems.Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled & fuel consumption.May perform emergency roadside repairs.

Lang: English. Work at various location in Canada & USA. Contact: Balwinder from Metro Transport ltd.12772 82nd Ave, Surrey, V3W 3G1 E-mail your resume at metro_transport@yahoo.ca.

------------------------------Jun13_15

1 Optical Frame Fitter Reqd.

Sal: $22.00/hr, 40hr/wk, +1yrs exp. or certification reqd., FT/ PT Duties: Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription. Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses. Grinding & polishing of lenses. Cut & edge lenses & fit lenses into frames.

May supervise or manage activities of other opticians. Lang: English. Location: 12841 96 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3V 6V9 Contact: Imran from Eye See 2020 Optical at opt_eyesee@yahoo.ca.

------------------------------Jun 06_15 Dosa Corner Restaurant Ltd in Vancouver Looking to hire an authentic south indian chef .

This is a full time permanent position. $18.50/hr. 40hrs/week.

Must have at least 3-5yrs experience in south indian cuisine & specialized knowledge in Dosas.

Duties include Prepare & cook meals.kitchen

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JOBS

management. Plan menus & quality. Orders food supplies. Mail your resume to selvamm164@ gmail.com or apply by person at DosaCorner Vancouver. 110-8248 Fraser Street.

Vancouver. B.C.. V5X 3X6 Ph: 604-324-3672.

-----------------------------------Seamstress required Seamstress (Tailor) needed Foam & Décor is looking for Full Time or Part Time Seamstress ( tailor) for drapery in Surrey.

Salary will be provided @ 12 per hour. Please call 604-594-1882 Mayuri Indian foods inc is looking to hire an Ethnic Food Cook in Surrey BC. F/T & Perm.$17/hr.

Must have at least 2-3 yrs experience in South Indian cuisine & specialized knowledge in Indian spicing. Duties: Prepare & Cook meals; Supervise Kitchen helpers; Plan menus; Ensure quality & determine food proportions; Monitor & order food supplies; Set up & oversee buffets; Manage kitchen operation. Mail resume or apply by person Mayuri indian cuisine , Unit 102A,12677 80th Ave., Surrey BC V3W 3A6 Fax: 604-572-3281 ------------------------------------English Classes for Adults Register for classes September 2-8 For more information,Visit: www. victoryesl.com Call: 604.755.7976 E-mail: victoryesl1@gmail.com ----------------------------

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E JOBS

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Cook Require Curry junction Restaurant in White Rock need cook immediately, This is a full time permanent position for a experienced person, Depending on experience salary will be upto $21 per hr. with other benefits. Call:604-729-6741 or 604-385-1558 ---------------------------Transworld Security located at 2nd Floor, 5050, Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4H2 is looking for a Static Guard, Static Guard Supervisor, Mobile Supervisor and Field Manager.

These are permanent full-time positions. Static Guard pay rate is $13.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to patrol industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows and gates. Answer alarms and investigate disturbances. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors and guests. Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency.

Circulate among visitors, patrons and employees to preserve order and protect property.

Static Guard Supervisor pay rate is $14.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to oversee and supervise Static Guards. You will need to ensure the duties of the Static Guards you supervise are being completed and the client’s needs are be-

S Matrimonial Seeking a suitable match for Ravidasia Sikh Boy, 30 / 5’10”, Living in Canada, B.Tech.

Please send your biodata and pics at aman.shine@gmail. com or contact +1 306 461 3131. ing met. Field Manager pay rate is $18.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to report to the Director of Operations and you are responsible for supporting, mentoring and supervising the security officers in the field. You will be required to manage the company’s field operations and resources after business hours. Mobile Supervisor pay rate is $18.00 per hour.

You would be required to provide ongoing leadership, direction and training. You need to ensure all standing orders and scheduled daily activities are carried out for each shift. You will be required to discipline staff when necessary

To PLACE YOUR AD IN THE ASIAN STAR CLASSIFIEDS Section Please

Call: 604-591-5423

COMMUNITY Vancouver’s 42nd Chariot Festival of India 11:30 to 1:00pm Sunday, August 9, at 2nd Beach in Stanley park, Vancouver --------------------------------------------Free Community Workshops & Activities August 1–16 English & Multilingual August 1: Powell St Festival August 8: Korean Cultural Heritage Festival August 27: Wood Boat Festival Meet up location will be confirmed upon registration 604 438 8214 --------------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults, Senior members and also non members to come and attend Meditation for Anxieties ( Worries ) to retrieve your ‘’ Inner Child ‘’ so that you can become whole as a person and learn better self care,

by Dr. Jaswant . S . Bhopal a Psychiatrist, Physician & Spiritual Preceptor on August 2nd 2015 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th Street Surrey BC. Please bring yoga Matt. with you, Dr. Jas Bhopal will answer all your questions about Meditation for your better self care after the Meditation. Tea and light Snacks will be served in the end.

Please call Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604- 507- 9945 for further information.

--------------------------------------Free Multicultural Activities All are invited to Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society’s (PICS) wrap up event for “Many Faiths-One Common Thread” program funded by Inspirit Foundation on Friday July 24, 2015.

The program is to inspire pluralism among young Canadians (ages 1830) of different spiritual, religious and secular beliefs. Apart from a delightful multicultural dinner there will be fun activities for all.

What: Wrap up event for Many Faiths-One Common thread 12160 Beecher Street, Surrey When : Friday, July 24th 2015 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM For more info: Mukhwinder Rangi 604-596-7722 ext. 121 if you wish to attend.

-------------------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Senior members to come and join, to get an unforgettable experience of our unique & favourable pot luck held every year, to be held on July 25th 2015 ( Saturday ) from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm. You will be stunned to see the variety of home made dishes prepared by the members [ vegetable snacks, vegetable South Asian dishes and mouth watering desserts ]. There will be light & live entertainment program also by our Parivar members starting at 11.30 am and is expected to continue up to 2.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. Registration required for non members & participants, please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator at 604 - 507 - 9945 for registration.

------------------------------------------------South Asian Seniors are planning to visit Europe though 12 Nights Cruise & 3days tour of Amsterdam Holland in May 2016. The Cruise Itinerary is as follows- Starts from Amsterdam

Holland, first stop 1 day visit Berlin Germany, 2nd stop for 1 day visit Tallinn Estonia, 3rd stop 2 days visit St. Petersburg Russia, 4th stop 1 day visit Helsinki Finland, 5th stop 1 day visit Stockholm Sweden, 6th stop 1 day visit Copenhagen Denmark and back to Amsterdam Holland the 13th day morning. All arrangements will be made for your Air Travel, Cruise bookings, all Excursions for all ports and Amsterdam City, Hotel stay & food in Amsterdam and also pick up service by Bus from Surrey Temple to Vancouver airport and back to Temple from Vancouver airport on return. The Cruise is by Ship Celebrity Silhouette from May 14th 2016 to May 26th 2016.

The total tour will be for 16 days from May 12th 2016 to May 28th 2016, the approx. cost per person for every thing will be around $4,000.00 US. For more info 604-507-9945 --------------------------------------------Free Community Workshops & Activities July 28–31 Improving Job Search Skills for Work Permit Holders:

July 29, 1:30–3:30pm MOSAIC, 312–2555 Commercial Drive, Vancouver 604 254 9626 ext 258 ---------------------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey requests all South Asian Senior members and non members to attend International Day Of Yoga organized by Temple’s Management on June 21st 2015 ( Sunday ) at 8.30 am. The program will start at 8.30 am with yoga exercise by expert yogis on the Temple grounds up to 10.00 am, from 10.00 am to 11.00 am, healthy refreshment of fruits, milk shake and tea will be served, from 11.00 am to 12.00 am, a Yoga Forum ( Healthy Discussion ) will be held by expert Yogis inside main hall, and from 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm, Therapeutic yoga demonstration will be shown by expert yogis inside main hall focusing on specific problems like Back Ache, Pain in the Knees and Migraines etc.

After Aarti in the Temple, pure vegetarian lunch will be served in the dining hall.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

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Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details.

----------------------------------------SHRI DURGA HANUMAN RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL SOCIETY OF BC Cordially Invites All Devotees , Families & Friends to Participate in this very Auspicious Adhik Maas Special Puja : AUSPICIOUS PURSHOTTAM MAAS MAHA PUJA “ on SUNDAY , JULY 12 , 2015 from 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM Followed by MAHA PRASAD . PUJA to be Conducted by : PUJYA SHRI PANDIT SHARADCHANDRA SHASTRIJI Each Family will receive a “ RADHA - PURSHOTTAM “ Photo ; so that , everybody / all Families will Actively Participate in this Auspicious Maha Puja .

DATE : SUNDAY , JULY 12 , 2015 TIME : 2.30 PM TO 5.30 PM .

PLACE : R.C. ALL SAINTS PARISH HALL , 1405 , COMO LAKE AVENUE , COQUITLAM , BC . [ @ Crest-

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Saturday, August 1, 2015

Business / Finance

Mortgage lender Home Capital cuts ties with 45 brokers for bogus documentation

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rading in shares of alternative mortgage lender Home Capital Group was halted on the TSX Wednesday after the company revealed it had cut ties with several dozen mortgage brokers for falsifying income details about borrowers.

The lender launched an investigation after an anonymous tipster warned them that some of their brokers were fudging the numbers as to how much prospective borrowers took in as income. In a conference call with analysts, the company said it became aware of some instances where borrowers were submitting employment letters claiming higher salaries than they actually had.

“There was no evidence of falsification of credit scores or property values,” the Toronto-based compa-

ny said in a statement ahead of that call.

The company said in a statement that it is releasing the information after a request from the Ontario Securities Commission. The company offers home loans predominantly to recent immigrants, self-employed people and others who have non-traditional incomes that make it harder for them to obtain loans from conventional lenders like the big banks.

In an investigation spanning from September 2014 to this past March, Home Capital said it suspended 53 brokers in the probe.

That’s out of a total of more than 4,000 brokers the company works with at any given time. All in all, the company said the brokers it has cut ties with brought in $960 million worth of mortgage loans last year —

Canada is not in a recession, influential group of economists says

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espite an economy that has shrunk for the first four months of the year, Canada is not in a recession, the unofficial arbiter of business cycles says.

The Business Cycle Council, an arm of think-tank the C.D. Howe Institute, said Tuesday that there’s no evidence that Canada’s economy has slipped into recession in any of the ways that people typically associate with the term. Although it falls under the umbrella of C.D. Howe, the council’s “views collectively expressed do not represent those of any institution or client,” the group said in a release Tuesday. The council is made up of seven private sector economists tasked with understanding how the economy evolves and providing guidance to policymakers. The group calls itself “the arbiter of business cycle dates in Canada” and in that role, is similar to the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research, which looks retroactively at economic data to help guide policy moving forward.

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Two quarters? Not so fast t’s a common belief that a recession is defined as two quarters in a row of declining GDP. On that front, Canada is two-thirds of the way towards what’s being called a “technical recession” because official Statistics Canada shows the economy contracted in every month between January and April. Data for May is due out on

Friday and it too, is expected to show another decline. But that’s an overly narrow view and not a real gauge of how the economy is doing, the group of economists said Tuesday. “The council defines a recession as a pronounced, pervasive and persistent decline in aggregate economic activity,” not simply an economy that shrinks for six months in a row.

U.S. economy rebounds with 2.3% growth in Q2

he U.S. economy rebounded in the second quarter, with GDP growing by 2.3 per cent, according to the Commerce Department.

A surge in consumer spending and some recovery in the export sector, which was hard hit by a port strike early in 2015, helped spur U.S. growth. The 2.3 per cent estimate is the first of three such estimates the U.S. will make for the second quarter.

The Commerce Department also revised GDP growth for the January to March period, saying the U.S. economy did not contract, but grew by a modest 0.6 per cent.

The strong numbers are a contrast to the trend in Canada, where the economy has contracted for at least four months and economists cannot agree whether we are in recession.

A rebound in the U.S. economy was supposed to help Canada grow, but the expected benefits of a low loonie have yet to materialize.

Rest of 2015 looks good

U.S. economists are hopeful about the rest of 2015, projecting overall GDP growth of three per cent.

Consumer spending grew by 2.9 per cent in the second quarter, with spending on durable goods particularly strong.

There was a disappointing 0.6 per cent drop in business investment, but first quarter investment was revised upwards.

However, an advance look at exports this spring showed a deteriorating trade picture, as the high U.S. dollar is making imports cheaper and hurting exports.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve noted that the job market, housing and consumer spending have all improved. It is closely watching these measures, as well as inflation, as part of its plan to raise interest rates sometime later this year.

Although it kept the benchmark rate at the current low level on Wednesday, the Fed may be ready to move on rates as soon as September.

Business / Finance

Canada’s economy shrank by 0.2% in May

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th consecutive monthly contraction in gross domestic product ThetotalvalueofCanada’seconomydeclined by 0.2 per cent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly slide, according to Statistics Canada.

The service sector shrank by 0.1 per cent in May, while goods-producing industries contracted by 0.6 per cent.

The manufacturing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas and utilities sectors were all down.

On the opposite end, the construction and agriculture and forestry sectors expanded.

The drop was worse than the flat showing that a consensus of economists polled

by Bloomberg had been expecting.

The contraction also means that if data for June shows another drop, Canada’s economy will have met the bar of what many economists call a recession — two quarters, or six straight months, of negative growth. Some economists say we are already in a recession, even though the data to confirm this has yet to come out.

Others argue that a recession requires more than just a simple six-month decline.

Either way, “the Canadian economy isn’t out of the woods just yet,” CIBC economic Nick Exarhos said, adding there are now signs that the slowdown in the economy is extending beyond the oil patch as manufacturing actually declined by more than the oil and gas sector did.

“Canadian manufacturing output is on a clear down trend, and is now at levels that were last seen over a year ago.”

Even if June surprises with enough of an expansion to drag the quarterly figure into positive territory, the five-month slump from January to May is already the longest contraction since 2009. The Bank of Canada’s latest forecast assumed a 0.5 per cent contraction for the second quarter as a whole.

“There is no sugar-coating this one — it’s a sour result,” BMO’s Doug Porter said. “More important is whether the economy can begin to recover in the second half of the year.”

The loonie slipped about a fifth of a cent to 76.66 cents US after the GDP data came out.

Toyota gets $100M in aid for Ontario plants

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he federal and provincial governments have teamed up to provide $100 million in financial assistance to help expand Toyota’s manufacturing operations in southern Ontario.

Toyota is planning a $421-million investment in its Cambridge operations, considered among the most efficient auto plants in the world.

The provincial Liberal government will give Toyota a grant of up to $42.1 million, or 10 per cent of the project’s cost. The federal government will contribute about 14 per cent of the cost in the form of repayable $58-million loan. Sources familiar with the announcement say it had originally been planned for next week, but was moved up to Friday because of the expected federal election call this weekend. Gary Goodyear, minister of state responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, made the joint announcement Friday morning with Ontario Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid in Cambridge.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. has three plants in southwestern Ontario, with two in Cambridge that produce the Corolla sedan and the RX350 and RX450h, and one in nearby Woodstock producing the RAV4 SUV.

Stagefright bug makes nearly 1 billion Android phones vulnerable

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merican I.T. firm Zimperium says it has discovered a bug in Android’s operating system that makes 95 per cent of all Android devices vulnerable to someone else gaining control of the device and its contents without the user ever knowing.

Researcher Joshua J. Drake at IT firm Zimperium says he uncovered a flaw in a piece of software code installed on almost all Android devices, named Stagefright.

Stagefright is a benign piece of software code that governs how some mobile devices receive and process certain media files. In a posting on the company’s website Monday, Drake says he has uncovered a vulnerability in the code that would allow an unauthorized user to send a “specially crafted media file” via text to any Android-powered smartphone they know the number for. “A fully weaponized successful attack could even delete the message before you see it,” Zimperium said. Unlike other vulnerabilities that require the user to download a suspicious file,”these vulnerabilities are extremely dangerous because they do not require that the victim take any action to be exploited.”

Once the device has been exploited, a malicious user would have access to the phone’s data and other apps, including the

camera and microphone.

Android devices after and including version 2.2 are vulnerable, Zimperium said. “Devices running Android versions prior to Jelly Bean [roughly 11 per cent of devices] are at the worst risk due to inadequate exploit mitigations,” the company said. “If ‘Heartbleed’ from the PC era sends chill down your spine, this is much worse.” The company says it brought its preliminary findings to Google, which released the following statement: “This vulnerability was identified in a laboratory setting on older Android devices, and as far as we know, no one has been affected. As soon as we were made aware of the vulnerability we took immediate action and sent a fix to our partners to protect users.” “As part of a regularly scheduled security update, we plan to push further safeguards to Nexus devices starting next week. And, we’ll be releasing it in open source when the details are made public by the researcher at BlackHat.” Google has the capacity to send software updates directly to Nexus devices and various applications downloaded through Google play, but updates to the operating systems of other Android-powered phones are distributed through manufacturers themselves, in conjunction with wireless service providers.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

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PUNJAB

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Pollution takes toll on Golden Temple’s sheen

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urgeoning population, increasing level around the Golden Temple had come vehicular traffic, mushrooming out to be maximum of 227 and minimum hotels and industrial pollution con- of 124, though it should not be more than tinue to pose a serious threat to the Golden 100 microgram/cubic metre around heritage Temple which was earlier too robbed off its sheen due to these factors, forcing the SGPC to replace its gold-plated domes in 1999.

A World Health Organization (WHO) report says Amritsar is the ninth most polluted city in the country. While the number of private vehicles plying in the area around the shrine is also high, the rickety auto-rickshaws running on adulterated fuel also pose a A WHO report says Amritsar is the ninth most polluted city severe threat to the architectural marvel that the Gold- in the country. PPCB to install monitoring device soon. en Temple is. Most of these auto-rickshaws sites. However, the level of sulphur dioxide are plying without Pollution Under Control (SO2) and nitrous oxide (NO2) was within (PUC) certificates. Besides, a large number prescribed limits. The high level of pollution of hotels have come up around the shrine is causing harm to miniature paintings and over the last two decades. As per a study on gold plating at the shrine, besides leading to air pollution around the shrine conducted corrosion and blackening of white marble. Its

by IIT Delhi, the particulate matter (PM10) adverse effect can be seen on the gold plating concentration breached the National Ambi- on the outer walls of Akal Takht. Talking to ent Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which The Tribune, SGPC Additional Secretary Dalwas attributed by the study to high back- jit Singh Bedi said the Punjab Pollution Conground concentrations of PM10 (55.00 µg/ trol Board (PPCB) is yet to install the real time m3) within the city. The study found re-sus- pollution monitoring device to keep a check on pension of road dust (47 per cent), followed pollution level in and around the shrine. He reby industries (31 per cent) as main source of vealed that the SGPC too was initiating meaPM10. The study said diesel generators (59 sures like reducing the duration of fireworks per cent), vehicular exhaust (26 per cent), on occasions like Diwali and modernising and free kitchen (12 per cent) were contrib- the kitchen alongside its langar hall in a bid uting to NO2 emission. Similarly, kitchen to curb pollution. Dr Charanjit Singh of the (46 per cent) and industries (41 per cent) PPCB said they had already placed the order were main sources of SO2 emission around for the device with a France-based private the shrine. Similarly, as per the PPCB study firm and they had given it three months’ time from January to December 2011, the RSPM to facilitate the device which will be installed at the Golden Temple Complex.

Gurdaspur terrorists came from Pakistan

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inking the Gurdaspur attack to Pakistan, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the three terrorists had infiltrated from there to carry out the strike and asserted that the government will do everything possible to prevent cross-border terrorism. Making a statement in Rajya Sabha on Monday’s attack in Punjab, he said: “Any effort by the enemies of our nation to undermine India’s territorial integrity and security or imperil the safety and security of our citizens will meet an effective and forceful response from our security forces.”

The government “has been and will remain resolute in this regard”, he said. Singh made the statement amid din created by Congress members, which was strongly disapproved of

by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who said it was “not politics” but a “statement on a terrorist attack” that concerns the security of the country. However, as the unrelenting Congress members continued to shout slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said: “I take this opportunity to assure the House that the government is firmly to root out terrorism from India.”

The Home Minister also assured the House that “the government will do everything possible to prevent cross-border terrorism aimed against India.” Giving details of the attack in Punjab, he said: “Preliminary analyses of GPS data indicates that the terrorists had infiltrated from Pakistan through the area near Tash in Gurdaspur district, where the Ravi river enters Pakistan.” It is also suspected, he said, that the same terrorists had planted five IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) on the railway track near Talwandi village between Dinanagar and Jhakoladi, which were subsequently defused by the bomb disposal squad.

A night vision device was also recovered from the spot.

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In this picture policemen take their positions as their colleagues watch next to a police station during a gunfight at Dinanagar town in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, on July 27, 2015.

cape besides avoiding any collateral damage.

The Army and NSG were placed on standby to support the Punjab Police opertions, he said, adding the Union Home Ministry monitored the situation closely and was in constant touch with the Punjab Government.

Funds for short-term crop loans cut, 10.5 lakh farmers to be hit

he National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has imposed a cut of Rs3,400 crore on the allocation made to the state to advance short-term crop loans.

The loans are advanced twice in a year for rabi and kharif crops. At least 10.5 lakh farmers are expected to be hit hard. These loans are advanced on half-yearly basis through agriculture cooperative societies.

On an average, NABARD used to allocate Rs6,300 crore for rabi season and an equal amount for kharif season. But this year, allocation for one season has been reduced to Rs4,600 crore.

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Reacting to the move, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has asked Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to restore the original allocation of Rs6,300 crore for the rabi crop and equal amount for the kharif crop. In fact, the government had urged the NABARD to raise the allocation to Rs7,000 crore for one season.

Sources said a part of funds, which used to be allocated for crop loans, was diverted to nonfarm micro-finance companies for financial inclusion. Badal has told Jaitley that the reduction of funds meant would harm the interests of the farmers as well as agriculture in the state.

IED scare in Gurdaspur

h r e e d ay s after three terrorists were gunned down in Dinanagar, an improvised explosive device (IED) created a scare in Gurdaspur town on Thursday. A bomb disposal squad from Punjab Armed Police (PAP), Jalandhar, averted a tragedy by defusing the IED found in a busy locality of the town.

Panic gripped ‘Secretary Mohalla’, in front of the bus stand, when hundreds of police personnel came there at 1pm. Minutes later, two fire tenders, two ambulances, drawn with this coupon from the nearby civil hospital, a riot control expires Dec. 31 vehicle and eight police jeeps also reached.

At 12.45pm, SSP Gurpreet Singh Toor received information that a ‘bomb’, which was later found to be an IED, was lying in a busy part —and adjacent to one of the biggest private hospitals — of the town. The IED placed in a black polythene bag had some electric wires coming out of it. The police evacuated the area immediately and laid a cordon.

The SSP was wanted to request Deputy Commissioner Dr Abhinav Trikha to call

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“The security forces in the border are alert but the difficult terrain coupled with recent heavy rains, resulting in excess flow in the rivers and canals along the border, could have been a factor, in this particular group sneaking into Punjab,” the Home Minister said.

He said that during the last one month, there were five attempts at cross-border infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir sector, out of which four were interdicted and eight terrorists neutralised. In the remaining one instance, the terrorists went back after effective retaliation by the Indian forces. Singh hailed Punjab Police for engaging the terorrists “effectively” and said all efforts were made to apprehend the attackers and prevent their es-

in the Army’s bomb disposal squad from the nearby Tibri Cantonment, but he was told that it could take a couple of hours as the DC had to place a ‘Requisition request’ with the Army, which can take some time. Toor immediately requisitioned Punjab Police’s bomb disposal squad from PAP. Nearly half-a-dozen men started off from the PAP but they had to wait for some time at a closed railway crossing on the outskirts of Gurdaspur.

Panic grew among the cops and residents who were waiting for the bomb disposal squad at Gurdaspur. Rumours that it might be a time bomb made them all the more apprehensive.

DSP (Control Room) RS Saini was assigned the responsibility of putting sand bags around the polythene bag containing bomb.

The bomb disposal squad took the IED to the PUDA ground on the Batala Road where it was defused. The police are tight-lipped over the nature and intensity of the IED. The SSP, too, refused to divulge the details.

INDIA

Mumbai Memon’s mercy Yakubbomber Memon,Yakub convicted in 1993 rejectedhanged Mumbaiplea bombings,

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he blasts in India’s financial capital Yakubkilled Abdul the only 257Razak peopleMemon, and wounded 713 death row India’s convictSupreme in India’sCourt deadliest has terreror attack, themercy 1993 Mumbai that jected a final plea of bombings a man found killed of 257financing people, was early bombThursguilty the hanged 1993 serial day after the country’s president rejected ings in the western city of Mumbai. Yakuba last-minute mercywill plea.

Memon, 53, was Memon (pictured) be the first person to executed inside a prison in western India be executed in India since a Kashmiri man, whereGuru, he had incarcerated since Afzal wasbeen hanged in 2013 for the1994.

2001 An accountant, Memon was convicted attack on India’s parliament. The blasts in Inin 2007 of helping funds the serial dia’s financial capitalraise killed 257for people and blasts that rocked the financial capital.

By wounded 713. The attacks were allegedly orlate Wednesday Memon finally exhausted all ganised to avenge the killings of Muslims in the legal avenues open to him in order to esriots a few months earlier.Memon is schedcapeto thebe death penalty.

Yakub’s older brothuled executed later this month.

Beer Ibrahim, or “Tiger, ” Memon and fore the Supreme Court hearing, theDawood MahaIbrahim, both leading gangsters in Mumbai rashtra state government announced plans in the 1990s, are the main suspects in the to hang him on 30 July. In 2007, a special bombings, seen as revenge destruccourt in Mumbai handed outfor thethe death pention of a 16th century mosque by Hindu nationalists. Both have fled the country. Prominent citizens, including retired Supreme

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C o u r t judges, had urged President Pranab Mukerjee to commute M e m o n’s alty to Memon, a chartered accountant, for sentence to life in prison. That appeal replaying a key role in the bombing conspiracy. flected both opposition to the death penalty He is now lodged in a prison in the western as well as fresh claims by his lawyers that he city of Nagpur. A total of eight members of freely surrendered to Indian authorities in the Memon family were initially accused of Kathmandu, Nepal, and that his direct links masterminding the bombings and dispersing to the bombings had not been sufficiently funds for the attacks. The eldest brother fled established. Indian investigators, along with the country, and three other family members the main public prosecutor in the case, Ujjwwere acquitted for lack of evidence. al Nikam, say he was arrested in New Delhi.

The hanging, carried out on Memon’s birthday, came after a day of dramatic lastditch efforts by his legal team to commute or atThe leastturbulence delay his sentence. over Lalit Modi controver-

Parliament session begins on stormy note

ndia’s new session of parliament has been disrupted with opposition parties demanding the resignation of three ruling BJP leaders mired in scandals. Members of the Khan’s main opposition Salman tweets inCongress defence party of stormed the chamber and forced therole speaker Yakub Memon, set to hang for his in to halt proceedings.

Theyevoked are demanding the 1993 Mumbai blasts, strong investigations into a massive college entrance reactions on Sunday even exam fraud and alleged favours given to a as the superstar’s father, business tycoon by the foreign minister.

PM screenwriter Salim Khan, Narendra Modi has appealed to the opposisought to play down his tion to help Security push through comments. was bills. The BJP is hoping to use this session tightened outside Sal- to push through tax and land reform bills. “We all have to man’s residence in Mumwork together important decisions bai hours after to he take posted for the adevelopment of the about dozen tweets in nation,” Mr Modi told reporters outside parliament on Tuesday. which he mounted a spir“I defence am hopeful that the parliament will ited of Yakub Memon and said hislive up to the country’s expectations to act as a brother Tiger Memon, believed to be in medium for constructive debate. ” Pakistan, should be hanged instead. “Get

and the Vyapam scam the proceedSalman Khan facessycriticism forstalled tweets ings in Parliament for the second consecutive day today with an unrelenting Opposition supporting terrorist Memon

tiger hang him. Parade him not his broth-

insisting on the resignations of three top BJP er,” Salman tweeted.

He described Tiger leaders.

The ruling BJP not only rejected the Memon as a ‘lomdi’ or wolf and critidemand, but also countered the Congress cised him for remaining silent at a timeby raising “corruption” issues to its chief whenlinked his brother is ministers in Uttarakhand and Himachal set to be marched to Pradesh, Harish Rawatthe andgallows.

VirbhadraTiger Singh.

Opposition leaders Memon have calledhas for the resbeen ignations of Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj absconding since and Rajasthan ChieftheMinister Vasundhra blasts in MumRaje for helping former cricket chief257 Lalit baiIPLthat killed Modi, who lives in London and is wanted people and injuredby Indian authorities. The opening upper 1,400 more.of the Ujjwal house was disrupted by opposition members Nikam, the special protesting at Ms Swaraj’s role incase, helppublic prosecutor for thealleged 1993 blasts ing Lalit Modi to obtain a passport. criticised Salman for his tweets.

“His

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Indian-American woman announces her Congressional bid WASHINGTON: Indian-American Mary Thomas, a government attorney in Florida, has said that she will run for the US Congressional elections in November 2016.

If elected, Thomas, whose parents arrived in American from India in 1972, would be the first woman Indian-American lawmaker to be a member of the US House of Representatives. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, 37-year-old Thomas is a Republican. She is pitted against incumbent Gwen Graham of the Democratic Party, who wrested the Second Congressional District of Florida from Republican Steve Southerland in 2014.

Thomas, a personal friend of Florida Gov-

ernor Rick Scott, told local media that she is hoping to create history by becoming the first Indian-American woman to be elected to the US Congress. So far only three Indian-Americans elected to the US Congress are Dalip Singh Saundh, Bobby Jindal and Ami Bera. From California, Bera is the only Indian American in the current Congress.

“I’m a conservative Republican, a Christian, a wife, mother, and a lawyer. If elected, I would be the first Indian- American woman ever elected to Congress. This would truly be a historic event,” Thomas said during her campaign announcement in Florida last week.

Indian-American gets $3 million grant for treatment of diabetes HOUSTON: An Indian-American scientist has been awarded a $3 million grant for working on treatment of diabetes by using a virus that can reduce glucose level in blood.

The research is based on human adenovirus 36, which causes obesity in humans and animals but also reduces blood sugar. “It’s a little paradoxical, because you have an agent that is making an animal fatter, so you would

expect their glucose levels to deteriorate,” said Dr Nikhil Dhurandhar, a professor and chairman of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Texas Tech. Dhurandhar received almost $3 million from Vital Health Interventions. Dhurandhar said that he first noticed this phenomenon years ago in rodents while researching how the virus causes obesity.

UAE-based Indian to set up super-speciality hospital in London LONDON: A global healthcare group led

by a UAE-based Indian doctor will set up a new super-speciality hospital in London focusing on cancer treatment, creating about 2,000 new jobs.

Being developed by health giant VPS Healthcare group, one of the leading healthcare providers in India and Middle East, the new hospital will be the first private facility in the UK to offer Proton Beam Therapy - a type of radiotherapy that uses sub-atomic particles to attack cancer cells with less damage to surrounding tissues than con-

ventional radiotherapy. Proton beam therapy is currently generally unavailable through the NHS (National Health Service), though a small number of UK patients are sent abroad for the treatment if their care team believes they are ideally suited to it. Dr Shamsheer Vayali, founder and

managing director of the VPS Healthcare Group, told reporters today that “the new cenrintre will be created within the historic grade II listed Royal Masonic Hospital

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INDIA

Saturday, August 1, 2015

2 of 4 Indian teachers abducted in Libya freed

Two Indians win Ramon Magsaysay awards

from Sirte. Of the four Indian nationals, wo of four Indian teachers that two are from Hyderabad, one from Raichthe jihadist group Islamic State ur and one from Bengaluru. Three of them is believed to have held hostage in Lib- were faculty members at the Sirte University ya since July 29 were released on Friday. and one was working at the Sirte University branch in Jufra,” the “Four Indians abducted in spokesperson said.

Libya — I am happy we have The ministry has been able to secure the rebeen in touch with lease of Lakshmikant and Vijay Kumar. Trying for other the families of the two,” External Affairs Minister hostages, he said.

Sushma Swaraj said. HowSources from the ever, it was not immediately ministry, meanknown how they were freed. while, claim that MEA Spokesperson Vikas the area from which Swarup said the two Indithey had been takans have been brought back en was under the jihadists’ control. So safely to University of Sirte.

Vikas Swarup far, however, there is They were still trying to secure the release of the remaining hostages. believed to be no demand for ransom.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh govSwaraj briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the in- ernment urged Swaraj to expedite cident early on Friday morning. steps for the safe return of the Indians.

“Two days ago, on July 29 at around 11 In a letter to Swaraj, State Government’s pm, our Mission in Tripoli came to know Special Representative in Delhi K Rama that four Indian nationals who were return- Mohana Rao said four people, including to India via Tripoli and Tunis, were de- ing two Professors, Balaram of Srikakutained at a checkpoint approximately 50 kms lam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopi Krishna

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Uber wants to invest $1billion in India The taxi booking service Uber has said it will invest $1bn (£0.64m) to expand its business in India. The US company wants to use the money to expand to more cities and invest in new products and payment solutions. The decision comes after the firm in June said it wanted to invest the same amount in China, also to expand to more cities in the country.

Earlier in the year, Uber was banned in India after rape accusations against one of its drivers. The government had told unregistered

I

web-based taxi services like Uber to halt operations in the wake of the rape accusations.

Uber applied for new licenses in New Delhi and other cities but continued its operations while approvals were pending.

App-based aggregator services have been criticised in India for not doing proper background checks on drivers they recruit. In July, a woman accused a driver of a similar taxi service, Ola, of having masturbated while he was driving her.

Nepal temple bans animal sacrifice

n a significant move that will save millions of animals, Nepal’s Gadhimai temple trust on Tuesday announced a ban on animal sacrifice at the Gadhimai festival, the world’s biggest animal sacrifice event held every five years.

The trust also urged devotees not to bring animals to the festival, a Hindu religious practice which has been continuing for the last 300 years. The decision will make it a bloodless festival where devotees can pray and celebrate without indulging in animal sacrifice in the hope of a better life.

“The Gadhimai temple trust hereby declares our formal decision to end animal sacrifice. With your help, we can ensure the festival in 2019 is free from bloodshed.

Moreover, we can ensure Gadhimai 2019 is a momentous celebration of life,” chairman of the temple trust Ram Chandra Shah said.

The ban comes in the wake of India’s Supreme Court recently prohibiting movement of animals from India to Nepal for the festival. Animal rights activists in India and Nepal had been demanding such a ban for long.

Shah said, “For generations, pilgrims have sacrificed animals to the Goddess Gadhimai, in the hope of a better life. For every life taken, our heart is heavy. The time has come to transform an old tradition. The time has come to replace killing and violence with peaceful worship and celebration.”

In 2014, a global campaign by Humane Society International-India and Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) against the Gadhimai animal massacre captured

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ocial worker Anshu Gupta and former AIIMS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay awards for “enterprising leadership” and for exposing corruption.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation said Gupta was being recognised for “his creative vision in transforming the culture of giving in India, his enterprising leadership in treating cloth as a sustainable development resource for the poor”.

The award citation also credited Gupta with “reminding the world that true giving always respects and preserves human dignity”.

The foundation said Chaturvedi was being recognised for “his exemplary integrity, courage and tenacity in uncompromisingly exposing and painstakingly investigating corruption in public office, and his resolute crafting programmes and system improvements to ensure that government

India-Bangladesh to swap lands today

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ndia and Bangladesh will make a historic exchange of enclaves at today (Saturday midnight, India time), finally ending a long-drawn border dispute between the two nations that has left some 51,000 residents of the enclaves stateless for several decades.

More than 100 enclaves of India encircled

by Bangladesh border and over 50 enclaves of Bangladesh enclosed by Indian territory will be exchanged between the two neighboring countries at midnight, officials said.

As the country is observing mourning following the death of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, there would be no celebrations to mark the exchange, they said.

Some 51,000 residents of the enclaves — stateless for decades until now— have decided where they want to live.

SOUTH ASIA

public imagination when thousands of national and international supporters expressed their displeasure against the ruthless killing. Gauri Maulekhi, HIS-India consultant and trustee, People for Animals (PFA), who petitioned the Supreme Court against the movement of animals from India to Nepal for the Gadhimai festival, said, “This is a tremendous victory for compassion that will save the lives of countless animals... We commend the temple committee but acknowledge that a huge task lies ahead of us in educating the public so that they are fully aware.”

She said HIS-India will spend the next three-and-a-half years educating devotees in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal on the temple trust’s decision not to sacrifice animals.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 buffalos, goats, chickens and other animals were decapitated at Gadhimai in 2009, but the numbers had reduced significantly in 2014. The Supreme Court had recently issued directions to states to set up mechanisms to prevent animals from being taken to Gadhimai and create awareness against animal sacrifice. The apex court’s order resulted in more than 100 arrests of those breaching the order.

Manoj Gautam, founding member of AWNN and campaigner against the Gadhimai festival, said, “We applaud the temple committee’s decision to end this mass slaughter of innocent animals and hope that they will continue to support us in our future endeavour for protecting animals in the country.”

honourably serves the people of India”.

Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia’s highest honour and is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Gupta heads the NGO Goonj, which believes in reusing clothes and other material to turn into a valuable resource, to create “a parallel economy which is not cash-based but trash-based”.

An elated Gupta told IANS: “I am certainly very happy to receive this award... Our work has been recognized.” Chaturvedi said he would make a statement later in the day. Other winners announced on Wednesday were Kommaly Chanthavong (Laos), Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa (The Philippines) and Kyaw Thu (Myanmar). The Magsaysay awards celebrate the memory and leadership example of the third Philippine president after whom the award is named.

The exchange of enclaves followed signing of an agreement in Dhaka by India and Bangladesh on June 6 this year.

Under the deal, signed in Dhaka in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, the two countries will swap the enclaves dotted around the border. Their inhabitants have been deprived of public services and living in squalid conditions.

The land accord was originally agreed in 1974 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The progress of the accord stopped for a long time after Mujibur was assassinated in 1975 and subsequent governments failed to agree on the transfer of enclaves.

Gunfight kills at least 20 at Afghan wedding: Officials

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan: At least 20 people were killed when a gunfight broke out at a wedding party in northern Afghanistan, officials said on Monday, highlighting the fragile security situation in the war-torn country.

The clash, which police blamed on quarrels between guests, erupted late on Sunday in Deh Salah district in Baghlan.

The once-tranquil province has recently been plagued by growing insecurity as the Taliban insurgency spreads north from its southern and eastern strongholds.

“As a result of the clashes, 20 people were killed and 10 others were wounded,” provincial police spokesman Jawed Basharat told AFP, adding that the incident appeared to be the result of a local dispute.

Armed men traded verbal barbs before the gunfight broke out and the victims were all male guests at the wedding aged between 14 and 60, said

district police chief Gulistan Qusani.

“A local security official fired in the air after the verbal exchange heated up... and then both sides started trading fire,” Qusani told AFP, giving a higher death toll of 21.

Baghlan police spokesman Sultan Mohammad Ebadi said an official delegation had been sent to the site - a Tajik-dominated area that is largely unaffected by the Taliban insurgency - to investigate the matter.

Expensive and lavish weddings have become common since the Taliban were toppled in 2001, in contrast to their time in power when musical revelry and dancing were banned.

But fatal gunfights and celebratory gunfire are woefully common at the ceremonies in a country battered by nearly 40 years of war.

Afghan soldiers mistakenly fired mortars at a wedding party in late December in the southern province of Helmand, killing 17 women and children.

Afghan militant leader Jalaluddin Haqqani ‘has died’

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alaluddin Haqqani, the Afghan founder of the militant Haqqani network, died at least a year ago, sources close to the group say. Haqqani died after a long illness and was buried in Afghanistan, the sources added. Rumours about Haqqani’s death have circulated for some years and can still not be independently confirmed. The latest report comes a day after the Taliban

acknowledged that its leader, Mullah Omar, was dead. Reports of Haqqani’s death, quoting Taliban sources, also appeared in Pakistani media on Friday. One senior Afghan official said he had died six years ago.

The network has never confirmed the death of its founder. A man linked to the family denied Friday’s reports, telling the BBC that Jalaluddin Haqqani was still alive but ill.

FIJI

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 31

Investor-friendly policies proposed

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n its bid to ensure the country’s economy is sustainable, Government will continue to formulate policies that are investor-friendly.Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister Faiyaz Koya said by doing so, it would mean a secure and long term growth and making sure investors were able to grow their businesses in Fiji and the region.

He said the country could not be a financial hub unless a proper and prudent financial regulatory environment was in place. “This is especially important to attract investments and being the financial hub would further boost and promote Fiji as a financial market for growth,” Koya was quoted as saying in a Government statement issued yesterday. “This growth in the financial sector is attributed to the confidence of Fijians and foreign investors in the Fijian Government and

our sound and stable policies, and is an indication of Fijians acquiring sustainable livelihoods.

It gives insight that Fiji is on the march.” He said they were working with the Fijian Trade Policy Framework who were providing them with information on the foundation on the growth of trade and investment in Fiji. “The framework lays out a comprehensive course of action to take our economy to an even higher growth trajectory by boosting our trade performance and create investment — both domestic and foreign.”

He said they had also launched an Online Single Window Clearance System to make it easier for investors. Koya said more than 2000 small and micro entrepreneurs in Suva, Navua, Sigatoka, Savusavu and Taveuni were benefiting from micro and small business grants.

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dictable offence. He also asked for he man who is alleged to have raped a nine-year-old interim name suppression order for girl earlier this month appeared the complainant and the accused be before the Nasinu Magistrates remanded in custody. court in a special court sitting yesHamza agreed rape was an indictterday. Laitia Nalawa, 31, who is able offence and granted the State’s charged with one count each of application. Meanwhile, outside burglary, theft, assault with intent co­ur­t tension was high as a crowd to commit rape and rape appeared 31 year old Laitia before Magistrate Sufia Hamza. Nalawa appeared gathered to get a glimpse of Nalawa All four counts were read to Nal- in Suva court facing who was arrested 18 days after the awa in the iTaukei language. He charges of rape and incident. He wore a pullover with a told the court he understood the assault on a 9 year hood covering his face. old Nakasi girl. charges. His rights to be repreOnly the media and the Fiji Police sented in court were also put to him to which Force were allowed into the special court he said he preferred to represent himself. State sitting. The case has been adjourned to lawyer Yogesh Prasad then made several appli- August 7 which will be called in the High cations, among them that the matter be trans- Court in Suva. The accused has been referred to the High Court, as rape was an in- manded in custody.

Fiji identified as a sex trafficking source

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iji has been identified as a source country for the trafficking of women and children for sex as well as a destination for Asians who are forced into prostitution. The 2015 United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons report released this week had recommendations for Fiji, which is currently ranked Tier Two in the report. A Tier Two ranking means countries whose governments do not fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, but are making signifi-

cant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards.

Good News!

Father kills self and two kids

Good News!

Truck sinks into town road

Parts of Sigatoka Town came to a brief halt this morning when the front of a truck transporting fruit and vegetables made a sudden dip into the main road. The driver of the truck, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he and his wife were travelling to the Sigatoka Market at 6.15am when their two-tonne truck suddenly started sinking in front of Tappoos.

The driver of a vehicle travelling behind the truck, Abhay, said it was like a scene out of a movie.

“All of a sudden the truck’s back wheels came up and the front sank into the road and water started coming up,” he said.

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man is alleged to have killed his two young kids, attacked his wife, leaving her for dead and then killed himself. The grandmother of Tanvi Prasad and Jerralle Ishav, could not control her tears as she bid her grandchildren goodbye during their funeral rites on Thursday. The distraught grandmother said they were devastated over the deaths of their loved ones. “I’m still trying to accept that my grandchildren are gone and they are not here with me,” Maya Wati said between tears. She added the trio would be sadly missed by family members and those who knew and loved them. Johit Prasad and his two children were found dead in what is suspected to be a murder-suicide case at their home in Kaloa St, Kinoya, last Saturday. Hundreds of people from all walks of life bid them farewell in an emotional funeral service at the Nasinu cemetery. Meanwhile, Police spokeswoman said Priya Lal, the wife of the deceased, was still recovering at the CWM Hospital. Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said they received a call about the three deaths and were investigating.

That early into the investigation, Insp Sokomuri said, they had not yet determined what had happened.

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32 i Saturday, August 1, 2015

Taliban choose successor to Mullah Omar, who died in a Karachi hospital

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he Taliban have appointed a successor to Mullah Omar, who led the movement for some 20 years.

The death of Mullah Omar - reported by the Afghan government on Wednesday was confirmed by the Taliban on Thursday, the BBC has been told. His deputy, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, will replace him, sources close to the Taliban leadership said. Correspondents say the move is likely to divide the militants, and that many senior figures opposed the appointment.

A Taliban statement did not say where, when or how Mullah Omar died, only that it was from an illness and that he had remained in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion. This conflicts with the account given by Afghanistan, which said Mullah Omar died in hospital in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi two years ago.

Eexecutions resume after one month break Pakistan today hanged two more criminals as the government resumed executions following one month break during the fasting month of Ramzan that ended last week.

The two were executed at the Central Jail of Multan city in the province of Punjab.

Officials said that both prisoners were convicted for murders and had exhausted all appeals against the capital punishment.

Pakistan resumed hangings after the deadly Peshawar school attack in December and had executed at least 176 prisoners since then. The government on June 13 decided the halt executions for a month of Ramzan.

The executions are opposed by the European Union (EU) and the right groups. Supporters of the execution argue that it is the only option to deal with the scourge of militancy but human rights group are highly critical of it.

Pakistan’s people party throws weight behind beleaguered PTI justice party ISLAMABAD: Some angry opposition parties rivaling the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) are making a fresh attempt to bar the party from the National Assembly, after a judicial commission ruled against Imran Khan’s allegations of rigging in the May 2013 elections. With the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) demanding to de-seat the PTI, the party said Thursday that its return to the assembly was based on an agreement with the government.

Outside Parliament, senior PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi asked why PTI lawmak-

M

ers were allowed to attend budget sessions if the party was not considered a part of the assembly. His statement comes two days after voting was deferred in the National Assembly on a resolution submitted by the MQM and JUI-F to de-seat PTI lawmakers from the NA, owing to their absence from the lower house of parliament during the party’s 126day sit-in in Islamabad. The prime minister has asked the parties to take back their resolutions, but the MQM and JUI-F have requested time to consider the move.

Militant chief killed by police

ilitant chief Malik Ishaq, the head of banned Sunni soutfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, was gunned down along with his two sons and 11 others early on Wednesday morning by police in an alleged exchange of fire in Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district.

While the exact circumstances of the killing remain unclear, police said the encounter took place following Malik Isaq, Chife of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group has been an attack on its convoy taking behind some of the most violent attacks on the other sects.

Ishaq and his sons to a detention centre. They were being taken to Shahwa- least six police officers were also injured. la in Muzaffargarh by the Counter-Terrorism Ishaq, his sons and three aides, were arrestDepartment (CTD) to aid in the recovery of ed last Saturday on suspicion of involvement arms and explosives that it had seized alleged- in sectarian killings. He had spent 13 years ly from LeJ terrorists. “As the police convoy in police custody for more than 80 charges was returning in wee hours on Wednesday, a of sectarian killings. He was arrested in 1997 group of militants on motorbikes ambushed and after serving nearly 14 years in prison, it near Shahwala Jungle in an attempt to free released on bail in 2011. Observers believe Ishaq,” Shuja Khanzada, Punjab’s home min- that Ishaq, accused in over 70 criminal casister, said. “Fourteen militants, including the es, was never successfully prosecuted. He LeJ chief and his sons, were killed in the bat- walked free in December 2014 after a detle, which ensued,” he said and added that at cision by the Lahore High Court.

Northern Pakistan floods kill 69, nearly 300,000 affected

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t least 69 people have been killed and nearly three lakh others displaced across Pakistan in the devastating floods triggered by torrental rains, officials said today. At least 34 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 15 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eight in Punjab, seven in Balochistan and five in Gilgit-Baltistian, bringing the overall toll to 69, said Ahmad Kamal, an official with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

About 36 people sustained injuries in the rain and flood related accidents. At least 294,844 people were affected by the floods.

About 1,855 houses have been destroyed and crops on 2,05,366 acres of land have been damaged. NDMA along with army and civil authorities have taken measures to help the people displaced by the deluge. The district’s Mor Kahu area is the worst-hit where around seven villages have been swept away.

PM wants electoral reforms expedited

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said he wants to expedite electoral reforms in order to make future elections fair and transparent in all respect, media reports said.

He made the statement during a high-level meeting with cabinet members and the political leadership of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) earlier in the day, Dawn online reported. The premier said that after the judicial commission’s report on the conduct of the 2013 parliamentary polls, there needs to be a way forward for further strengthening the democratic system. The judicial commission was constituted earlier this year to probe Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ’s (PTI) allegations of rigging in the 2013 general election, and concluded in its report that polls were in large part “organised and conducted fairly and in accordance with the law”.

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Ottawa ‘blindsided’ by Fiat Chrysler recall and $105M fine

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Record civil fine of up to $105M, but no similar action in Canada so far

ransport Minister Lisa Raitt said she still doesn’t know the impact on Canada of a major recall of Fiat Chrysler vehicles in the U.S. that is resulting in a $105 million US fine for the company.

“I simply was left blindsided on this issue,” Raitt told CBC News, when asked how many vehicles in Canada might be affected by a recall of millions of vehicles in the U.S. announced Monday.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined the Italian-American automaker a record $105 million for poorly executing 23 vehicle safety recalls covering more than 11 million defective vehicles over several years.

As part of that deal, Fiat Chrysler has been ordered to fix or buy back 500,000 Ram pickup trucks and 1.5 million Jeeps that that might be vulnerable in rear-end collisions.

Fiat Chrysler recalls 1.4M cars after hackers remotely control Jeep Chrysler recalls 350,000 cars over ignition switch defect In an interview, Raitt said she only became aware of the U.S. recall when she read about it in media reports Monday morning. “These are things that are important,” she said. “They are matters of public safety and it is something we are getting the information on now as we speak. We will take swift action when we know what we are dealing with.”

Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt says she was ‘blindsided’ by a major recall of Fiat Chrysler vehicles and doesn’t know what impact it will have on Cana-

da. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) “I understood there were some investigations with regard to Fiat in the U.S.” Raitt said. “I didn’t have a memo as to what the ramifications or implications are for Canada, or even if there is any. That’s what the department is putting together for me now.” A spokesman for Fiat Chrysler Canada said it is working closely with regulators on both sides of the border on the issue, but does not have a firm number of how many — if any — cars might be added to its recall list in Canada, in addition to those that were already recalled in the first place. “We are reviewing the consent order and the potential volume equivalent for Canada,” a spokesman with the company told CBC News.

Analyst expects similar buyback in Canada Auto analyst and consumer advocate Phil Edmonston is confident that the company will eventually make a similar recall and buyback offer in Canada.

“There’s no doubt that the buybacks will happen in Canada because Chrysler has admitted they had the problem,” he said in an interview. Unlike the U.S., there are no laws in Canada that give the government the power to force recalls on car manufacturers. “In Canada all we can do is wait for the manufacturer to say ‘Yes, we will do something,’” Edmonston said.

The U.S. settlement is the largest such fine in American history and a sign that auto safety regulators are taking a more aggressive approach toward companies that fail to disclose defects or don’t properly conduct a recall.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 33

B

Cars can now be hacked – are you prepared?

rian Bourne “half-jokes” he hasn’t learned anything new about computer security in 20 years. Instead, the noted security expert and co-founder of the SecTor conference says he just repeats what has been true of electronic security since, at least, the mid 1990s. In fact, Bourne says, today’s modern cars — which include any number of gadgets that can be accessed over the internet or cellphone networks — can be just as susceptible to hackers and malware as a desktop computer was in 1995. “History repeats itself,” Bourne told CBC News. “Every time new technology emerges, there’s a general rush to get out something cool, something to get consumers excited.

“But security tends to be the last thing [manufacturers] spend money on.” On Friday, Fiat Chrysler announced a voluntary recall of 1.4 million cars and trucks, which includes Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, due to concerns they are vulnerable to hacking. This comes after an article published in Wired this week, in which two well-meaning U.S. hackers demonstrated how to hack into a Jeep Cherokee’s most critical systems — and kill the engine, for example, while the car’s on a busy highway.

Concerns about cars have been percolating among e-security experts for a few years now, as automakers rushed to keep cars abreast of the demands of increasingly connected, tech-happy consumers.

Some of the latest models offer internet connections via cellphone networks,

among other features. Bourne says he was pleased to hear about the Jeep Cherokee hack, which was demonstrated on a willing participant, because it puts pressure on automakers to pay more attention to electronic security, which in a car represents a very real risk to life and limb. Research “clearly shows that security between the various systems in a vehicle all communicate rather openly without security firewalls or sender verification,” Bourne said.

“This is substantially similar to an internet-connected PC in 1995.”

“Car companies have to take the threat very seriously,” he added.

“There are a lot of remote ways to attack a car.” Manufacturer Fiat Chrysler said it had issued a fix for the most serious vulnerability involved in the Jeep hack. The company said in a statement that, like smartphones and tablets, “vehicle software can require updates for improved security protection.” Attacks getting easier Such attacks are difficult to pull off, but won’t be for long, according to Mohamed Amin, a computer science graduate student at Carleton University.

“Hackers are very, very creative people,” said Amin, and vulnerabilities become easier to exploit once they’re discovered.

Automatic updates to a car’s firmware are essential for security, say experts (BlackBerry) Amin also fears that automakers will not take e-security seriously unless consumers push for it.

6 i Saturday - April 4, 2015 34 i Saturday, August 1, 2015

fOOD Community Scene

The Hindu Temple in Burnaby planned its picnic last Sunday (July 26) but the picnic day was ruined by a rare rainfall. The temple members did not let the rain dampen their spirits and instead turned the picnic day into a prayer day at the temple and celebrated inside with prayers and a great lunch.

Saijal Patel (middle) celebrated her 18th birthday on July 15 in Vancouver with parents Bhupinder Patel and Dipti Patel (pictured above with Saijal) as well as grandparents Ishwar and Ingredients Lalitaben Patel and friends and relatives, Photo by Chandra Bodalia.

• 250g boneless chicken • 2tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 medium red onion • 3 large tomatoes • ½ cup cashew nuts • 100g tomato puree • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves • 100ml low fat cream • 1tsp garam masala • 1tsp red chilli powder • 1tbsp ginger- garlic paste • 2tbsp thick low fat yoghurt • salt to taste

chicken (no butter) Masala Your favourite butter chicken but without the butter and added calories!

Procedure: Marinate the chicken with the ginger garlic paste and the yoghurt for 20 min. soak the cashew in warm water for 15 minutes.chop the onions and tomatoes. Heat 1 tbsp oil to a pan. sear the chicken pieces in the hot oil for 1 minute on each side to a golden colour. remove the chicken pieces. in the same pan, add 1tbsp oil and the chopped onions. saute till a translucent pink. Add the tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala powder and cook on medium flame till the tomatoes are tender (approx. 4-5 minutes). remove from flame and run in a blender with the soaked cashews to make a smooth paste. return to the pan and add the tomato puree. Bring to a boil and add the chicken pieces. simmer for 4-5 minutes till the chicken is cooked. Add the low fat cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Broil the fenugreek leaves on a pan. crush the fenugreek leaves over the curry and remove from fire. serve hot.

Rani Kapahi (third from left, front row) celebrated her 90th birthday with husband Tilak Federal Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau speaking to supporters at the Richmond Raj Kapahi (second from left) and friend and relatives at the Hindu Temple in Burnaby on home of Narinder Nijjar on July 24. Photo by Chandra Bodalia.

July 19. Photo by Chandra Bodalia.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 i 35

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36 i Saturday, August 1, 2015