The Asian Star August 8 2015 by The Asian Star Newspaper

www.theasianstar.com Vol 14

Tel: 604-591-5423

Issue 28 Saturday, August 8, 2015

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Page

Bollywood section

Drunk driver plows through the Patullo bridge median

Toyota sells fewer cars, but makes 10% profit

Anita Huberman

Page

Comedian Kapil Sharma draws laughs in Vancouver

30 cars damaged and traffic held up for hours

Check Inside for Details

he Pattulo bridge was shut down for at least three hours during peak rush hour on Thursday night after a woman driver caused an accident involving 30 vehicles. Police are investigating a Surrey woman for impaired driving following a series of crashes that damaged roughly 30 vehicles on the Pattullo Bridge early Thursday evening. She is facinf impaired-driving charges. Remarkably, nobody was injured. It happened just before 6:30 p.m. Police said the woman was heading from Continued on page 6

South Asian Youtube sensation nominated for prestigious US award

ndianborn Canadian comedienne Lilly Singh has earned a nomination in the “2015 Teen Choice Awards” to be held in Los Angeles on August 16, according to a media YouTube sensation report. Lilly Singh Lilly Singh, 26, popularly known by her YouTube username “Superwoman”, was nominated in “Choice YouTuber” and “Choice Web Star: Comedy” categories, US-based Celebuzz website said on Wednesday. “Holy buckets of awesome Continued on page 6

A selfie with Kapil – Indian comedian Kapil was at the PNE Coliseum last Sunday, August 2, to make everyone laugh, including Premier Christie Clark. Photo: Chandra Bodalia

BC Supreme Court shuts down two Surrey rental houses

C Supreme Court in Vancouver has ordered the closure of two controversial lodging houses in North Surrey. The two homes, one at 13901 Hansen Rd. and another at 11409 142 St., must be returned to single-family dwellings by Sept. 30, the court ordered. It’s the ruling long waited for by several residents in the community, who say they are fearful of the many alleged drug users who occupy the homes. Each house has had in excess of 100 police visits. After trying to remedy the situation for close to a year and a half, the City of Surrey took the matter to court. Mohammed Izaz, who says he owns the home with his wife Shamima Bi – who is named in the court documents – said the couple plans to appeal the findings of the court because they didn’t have legal representation. The lawyer handling the case for them was in hospital, Izaz said.

“The lawyer was in intensive care,” Izaz said. “We were not even told we were going to court on these days.” He said he hasn’t read all the findings in the court documents, but he asserts the two houses provide shelter to two families apiece – well within Surrey bylaws. He feels he’s being unfairly picked on by the city because of the service he provides. “Because I just help the homeless people get the shelter,” Izaz said. “They don’t want the homeless people to live in homes, they just want them on the street.” Nonetheless, the courts have ordered that Bi return the two “lodging houses” back to single-family dwellings, as required by Surrey’s building bylaw. Some neighbors expressed skepticism as to whether the owner will comply with the court order. They say they’ll wait and see. Meanwhile, they continue to live

Continued on page 6

2 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

Fijian Prime Minister Rear Admiral J. V. Bainimarama (left) with Chandra Sharma (right) of Mortgage Alliance AAA Canadian lending and Mr Khan (second from right) at a dinner in Vancouver. Bainimarama will officially open the Mortgage Alliance AAA Canadian Lending office on Sunday in Surrey.

Local

Fijian Prime Minister Rear Admiral J. V. Bainimarama (second from left) with local businessmen Daljit Thind (left) of Thind properties and Tony Singh of Fruiticana (second from right) at a dinner on Thursday night.

Fentanyl deaths spark call to test illegal drugs Four recent overdoses involving Fentanyl are raising alarm bells that the substance is ending up in drugs as commonly used as marijuana. “(We have reports) of people smoking something they picked up and ended up fully passing out and feeling like they literally shut right down,” says Bob Hughes, executive director of the ASK Wellness society in Merritt, B.C., and a proponent of harm reduction. Hughes believes the real crime lies in the lack of controls over illegal drugs. People are taking substances not knowing what is in them at all. He would like to see society push a “test before you ingest” agenda. The problem is testing like that is not available yet. “The tragedy is that we just sit back and wait for the toxicology results when somebody dies and we find out that they took fentanyl when they didn’t realize that they did,” Hughes. Hughes applauds groups like Ankors, a non profit organization that operates a drug-testing tent at Shambhala Music festival to try to keep people safe. Volunteers

say they have seen a drug, alled PMMA or paramethoxymethamphetamine, sold as MDMA that can cause users to overheat. In 2013 they disposed of 6.8 per cent of the drugs people asked to have tested, or 155 doses, because of concerns. In 91 cases they could not determine what the substance was. 2014 figures are not yet available. Tests for fentanyl are not commonly available outside of a lab, says Hughes. Fentanyl can be prescribed by physicians to control extreme pain, but has also been showing up mixed in street drugs, including heroin, oxycodone and even marijuana, according to RCMP. Fentanyl, has no smell or taste, so it can easily hide in another substance. “What about a harm reduction tool such as testing to screen out some of these substances?” asked Hughes. Hughes says hospitals can use spectrograms to detect fentanyl, and there could be tests developed. “If you allow people to bring their substances and have them tested, it is clearly going to save lives.”

Fijian Prime Minister’s visit is a strange one

hat is the Prime Minister of Fiji doing in metro Vancouver this weekend? No bilateral agreements announced, no trade deal announced, no press conference, no official government welcome. Fijian Prime Minister Rear Admiral J. V. Bainimarama’s visit to Metro Vancouver is indeed

a strange one. Usually Prime Ministers are feted and welcomed by the federal government functionaries. Not so with the Fijian Prime Minister. Comparae Bainimarama’s visit to that of the Indian Prime Minister, Modi a couple of months ago – you will find a big difference.. Continued on page 4

Local

Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 3

Get ready for a rainy weekend in Metro Vancouver

etro Vancouver is in for some more rain this weekend.Environment Canada is predicting that Friday will be mainly sunny with temperature highs of 23 degrees C, but Saturday will be cloudy with rain beginning in the evening. Then on Sunday, the agency forecasts a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 per cent chance of rain. The temperature high for both days is expected to be 21 degrees C. Environment Canada says the rain will likely continue through until Tuesday, before the sunshine returns on Wednesday and the temperatures climb back up to around 24 degrees C.Metro’s rain is more relief after three of months of unseasonably hot and dry weather. Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald said while July was only the fourth warmest month on record, June was second warmest on record, with an average temperature of 19.9

degrees C, compared with the normal 15.6 degrees C. June was also the fourth driest on record, after only 11 millimetres of rain fell on the region. Normally, Metro Vancouver gets around 54 millimetres in June. Those two months followed a record dry May. This weekend’s much needed rain, however, won’t be enough to top up Metro Vancouver’s three water reservoirs, Metro Vancouver spokesman Bill Morrell said Thursday. He said the reservoirs were at 63 per cent of normal levels, and that it would take sustained rain with totals exceeding 100 millimetres before there is a significant rebound in the levels. Stage 3 water restrictions remain in effect, he said, adding that it’s “very unlikely” that Metro will move to Stage 4 restrictions. Meanwhile, cooler, wetter weather means fewer fires are burning across British Columbia and wildfire management crews are getting a break - for now.

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UBC president Arvind Gupta steps down one year into five-year term

rvind Gupta, the president of the University of British Columbia, is resigning a year into a five-year term. According to UBC, Gupta is stepping down to pursue his academic career. The university says he has decided he “can best contribute to the university and lead Canada’s innovation agenda by resuming his academic career and leadership roles in the business and research community.” Gupta, who has a PhD in computer science from the University of Toronto, will

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return to UBC’s department of computer science after his academic leave. Under his leadership, a number of vice presidents left their positions. In April, a dead body was found on the grounds of his home on the university grounds. Gupta was out of the country at the time on university business. UBC’s board of governors also announced that Martha Piper, who previously served as UBC’s 11th president from 1997 to 2006, will serve as interim president from Sept. 1, to June 30, 2016 while the university conducts a comprehensive, global search for a new leader

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4 i Saturday, August 8, 2015 From page 2 Maybe it is because he is on a “personal” visit. There is no such thing as a “personal” and public life when you are the Prime Minister of a country. Everyone is saying that the Fijian Prime Minister is here so this indeed a

OPINION

Fijian Prime Minister’s visit is strange one Prime ministerial visit – personal or not. Bainimarama’s sojourn here is still kind of mysterious. The federal government is behaving as if

Bainimarama is not here – even though Minister of Defense Jason Kenney was at a dinner attended by Bainimarama - but in his personal capacity. The Fijian Prime Minister’s trip here was reportedly paid for by a local Indo-Fijian businessman and he is being shuttled around from lunches to dinners to other events by a couple of “gate keepers” who are not letting anyone else get close to the Prime Minister. And tickets are being offered at lunches, dinners and other events ranging from $50 to $250 per person. It is a big open secret in the local Fijian community as to who is pocketing profits from these events. Bainimarama’s government, led by his vindictive and powerful Attorney General, Aiyaz Khyaium, took former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary to court for funds raised overseas, including Canada, and not declared to Fiji Customs and Revenue Agency. Chaudhary was fined $2 million. Will the government take same kind of aggressive approach in trying to find and punish whoever is pocketing the cash from events Bainimarama is attending here? There has been some talk that Bainimarama wants to meet Fijian citizens living her with an eye to getting their support for the next election. But it is illegal for foreigners to be campaigning in Canada or hold political meetings to seek political and financial support here. Meanwhile, Bainimarama does need a break as politics is heating up back home. There were rumors of a pending coup just as he was leaving for Canada after head of the powerful Fijian military was replaced by another officer. The government issued a release saying the outgoing commander had resigned and would bee seeking a diplomatic career but the out going commander himself has not said much. Keep in mind that Bainimarama himself came to power in 2006 when, as the leader of the Fijian military, he overthrew an elected government and took power.

So the question remains, what is the Prime minister doing in Metro Vancouver?

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Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 5

LOCAL

6 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

Seaplane has close call with drone near YVR

flying drone narrowly missed a seaplane this week as the plane landed on the Fraser River at Vancouver International Airport. The pilot reported to Transport Canada that a black drone with four propellers missed the windshield of the Seair Seaplanes’ Cessna 208 on Monday by about three metres when the aircraft was 12 metres from touching down on the river. The drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle, was seen turning north toward the airport before the pilot lost sight of it. The incident is being investigated by the Richmond RCMP. RCMP Cpl. Dennis Hwang said the incident is as close a call as he can remember involving a drone at or near the Vancouver airport. “We are following up on leads — we might have a suspect,” said Hwang, adding he could not say any more about the investigation. Seair operations manager Terry Hiebert said the incident was the first close call with a drone for the company, but he has heard increasing reports of drones in air traffic space as the aerial vehicles become more popular. “There was no impact, but it’s just rather startling. Drones should not be out next to an international airport,” said Hiebert.

The near miss with the seaplane is one of 19 incidents already reported to Transport Canada in B.C. this year, and among 33 reported in the past 16 months. If you’re on a mobile device, please click here to see the map. There was also an incident on Tuesday, where a Cessna 172 travelling from Powell River to Boundary Bay reported a drone 90 to 120 metres below the aircraft at Stanley Park. Reportable incidents to Transport Canada are defined, in part, as a “collision, a risk of collision, or a loss of separation.” Another very close call was reported last year on Sept. 27, when a drone, or possibly a remotely piloted airplane, just barely missed the wing of a de Havilland float plane flying at about 360 metres while travelling from Vancouver to Squamish. As well as the possibility of a collision, drones can cause delays in air traffic. A runway at Vancouver International Airport was shut down for 25 minutes in August 2014 after a Carson Air Beech plane reported seeing a drone on its final approach. The incidents put a spotlight on the growing problem of drones intruding into commercial air space.

Drunk driver plows through the Patullo bridge median From page 1

Westminster on the bridge when her vehicle crossed over the centre pylon dividers and hit multiple southbound vehicles on the Surrey side and seven more in New Westminster. She came to a stop after crashing into a concrete barrier at the north end of the bridge. The New Westminster Police arrested the woman at the scene for impaired driving and took her to the police station to obtain a breath sample. She was then released with a driving prohibition and her vehicle was held for mechanical inspection while police continue their investigation. Shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday, a dark red sedan heading into New Westminster from Surrey

drove across the bridge, straddling the centre median and destroying several pylon dividers. A witness driving past the vehicle in the opposite direction said he saw the driver hit a pole, which smashed her windshield before striking other vehicles. After crossing over the median, police say the driver bounced off several other vehicles before slamming into a concrete divider on the New Westminster side of the bridge. There were no serious injuries. The bridge was closed for hours, but has since reopened. New Westminster say the woman was arrested and given a breathalyzer test before being released with a driving prohibition. Her car is being held for a mechanical inspection and charges are expected.

The damaged median of Patullo bridge after a drunk driver plowed through it

Two Surrey residents facing drug charges after RCMP raid Two Surrey residents are facing charges of drug trafficking after Mounties raided a suspected drug house. The investigation began on July 21, after Surrey RCMP were tipped off about people at a residence, located in the 12900-block of 108th Avenue, suspected of supplying street drugs. Last week, RCMP raided the house and ten

people inside were arrested. During the search, RCMP say they seized a loaded gun, and more than 50 grams of crack cocaine and 40 grams of heroin. Also seized was a small amount of pot and methadone, and more than $1,700 in cash, materials and supplies used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.

South Asian Youtube sensation nominated for prestigious US award From page 1 some sauce! We have been nominated for two #TeenChoice awards! You can vote on women on the internet from the South FB,” Lilly Singh wrote in a Twitter post. Asian community,” the report said.

Lilly Singh is also a motivational speaker. She is particularly known for her satirical takes on everyday life. Born in Ontario to Malwinder and Sukhwinder Singh, she is known among her fans for uploading videos on YouTube every Monday and Thursday. Lilly Singh has admitted to struggling with depression and unhappiness before she started her YouTube stint. Later, she began creating YouTube videos to self-medicate and feel happier. “One of the reasons she decided to pursue a career as a YouTuber is because there was a lack of representation of

She has gained popularity for her satirical takes on themes like “How Girls Get Ready”, “Types of Kids at School” and “Girls On Their Periods”. In addition to making YouTube videos, she has a website called “Unicorn Island” which sells merchandise based on her YouTube persona. She has also been featured in many songs, such as “Hipshaker”, alongside Jassi Sidhu. Last year, she performed the rap part of the song “Mauj Ki Malharein”, which featured in the Bollywood film “Gulaab Gang”.

BC Supreme Court shuts down two From page 1 Surrey rental houses in fear and describe themselves as being prisoners in their own homes. In the recent days, there have been brazen daylight robberies at several homes in the neighbourhood. The city and residents have long been frustrated the situation is indirectly funded by the province, which sends the housing portion of the residents’ social assistance cheques directly to the homeowners. Conditions in the homes are dangerous, nearby residents say. In one house, power and cable have been fed into a garage where people are living, and people pitch tents on the lawn.

There are also padlocks on the outside of doors, making the houses a potential deadly fire trap, witnesses say. The court ordered that the city may enter the Hansen Road property on Aug. 4 to remove the paddle locks. Izaz said he will file for an appeal immediately and take the case to the highest court in the country if necessary. “Even if I lose this appeal, I will go to Canada’s Supreme Court, the highest court. If not, then God will punish them,” Izaz said. “If human beings are not allowed to help human beings, then who is allowed to help?”

OPINION

Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 7

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Voteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ke liye Cricket Khelega

Federal Minister of Defense Jason Kenney batting at the Sindhu Memorial Cricket Tournament in Mississauga, Ontario.

Abbotsford International Airshow may face delays due to wildfires

he precise timing of aerial displays at the Abbotsford international Airshow may be disrupted this weekend, as show planes wait in line behind firefighters to refuel. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airport, used in the airshow, also serves as a base for planes used in the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire fighting efforts in the Fraser Valley. Jim Reith, the president of the airshow, said airplanes fighting wildfires will get priority to land and the show may have to be suspended temporarily while planes fighting the Harrison Lake wildfire pick up more fire retardant. There could be an upside for spectators, he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it does happen, they get to see the fire tankers in action coming in which most of the province

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t actually get to see unless the fire is burning in their front yard.â&#x20AC;? B.C. Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible the show might be interrupted by firefighting efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do have a facility there that we use for refueling our planes and also for reloading fire retardant onto them as well,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to continue to have access to our facility and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working closely with them to make sure we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect the airshow too much.â&#x20AC;? He hopes cooler temperatures in the coming days will help crews get the fire under control before Friday, when the show begins.

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LOCAL

8 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

North Van couple charged in fentanyl probe face court deadline

air charged, bid to seize assets launched after police probe of fentanyl-related deaths After missing a court date last week, a B.C. couple arrested this year following a massive drug bust have until Thursday to appear, or face a warrant for their arrest. Common-law spouses Walter James McCormick and Karen Marie Armitstead were charged earlier this year with dozens of offences in connection with a major police operation aimed at disrupting the supply of fentanyl-laced drugs in the Lower Mainland and beyond. McCormick and Armitstead were scheduled to be arraigned last week in provincial court in Vancouver. But the North Vancouver couple failed to appear, said Sujata Raisinghani, a spokeswoman for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. If they fail to appear in court in Vancou-

ver by this Thursday, a warrant will be sought, Raisinghani said. They were charged in March after the culmination of Project Tainted, a major joint-forces operation involving the Vancouver Police Department and other departments. Advertisement Details of Project Tainted are revealed in Supreme Court documents filed in an attempt by the B.C. government to seize homes, cash and other assets that Armitstead and McCormick are alleged to have obtained through criminal means. The notice of claim, filed by the director of civil forfeiture, outlines how Project Tainted was launched by the VPD in October 2014, “in reaction to a rash of fentanyl related overdoses.” Court filings allege 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.” In turn,

those mid-level dealers, court filings allege, supplied drugs to a “large sophisticated drug trafficking network comprised of multiple drug trafficking lines and numerous ‘employees’ utilizing criminal techniques to traffic the illegal drugs.” In February, police executed search warrants at 11 locations including the North Vancouver home where McCormick and Armitstead lived. That home contained “numerous illegal drug and cash stashes,” “‘score sheets’ (used to record illegal drug transactions)” and guns, the claim alleges. From all 11 locations raided as part of Project Tainted, police seized more than 500,000 pills “suspected to be comprised of fentanyl.” In a March press release, Chief Supt. Kevin deBruyckere of the RCMP said Project Tainted’s goal was “to target those who were peddling poison in our communities, and to disrupt the local supply of fentanyl-laced drugs.” In June, McCormick filed a response to the civil

claim, denying wrongdoing and claiming the assets the government was attempting to seize through civil forfeiture were obtained through employment income, and were not the proceeds of crime. According to the response, Armitstead has worked since 1983 as a registered nurse at North Vancouver’s Lions Gate Hospital, earning about $90,000 per year, and McCormick has earned income doing construction, welding and other work. The pair’s next court date comes at a time when B.C. health officials and police are warning the public about the dangers of fentanyl. In recent weeks, at least four people have died in the Vancouver area after consuming drugs police believe contained fentanyl. There is no indication that McCormick, Armitstead, or any others arrested in Project Tainted had anything to do with the recent deaths.

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Vacant-house garbage dump gets partial cleanup from city crews

ity crews on Thursday cleared up mounds of garbage and discarded junk dumped at a vacant East Vancouver home. The house on East 49th Avenue and Dumfries Street has turned into an illegal dump over the past few months, much to the disgust of neighbours. Sukhbir Singh Gill, who lives near the property, welcomed the much-needed cleanup. “We’re very thankful,” he said. “At least now we’ll breathe the clean air.” Gill was just one of the residents who expressed their frustration about the unsightly mess at the corner house, which has been empty for six months and is slated for demolition. Advertisement “We are very fed up,” Gill told The Province on Wednesday. His family can’t open the back door on warm days because the stench wafts down the street, he added. On Thursday, the city took action and attacked the piles of trash on the sidewalk and

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back lane, which was littered with bags of garbage, discarded household items and toys, an old TV, a mattress and broken couches and chairs. The cleanup took about two hours as workers had to sort through some of the plastic bags and boxes in order to dispose of the items properly. Crews are called to deal with illegal dumping every day, said one worker who gave his first name as Casey, but they’re usually not so bad. “I guess when we find somewhere where we can dump, we’ll dump for free,” he said. “Cheap is good, free is better. It’s human nature. “The problem is, this house is sitting there like no one is living in it. If they had a fence around it, it might help.” He also suggested neighbours could be more vigilant and write down licence plates of people who furtively dump garbage on the property and report them to the city.

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PERSON OF THE WEEK

Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 9

My mom is my inspiration says Anita Huberman, CEO Surrey Board of Trade Shruti Prakash-Joshi

having worked her way up, she also knew what needed to be done. Her plans to grow the organizations centered on enhancing the government advocacy portfolio, strengthening social policy issues and augmenting international trade flow especially with countries such as India and China. “I firmly believe that while on one hand business certainly needs to be boosted in Surrey, at the same time to sustain this growth the

tivities that align with our mandate,” said Anita adding that this approach has reaped benefits for the organization. Today all who matter - international guests or provincial or federal ministers - make it a point to address the Surrey of Board Trade to discuss business. And all that Anita does has not been in vain. Recently she was appointed as an honorary captain of the Canadian Navy, a big surprise for her as well. “It was CEO of Surrey Board of Trade, Anita Patil Huberman a simple phone call telling with Federal Minister of Defense Jason Kenney (right). me that I have been appointsometimes nights are choc-o-bloc,” said ed and I was certainly taken by surprise,’ Anita, who travels quite a bit because of her said Anita. Apart from this, Anita is also a various roles. But does she plan a change trustee of the National Film Board. “With anytime in the future? “Not thinking about my duties as CEO and with these other it yet,” said Anita also adding that she has roles as captain and trustee, my days and no political aspirations at this time.

EO of Surrey Board of Trade, Anita Patil Huberman’s office walls have not one inch of free space and not because it is a small cramped office or is badly designed. It is because every square inch of the walls are covered with certificates, citations, letter of appreciations, awards and accolades. Certainly, well deserved since Anita is one of the most enterprising, self-made and driven individuals who has undoubtedly placed Surrey and Surrey’s business not only on the Canadian map but on the global arena as well. Born in Alberta to parents who moved from Mumbai to Canada, Anita was raised in Prince George and soon moved Anita Patil Huberman, CEO of Surrey Board of Trade to Lower Mainland to pursue her city needs to have a solid social policy plan higher education at SFU. “My mother has as well and therefore while we do our best been a huge inspiration for me. When to enhance business and trade, we also lobshe came to Canada, she didn’t speak a by for better education, child care and work word of English, but in a short period to reduce poverty for residents of Surrey as of time, as I was growing up, she went well,” said Anita. Anita’s hand on approach back to school and her perseverance to towards her work has certainly reaped benupgrade her education in a new country efits for the Surrey Board of Trade. The has left a lasting impression on my mind” board today is one of the most recognized said Anita, in an interview with the Asian names for business in Metro Vancouver. “I Star recently. firmly believe that for developing a brand While pursuing a communications devisibility is the key. People need to know gree at SFU Anita started working part what we do and how we do. Therefore I time for the Surrey Board of Trade. “I try my best to involve the board in all acpaid my way through university and alCEO of Surrey Board of Trade, Anita Patil Huberman (middle) with business partners. though post degree, I did work for the Royal Bank briefly but soon realized that banking wasn’t for me. I then deEYEGLASSES CONTACT LENSES SUNGLASSES cided to come back to work for Surrey Board of Trade and has been here Vision Test and Eye Examination Available since,” explained Anita. It’s quite marvelous that Anita, who started at SBOT at the very bottom as We are located in Royal Square Mall an Executive Assistant, worked her way up to ultimately become Chief Exec# 26 C - 800 McBride Boulevard, utive Officer nine years ago. “When New Westminster, BC V3L 2B8 I came in as CEO nine years ago, the organization was quite different. We (Near Safeway on 8th Ave., & McBride Blvd.) weren’t doing a lot in supporting and bringing business into the city but with Serving the community the vision that I had in mind, I was able Please call to book an appointment: to grow and with the help of the mefor the last 16 years dia, and through different stakeholders, we did get the kind of recognition we We Carry Major Brand Name Eye Glass Frames and Sun-Glasses, including: deserved,” said Anita. And, because E-mail: nulookopticians@telus.net Anita knew the organization really well

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10 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

LOCAL

Gangs reap profit from fentanyl as deaths climb

he powerful opioid fentanyl, recently linked to an outbreak of overdose deaths in Western Canada, appears to be flowing along a well-worn drug trafficking route — killing some of its users in the same way tainted ecstasy did before. Authorities theorize the potent painkiller is being imported from Asia to the West Coast, then moved to the black market in B.C. and Alberta by organized crime groups. Policing has largely centred around public warnings and education campaigns to prevent overdoses, while investigations are at such an early stage that officers haven’t yet uncovered any pill manufacturing operations. It’s a pattern reminiscent of early 2012, when investigators were probing the source of batches of ecstasy mixed with an unknown, lethal additive as deaths stacked up. “I think there is something of a trade route, and it’s one we saw in place at the time of ecstasy-lacing,” said Simon Fraser University criminologist Rob Gordon. Over the past two weeks, police in Metro Vancouver have linked four overdose deaths to fentanyl. Authorities and health officials say that many using the drug don’t know what they’re taking. Fentanyl produces a euphoric high and pain relief, while overdosing can cause blood pressure to plummet, slowed breathing, deep sleep, coma or death. A couple in their early 30s died in their North Vancouver home on July 20, while a 17-year-old boy and 31-year-old man each died separately last weekend.

It’s believed the victims either thought they were taking OxyContin, or using illegal drugs spiked with the fentanyl, said Jane Buxton, at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. More than 500 people have died under similar circumstances across B.C. and Alberta since 2013, with a spike in the past year. Fentanyl’s debut on the underground market was largely related to a manufacturing change that prevented OxyContin from being crushed for snorting or smoking, said a spokesman for Alberta’s ALERT integrated policing unit. Mike Tucker said that opened a void that crime bosses began exploiting, by selling fentanyl as fake OxyContin or heroin — yet it’s up to 100 times more toxic than morphine. Much of the supply is believed to originate from China and possibly Turkey as a cheap raw powder that gangs in Canada press into pills, he said. It lands on the streets in a form known as “fake 80s” or “greenies.” The drug’s appearance is new enough that investigators are still digging to reach the root of distribution channels, said Tucker. “I would guess that most of the fentanyl we’re seeing is coming from British Columbia, and that could be a stop on a shipping route or something,” said Tucker, noting ALERT seized 18,000 pills in 2014 compared with no seizures the year earlier. “We still don’t know enough about the sources.” But police do say multiple gangs are involved and they’re cashing in on low production overheads, said Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, with B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

Saturday, August ,8 2015 i 11

Surrey arsonists set themselves on fire while burning a house: RCMP Mounties in Surrey are investigating after a house was set on fire by alleged arsonists who police say may have also accidentally set themselves and a vehicle on fire early Wednesday. The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. when police were called to a house on fire in the 7900-block of 134th Street. When officers arrived, they also found an unoccupied SUV on fire a half block away. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish both blazes. Police said they believe the two fires are related and that the house fire was intentionally set. Despite the home being occu-

pied at the time, police said there were no reports of any injuries. “Investigators are looking into the possibility of the vehicle fire being linked to potential suspects as well as whether the suspects may have inadvertently burned themselves whilst setting the fire,” Staff Sgt. Dale Carr of Surrey RCMP said.

12 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

LOCAL

Would-be terrorists back in Quebec under RCMP watch after leaving for Syria eight months ago

ight months have passed since a group of Quebec youths packed their bags and boarded planes to the Middle East, allegedly to join ISIL or other terrorist groups, disappearing to an uncertain fate. Now, however, the Montreal Gazette has learned that two of the youths have quietly returned to Quebec, under the watchful eye of the RCMP. In documents obtained through access to information legislation by Postmedia, the RCMP revealed that in fact two of the eight would-be foreign fighters were already in its sights before they left, and that two of them have come back. “The RCMP is aware that a total of eight individuals from the Montreal area left Canada in January 2015 with the intention of travelling to participate in terrorist activities,” reads the document. “Only two of these individuals were known to the RCMP prior to their departure. We know that two of the eight individuals have since returned to Canada with the remaining six believed to be in Syria.” The information is contained in briefing notes that RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson had in his possession March 6, as he addressed the House Public Safety Committee in Ottawa. That was the day Paulson presented for the first time the cellphone video shot by Michael Zehaf-Bibeau moments before he stormed Parliament in October, with 18 seconds edited from the beginning and end. Asked for additional information about the two youths this week — how they made their way back to Canada, and whether they are under investigation or the subject of criminal charges — neither the Quebec RCMP nor the national headquarters would provide any details. The Combatting Terrorism Act, passed

in 2013, made it a crime to leave the country or attempt to leave the country to engage in terrorist activities — crimes that come with penalties of 10 to 14 years in prison, but that are often difficult to prove. “The RCMP does not confirm if certain individuals are the subject of an investigation unless criminal charges are laid,” said RCMP spokesperson Annie Delisle. The return of the two youths was news to Herman Okomba-Deparice, the director of Montreal’s new centre for the prevention of radicalization leading to violence, and the man charged with helping re-integrate any returnees into society. “I have no knowledge of this,” Okomba-Deparice said. “But I think I should be involved. The problem — and I’ve been saying this for a while — is that we have to ensure that people who return are not a threat to national security and don’t become agents of radicalization. That’s one of our roles.” Indeed, the revelation raises long-simmering concerns over what to do with radicalized youths, if and when they do return to Canada. In Quebec, four people are currently detained or under a peace bond because they are suspected of terrorist activities. Another 10 youths attempted to leave the country in May, but were intercepted at Trudeau airport and had their passports confiscated. They are believed to be in the care of their parents. ‘We have to ensure that people who return are not a threat to national security and don’t become agents of radicalization’ Then there were the six men and two women — most 18 or 19 years old — who left in January.

Years late and way over budget, Translink’s Compas card to be rolled out this Fall

ransLink will finally roll out its Compass electronic fare card system-wide this fall, the transit authority has announced. The long-delayed system has been in testing since 2013 but problems with the technology have limited the electronic fare cards from being made widely available to the general public. To date, seniors, TransLink employees, post-secondary students and West Coast Express users have been using the cards in a series of phased tests. But that will change soon. TransLink says Compass vending machines will be installed at SkyTrain stations and SeaBus terminals starting this month and that the cards will be available at retail outlets and costumer services centres by November.

“We’ve always said we’d do a phased roll out and we’d learn as we go,” said TransLink chief financial officer Cathy McLay, who takes over as acting CEO next week until a permanent one is hired.” The introduction of the electronic fare cards coincide with a significant change to TransLink’s fare structure.

Temporary one-zone fare on buses

tarting October 5th, there will be one-zone fare on all buses, all day, every day. It’s part of the greater rollout of the beleaguered Compass Card program. TransLink recognized it would have a problem with passengers not “tapping out” on buses when leaving, which would mean an inaccurate fare charge. The one-zone fare will only apply to buses and HandyDART. It will not include travel on SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express; for those modes, “the existing fare-zone rates will remain in effect, and tapping out will still be required to ensure the correct fare is charged.” Jordan Bateman with the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation says the unintended consequence may be that people avoid SkyTrain now and take buses because it’s cheaper. “That flies in the face of years of what

TransLink has been trying to do with the system. People do amazing things to avoid paying more money; they drive around the Port Mann Bridge all the way to the Pattullo and wait in traffic to save a few bucks. They’ll drive to Abbotsford to save money on gas taxes,” he tells us. TransLink says starting this month, the Compass Vending Machines activation will be phased in at SkyTrain stations and SeaBus terminals. It expects that will take several weeks. The plan is for single-use tickets to be available through the machines at first; TransLink expects the machines will be stocked with Compass Cards by late October. It says by November, the cards will be available at retail outlets, customer service walk-in centres, and by mail (through ordering online or by phone).

LOCAL

B.C. government & nurses union invest millions to prevent health-care assaults

ilestone AIDS conference in Vancouver seeks to end treatment debate Olympic legacy: Researchers trace 2010 measles outbreak to two visitors to B.C. Fentanyl overdose deaths ‘an emerging public health concern’ in B.C., say officials A series of violent attacks on health-care workers has prompted the provincial government and B.C. Nurses’ Union to invest $2 million for safety improvements at four high-risk hospitals. Health Minister Terry Lake and union president Gayle Duteil announced Thursday that the province and union will each contribute $1 million as the first part of a long-term plan that aims to tackle the chronic problem of occupational violence against nurses and other health-care providers. “The fact is that, for far too long, the risk of violence to nurses has simply been seen as part of the work that nurses do, part of the job,” Duteil told reporters. “The problem is, this acceptance means we don’t do everything in our power to minimize the risk, and that’s just what we have to do.” The four sites to receive funding include Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Port Coquitlam, Hillside Centre in Kamloops, and Seven Oaks Tertiary Mental Health in Victoria.

Depending on the site, upgrades will include increased staffing levels, improved mental-health education and training, a new distress button and communication systems. The improvements will be rolled out in the coming months, said Duteil. Although the union chose 12 healthcare facilities that it deemed to be a priority for receiving safety upgrades, Duteil said funding will be allocated first to four hospitals that have experienced a history of violence. However, the union hopes to move quickly to improve conditions at other hospitals across the province, Duteil said. “The threat of violence is present in virtually every care setting, including in residential care,” she said. “We’re resolved to see the issue of violence addressed across the entire health-care system.” The funding comes after a string of attacks on nurses in hospital across B.C. in recent years. One of the most recent attacks in April saw a nurse seriously assaulted by a patient at Hillside Centre in April, four months after another nurse was attacked in the same hospital. Duteil said that nurse attacked in April has returned to work, but a nurse who was badly beaten in Abbotsford Regional Hospital in March is still recovering.

Surrey robber loses appeal of 14 convictions

man convicted of 14 crimes related to robberies in Surrey and Langley has lost his appeal of those convictions. Michael Heatley tried to have the Court of Appeal for British Columbia overturn the trial judge’s rulings on voir dire hearings that admitted evidence concerning his confessions to seven robberies. The appeal court hearing was heard in Vancouver in June and Justice Mary Newbury dismissed his appeal on Wednesday, Aug. 5th.

She found Heatley had “decided voluntarily to ‘clean his slate.’” Justices Ian Donald and John Savage agreed. Heatley was convicted on seven counts of robbery and seven counts of committing an indictable offence with his face masked. This was related to the robberies of fast-food outlets, including Booster Juice stores, in Surrey and Langley in the summer of 2011. Heatley’s 11-day trial was heard in March 2014.

Saturday, August ,8 2015 i 13

14 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

Surrey RCMParrest woman found sleeping in stolen car

CMP charged a Surrey woman with a string of crimes after finding her sleeping inside a stolen car in Whalley. Laetitia Acera, 22, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and four counts of breaching court undertakings. She was held in custody pending her court appearance Wednesday. Police said the suspect was found sleeping inside the car, in the 11800-block of 103A Avenue, at about 4 a.m. July 21st. Later that same morning, at about 11:30 a.m., Surrey Mounties found a stolen car in the 13700-block of 88th Avenue and followed it by helicopter to a shopping centre in Whalley. “Officers arrested the driver who was found to be breaching his conditions,” Sgt. Dale Carr said. “A search of the

suspect and the stolen vehicle located a number of pieces of stolen property along with a large knife and a small amount of methamphetamine.” Terry Zimmerman, 51, of Delta is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, breaching his probation and breaching a court undertaking. He is being held in custody pending his court appearance on Aug. 13th. Cpl. Scotty Schumann said Surrey RCMP’s property crimes investigators have in recent months targeted a “number of known offenders found to be in possession of large amounts of stolen property.” Between July 16th and July 23rd, he said, the Surrey RCMP recovered 61 stolen vehicles, 58 of which had been stolen in Surrey.

70 year old Vancouver ESL tutor accused of inappropriately touching a 12-year-old girl

tutor working in Vancouver has been charged with a sexual offence after a 12-year-old girl on the city’s West Side said was touched inappropriately. He was hired to teach English as a Second Language shortly after the girl arrived in Canada two years ago. Investigators believe the incidents happened over a one-year period beginning in the summer of 2013. Vancouver Police Constable Brian Montague says they want to talk to anyone who may have either come into contact or know 70-year-old Christopher Jon Adams. “We want to be able to backtrack this individual’s movements — where he has lived and where he has worked. And for that, we’ll need to talk to previous employers, friends and family who are willing to come forward and speak with our investigators.” “We do believe there are other victims out there that have not come forward. Obviously this is very upsetting, very

concerning for parents — they put a lot of trust into individuals they leave their children in the care of. They expect these people will treat their children appropriately and take good care of them and to have something like this happen is obviously very upsetting,” adds Montague. The accused lived and worked in Ontario before coming to BC may also be known by other variations of his name like “Jon Adams.” “We believe some of his students and the parents of those students may know him by variations of that legal name. They may also know him by just his last name,” says Montague. Adams has been released with several conditions that include not being allowed in any public parks, community centres and playgrounds. And he can’t have any direct contact with anyone under the age of 16. He advertised his tutoring services in Vancouver-based Asian newspapers and online. If you have any additional information, you are asked to call Vancouver Police at 604-717-0602.

Tories spent $1.3 million in Surrey two days before election writ was dropped

he Conservative government started shoveling money into Surrey on Friday, two days before the federal election writ was dropped. On Friday of the previous week, Nina Grewal, MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells announced $1.1 million has been earmarked for six community projects in Surrey, under the Government of Canada’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Grewal said $250,000 will be spent on renovations to the Newton Seniors’ Centre, $150,000 on upgrades to the Newton Cultural Centre, $100,000 to replace Bridgeview Community Hall’s roof, and $300,000 to replace Newton Library’s roof. Also, $225,000 will be spent upgrading and renovating the Guildford Recreation Centre and $75,000 will be spent to replace the climate control system at the Surrey Art Centre. “As we look towards the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we are helping all Canadians celebrate this important milestone, while leaving a lasting legacy of improved local infrastructure,” Grewal said. “Infrastructure has always been a priority for me, whether it has been roads, bridges, public buildings or public transit.” Also on Friday, Delta-Richmond East Conservative MP and Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne Findlay was at the Centre for Child Development in Whalley to announce $220,000 in funding over two years to support Sophie’s Place Child Advocacy Centre. The plan is to provide the centre with $110,000 in 2015-16 and $110,000 in 2016-17. The Governor General dissolved Canada’s 41st Parliament on Sunday, at Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s request, launching an 11-week federal election campaign with Canadians going to the poll stations on Oct. 19.

LOCAL

Saturday, August ,8 2015 i 15

New fire trucks for Surrey will be able to purify water

urrey’s fleet of fire trucks is about to get a whole lot more advanced. Three new tankers will replace three currently in operation and, in a first for the city, they’ll be equipped with water-purification units. Currently, the fire department has five water tanker trucks to serve the rural and agricultural areas in Surrey that don’t have fire hydrants. But now, thanks to the three new trucks, the fire service will have the ability to purify water, which would be particularly useful in the event of a water disruption resulting from a disaster. Each new water tanker will be ca-

Hydrogen sulphide gas leak forces BC to Chicago pipeline closure A natural gas pipeline that extends from northeastern British Columbia to the Chicago area has been shut in order to dispose of dangerous hydrogen sulphide gas that got into the system. Alliance Pipeline said it expects its mainline to be closed for an “indeterminate amount of time” as it deals with the gas, which is poisonous, corrosive, flammable and smells like rotten eggs. The company did not say how much of it entered the pipeline. Alliance said it plans to burn off the gas within the confines of its Alameda compressor station about 250 kilometres southeast of Regina, and that there is no risk to human health and no expected environmental harm. “Our chief concern now is to ensure the safety of the public, employees and the environment. We are working to remove the H2S from the pipeline in a controlled and safe manner,” said Alliance vice-president Daniel

Three people from B.C. involved in head-on collision in Alberta A 56-year-old man has sustained life-threatening injuries in a head-on collision on Highway 16 east of Jasper, Alta. RCMP say a pickup truck headed east crossed the centre line and collided with a west-bound tractor pulling a fully loaded flat-deck trailer. All involved are from British Columbia -- the 71-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer unit, who was not injured, is from Abbotsford while the driver of the truck and his 50-year-old female passenger, who sustained minor injuries, are from Campbell River.

pable of filtering 500 imperial gallons per hour, or 12,000 per day. “We will have the capacity with having all three of these to provide safe drinking water as long as we have a fresh water source to draw it from - like a stream or a p o o l ,” said deputy fire chief Dan Barnscher, adding they won’t be able to desalinate salt water. The fire service found, for an extra $25,000 a pop, they could add the water purifiers.Each truck will cost $420,000. The trucks are expected to be in use beginning in August

A Blueberry festival for the family was held at the Nijjar Farm on # 5 Road of Richmond, last weekend. Photo: Chandar Bodalia

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16 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

LOCAL

Canada added ‘modest’ 6,600 jobs in July

C Parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Calgary - area MP, Deepak Obhrai, was in campaign mode while visiting Metro Vancouver last week. He is pictured here speaking to members of the South Asian media in Surrey on Friday, July 31. Photo: Chandra Bodalia

Unemployment rate remained at 6.8%

anada’s overall labour market didn’t change very much in July as the economy created 6,600 additional jobs, Statistics Canada reported today. That was roughly in line with the 5,000 new jobs that economists had been forecasting. The unemployment rate remained at 6.8 per cent for the sixth straight month. Manufacturing remains weak as another 4,600 factory jobs disappeared in July. Job gains were concentrated in the services-producing sector. Several economists called it a mixed report but said the numbers still don’t cry “recession.” “Make no mistake, this is not a strong report ... but it’s also not notably weak,” said BMO chief economist Douglas Porter. “While many have been quick to label this year’s economic performance a recession, the job numbers just haven’t backed that up.” CIBC World Markets economist Nick

Exarhos said much the same thing in a morning commentary, saying the data “isn’t yet pointing to Canada being in recession,” noting that 11,000 jobs have been added over a period which included a major downturn in the oil and gas sector. Canada’s GDP declined in each of the first five months of the year. But exports surged in June, suggesting to some observers that the economy may be in the early stages of a rebound from its oil-related slump. Nationally, the economy has churned out 161,400 jobs in the last 12 months, with more than 100,000 jobs added so far this year. Part-time jobs rise The overall growth in jobs in July was due to a big gain in the ranks of the self-employed. Self-employment grew markedly, adding 40,500 workers in that sector, while there were losses in the public sector (down by 5,800 jobs) and the private sector (down 28,100 jobs).

July unemployment by provinces Canada’s national unemployment rate was 6.8 per cent in July. Here’s what happened provincially (previous month in brackets): — Newfoundland and Labrador 11.9 (12.3) — Prince Edward Island 11.6 (11.1) — Nova Scotia 8.1 (8.0) — New Brunswick 11.0 (10.8) — Quebec 7.7 (8.0) — Ontario 6.4 (6.5) — Manitoba 5.6 (5.3) — Saskatchewan 5.2 (4.7) — Alberta 6.0 (5.7) — British Columbia 6.0 (5.8)

U.S. employers add 215,000 jobs in July, unemployment rate steady at 5.3% U.S. employers added a solid 215,000 jobs in July, signalling a steadily rising job market and likely nudging the U.S. Federal Reserve closer to raising interest rates in September. The U.S. Labour Department also says the unemployment rate held at a relatively low 5.3 per cent for a second straight month. Monthly job growth has averaged 211,286 so far this year, indicating that employers are confident that the six-year recovery from the recession can sustain strong consumer demand and require more workers. Hiring has remained robust even though the economy’s overall growth rate has been subpar and pay raises have been modest for many workers. Average hourly earnings in July increased just 2.1 per cent from a year earlier. James Marple, senior economist at TD Economics, said slow wage growth has been a “fly in the ointment,” but pointed to growth in average weekly earnings, which was more robust than hourly wage growth. Average weekly earnings rose 0.5 per cent in the last year, because average weekly hours at work were growing, with a steady 3.4 hours a week of overtime reported in the manufacturing sector, according to the U.S. Labour Department. Setting the stage for rate hike next month The Fed has held its key short-term rate

LOCAL

Saturday, August ,8 2015 i 17

Taxi driver calls Ottawa Mayor ‘puppet of Uber’ after he compared cabbies to ‘thugs’

taxi driver is calling Ottawa’s mayor a “puppet of Uber” after the mayor said the driver and four others resembled a gang of “thugs” in a YouTube video that shows them secretly filming Uber drivers. The drivers said they’re recording Uber drivers in an effort to gather evidence against them and to help the city’s bylaw department crack down on unlicensed taxi operators. “He thinks of us as thugs, but we think of him as a puppet of Uber. That’s my opinion, everybody has his own opinion,” said Blueline taxi driver Roy Noja on Thursday. “I know he’s the mayor, I know he has a job to do. With all due respect, this is not the perfect word to use about us.” Noja and four other taxi drivers posted a video on YouTube showing them taking an Uber ride on Monday night. Mayor Jim Watson said the video posted on YouTube only hurts the cause of taxi drivers in their battle with the Uber ride-sharing service. “It does not help the situation when this sort of gang, posse is going around and secretly videotaping people and their cars,” Watson said on Thursday. “It makes them look like they’re thugs or engaged in vigilante activity, which I think harms them and [doesn’t help] the cause.” The city said that for safety reasons, people shouldn’t collect their own evidence to assist bylaw investigations. Instead, residents should call 311. The city also said video footage on its own can’t be used to lay charges against Uber drivers because the bylaw department would still need to conduct its own investigation. Watson expressed sympathy for those who earn a living driving taxis, but he added bylaw officials should take care of evidence gathering. “You don’t want to see that industry die. In many instances those people are living at or below the poverty line. Obviously Uber is affecting their livelihood,” the mayor said. “But to take almost this vigilante kind of approach — all jammed into a cab with a video recorder — doesn’t make any sense.” ‘We will continue doing that’ Nola said he planned to continue his fight against Uber. “What we did is to help the City of Ottawa and the bylaw [department], and to give them enough evidence as proof that what they’re doing is illegal. And we’re going to share every evidence that we have, to give it to them so they can go after them,” Noja said Wednesday.

Former RCMP officer charged with sex offences in Nunavut Nunavut RCMP have charged a former Mountie with sex offences involving a child that stem back to the 1960s. The charges follow a complaint filed by one person about alleged sexual assaults in Cape Dorset, a hamlet near the southern tip of Baffin Island. Police say Lauren McKiel, who is 78, is charged with rape, indecent assault and having sex with someone under 14. He is to appear in Iqaluit court on the charges on Sept. 14. RCMP say McKiel held the rank of superintendent when he retired.

Blueline taxi driver Roy Noja says he came up with the idea to gather video evidence against Uber drivers. “We will continue doing that to prove to the city that we have evidence to go after them and give them tickets.” Noja, who said he came up with the idea to film Uber drivers in their vehicles without telling them, said he was the man seen in a verbal altercation filmed and posted on YouTube in June. In the video, Noja berates an Ottawa bylaw officer who questioned where Noja was parked. “You go fight Uber. Why don’t you go fight Uber for that?” Noja is seen telling the bylaw officer in the video. “If you have better things to do, go fight Uber. I’m working for my money to pay for my three kids, do you understand?” Noja was charged with acting discourteously in front of a customer in relation to the incident.

NDP MLA Raj Chouhan and NDP MP, Peter Julia, held a joint community barbeque in Burnaby on Saturday, August 1.

18 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

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. 6 No. 1 - Saturday - August 8, 2015

Tel: 604-591-5423

The big appeal of smaller condos: Micro housing coming to Canada

icro condos are coming to

Canada, providing affordability for first-time buyers. Popular with students, downsizers and investors, this new housing form appeals to the consummate downtowner.Smaller suites are the norm in places like London, Tokyo and New York, and in Canadian cities, they’ve proved enormously popular with surprisingly swift sales. Ranging in size from 250 to 400 sq. ft., they’re a perfect size for a pied à terre, and for buyers who want to stake their claim on a piece of the downtown condo market and who are willing to trade private space for public space. “The main amenity is the city itself,” says developer Jon Stovell, president of Reliance Properties. “It’s a 300-square- foot condominium with a three-million-square-foot living room.” The company has been actively building its popular micro lofts in Vancouver, Victoria and Surrey, B.C. In Vancouver, home ownership of even a regular studio or one-bedroom is an impossibility for a lot of people, says Stovell. The micro lofts have proven popular with younger purchasers. “Millennials totally get this equation,” says Stovell. “They’re much less status conscious.” Urban Capital got the ball rolling a few years ago, with its Smart House projects. The micro condo trend has definitely been growing and expanding internationally, says partner David Wex. “We pressed the reset button on condo design. What we’re offering at Smart House Ottawa is a way to live affordably and sustainably right in the city’s heart.” With micro condos, Wex says the focus is on smart design and space-saving ideas. Everything from storage to appliances is cleverly thought out with an economy of space in mind.In Edmonton, Vibe condos by the Carrington Group is the city’s first foray into smaller suites. “The micro condos are not really here yet,” explains project sales manager Riley Lagaden, who initially wasn’t sure how they would fly. After launching, he was pleasantly surprised with the response. “Edmonton has been waiting for this.” Need help organizing your small condo? Kyla Rozman is co-owner of Vancouverbased In Order To Succeed Professional Organizing. The company specializes in helping people make efficient use of every square inch of space. “When in a small space you need to think up, think down or think out,” says Rozman, who sees micro condos as a

growing trend as more and more retirees are downsizing. Neat tricks Kyla Rozman’s tips on organizing a small condo Think up Maximize the tops of your closets by adding shelves and bins with lids. Taller furniture allows for 4locking i Saturday, July 25, 2015 more storage, such as tall bookcases.

- E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com

Professional and Award Winning Service

5 Unbelievable Facts About the Toronto Real Estate Market

here might not be a topic more contested in the financial community than the future of the Toronto housing market. Bulls point to low interest rates, crazy bidding wars for desirable neighborhoods, and a steady stream of new people moving to the city

as proof the market is in great shape. A steadily rising price is the result of a healthy market. Meanwhile, bears look at factors like record high price-to-income ratios, impending rate hikes, and record consumer debt levels as evidence the madness just can’t continue. They contend the market is primed for a correction, perhaps even a crash. It just needs a catalyst. It’s obvious the market is stretched, it’s only a matter of when the party decides to come to an end. It could stop soon, or it could go on for another few years;

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real estate / finance

Crooked houses in Toronto on sale for $700K each

ow much would you be willing to pay for a crooked house? That’s not a euphemism for anything. A couple of tilted, two-storey Toronto homes are on the market for $688,800 each. The crooked castles are located in a rising area in the city’s west end near schools, subway stops and other amenities, and where many surrounding homes are priced in the millions. Home maintenance checklist: Summer » The homes’ funhouse postures are likely caused by the shifting infill of the creek that used

to run through the neighbourhood. One of the homes is apparently also built on what was once a gravel pit. Mending the foundations of the sloping homes could cost up to $100,000 each. That’s quite a price to pay for a couple of fixeruppers. Whatever the buyer chooses to do, let’s just hope they use a level. Check out what it’s like inside one of Toronto’s crooked houses. This news segment was shot earlier this year, before the properties hit the market.

5 Unbelievable Facts About the Toronto Real Estate Market From page 1 nobody really knows a timeline for such things. Here are five facts about the Toronto market that should give everyone pause. 1. 56,000 condos At the end of 2014, there were more than 56,000 condos under construction in Toronto. That’s far more than what’s being built in other cities with a greater population like Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. As a comparison, during most of the 1990s the city hovered around 10,000 condo starts. 2. $1 million average price In February Toronto reached a milestone that had previously only been reserved for some of the most expensive cities on the planet. The average price for a detached home in the city limits surpassed $1 million. That still hasn’t slowed down buyers, since multiple-offer situations are still common. 3. 50% in five years In 2010 the average price for a Toronto property (including condos) was hovering around $430,000. In just five years, that average has rocketed up more

than 50%, recently almost hitting $650,000. The last time the market moved that quickly was back in the late 1980s, with the average price hitting a peak of $273,000 in 1989. The average value didn’t top $270,000 again until 2004.

4. 39,000 The number of sales in the Toronto market has more than tripled since hitting a low of 26,700 transactions in 1990, right after the 1989 bubble popped. That’s created a lot of jobs selling houses. According to the Toronto Real Estate Board, there are currently more than 39,000 realtors currently working in the city. That’s one realtor for every 140 residents. 5. 8.9 times According to Statistics Canada, the average Toronto family earned $72,830 in 2013, the most recent year for which statistics are available. During May 2015 the average price of real estate in the city was $649,599. That puts the price-to-income ratio at an eye-popping 8.9 times, which is a record high.

BOLLYWOOD / FILM

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Recipe

Appetizer Pizza

Bold flavours mingle on this flaky pastry crust crowned with sassy ginger, peanut and veggie toppings.

ream cheese spread 1/4 cup (50

mL) creamy peanut butter 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground ginger 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper 1/2 cup (125 mL) 2 cans (each 235 g) Pillsbury* Crescents 1/2 cup (125 mL) chive and onion, shredded carrot 1/2 cup (125 mL), chopped red pepper 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped seeded cucumber 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped salted peanuts 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped fresh cilantro Instructions STEP1Heat oven to 375&deg;F (190&deg;C). Unroll both cans of the dough; separate into 4 long rectangles. Place rectangles in ungreased 15x10x3/4-inch (39x26x2 cm) pan; press in bottom and up sides to form crust. STEP 2 Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool com-

pletely, about 30 minutes. STEP3In small bowl, mix cream cheese spread, peanut butter, ginger and ground red pepper. Spread over cooled crust.

Top with carrot, bell pepper, cucumber and peanuts. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving. STEP 4 Just before serving, sprinkle with cilantro. Cut into squares. Substitution: A baking sheet can be used. However, the crust will be thinner.

Tomato, Basil, Pasta This is a simple recipe, flavorful dish served at room temperature. This dish will refrigerate well and is just as good the next day for lunch as a cold pasta salad

Ingredients :

riginal recipe makes 6 servingsChange Servings, 2 cupsdiced tomatoes, 1 smallonion, finely chopped, 6 tablespoonsolive oil 2 clovescrushed garlic, 6 leavesfresh basil, torn, 10 ouncesfusilli pasta, 3 tablespoonsgrated Parmesan cheese, or to taste, 1 1/2 cupscrumbled feta cheese, salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1.Stir tomatoes, onion, olive oil, garlic, and basil together in a bowl. 2.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 12 minutes. Drain. 3.Toss warm pasta with feta cheese and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Stir tomato mixture into pasta and season with salt and pepper.

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What you smell.

What your guests smell.

Has your nose gone curryblind? Febreze eliminates the smells of kal ka khana and leaves a light,fresh smell. ÂŠ 2015 P&G

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BOLLYWOOD / FILM

Nitin Mukesh presents a tribute to his father Mukesh

ukesh, one of the three pillars of Indian playback singing besides Mohammad Rafi & Kishore Kumar , died prematurely at the young age of 53 on August 27,1976 , and ever since , his son NITIN MUKESH took over and became the favourite of music directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal , Kalyanji Anandji , Rajesh Roshan & Shankar Jaikishan amongst others . The singing voice of popular actors like Anil Kapoor , Jackie Shroff & Shahrukh Khan in 80’s & 90’s , Nitin Mukesh has sung many popular songs during his illustrious career and toured various countries for many live concerts. In 2006 , Nitin Mukesh embarked upon KAL KI YAADEIN , a live concert dedicated to the memory of his father MUKESH in North America and it was warmly received by all Mukesh fans , and 10 years after , Nitin Mukesh is bringing another live concert REMEMBERING MUKESH as he remembers his celebrated father on his

40th death anniversary. Presented by Kamal Sharma of KAMAL’S VIDEO PALACE & KVP ENTERTAINERS , Nitin Mukesh presents a tribute to his father MUKESH JI on SUNDAY , AUGUST 9nth at BELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, URREY at 7 PM and the tickets at $ 35,45,55,65 & VIP are already selling at KAMAL’S VIDEO PALACE , Surrey & SHAAZ V I D E O, Burnaby ( 604-439-0463 ) and can be bought online from www.vtixonline.com . So mark your calendars as this is a must for all those who love the classic golden melodies of 50’s,60’s & 70’sand don’t forget that REMEMBERING MUKESH North American concert tour is in July-August,2015 and once again , NITIN MUKESH will be accompanied by the finest female singers & musicians of Mumbai film industry !

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NATIONAL

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B.C. appeals child abuse decision

he British Columbia government is appealing a scathing court decision that found social workers ignored a mother’s warnings and enabled her estranged husband to sexually abuse their children in foster care. The Children’s Ministry says documents have been filed in order to seek clarity from the B.C. Court of Appeal on the important child protection issues raised by the ruling. A B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled last month that social workers failed to investigate the kids’ claims that their father had sexually abused them and knowing-

ly violated a court order banning him from unsupervised visits. Children’s Minister Stephanie Cadieux says the appeal is not about the family involved, but about every family that the ministry may interact with in the future. She says government lawyers have advised her there is reason to believe the trial judge erred in a number of areas, and an appeal is warranted. Cadieux says the appeal will not impact a former senior civil servant’s review of practice and policy in the ministry and that any staff concerns that arise will be examined by a separate human resources review.

Have-not provinces getting too much equalization money, Premier Brad Wall says

askatchewan Premier Brad Wall Mind you, Quebec could save a fortune wants cuts to the federal equaliza- simply by disbanding Revenue Quebec and tion program, suggesting some of using only the CRA, as the other 28 million the have-not provinces are getting too much Canadians do. Simply having to complete money that could be better spent elsewhere. only one tax form is a bonus!” – Cyberdude “It is a lot of money to go out in a way that The premier said he simply wants a diseems to be dated and not always efficient, alogue on changing the federally funded, and infrastructure and tax relief might be an constitutionally guaranteed program, which option instead,” Wall said Wednesday. The sees more than $17 billion a year given to best reader comments on this issue “I agree poorer provinces. P.E.I. collects the most in with the principle of equalizing access to equalization payments — $1,980 per person. services such as health and education. HowHe touted a specific option in media inever, my big criticism of the terviews — taking away program is that it has propped half the program’s fundImagine what up provincial regimes that are ing and using it for a 8.5 billion to 9 chronically bad, irresponsible billion more federal combination of inframoney managers (Quebec for structure work and tax dollars decades and Ontario more re- could do in terms of cuts. “Imagine what 8.5 cently, both provinces that are billion to 9 billion more national big and rich in resources and federal dollars could infrastructure have no business needing supdo in terms of national port payments). So, suppose as some infrastructure,” he said. “Perhaps Canadians commenters have gleefully pointed out, would rather see a split between infrastrucAlberta and Saskatchewan do go in the ture investment and permanent, sustainable tank because of oil prices. Without any tax relief to build the economy.” The equal“have” provinces left, who’s going to ization program is designed to enable poorpay the bills for this grand scheme? You er provinces to offer government services at don’t mean, you couldn’t mean could tax levels similar to richer jurisdictions. It you, that just like with my own home is based on a complex formula that assesses budget which I have to keep balanced each province’s ability to raise its own money, every month, that each province would and brings poorer provinces up to the nationhave to do the same? God forbid, what al average. Wall, who leads the right-leaning a preposterous idea.” – Misty7Isle “No Saskatchewan Party, said he hoped the federone is arguing about not having to pay al election campaign would be a good time taxes. But like Hello World pointed out, to open debate on a topic that he believes few the code is so archaic that the cost of people in political circles want to discuss. administration is 20%. I would hope Manitoba NDP Premier Greg Selinger rewe could do better than that. The code sponded Wednesday by saying the equalizaas it is, has been cobbled together as a tion program benefited Saskatchewan until patchwork of nods and winks to spe- 2008, when the province joined the “have” cial interests. We can certainly do bet- provinces partly due to rising energy and ter, but the political will just isn’t there. mining revenues.

Toronto home sales on pace for record year

oronto’s real estate board has re- increases well above the rate of inflation.” ported a record number of house As hot as Toronto’s real estate market is, and condo sales in July and says the Vancouver’s is on fire. Vancouver’s real esGreater Toronto Area (GTA) is on pace to tate board reported Wednesday that sales set a new record for home sales this year. in July were up 30 per cent from last year, Almost 9,900 homes changed hands in the GTA last month, up eight per cent from the same month last year. Condo sales led the increase, up 14.4 per cent. Canada’s luxury home market running hot and cold, Sotheby’s says The average MLS selling price in the GTA was $609,236 in July — up 10.6 per cent year over year. The MLS Home Price Index for and the benchmark price for a detached the Toronto area rose 9.4 per cent. Average property in Metro Vancouver increased condo prices in the GTA, however, rose a 16.2 per cent to $1,141,800. The real esmore modest 4.1 per cent to $372,363. In tate picture in the rest of Canada is much the city of Toronto, the avermore subdued. Last month, age selling price of a detached the Canadian Real Estate Average prices home slipped below $1 milAssociation reported that if lion for the first time in sev- continue to rise at Toronto and Vancouver are eral months, to $996,770. But double-digit rates excluded from national sellthat still represents a 7.1 per ing price calculations, the cent increase from the yearaverage selling price shows a ago average. “With the level of inventory much more modest year-over-year increase in the GTA trending below two months, of 3.1 per cent. Consider Montreal, for inmany listings continued to generate a lot stance, where the city’s real estate board of interest from buyers,” said Jason Mercer, reported Thursday that sales last month the Toronto Real Estate Board’s director were up two per cent from a year earlier, of market analysis, in a statement. “Not while median prices were 1 to 4 per cent surprisingly, this supported further price higher, depending on the type of housing.

NATIONAL

No clear winner as leaders spar on security, economy in first debate

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NDP surges past Conservatives, Liberals in latest poll New Democrats take double-digit lead in public support, their best showing by far in the past two years, Forum Research poll finds.

Party leaders Justin Trudeau, Elizabeth May, Tom Mulcair and Stephen Harper pose before Thursday’s debate in Toronto. leaders disputed. onservative Leader Stephen HarpBut he seemed to concede for the first time er, seeking another term in office, that Canada was in a recession after Mulcair found himself fending off challeng- brought up government data that reported es to the government’s performance on se- five straight months of negative economic curity, the economy and environment in the growth. “I’m not denying that,” Harper refirst federal leaders’ debate of the campaign plied. Harper also defended his record on on Thursday. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, ensuring Canadians have income stabiliin the first question of the night from the ty in their senior years, pointing to income moderator, Maclean’s political editor Paul splitting for pensioners. While Mulcair and Wells, was quick to contend Canada is in a Trudeau participated in their first federrecession, deeming it to be a risk to continue al election debate, May accused Harper of with Harper’s “failed plan.” “cherry picking his data” and called him on Both Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mul- statements made in a 2008 federal debate in cair brought up the spectre of consecutive which she participated. “I don’t think he’s got deficits on more than one occasion. “Honest- a really good track record of spotting when ly, Mr. Harper, we really can’t afford another we’re in a recession,” she said. Perhaps surfour years of you,” Mulcair said. With respect prisingly, one of the most heated exchanges to security, Green Party Leader Elizabeth of the night featured Trudeau and Montreal May charged that Harper was playing right native Mulcair sparring on the issue of Queinto the hands of ISIS, drawing Canada into bec sovereignty. Trudeau accused him of trythe region by its provocations and shocking ing to undermine the Clarity Act, videos of hostage killings. Mulcair rejected which mandates a clear question the notion that his party would never en- and clear majority in any sovergage Canada militarily, stressing it opposed eignty referendum. the ISIS mission because it lacked a clearly Mulcair retorted that he has defined purpose and exit strategy. Harper spent his political life fighting defended the ISIS mission abroad and the against separatism. government’s Anti-Terrorism Act at home on Pipeline politics the grounds the militant group is “slaughterTrudeau criticized Harper for ing hundreds of thousands” in Iraq and Syria. his lack of co-operation and part“[ISIS] has singled out Canada and Canadi- nerships with First Nations on ans by name and has demonstrated abilities environmental issues and with to carry out attacks in countries like ours,” he the provincial premiers on a host added. Trudeau focused on the aftermath of of issues. With respect to the war and unrest, accusing the Conservatives proposed Keystone XL pipeline of “nickel and diming” Canada’s veterans project that would ship Alberta when they return from deployment. Eco- oilsands crude to the U.S., Harpnomic record questioned Harper, referring er pointed to overwhelming supto the Liberal leader as Mr. Trudeau after an port from the public and among early campaign approach of calling him “Jus- politicians south of the border, tin” at nearly every turn, said Canada should other than the current U.S. presstay the course during challenging times with ident. He contended that the his party’s policy of low tax rates. Harper Conservatives are the first govtrumpeted Canada as having the strongest ernment in Canada to reduce economic growth and job creation record greenhouse gas emissions, which in the world since the great global recession drew an immediate rebuke from began in 2008, an argument which the other May as being untrue.

Saturday, August 8 2015

he New Democrats have surged to a double-digit lead in public support, gaining more distance over the other federal parties than they have at any time in the past two years, according to a new Forum Research poll. About four in 10 Canadians surveyed (39 per cent) said they would cast their ballot for the NDP if an election were held today. The Conservatives fell from neck-and-neck status with the NDP last week to 28 per cent of voter support Sunday, while the Liberals were steady at 25 per cent. Projected onto an enlarged 338-seat House of Commons, the survey results indicate the NDP would command a solid minority of 160 seats — 10 short of a majority. The poll, conducted hours after Prime Minister Stephen Harper kicked off a marathon campaign Sunday for the Oct. 19 election, reveals the NDP, under Thomas Mulcair’s leadership, has turned its flagging fortunes around. Last December, even though it was the official Opposition, it was a distant third, according to Forum data, trailing with 17-per-cent support. The Liberals, under Justin Trudeau, were dominant at that point, with 41 per cent. The Liberals have since gone from a comfortable lead to a

three-way tie for third place in the course of a year, poll results show. “I … haven’t found a single instance of the NDP having a double-digit lead before today,” Lorne Bozinoff, president of Forum Research, said. “Now the government has released the hounds, as it were, people … are coming off the fence and ending up with the NDP for now,” he added in a statement. The campaign — twice the typical length — will be the longest, and likely the costliest, election in modern Canadian history. “Much can happen in that time because campaigns, and their errors, forced and unforced, do make a difference,” Bozinoff noted. Sunday’s poll found a distinct gender gap in the Conservative vote, which attracts more than a third of male voters (34 per cent) but fewer than a quarter of women (22 per cent). The gap works the other way for the NDP: 35 per cent of male voters and an even higher 42 per cent of women. After tying with Harper in previous polls as preferred choice for prime minister, Mulcair is now seen as the top choice, compared to Harper and Trudeau, who ranks slightly lower than both.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Saturday, August 8, 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 inspection 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

JOBS 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 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 ----------------------------

I JOBS

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 being 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

E JOBS

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 and ensure proper documentation is passed onto head office. You will have to investigate alarm responses and respond in a timely manner. You will need to communicate any concerns/ issues with Site Supervisor/ Coordinator. The above opportunities suit candidates willing to travel all over the lower mainland and from Squamish to Hope. We also have opportunities in Edmonton, Alberta. Minimum qualification for these positions are completion of secondary school and BST Justice Training of BC. Past experience is preferred but we are willing to train candidates who show eagerness to learn. For more information please visit our website at www.transworldsecurity.ca. Please email you resume to hr@ transworldsecurity.ca. ------------------------------------Retail Sales Supervisor (6211); Saim’s Communication Inc.,Surrey, British Columbia, (6211); Salary: $17:50/Hourly; Positions Available: 2; Type: Full-

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. Time; Minimum Education: High School; ,Description : Assign sales workers to duties and prepare work schedules, Authorize payments by cheque and the return ofmerchandise , Sell merchandise to customers, Resolve problems that arise, such as customercomplaints and supply shortages, • Maintain specified inventory and ordermerchandise, Prepare reports regarding sales volumes, merchandising and personnel matters, Hire and train or arrange for the training of new sales staff, Ensure proper tagging, packing and displaying of products, Travel upto four different sites daily and/or weekly as required,

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Call: 604-591-5423

COMMUNITY Independence Day Celebrations at the Consulate General of India The 69th Independence Day of India will be celebrated on 15th August 2015 (Saturday) at the Consulate General of India, 201-325 (3rd floor– Conference Hall) Howe Street, Vancouver BC. 2. The Flag hoisting ceremony will take place at 1000hrs. National Anthem, reading of President of India’s address to the nation and a brief reception over simple refreshments, will follow. 3. Consulate General of India, Vancouver cordially invites all Indian nationals, people of Indian origin and friends of India to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. ---------------------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and non members also to attend a Powerful Presentation - Exercise for a Healthy Life Style with a Focus on Healthy Heart by Monika Tsia Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Amy Sangha Physiotherapist both working for Fraser Health in Cardiac Rehablitation and Prevention Program at Jim Pattison Out Patient/ Surrey Hospital. They will explain Health related Fitness and will demonstrate you, how to perform different types of Exercise for Healthy Life Style. Monika Tsia and Amy Sangha will answer all your questions about Health related Fitness. Tea and light snacks will be served after the Powerful Presentation. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604- 507- 9945 for further details. ------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and non members also to attend a Powerful Presentation - Exercise for a Healthy Life Style with a Focus on Healthy Heart by Monika Tsia Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Amy Sangha Physiotherapist both working for Fraser Health in Cardiac Rehablitation and Prevention Program at Jim Pattison Out Patient/ Surrey Hospital. They will explain Health related Fitness and will demonstrate you, how to perform different types of Exercise for Healthy Life Style. Monika Tsia and Amy Sangha will answer all your questions about Health related Fitness. Tea and light snacks will be served after the Powerful Presentation. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604507- 9945 for further details. ------------------------------------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 18-30) 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

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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 followsStarts 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

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Saturday, August 8, 2015

Business / Finance

Former trader Tom Hayes gets prison sentence for manipulating Libor

British judge sentenced a former Citibank and UBS trader to 14 years in prison Monday after a jury found him guilty of masterminding the manipulation of a key interest rate, the London Interbank Lending Rate, or Libor. Judge Jeremy Cooke sentenced 35-year-old Tom Hayes, who specialized in products pegged to yen-denominated Libor, after jurors found him guilty of manipulating the rate from 2006 to 2010. He was charged with conspiring with other traders — but he says he was made a scapegoat for a common practice. “What this case has shown is the absence of that integrity which ought to characterize banking,” Cooke said. “You, as a regulated banker, succumbed to temptation in an

unregulated activity because you could.” Libor is a key rate that banks use to borrow from each other. Revelations that it was rigged shook the markets because the rate affects what many people pay when they take out loans, such as a car loan. Hayes is the first to be convicted by a U.K. jury of Libor rigging. Prosecutor Mukul Chawla said Hayes “behaved in a thoroughly dishonest and manipulative manner” and called him the ringmaster at the center who told others what to do and rewarded them for their “dishonest assistance.” “The motive was a simple one: it was greed,” he said. Hayes claimed his bosses knew what he was doing.

Oil crash has wiped out $1.3 trillion of wealth

t’s the oil crash few saw coming, and few have been spared as it erased $1.3 trillion, the equivalent of Mexico’s annual GDP, in little more than a year. Take billionaire Carl Icahn. When crude was at its peak in June 2014, the activist investor’s stake in Chesapeake Energy Corp. was worth almost $2 billion US. Today, oil has lost more than half its value, Chesapeake is the worst performer in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Icahn has a paper loss of $1.3 billion. The S&P 500, by contrast, is up 6.9 per cent in that time. State pension funds and insurance companies have also been hard hit. Investment advisers, who manage the mutual funds and exchange-traded products that are staples of many retirement plans, had $1.8 trillion tied to energy stocks in June 2014, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. “The hit has been huge,” said Chris Beck, chief investment officer for smalland mid-capitalization companies for Delaware Investments, an asset management firm in Philadelphia with $180 billion in assets under management. “Everybody was thinking that oil

would stay in the $90 to $100 a barrel range.” The California Public Employees Retirement System, a $303-billion fund that provides benefits to 1.72 million people, owned a $91.8-million slice of Pioneer Natural Resources Co. in June 2014. At the time, Pioneer was a $33 billion company and one of the biggest shale producers in Texas. Today, Pioneer is worth $19 billion and Calpers’ stake has lost about $40 lion in market value. milSince June 2014, the combined market capitalization of 157 energy companies listed in the MSCI World Energy Sector Index or the Bloomberg Intelligence North America Independent Explorers & Producers Index has lost about $1.3 trillion. If crude rebounds, investors may make some of their money back, though values may not recover as quickly as they fell. After the tech bubble burst in 2000, erasing $7 trillion from the Nasdaq Composite Index, it took almost 15 years for the market to return to its pre-crash level. Oil, which lost more than half its value in the past year, will rise less than $20 through the first quarter of 2016, according to the median estimate compiled by Bloomberg.

Oil dips below $45 US a barrel for 1st time since March

Slide comes despite larger-than-expected oil inventory drop Crude oil futures briefly fell below $45 US a barrel for the first time in five months in New York trading Crude oil futures briefly fell below $45 US a barrel for the first time in five months in New York trading Wednesday, shrugging off a morning report that oil inventories fell much more than expected last week. The fact that crude prices fell in the midst of what should have been bullish news shows the depth of the bearish mood among energy traders over the worldwide glut in crude, analysts said. The September contract for West Texas Intermediate oil futures at the New York Mercantile Exchange was down 60 cents at $45.14 US a barrel in afternoon trading, having dipped as low as $44.91 in earlier trading. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that U.S.

commercial-crude inventories fell by 4.4 million barrels in the week ending July 31. A drop of less than half that had been forecast. But the EIA also said that U.S. crude oil production also rose by 52,000 barrels a day. Refineries, meanwhile, were running at 96.1 per cent capacity last week — the highest utilization rate in 10 years. Gasoline inventories rose as demand couldn’t keep up with the supply increase. Analysts say the long-term oil story is one of oversupply amid a long-running production boom from shale fracking, combined with China’s cooling economy. “The overarching theme in the oil market ... is the status of U.S. oil supply and whether or not we’ll be facing an imminent decline and the latest weekly data hasn’t brought any comfort relative to those kind of expectations,” BNP Paribas oil analyst Harry Tchilinguirian told Reuters.

Business / Finance

Canada’s trade deficit narrows dramatically as exports surge Low loonie finally appears to be giving boost to exporters

he falling Canadian dollar, which has lost about 10 cents against the U.S. currency since the start of the year, finally appears to be giving a boost to Canadian companies that ship to American markets. (Darryl Dick/Canadian Press) Canada’s merchandise trade deficit with the rest of the world nearly vanished in June as exports grew dramatically, Statistics Canada reported today. The trade deficit came in at $476 million, compared to the revised $3.4-billion deficit recorded the month before. June’s trade figures were markedly better than the $2.8-billion deficit that the market had been expecting.. Exports increased 6.3 per cent to $44.6 billion in June, while imports dropped 0.6 per cent to $45.1 billion. That’s the best month-over-month increase in exports since December 2006. The falling Canadian dollar, which has lost about 10 cents against the U.S. currency since the start of the year, finally appears to be giving a boost to Canadian companies that ship to American markets. Exports to the United States surged by 7.1 per cent in June. “While a further leg down in oil prices will continue to weigh on the oil sector in Canada, the non-energy sector is likely to continue to benefit from an improving U.S. economy and low Canadian dollar,” said TD economist Diana Petramala in a morning commentary, adding that this report will likely dampen speculation that the Bank of Canada might deliver another interest rate cut later this year.

David Madani, from Capital Economics, called the trade report a “positive sign” for the economy, but said “it remains to be seen whether the export sector can lift the economy out of its oil-related slump.” Export volumes rose 4.8 per cent from May. Statistics Canada reports that this was the first increase following five consecutive monthly declines. Exports were up in nine of 11 sectors. The Bank of Canada had been hoping for months that the lower Canadian dollar and lower energy prices would give a boost to the manufacturing sector and to exports. But that benefit had been slow to materialize until June. “The ‘puzzling’ weakness in exports that [Bank of Canada governor Stephen] Poloz noted has reversed to some extent,” said BMO senior economist Benjamin Reitzes. “Expect this to be the start of meaningfully better June data, though it’s a stretch to anticipate continued gains of this size for exports in the months ahead.” The Canadian dollar jumped by more than a third of a cent to 76.26 cents US shortly after the trade numbers were released. But much of that gain had melted away by the noon hour. The loonie hit an 11-year low on Tuesday. U.S. trade deficit widens The U.S. trade deficit rose slightly in June as solid consumer spending led to more imports, while the strong U.S. dollar held back exports. The U.S. Commerce Department said Wednesday the trade gap jumped 7 per cent to $43.8 billion in June, up from $40.9 billion in May. Imports increased 1.2 per cent to $232.4 billion, while exports edged lower to $188.6 billion.

Puerto Rico misses debt payment with string of defaults to come

Pressure on U.S. Congress to allow Chapter 9 bankruptcy for troubled territory

uerto Rico is in technical default on a $58-million debt bill due Monday, reflecting an economy in trouble amid an extended drought in the U.S. territory. The island paid just $628,000 toward a $58-million payment due to creditors of its Public Finance Corp., whose debt is mostly owned by ordinary Puerto Ricans through credit unions. “This was a decision that reflects the serious concerns about the Commonwealth’s liquidity in combination with the balance of obligations to our creditors and the equally important obligations to the people of Puerto Rico,” Puerto Rico’s Government Development Bank president Melba Acosta Febo said in a statement. Moody’s Investor Services has said it expects further broad defaults on the island’s debt. The U.S. flag flies in front of Puerto Rico’s Capitol building in San Juan. After a 10-year downturn, Puerto Rico admits it can’t pay its debts. A financial filing by the government reveals it has stopped making contributions of $92 million a month into a fund that is used to make payments on an additional $13 billion in bond debt. The next payment from the fund is due on Sept. 1. Puerto Rico’s governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, has put together a team to come up with a plan to restructure Puerto Ri-

co’s debt by the end of the summer. “The economy has been in decline for the past 10 years since the U.S. government withdrew a lot of preferences for the manufacturing sector,” said Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. Joblessness and cutbacks Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate is above 12 per cent and public services have suffered as the government cuts back. We’re going to see a wave of defaults and what makes this more troubling is that Puerto Rico can’t avail itself of the bankruptcy provisions of the U.S.- Desmond Lachman, American Enterprise Institute “At the same time, they haven’t been careful with their public finances,” Lachman said, pointing out that money has been cheap and the national debt is now equal to its annual GDP. “We’re going to see a wave of defaults and what makes this more troubling is that Puerto Rico can’t avail itself of the bankruptcy provisions of the U.S. like other municipalities in the U.S. might be able to do, so this could be a free-for-all between debtors and creditors,” he said in an interview with The Exchange with Amanda Lang. Lachman predicts there will be pressure on the U.S. Congress to act, either by allowing Chapter 9 bankruptcy for Puerto Rico, the same rules that helped Detroit, or by taking control of the island’s finances.

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PUNJAB

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Sukhbir wants modern tech to seal border

n the backdrop of the Dinanagar attack by alleged Pakistani terrorists, Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal wants the Indo-Pak border to be sealed and monitored using ultra-advanced technology. Sukhbir, who was in town to inaugurate the mechanised cleanliness project, said there was a great need to use advance gadgets to seal the borders that countries like the USA and Israel use. “The Punjab Police is fit to reply to any challenge like Dinanagar but the police can-

not go to the border to stop infiltration. It is the Centre’s responsibility and they should provide advance gadgets and technology to check infiltration,” said Sukhbir. He said he would speak with Union Home Minister soon and urge him to initiate steps in this direction. On the differences between SAD and BJP, Sukhbir smilingly told mediapersons, “Tusi jinna marzi jor laga lo, eh rishta nahi tuttna (You people try as hard as you can, but this tie-up is not going to fall apart)”.

Fazilka residents protest illegal mining

espite protests by residents against the illegal sand mining in Miani Basti village, on the outskirts of Fazilka town, mining is going on unabated there. Residents again staged a protest in the village today against the illegal sand mining and the damaged road due to the plying of heavy machinery on the road on August 3. They alleged that contractors had been digging the quarry beyond the stipulated limit in depth and wide directions allegedly in connivance with officials of the Industries Department. "There is a constant threat of their houses being collapsed due to digging of the quarry,” alleged residents Puran Singh, Bhajan Singh, Avtar Singh, Nihal Singh and Gurdeep Singh. They said the road leading to their houses had also been damaged due to plying of heavy vehicle on the road. They also submitted a memorandum to the

Illegal mining Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka, demanding immediate ban on mining and repair of the road. Gurjant Singh, general manager, Industries, Fazilka, refused to comment on the issue. Singh on August 3, when the residents had staged a protest, had said that a probe would be conducted in this regard but nothing had been done.

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SGPC gets ‘kar sewa’ of Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan

he Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Par- The corridor, when constructed, would be an bandhak Committee (PSGPC) and important channel of hassle-free pilgrimage the Evacuee Trust Property Board for the devotees. Most of the devotees who (ETPB) have decided to hand over the “kar are unable to visit Pakistan are left with no sewa” of historic gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib option but to bow their head in reverence toto the SGPC. Talking to The Tribune on the wards the shrine while standing at the “darphone from Pakistan, PSGPC general sec- shan sthal” (viewing facility) constructed by retary Gopal Singh Chawla confirmed the the BSF along the Indo-Pak border at Dera development. SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said they had long been demanding that the “kar sewa” of the historic gurdwaras in Pakistan be handed over to them. He said a sarai for facilitating the stay of pilgrims was needed in Lahore and they should be given its work as well. He appealed both governments to facilitate the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. The SGPC was, in Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan. the past, bitter about the fact that the PSGPC had been giving preference to former DSGMC chief Paramjit Singh Baba Nanak from where they can catch a Sarna when it came to entrusting “kar sewa”. glimpse of the shrine. Sarna had recently started the “kar sewa” of Akal Takht backs demand Akal Takht historic gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore. Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said the Historic significance The historic Kartar- SGPC as well as the Punjab government pur Sahib gurdwara holds great significance should take up the issue of building the Karfor Sikhs as first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, tarpur Sahib corridor with the Centre. He spent last 18 years of his life there. The dis- demanded that a visa centre be opened in tance between Dera Baba Nanak and Kartar- Amritsar to facilitate pilgrims visiting the pur Sahib is just 3 km. Demand for corridor historic shrines in Pakistan. He also asked all Sikhs have long been demanding unrestrict- gurdwara management committees to pass ed access to the historic shrine through a vi- a resolution on the matter and send it to the sa-free corridor connecting the two places. Pakistan government.

Farmers clash with police over panchayat land, 12 injured

ix persons were injured following a violent clash between police and protesters who opposed police action to vacate panchayat land at Hariau Kalan village in Patran today. A few policemen were also injured in the melee. The police and administration officials reached Hariau Kalan village to take possession of a panchayat land allegedly occupied by some residents. The police and Powercom officials jointly carried out the operation armed with High Court orders that had asked the police to get the land vacated. The police confirmed that when the team reached the village to take possession of the land, farmers and their family members opposed the move, despite the team showing them court orders.

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“Some of them turned violent and tried to forcibly stop the police from performing its duty following which we resorted to tear gas and lathicharge,” the police said. “The farmers used sticks and bricks to oppose the police and resorted to stone pelting also,” they added. However, farmers alleged that despite a stay on vacating the land, the administration was forcibly trying to vacate the land. “When our supporters and some unions intervened, the police resorted to lathicharge following which almost a dozen members were injured,” they alleged. Till the filing of the report, the police had taken control of the land while many farmers were taken under arrest. Injured farmers and policemen were rushed to hospital.

Funds sought for better weapons for Police he Punjab Police may be patting their back for heroism in dealing with terrorists holed up in Dinanagar, but a meeting with the Finance Department two days ago — seeking additional resources for upALL REPAIRS grading their arms and ammunition and overhauling the border area with this— coupon - what has police stations reveals long beenexpires suspected Dec. 31— the total unpreparedness of these police stations in dealing with any such attack. At the height of terrorism in Punjab, the police stations along the international border were wellequipped with arms and had requisite manpower to deal with any eventuality. Sources say that on the day of the attack, there were very few SLRs available in Gurdaspur and these had to

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be rushed to Dinanagar from Punjab Armed Police (PAP). Top officials in the Punjab Police now admit that there is a need to strengthen the ‘maalkhaanas’ in police stations located in border areas of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Fazilka. The police want a sanction from the Finance Department to buy more Light Machine Guns, self-loading rifles, hand grenades and night-vision equipment. The idea is to keep all heavy arms and ammunition in big police stations in border areas from where these can be easily rushed to the smaller police stations or police posts. Night patrolling will be introduced by personnel posted in police stations.

INDIA

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Trains derail in Madhya Pradesh flash flood Two passenger trains in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have derailed minutes apart on a flooded bridge, killing at least 24 people, officials say. The trains were passing each other near the town of Harda when a flash flood triggered by heavy rain struck the bridge, reports said. The tracks collapsed and some of the carriages were submerged. Officials say at least 25 people have been injured and another 300 rescued. The Kamayani Express travelling to Varanasi from Mumbai derailed first, while the Janata Express travelling in the opposite direction derailed shortly after. It was not clear how many people were on both trains. Speaking to a local TV station, one passenger described the scene just after the accident. “Water filled the coach

till here,” he said, pointing to his waist. Another passenger said there had been “a sudden jerk” and “the carriage broke apart and people were crushed”. Survivor Manoj Mongi told the Hindustan Times: “I was sleeping and suddenly I felt a jolt. I woke up and saw that all the passengers were screaming and running. I came out. I saw three women floating, but I could not save them.” The bridge crosses the Machak river, about 950km (590 miles) from India’s capital, Delhi. “This unfortunate accident took place because of the flash floods on the tracks and the track caved in and resulted in the derailment of the last six coaches of the Kamayani Express,” railways spokesperson Anil Saksena told the BBC.

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1993 serial Mumbai blasts

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Key accused Yeda Yakub dies in Pakistan

key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, Yakub Khan alias Yeda Yakub, is believed to have died in Karachi, as per information received by police here. “On Wednesday, police got the information about Yeda Yakub’s death through informers,” Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria said today. According to police sources, he died after suffering a major heart attack. Yeda Yakub and his brother Majid Khan had played a key role in the conspiracy of the 1993 serial bomb blasts that left 257 dead and over 700 injured. The duo was instrumental in transportation of RDX from Raigad to Mumbai, police said. Soon after the blasts, he had fled to Dubai and from there to Karachi allegedly with the help of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, said the investigators of the 1993 blasts. However, Majid remained in the city doing construction business. Majid was gunned down in suburban Ban-

dra in 2000 by rival Chhota Rajan gang members, police said. For past several years, Yeda was staying in Karachi with his second wife and children, they said, adding that he was looking after the recruitment network of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s gang in Mumbai and UP. He was also looking after the terror-funding activities of Dawood and international drug baron Iqbal Mirchi who died in 2013, police added. A dozen coordinated RDX-laden bombs had rocked Mumbai on March 12, 1993, leaving 257 people dead and over 700 injured. Gangsters Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon, the elder brother of Yakub Memon who was last month hanged after conviction in the blasts case, are said to be in Pakistan and have been named as prime conspirators for the terror attack.

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Cogress calls Sushma a ‘drama queen’ as she makes emotional Lalit defence

acing Opposition heat in the Lalit Modi row, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today put up an emotional defence of her actions in the Lok Sabha claiming she had only helped the former IPL chief ’s cancer-stricken wife on humanitarian grounds and never recommended aid for Modi. “If helping an ailing woman is a crime, I plead guilty to it and I am ready for any punishment. But I want to ask what (Congress president) Sonia Gandhi would have done had she been in my place? Would she have left an Indian citizen to die?” asked Swaraj. She said she only told the UK that the Indo-British ties won’t be affected if Modi was allowed to travel to Lisbon for his wife’s treatment on August 4, 2014. The minister’s line of argument was she neither requested the UK to help Lalit Modi nor recommend his case. “I dare anyone to reveal the contrary,” she said, even blaming her stars for her current woes. The Congress, which has

been demanding Sushma’s resignation in the matter, was quick to trash her defence as “emotional couching of grave guilt” and “hogwash”. Senior party spokesperson Anand Sharma rejected the Minister’s offer of discussions in Parliament and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must sack her first. The Opposition’s counter to Sushma’s take was that she “intervened voluntarily and not on the UK’s request to facilitate Modi’s travel documents; and that she concealed the fact that UK had earlier rejected his case”. “On July 3, 2014, the UK had declined Lalit Modi’s travel request, which listed three grounds — sister’s wedding, meeting with Seychelles President and wife’s treatment. It didn’t list a life threat to his wife,” said Sharma. He challenged Sushma’s “never recommended Modi’s case” defence on the grounds that her phone conversations with the British High Commissioner to India and Keith Vaz, the then chief of UK Home panel,

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Media praise capture of Pakistani gunman ‘Qasab 2’

edia in India are drawing parallels between the arrest of a gunman in Indian-administered Kashmir and the capture of Mumbai attacks convict Ajmal Qasab in 2008. Senior police officers in the state announced on Wednesday that they had arrested a militant after a gun battle. Local media reports said the militant had been overpowered by two civilians he had taken hostage, and then handed over to police. A senior police official said the man “confessed” that he was a Pakistani national and had crossed into India through the Line of Control, the de facto border between the two countries. India’s media outlets were quick to compare Wednesday’s incident with the capture of Qasab in 2008. He was part of a heavily armed and well-drilled 10-member militant

Indian police officials say that the arrested gunman “confessed” that he was a Pakistani national

unit which arrived in Mumbai by sea on 26 November and attacked several places, including the iconic Taj Mahal hotel. Attacks on the railway station, luxury hotels and a Jewish cultural centre claimed 166 lives. Nine gunmen were also killed. But Qasab Ingredients was captured by a Mumbai policeman. • 250g boneless chicken • 2tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 medium red onion • 3 large tomatoes • ½ cup times cashewthat nutsterrorism is our affirmed many hile Pakistan remained in de• 100g tomato puree common enemy and requires a cooperative nial over India assertions that • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves than approach to combat the menace rather the terrorist caught alive in the ome Minister Rajnath Singh, in a suo in Parliament over the suspension of 25 Con• 100ml low fat cream a blame game. Pointing fingers without inmotu statement in the Rajya Sabha gress Lok Sabha MPs, the proceedings in the Udhampur attack was a Pakistan national, a • 1tsp garam masala vestigations and evidence is not a healthy today, condemned the Wednesday’s terror at- Upper House were adjourned twice before man believed to be the father of the arrest• 1tsp red chilli powder trend, on the part of Indian media,” he said. tack on a BSF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar lunch and later for the day, while working ed terrorist today said the Lashkar-e-Toi• 1tbsp gingergarlic paste “We have repeatedly asked India to reNational Highway saying it was an attempt in the LS was unaffected. Congress mem- ba wanted his son dead and not caught • 2tbsp thick low fat yoghurt frain from accusations, ” Khalilullah said. by Pakistan to destabilise peace in Jammu bers continued with protest, thwarting the alive and that he himself feared for his life. • salt to taste “We have said many times that making Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Qazi and Kashmir. In Islamabad, Pakistan asked government’s attempts to introduce a Bill immediate accusation on Pakistan is not India to “refrain from accusations” that the to amend the anti-corruption law. Making Khalilullah, during a media briefing, said correct. These things should be based on he had seen media reports that “a person arrestedProcedure: terrorist was a Pakistan national. Its a statement in the Rajya Sabha, the Home facts. We expect that whenever Pakistan is has been arrested in India and is being proForeignMarinate Office spokesman Minister militants BSF the cashew in warm water for 15 minutes.chop the onions and tomatoes. Heat 1 tbsp the chickenQazi withKhalilullah the ginger garlic pastesaid: and “Two the yoghurt forattacked 20 min.asoak being accused of something, it shall be acjected as Pakistan national”. “I will not said: “Ioil will comment onchicken media reports. convoy in for Udhampur Jammu on Wednestonot a pan. sear the pieces in the hot oil 1 minuteinon each side to a golden colour. remove the chicken pieces. in the same pan, add 1tbsp oil andevidence, the chopped companied by concrete ” he said. comment on media reports. We expect InWe expect Indian authorities to share necesday. constables killed and 14 were onions. saute till a translucent pink. Add theTwo tomatoes, red were chili powder, garam masala powder and cook on medium flame till the tomatoes are tender (approx. 4-5 as the “unMeanwhile, identifying himself dian authorities to share necessary inforsary information about him with us to injured in thewith attack. “One ofcashews the two terrorminutes). remove from flame andenrun in a blender the” soaked to make a smooth paste. return to the pan and add the fortunate tomato puree. Bring a boil and add father” of thetoattacker, Mohammad mationand about him for with us to enable able verification of pieces. his national status… We ists was and theisother wasAdd arrested withfat cream the chicken simmer for 4-5 minutes till killed the chicken cooked. the low simmer 2 minutes. Broilverithe fenugreek leaves on a pan. crush the Yakub told an Indian newspaper over the expect fenugreek that whenever Pakistan is curry accused the help of fire. locals. The hot. other terrorist has been fication of his national status,” Khalilullah leaves over the andofremove from serve said reacting to statements from India on telephone: “I’ll be killed. The Lashkar is after something, it shall be accompanied by con- brought to Jammu and interrogation is on. the Pakistani origins of Naveed. “Pakistan us and the fauj (Army) is after us.” crete evidence.” Amid the ongoing stalemate

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INDIA

Saturday, August 8, 2015

BJP begs Congress to allow Parliament to function for last four days

he Congress should end “tit for tat” approach and allow Parliament to function for the remaining four sittings following the clarification by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the Lalit Modi issue, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday. Countering the Opposition attack over “undemocratic action” against 25 Congress MPs, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the government was always ready to back revocation of their sus-

pension but the Congress was unwilling to return to the House. He, however, defended the action and said the Speaker should have acted “much earlier” against the placard waving MPs, as it was her responsibility to ensure proper functioning of the House. Responding to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s remarks calling the suspension of her party MPs a “black day”, Naidu questioned, “but where were the white days during the current session?” “Do not hurt national interest; do not obstruct the progress of the country.

Why is Naga peace deal a secret: Congress asks gov’t The Central Government’s peace deal with Naga insurgents NSCK (IM) has caused a stir merely days after it was brokered, with the Congress now calling to question the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s motive behind the ‘secrecy’ surrounding the deal. The Congress accused the Central Government on Friday of brokering the deal in secret, claiming the BJP lied about having informed Congress CMs of northeastern states of the deal at a meeting — a claim the government

had made when it had signed the peace pact. The Congress claimed that the meeting the Central Government had referred to was a NITI Ayog meeting to discuss land law and development plans for N-E, with the Naga Accord not on agenda. Questioning the need to keep the deal a secret from the Parliament, and even the Cabinet, the Congress wondered why an interlocutor, and not a high-ranking official, signed the deal on behalf of the Central Government.

India to boycott Commonwealth meeting after Pak ignores J&K Speaker India will boycott a Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU) meeting in Islamabad next month in protest against Pakistan not inviting the Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, a decision that comes in the midst of tensions over two terror attacks in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. “A meeting of Speakers of all states here today unanimously decided that India will

boycott the meeting of the CPU if the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is not invited,” Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told reporters after the meeting. This follows Pakistan not sending an invitation to Jammu and Kashmir Speaker to the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting to be held from Sept 30 to Oct 8 in Islamabad while invitations have been sent to all the other Speakers in India.

Rajesh Khanna’s ‘live-in’ partner Anita Advani sues Dimple Kapadia and her family Supreme Court sends notices to Dimple, Akshay Kumar and family over actor Khanna’s estate

he Supreme Court of India sought responses from Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, his wife Twinkle Khanna and mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia on a plea of Anita Advani, live-in partner of yesteryear actor Rajesh Actor Rajesh Khanna (middle) with his daughter Khanna, against dismissal of Twinkle and Rajesh Khanna’s live-in partner Anita her domestic violence case Advani (right). against the three actors. A three-judge Bench comprising Chief seeking quashing of proceedings Justice HL Dattu and Justices Arun initiated against them by a lower Mishra and Amitava Roy said after court based on a complaint lodged hearing brief arguments advanced by Anita. The High Court had obby Advani’s counsel. Senior lawyers served that her relation with KhanCA Sundaram and Jatin Zaveri, ap- na was not of the nature of marriage pearing for Advani, criticised the and hence, she cannot seek relief Bombay High Court order dismiss- under the provisions of Domestic ing her complaint lodged against the Violence Act. It had further held three actors under the Protection of that all family members of Khanna Women from Domestic Violence cannot be roped into the proceedAct. “She was not married to late ings as she had never lived with Rajesh Khanna, but she was in a re- them. Advani had claimed that lationship which was of the nature of she was evicted from Khanna’s submarriage,” he said, adding that her urban bungalow ‘Aashirwad’ after complaint was wrongly dismissed. his death and had sought monthly He claimed that Advani was in maintenance and a three-bedroom “live-in” relationship with Khanna. flat in Bandra. The Bombay High Court had in The magistrate had then issued April allowed the petitions of filed notices to the actors on Advani’s by Dimple, Twinkle and Akshay complaint

FIJI PM upset about coup rumours

he Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, has brushed aside rumours there are differences between members of his Government and the military. In recent days after the announcement of the outgoing army commander Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga there have been widespread rumours fuelled from social networking sites speculating there were differences within the corridors of powers of the Government and the military. Earlier yesterday, Brig Gen Tikoitoga explained in a press conference the relationship between the two institutions “I can vouch that there is none (tension) at all, if anything we serve the Government of the day as per the institutional obligation,” he said. “As you know the honorable Prime Minister is very much in charge, the Attorney General plays a very pivotal role in construct of our govt and the way our govt will run

Government has no idea where $100 million went Finance Ministry representatives attending the Public Accounts Committee could not explain how funds amounting up to $100million annually were disbursed saying “they were not in a position to do so”. PAC members focused on the allocation of funds from Head 50 in the Government Budget — a contingency fund where ministries could get funds from via the small grant scheme — which is where ad hoc funds received by the Finance Ministry are deposited into a consolidated account and released to ministries. Deputy Auditor-General Atunaisa Nadakuitavuki yesterday told PAC the Head 50 was mainly for contingency things that don’t appear in the budget and things that come up during the year. The OAG has highlighted over the years how these funds were used without any acquittals being provided and that the Ministry of Finance continuously released funds despite the non-provision of acquittals to ministries. When PAC chairman Professor Biman Prasad asked the Finance Ministry representatives to

give them the allocation in 2014 and in 2015 for Head 50, and whether the issues recurred because they wanted to make some recommendations regarding Head 50, the ministry’s director internal audit Mereani Naisara

said they could not do so.

President’s term to end

iji could have a new President come October 12 when Parliament votes on who should take up residence at Government House. President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was appointed in 2009, replacing the late Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu. The appointment of the new President will be a novice for Fiji as previous appointments were usually made by the disbanded Great Council of Chiefs who based its decision on submissions from the three confederacies — Burebasaga, Tovata and Kubuna. Ratu Epeli is eligible for a second term. The Constitution provides for Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa to nominate a candidate for the position.

Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 31

Fiji defeats Samoa 39-29 in wild final of Pacific Nations Cup rugby tournament in Burnaby

hree minutes was all Fiji needed to deliver a knockout blow in the Pacific Nations Cup final Kini Murimurivalu and Malakai Ravulo scored back-to-back tries in the second half moments after surrendering the lead Monday as Fiji beat Samoa 39-29 to capture the six-team rugby tournament. “It was difficult. We put our hands up to Samoa,” said Fijian captain Akapusi Qera. “They came out firing. They wanted to win and we managed to get some tactics right. In the second half we pulled it off.” Leone Nakarawa had two tries of his own for Fiji, ranked 10th in the world, while Nikola Matawalu added another. Joshua Matavesi booted a penalty and four conversions. Substitute Ben Volavola kicked another penalty for the Fijians, who finished the tournament undefeated with a 3-0-1 record. “We’ve been working on our second-half performance. We tend to lose in the second half. The boys pulled it off,” said Qera. “We knew

Good News!

tied 30-30 earlier in the tournament that was being used as preparation for next month’s Rugby World Cup, and there wasn’t much to choose between the South Pacific rivals for long stretches of this one either. “It was quite a tight game, but that’s just how rugby goes. A few mistakes here and there let the Fijians in,” said Samoan scrum half Kahn Fotualii. “We missed a few tackles and the way the Fijians play, they can score from anywhere.” Pictured from left to right are Fiji supporters Shakeel No. 12 Tonga beat No 13. Japan 31-20 Sahukhan, Melvin Nand, Edwin Narain and Aaron Narain in the third-place game, while No. 16 with former Fiji rugby star, Serevi (second from right) at the United States downed No. 18 Canada Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. 15-13 for fifth. Down 17-9 at halftime Samoa wanted to win this badly ... we wanted the win more than them.” Faatoina Autagavaia in the final, Samoa came out with more intensity scored two tries for No. 9 Samoa (2-1-1), while after the break, with Lam going over for a try in Jack Lam had another. Michael Stanley booted the 43rd minute that Stanley converted to cut Fifour penalties and a conversion. The countries ji’s edge to 17-16.

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PAKISTAN

32 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

Pakistan must take ‘forceful actions’ against LeT, US says

akistan must take “forceful actions” against the dreaded Haqqani network and the Lashkar- e-Taiba in a manner similar to the way they campaigned against the Pakistani Taliban, a top Obama administration official has said. “Just as they have vigorously pursued the Pakistani Taliban, they must take equally forceful actions against groups like the Haqqani Network, which pose serious threats to American (and Afghan) lives and resources, and Lashkar-eTaiba, which has the potential to destabilize the region,” Dan Feldman, special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said.

Five killed in US drone strike

SLAMABAD: At least five people were killed and three others injured in a US drone strike in Pakistan’s northwest tribal area of North Waziristan on Thursday night, media reported. The US pilotless aircraft fired two missiles at the headquarters of Haqqani network, located in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, a semi-autonomous tribal area along Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Xinhua reported citing Abb Takk News. The centre was levelled to ground, following the attack and the residents pulled the bodies of the killed people from the debris. Media reports said that all the five deceased belonged to the Haqqani network who were targeted during a meeting.

Supreme court allows military courts set up in terrorism cases

n a landmark judgement, Pakistan’s Supreme Court today dismissed petitions against establishment of controversial special military courts in the country for speedy trial of terrorists. The apex court dismissed several identical petitions against the 21st constitutional amendment by the parliament which set up the military courts. In a majority 11-6 vote, the 17-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk upheld parliament’s decision. Parliament adopted the 21st amendment and the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 in January to set special courts after the deadly Taliban attack on a military school in Peshawar that killed over 150 people, mostly children.

The military courts had awarded death sentence to six accused and life imprisonment to one when their working was suspended on April 16 by the court after taking up petitions. The hearing was completed on June 26 but the court had reserved the judgement. Earlier, the court had combined total 31 petitions challenged the powers of parliament to legislate on various issues. There were 15 petitions against the 21st amendment. Today’s verdict is the last major decision by Chief Justice Mulk who is set to retire on August 16. nThe decision will lift the ban on military court which now can hold speedy trial of militants involved in heinous crimes.

Tariq Khosa admits: 26/11 Mumbai mayhem was planned, launched from Pakistan

ariq Khosa, former DG of Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan, has said that 2008 Mumbai attack was planned and launched from Pakistani soil. In an article published in Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Tariq Khosa has said that “Pakistan has to deal with the Mumbai mayhem, planned and launched from its soil.” “The entire state security apparatus must ensure that the perpetrators and masterminds of the ghastly terror attacks are brought to justice. The case has lingered on for far too long,” Tariq Khosa writes in the article.

Ten Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai from the sea in November 2008 and massacred 166 Indians and foreigners in an attack that almost brought the two countries to war. One of the terrorists, Ajmal Kasab, was caught and later hanged in India. Security forces killed the others. Islamabad initially denied any links with the attackers but later admitted that Kasab and the masterminds were Pakistani nationals. Khosa pointed out that Kasab was a Pakistani and that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who attacked Mumbai were trained near Thatta

Former fast bowlerWasim Akram unhurt after gunmen open fire on his car in Karachi

a k i s t an’s former cricket captain Wasim Akram remained unhurt in an attack on his vehicle in the southern port city of Karachi on Wednesday. Akram, who is currently conducting a fast bowling camp at Karachi’s National Stadium, was on his way to a training session when his car was attacked following a traffic accident. “It was a minor accident, I asked the driver of the car to stop but he accelerated at which I got a bit frustrated and chased that car,” said Akram while addressing a press conference later at the National Stadium. “The driver of that car hit my car and blocked my way. A person stepped out from the back seat holding a gun and pointed it at me. “Meanwhile, the traffic had stopped and someone from the crowd recognised me, after which the person fired at the tyre of my vehicle and left the scene in haste,” Akram said. “Road rage is normal, but settling disputes with weapons was uncalled for. “I have shared all details with the police and am confident they will apprehend the culprit.” “The attacker was definitely an official, I have noted down the vehicle’s number and given it to the police,” he said. “It was a 2002 Honda Civic bearing registration number AEG-061,” the ex-skipper added. Police said that several cars were involved in the crash but Akram said his car been deliberately targeted. Speaking to the media outside the National Stadium, Munir Sheikh, a senior police officer, said the incident was a clear case of road rage. “According to preliminary investigation, the incident appears to be a case of road rage. But we cannot say clearly what the motive behind the attack on Wasim Akram

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German car makers buy Nokia’s HERE maps unit

consortium of German automak ers Audi, BMW and Daimler announced Monday it is buying Nokia Corp.’s HERE map business in a deal that values the unit at 2.8 billion euros ($4 billion Cdn) and secures their access to technology that could eventually be used for driverless cars. Nokia, based in Finland, has refocused its business on producing equipment for wireless networks after selling its mobile phone handset operation to Microsoft Corp. The company said it expects to receive slightly over 2.5 billion euros from the sale, with the purchasers being compensated for HERE liabilities totaling nearly 300 million euros. The three rival German automakers said that HERE is “laying the foundations for the next generation of mobility and location based services.” They added that “for the automotive industry this is the basis for new assistance systems and ultimately fully autonomous driving.” The automakers said in a joint statement that they will each hold an equal stake in HERE and “none of them seeks to acquire a majority interest.” They said that HERE’s management will remain independent, with the goal of being a platform “open to all customers,” and the consortium will not interfere in its operational business.

Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 33

An Audi automobile features a high-tech, electronic dashboard. A consortium that includes Audi, BMW and Daimler announced Monday it is buying Nokia Corp.’s HERE map business. “High-precision digital maps are a crucial component of the mobility of the future,” Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said. “With the joint acquisition of HERE, we want to secure the independence of this central service for all vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and customers in other industries.” Analysts at IHS Automotive noted that HERE, along with TomTom, is one of two companies supplying navigable maps globally as an alternative to Google and Apple. The purchase will give the consortium the advantage of owning its own data.

Tesla Model S car hacked, shut off while driving

Tesla Model S 70D is seen during a test drive. Researchers from the cybersecurity firm Lookout said they shut down a Tesla Model S and activated the hand brake while it was driving at five miles per hour. Tesla Motors Inc said on Thursday it has sent a software patch to address security flaws in the Tesla Model S sedan that could allow hackers to take control of the vehicle. The Financial Times reported on Thursday that cybersecurity researchers said they had taken control of a Model S and turned it off at low speed, one of six significant flaws they found that could allow hackers to take control of the vehicle,

Tesla said it had developed and deployed an over-the-air update to Model S owners to address the “vulnerabilities”. The dashboard of a Tesla Model S is shown at a Tesla Motors dealership at Corte Madera Village in California in 2014. Hackers said they found six significant security flaws in the software in Tesla cars. In a statement, Tesla said the hackers did not turn off the car remotely, but from inside the vehicle. “Our security team works closely with the se-

curity research community to ensure that we continue to protect our systems against vulnerabilities by constantly stress-testing

Toyota sells fewer cars, but makes 10% more profit Toyota first-quarter profit rose 10 per cent to a new record as a cheaper yen helped boost its earnings. But the Japanese automaker has lost its place as the world’s top seller of vehicles to Volkswagen, selling 2.1 million vehicles in the April-to-June quarter, about 127,000 fewer than last year. Profit was 646.3 billion yen ($6.8 billion Cdn), up from $587.7 billion yen a year earlier. Quarterly revenue increased by 9 per cent to 6.98 trillion yen ($70 billion), despite lacklustre sales in the key China market, the automaker said Tuesday. There has been slowing demand in Japan and southeast Asia and Toyota has begun offering greater discounts and incentives to entice its dealers to sell vehicles in China. Rivals General Motors, Nissan and Ford have all reported slowing China sales. China auto sales fell each month

in the quarter as economic growth crawls at its slowest pace in 25 years. Toyota will start selling a gas-electric hybrid version of the Corolla and Levin sedans in China later this year, which it hopes will help boost sales, executives said. But the company is not expecting strong profit out of China. Weaker yen helping Instead, it expects the yen will continue depreciating against the U.S. dollar as the U.S. Federal Reserve moves to raise rates. That could mean still stronger profits for Toyota later in the year, as well as vindicating Toyota president Akio Toyoda’s decision to keep a share of production in Japan. Toyota does not expect much fallout from the massive recall of its vehicles in North America because of Takata airbags.

Pickup trucks power Canadian auto sales to 177,844 in July

ight trucks powered Canadian auto sales 0.4 per cent higher in July to 177,844 vehicles sold, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. Sales of light trucks last month were up 8.2 per cent to 111,067, while car sales dropped 10 per cent to 66,777. Car sales traditionally slow somewhat in July, while people are on holiday, but this July’s sales maintained the strong pace which has led to record-breaking sales month after month. Fiat Chrysler sales were ahead 2.2 per cent to 28,611 vehicles sold, leading all the automakers and setting a new July record. There were 9,478 Ram pickups sold in July 2015 with the company saying it has the No. 2 selling truck in Canada.

It also sold 620 Windsor, Ont.-built Chrysler Town & Country minivans, a 38 per cent year-over-year increase. Toyota reported 18,344 units sold in July, an increase of 1.7 per cent over 2014 when Scion and Lexus are included. Its light truck sales grew to 9,906 across all brands in July. Ford of Canada sales slipped 6 per cent to 17,182, despite 14 per cent growth in sales to 2,019 for the Canadian-built Ford Edge. General Motors sales fell 4.8 per cent to 22,826. However, in the luxury space there was significant growth in July for Volvo (up 54 per cent), Acura (up 38.6 per cent), and Lexus (up 30.4 per cent). Honda saw sales rise 7.7 per cent from a year ago to 15,696 units.

SOUTH ASIA

34 i Saturday, August 8, 2015

Another Bangladesh blogger Niloy Neel hacked to death in Dhaka A Bangladeshi blogger known for his atheist views has been hacked to death by a gang armed with machetes in the capital Dhaka, police say. Niloy Neel was attacked at his home in the city’s Goran area. He is the fourth secularist blogger to have been killed this year by suspected Islamist militants in Bangladesh. Imran H Sarkar, head of the Bangladesh Blogger and Activist Network, told the BBC that Mr Neel had been an anti-extremist voice of reason. “He was the voice against fundamentalism and extremism and was even a voice for minority rights - especially women’s rights and the rights of indigenous people,” he said. BBC World Service South Asia editor Charles Haviland says that, like previous vic-

tims, Mr Neel was not only secular but atheist and, like two of the others, he was from a Hindu, not a Muslim, background. All four men killed were on a list of 84 “atheist bloggers” drawn up by Islamic groups in 2013 and widely circulated. It was originally submitted to the government with the aim of having the bloggers arrested and tried for blasphemy. The groups which wanted bloggers arrested told us they have no knowledge of who is behind the killings. There is also a more complex backdrop to the killings. Islamic groups label all these bloggers “atheists” - and many did indeed use the internet to criticise those who believe in God.

Fears grow over Nepal’s ‘anti-women’ constitution

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s proposed new constitution has sparked fury from women who say their citizenship, property and other rights are being curtailed by the document designed to draw a line under centuries of inequality. Lawmakers tabled a draft in parliament in June shortly after bickering political parties struck an historic deal on the long-awaited charter, spurred to negotiation by an earthquake in March that killed more than 8,800 people. But a series of sometimes violent protests have since hit the impoverished, Himalayan nation, with activists saying the charter has failed to address a string of concerns. Forty-year-old shop owner Rama Bista says the charter poses a major step back for women, in a country that has long favoured men. Bista, who is married to an Indian man based in Nepal, has spent the last four years trying to secure citizenship for her two sons -their legal right under the current constitution. “I cannot even speak of some of the things I’ve been told. They tell me my chil-

dren are not Nepali, that I should go to my husband’s country,” Bista told AFP. But Bista’s already tough struggle is set to become impossible under the new charter which bars single parents from passing on their citizenship to their children and additionally says both parents must be Nepalese. It will overturn a 2006 act that says children are eligible for citizenship as long as one parent is Nepalese. Activists say the move could leave a million people stateless and will disproportionately affect women, who account for the vast majority of single parents in Nepal. Bista says she is anxious about the future for her sons since citizenship is needed to get anything in Nepal from a driving licence to a bank account. The draft also makes it easier for a Nepalese man to confer citizenship on his foreign spouse, while a Nepalese woman needs to be married 15 years to her foreign husband before even being allowed to apply.

69 die in Myanmar floods, 250,000 affected YANGON: The death toll from severe flooding in Myanmar has risen to 69, with 259,799 people affected by the disaster, the ministry of social welfare said on Wednesday. The flooding has submerged vast areas, and four states and regions: Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing and Magway have been declared “natural

disaster affected areas”, reports Xinhua news agency. Flooding has begun to move southwards and was likely to expand and affect more areas, the meteorology and hydrology department warned. The floods, caused by heavy rainfall since June, has destroyed houses, farmland, railway lines, bridges and roads.

NRI

3 Indians arrested in Australia for exploiting overseas students MELBOURNE: Three Indian businessmen were on Wednesday arrested in Australia for allegedly abusing visas and exploiting overseas students through their recruitment firm that supplied staff to the country’s postal services. Baljit ‘Bobby’ Singh, Mukesh Sharma and Rakesh Kumar were arrested after Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Border Force officers carried out raids across Melbourne, following a nine-month investigation. Bobby’s Ferrari car was also seized. The three men allegedly ran a labour-hire firm that supplied staff to government owned Australia Post. Media reports suggested that Bobby headed the syndicate and allegedly ran two government-subsidised training colleges. Singh and his two associates Mukesh and Rakesh allegedly lured Indian students into Australia who were then sub- contracted to Australia Post on sub-standard wages as posties or delivery centre staff. The syndicate has been suspected of providing fake student visas to workers, enabling them to obtain a security clearance to work at Australia Post. The colleges charged up to US $ 10,000

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avou

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

to international students as fees of but allegedly offered no proper training. Singh, the owner of St Stephen Institute of Technology in Melbourne, was arrested from his residence. Rakesh, one of the directors of St Stephen and Mukesh, owner of Symbiosis Institute of Technical Education in Footscray, were arrested in separate raids. The men were due to face Melbourne Magistrate Court in relations to the charges of conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to influence a Commonwealth official, and dealing with the proceeds of crimes. The charge of conspiracy to influence a Commonwealth official relates to allegations from the AFP that the men used false documents to register the training organisations. Joan Doyle, Victorian secretary of the posties’ union Communications Electrical Plumbing Union, said she believed he had about 100 workers, a number of whom were international students from India, working full-time in contravention of their student visa conditions which restrict work to 20 hours a week.

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CHEF SELVAM

Unit 110 - 8248 - Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC

Experienced chef in South Indian Cuisine

Ph: 604-312-9297

Saturday, August 8, 2015 i 35

36 i Saturday, August 8, 2015