Theasianstar01 44 july 18 2015

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Issue 25 Saturday, July 18, 2015

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2 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

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Local

Tory MP Wai Young backtracks from claim CSIS failed to warn of Air India bombing

never have happened. n a speech to churchgoers Those some 400 lives in her riding two weeks would have been ago, Conservative backsaved.” bencher Wai Young, the MP for Instead, Young alVancouver South, compared leged that CSIS let the Harper government to Jethe bombing happen sus and accused Canada’s spy because, she said, agency, CSIS, of knowing in adthe law at the time vance about Canada’s worst-evdid not allow the er attack — the 1985 bombing Pastor Shea Riley and Conservative of Air India Flight 182.

MP Wai Young pose for a picture on spy agency to tell the RCMP what it knew.

The bombing killed 329 pasJune 29 at Harvest City “CSIS knew or heard sengers and crew. Young said Church in Vancouver that there was a bomb CSIS failed to warn the RCMP on board this plane, ” she said. “But because of about the bomb for legal reasons. She offered the strict laws that government departments no evidence. have, they cannot share information between First elected in 2011, Young told worshipdepartments.…

Because they couldn’t share pers at the Harvest City Church that the Harpthat information with the RCMP, the RCMP er government was working “in the same vein” as Jesus by passing the new anti-terror legisla- could not act to take that bomb off that plane. tion, bill C-51.She added that, “If bill C-51 had Today, with C-51, they will be able to share been in place 30 years ago, Air India would that information.”

Maestro Amjad Ali Khan and Sons in concert last Wednesday, July 15, at the. Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver as part of .Indian Summer Festival in Vancouver .

Montreal man initially refused service at Verdun Hospital for speaking English

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Praveen Albuquerque was trying to get a hospital card when clerk demanded he speak in French

Montreal man says he never expected his visit to a local hospital to turn into a battle over language.

Praveen Albuquerque went to Verdun Hospital on Wednesday to get a hospital card. He said that although he’s perfectly bilingual, he chose to speak to the administrative clerk in English. “She said to me in a very unpleasant manner, ‘En français s’il vous plaît.’- Praveen Albuquerque “At that point she said to me in a very unpleasant manner, ‘En français s’il vous plaît.’ I speak French perfectly but when it comes to medical things, I prefer to speak in English so that everything is clear,” Albuquerque said. He told the clerk he would continue to address her in English. “She kind of got very agitated, and she said, ‘No, this is Quebec and you will speak to me in French.’” Patients’ rights advocate Paul Brunet said that, legally, all Quebecers are entitled to emergency medical services in English and French — but there’s a grey zone when it comes to non-emergencies

or administrative issues. “It depends on the availability of personnel or willingness of the administration,” said Brunet, head of the Quebec Council for the Protection of Patients. Albuquerque, who ultimately got his hospital card, said he would like the government to guarantee access to health-care services in English at all times.

“I do believe very strongly that anglophones should not be some sort of second-class status... Whether I’m an immigrant, whether I was born here, if my language is English, that is my right.” A spokesperson for the hospital said that any patient is entitled to be served in English, and if patients encounter a language issue, they should file a complaint.

No suspect in killing of Vancouver city worker

Hanif Jessa, 53, was shot and killed in his vehicle in front of his Burnaby home

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omicide investigators working on the shooting death of Vancouver city worker Hanif Jessa, 53, say they have leads but no suspects, and are appealing to anyone who may have seen the shooting to come forward. Jessa, who had worked for the city for 25 years, was shot in his vehicle outside his Burnaby home in the middle of the day yesterday, said Sgt. Stephanie Ashton of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. “This investigation has raised

concerns throughout the Lower Mainland,” said Ashton, who called the killing a targeted attack.

“We want to remind the public that we’re treating this homicide investigation with the seriousness it deserves. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson expressed his condolences about the killing of a “much-loved” city employee, but offered few details about the nature of the threat that put four city properties under heavy police presence yesterday.

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Fatal property dispute Indo-Canadian arrested in Punjab after shooting dead his brother

Check Inside for Details

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n Indo-Canadian man has been arrested and chared with murder after shooting dead his brother. He is Narinder Singh.

Punjab Police say he shot dead his brother, a arpanch (village headman) at point blank range outside a gym in Ludhiana city on Tuesday The two were entangled in a property dispute, police said. The victim, Bhupinder Singh, who was a leader of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal and sarpanch of Jhammat village in Ludhiana district, was accosted by his brother Narinder Singh, who is a Canadian citizen. The sarpanch, who was sitting inside his Toyota Innova multi-utility vehicle and was waiting for the gym to open, was shot at least five times by his brother with a pistol from point blank range.

Bhupinder, 45, was taken to a nearby hospital by the gym owner and others but doctors there declared him dead. The whole incident was recorded in the CCTV camera of the gym. The CCTV footage also showed another person, later identified as Soni, coming near the Innova and firing more shots at Bhupinder. The victim fell inside the car after receiving shots in the head, chest and stomach. The NRI brother and his accomplice have been booked for murder, a police officer said.

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Punjab Government’s Ministr of Rural development and Panchayat, Sikander Singh Maluka, is currently on a tour of BC. Last week, he visited the PICS Seniors Centre and Head Office in Surrey. The minister is pictured above with the staff of PICS. Photo: Chandra Bodalia

Hot days and even hotter nights are back

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he hot ad dry days and hotter nights are back for Metro vabncouver residents. And this will be a scorcher of a weekend, with no rain in sight. After a cooler week following a heat wave, Environment Canada temperatures

will climb back up to the high 20s in most areas on Saturday and Sunday. The weather will be even hotter inland, where the mercury is expected to spike to 31 degrees C. Friday was forecast to be mainly sunny, Continued on page 6

Surrey realtor murdered in home invasion

ealtor Colin Hill was killed by a home invader with at least eighteen prior convictions of violent crimes while on probations. Hill paid with his life to protect his family, according to his wife. Last Sunday night (July 12), Hill confronted a 22-year-old man trying to break into his home in the 16500-block of 64 Avenue just before midnight. During the confrontation, the suspect shot and killed the 42-year-old Cloverdale resident.

The attacker then fled in a stolen vehicle.

Man, 22, with 18 convictions arrested

Hours later in Burnaby, RCMP were called to reports of a man brandishing a gun in an apartment complex.

They arrested Surrey’s Khouri Lamar Green.Green appeared Colin Hill briefly in court on Tuesday, facing a charge of second degree murder. He is expected to appear again in court on Sept. 14. Green has a lengthy his-

tory in the court system. Most recently, he was before the courts related to charges of break and enter, possession of stolen property and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Several other charges were mostly related to possession of stolen property or break and enter. In her Facebook post, Hill’s wife Becky Zhou said he led the would-be robber outside so as to give the family time to hide. “Colin is the best real estate agent, very protective Continued on page 6

Tel: 604-591-5423

4 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

By Charles Lammamand Hugh MacIntyre

With 62 per cent of Metro Vancouver plebiscite voters rejecting a $250 million annual sales tax hike, local politicians have been scrambling for another way to help fund their $7.5 billion new capital

OPINION

A better way to fund transit expansion spending plan. Much of the discussion has revolved around alternative sources of revenue and new tax increases. It’s time for municipal governments to rethink the assumption that more revenue is needed to fund transit expansion. Savings can be found

within current spending envelopes, given the dramatic increases in spending by municipalities and TransLink over the last decade. Just how dramatic have the increases been? From 2003 to 2013 (the latest year of available data), Metro Vancouver municipalities collectively increased their spending on day-to-day operations by a total of 73 per cent. TransLink’s spending growth was even more dramatic (at 105 per cent), with spending more than doubling over the same period.

By comparison, the B.C. government (43 per cent) and federal government (46 per cent) increased spending more modestly over the same period. The increases in collective municipal and TransLink spending also greatly outpaced the combined rate of inflation and population growth in the region (31 per cent). It’s important to note that spending increases do not necessarily translate into new or improved services for Metro Vancouverites, especially if the spending is wastedor absorbed by government employees in the form of higher compensation packages. A recent report commissioned by the B.C. government found that, from 2001 to 2012, the wages of local government employees - including TransLink - grew by 38 per cent.

Continued on page 8

Letter to the Editor Dear editor, The B.C. Liberal government said their recent LNG agreement with Petronas is modeled after similar agreements made in Australia for LNG, but that isn’t the case. A look at those agreements shows that while Australia included clauses that would ensure local jobs, local purchasing and environmental investment, Christy Clark’s deal with Petronas did none of those things. And while Christy Clark’s deal with Petronas locks in huge tax breaks and tax cuts for Petronas for 25 years, the Australian agreements do no such thing. It’s clear Christy Clark negotiated well on behalf of this foreign-owned corporation, but she failed to negotiate jobs, a fair return and environmental protections for British Columbians. New Democrats support LNG, but it has to come with a fair return for our resource, good jobs for British Columbians, true partnership with First Nations, and protect our air, land and water from wellhead to water line. Premier Christy Clark isn’t looking out for British Columbia’s best interests.

Bruce Ralston, MLA New Democrat spokesperson on Natural Gas Development

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Saturday, July 18, 2015 i 5

LOCAL

6 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

Two men arrested in extortion case involving Island family Mounties say a Vancouver Island family was allegedly forced to lodge a man in their home for a week and do what he demanded under the threat of violence.

Nanaimo RCMP Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong says in a news release that police began their investigation Tuesday after a report of an alleged extortion.

Armstrong did not provide further details, saying only that the victims were forced to let the man stay in their home

under duress and that another person was also allegedly involved. Armstrong says 30-year-old Blair Schmidt of Nanaimo is charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, use of a firearm to commit extortion and pointing a firearm.

She says he is being held in custody and is expected to appear in court on Friday.

Armstrong says 42-year-old Steve Johnson of Nanaimo was expected to appear in court Thursday to face a charge of uttering threats.

Realtor murdered in home invasion father (and) very best husband a person a call about a man with a gun trycould ever ask for,” she wrote, asking for for ing to break into a home in that city. personal space and privacy during this difficult From attempted car thefts to break-ins, time. Hill was a realtor with Sutton Premier neighbours spoke with have expressed Realty, as is his wife. “The Sutton Preconcern the area has been mier family are very sorry for the loss seeing more criminal activity. of our colleague and friend Colin Hill,” Ravneet Virk lives down the company posted on Facebook this the street from where Hill week. “Colin was an amazing addition to our office always maintaining prowas killed. “We’ve had robfessionalism and keeping Real Estate beries — a lot of robberto the higher standard. Colin was a ies have happened next great husband, father, friend and will to my house and down Colin Hill live on in our hearts and memories the street from my house. forever.”

Murder charge laid Murder charge has now been approved against the man accused of killing a father of two in his home in Surrey Sunday night. Khouri Lamar Green has been charged with second-degree murder. Police believe Green was trying to break into Colin Hill’s home — where Hill was with his his family at the time — in the area of 64th Avenue and 165th Street around midnight when Hill confronted him. Hill was shot; the 42-year-old died before he could be rushed to the hospital.

Green, 22, was arrested several hours later after Burnaby RCMP received

A lot of people have complained about random men walking around.”

Christian Cunning lives just around the corner from Hill’s home. She’s also noticed an uptick in crime; in fact, someone tried to steal her husband’s car just last month.

“They tried to hot-wire it. They smashed the ignition box. All of the wires were hanging out when we found it. My husband had to replace everything. They couldn’t steal the car because they had blown the fuse when they tried to rub the wires together.”

Green has previous convictions for possession of stolen property and breaching court orders; he has also previously been sentenced for breaking and entering.

B.C. health firings take over ahead of LNG debate at heated legislature A long-running Health Ministry scandal upstaged the main event Thursday for British Columbia politicians recalled to the legislature to deal with a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton said she will introduce a legislative change next week, giving the province’s ombudsperson more powers to investigate the firings of eight health researchers, including one who committed suicide.

The government appointed Jay Chalke to conduct a review of the September 2012 dismissals despite repeated calls for a public inquiry by the Opposition New Democrats, the workers and their families.

On Wednesday, an all-party committee began debating Chalke’s likely appointment to head a review of the firings and suggested Thursday that a decision is likely by month’s end.

“We’re in here because we’ve been given one choice as a committee, and the choice is to refer to the ombudsperson or not,” said NDP committee member Carole James. “A public inquiry is the route it should have gone.”

Ombudsman review would be more efficient, Liberals say Committee chairman, Liberal MLA Scott Hamilton, said next week’s legislative change would ensure the ombudsperson faces no further roadblocks to conduct a review.

Hamilton said he supports an om-

budsperson review over a public inquiry, but the committee, of which the Liberals hold the majority, has the final say.

“It’s an opportunity for us to do this faster, cheaper, more efficiently,” he said. “There’s no reason for us to change course now.”

Hamilton said the main focus of the summer legislative sitting is a proposed LNG law, but in regards to the health firings “the

timing’s impeccable, obviously, for us to be able to deal with something like this.”

The legislature was recalled this week to ratify a law involving a proposed LNG plant near Prince Rupert but the health firings took precedence again Thursday after the NDP’s repeated attacks on the government.

Chalke appeared before the committee Wednesday and said he needs more powers to access data and interview witnesses if he does an investigation.

The government has consistently refused calls for a public inquiry, saying that would an expensive and lengthy process.

Hot days and even hotter nights are back

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ith highs of between 23 and 28 degrees C in the region. As for rain, there doesn’t appear to be much relief, with the forecast calling for more dry, hot weather into most of next week. However next Thursday looks a little cooler, as temperatures are expected to drop back down to around 21 degrees C, according to Environment Canada. Meanwhile, the weekend’s

dry and hot weather forecast is troubling for firefighters battling more than 150 wildfires around the province. Fire information officer Ryan Turcot said Friday morning that 17 new fires erupted on Thursday, 12 of which were caused by lightning. So far this season, wildfires have burned through 293,586 hectares of forest. The latest tally of money spent fighting the fires is at more than $122 million, said Turcot.

LOCAL

Saturday, July 18, 2015 i 7

Federal court orders another immigration hearing for fugitive Chinese businessman

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Vancouver property developer wanted in China on corruption charges has secured a significant legal victory in his bid to stay in Canada, the latest twist in a protracted court battle that has dragged on for years.

Michael Ching Mo Yeung, who has developed several real estate projects in British Columbia and appeared on an Interpol “red notice� as a wanted fugitive under the name Cheng Muyang, has been a permanent resident of Canada since 1996. He has fought for more than a decade to gain Canadian citizenship in a process that eventually ground to a halt because of his alleged criminality in China, according to a previous affidavit submitted by one of his lawyers.

On Wednesday, Federal Court Justice Yvan Roy ruled that Ching’s case should be sent back to a different panel of the Refugee Protection Division of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which had previously looked at his case. For Ching, whose lawyers have argued that he faces false charges in China and would risk imprisonment and torture, the ruling allows him to remain in Canada for the time being and continue arguing his case through Canada’s legal process.

Ching’s lawyers have argued that he is an innocent victim of politicized charges, that evidence against him was obtained through the torture of key witnesses, and that he would not get a fair trial in China.

The refugee panel, according to Roy, had previously concluded there were “serious reasons for considering� that Ching, a Chinese national, had committed a “serious non-political crime� in China, which would prevent him from gaining Canadian citizenship.

Ching’s lawyer in this case is the well-known human rights lawyer David Matas. He also defended the Chinese fugitive Lai Changxing,

who fought for years to avoid extradition to China from Vancouver – but was eventually deported after the Chinese government assured Canadian officials he wouldn’t be tortured or executed.

China, under President Xi Jinping, is in the middle of a far-reaching crackdown on corruption, both of domestic officials and Chinese citizens who have fled overseas. China’s law enforcement agencies have said there are 26 wanted fugitives currently in Canada.

In his ruling, Roy pointed out that Ching had never appeared before the Chinese court that found two of Ching’s acquaintances guilty of embezzlement related to a real estate transaction in Beijing. Ching’s father, a Chinese Communist Party Secretary in China’s Hebei province, was expelled from the party in 2003 after a corruption investigation. Roy notes it “appears� Ching, through his father, met one of the men who would go on to be convicted, and that the Chinese court found the three men had skimmed roughly $2-million from the land deal.

But Roy also noted the refugee panel’s “serious reasons� for suspecting Ching of partaking in the crimes of embezzlement and “harbouring and transporting illegally acquired goods� remained “unclear.� He noted the panel made its decision by relying on the rulings of the Chinese tribunals, rather than on any actual evidence of Ching’s complicity, and that although the panel “seems to accept� that Ching received illicit funds from the real estate transaction, there was again no evidence that the Canadian officials could see.

Noting that the “embezzlement scheme is itself quite difficult to follow,� Roy wrote in his ruling that he was “hard-pressed to understand what is the evidence that was presented in support of the allegation that the applicant was a co-conspirator.�

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8 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

A better way to fund transit expansion

From page 4

This rate of growth is twice that of provincial government employees (19 per cent). The report also noted that in a single year (2012), the number of local governments) receive 6.7 per cent higher wagTransLink employees making more than $100,000 es, on average, than their private-sector counterparts (after accounting for education, length of time in the increased by 14 per cent.

More generally, researchshows that in B.C. gov- workforce, type of job and other relevant factors).

TEL20150508_H1 FFH_Asian Star_JrPg:Layout 1 05/06/15 PM Page That wage10:18 premium, which1does not include the ernment workers (including federal, provincial and

related organizations spend on compensation isn’t trivial. In the case of TransLink, the compensation of more generous non-wage benefits (pensions, earlier employees consumed more than half (52 per cent) of retirement, job security) that government workers its operating budget in 2013.

Consider a scenario where Metro Vancouver mualso enjoy, leaves less money for transit and other nicipalities restrained spending growth to the pace public services.

To be clear. The amount governments and their of inflation and population growth starting in 2003.

Together they would have spent $4.7 billion less on their operating budgets TELUS STORES over the decade (in 2013 dollars). And Abbotsford a whopping $778 million less in 2013 Highstreet Shopping Centre alone, which is more than three times Sevenoaks Shopping Centre the $250 million that municipal mayors 2140 Sumas Way 32915 South Fraser Way say they need each year to help fund the Aldergrove proposed capital plan.

26310 Fraser Hwy. Alternatively, consider how Burnaby TransLink and the Metro Vancouver Brentwood Town Centre municipalities could work together to Crystal Mall find $250 million in savings, assuming Lougheed Town Centre they share the burden based on their Metropolis at Metrotown . proportional 2013 operating spending.

3855 Henning Dr. 4501 North Rd. Municipal governments would have Coquitlam to collectively save $185.6 million while Coquitlam Centre TransLink would have to save $64.4 Westwood Mall million (roughly 5 per cent of operat1071 Austin Ave. ing spending in both cases). Even with Delta these savings, Metro Vancouver municScottsdale Centre ipal and TransLink spending would still 1517 56th St. 4841 Delta St. have grown faster than the provincial 4912 62nd St. and federal government and also the Langley rate of inflation plus population growth Willowbrook Mall A natural place to find savings is by 8700 200th St. ensuring that wages and benefits for 19638 Fraser Hwy. government employees are in line with 20159 88th Ave. private-sector norms for similar posi20202 66th Ave. tions. Metro Vancouver residents have Maple Ridge Haney Place Mall rejected higher taxes for transit. Munic22661 Lougheed Hwy. ipal governments would do well to look Mission for savings in their existing budgets.

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Charles Lammam is director of fiscal studies and Hugh MacIntyre is policy analyst at the Fraser Institute.

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wo people were found dead at a home in Coquitlam on Thursday afternoon, police have confirmed. Coquitlam RCMP were called to the home on the 1600 block of Alpine Lane in the Westwood Plateau area just after 2 p.m. PT on Thursday, but released little information about the incident until this morning.Homicide investigators say they’re still in the early stages of the investigation and they’re still looking to identify the two people who were found at the scene.

“IHIT is working with Coquitlam RCMP to determine what happened in the home and we ask that anyone who may have information about this investigation to come forward,” said a statement released by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

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Cycling improvements roll along in Surrey as TransLink opens bike parkade

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Saturday, July 18, 2015 i 9

Metro Vancouver mayors meet with transportation minister for plebiscite post-mortem

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The bike parkade at King George is the hile Vancouver’s downtown etro Vancouver’s get this right, this could be the second of its kind. TransLink has already separated bike lanes get all mayors have been single most important posithe attention, Surrey has been operating one at Main Street-Science quietly meeting tive thing that could happen been quietly rolling along with its steadily World Station and plans to roll out three with Transportation Ministo TransLink going forward,” growing cycling infrastructure. Seventeen more at Metrotown, Commercial-Broadter Todd Stone to dissect the he said. new kilometres of bike lanes, separated way and Joyce-Collingwood stations. failed transit tax plebiscite, Hepner said that during the The new facility gets a thumbs up from paths and off-street bikeways are being the future of TransLink and talks she brought up Surrey’s added this year, contributing to an overall, Gordon Hall, co-chair of HUB’s Surrey cylobby for their local rapid priority for a $2.1-billion light fast-growing network of 520 kilometres. cling committee. “You can’t take your bike transit projects. Surrey Mayrail system, and explained the or Linda Hepner, Vancouver Adding to that compliment this month is on transit in the direction of rush hour so city’s potential plan to seek Mayor Gregor Robertson and TransLink’s new $345,000 bike parkade people need a place to lock up their bikes,” private investment to accomTodd Stone Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg at King George Station, which provides said Hall. “We’re very pleased with this pany potential funding from Moore, who is also the mayors’ secure storage for the provincial and federal council chairman, have held separate talks governments. “Quite frankly I’ve got pocyclists connectwith Stone at the legislature and by phone tentially two sets (of funding) on the table ing on the Skythis week. Vancouver and Surrey have out of three,” said Hepner. “I’m very hopeTrain line for lonthreatened to go it alone on transit projects ful. I’ve got federal funding, and I heard ger commutes into after the plebiscite defeat earlier this month. from minister Stone that their funding cities north of the Vancouver wants a Broadway rapid-transit is available. For me, to find financing, it’s Fraser. line and Surrey a transit rail system. the only way I can move the Surrey proj“This kind of Stone has refused to get into specifics of ect forward.” Hepner backtracked from infrastructure is the talks, saying only that he hasn’t prom- suggestions Surrey might re-direct gas tax critical for the ised to immediately overhaul TransLink. money, currently allocated to TransLink, city,” said Jamie But he’s also acknowledged the transit agen- back to a rail project in her city. Instead, Boan, manager of cy became a lightning rod for public out- she said Surrey simply wants to see some of transportation for rage due to its spending and management the $110 million in its annual gas tax funds during the plebiscite. “I’m not going to get spent south of the Fraser River, where the the City of Surrey. into the specific details of the conversations population is growing. Stone agreed that’s Surrey HUB’s Gordon Hall locks up his bike “We are an enorat the new parking facility TransLink we had, but I will say from a theme perspec- a priority. “On behalf of government I’ve mous city and so tive we are all very much on the same page been consistent on saying Surrey is next,” distances are quite that more must be done to make TransLink he said. “Investments in Surrey are next significant, so providing options where system, it offered the ability to expand and more accountable and transparent and so up on the docket. We’re all going to conpeople can cycle part way and use transit to have more bicycles in their system. It’s we were sharing a bunch of ideas on that,” tinue to work hard together to deliver on are very important for us in terms of try- a very good alternative [to the bike lockStone said. In particular, the mayors dis- the commitments and expectations that ing to move people from the car into other ers].” Bicycle theft remains a common cussed TransLink’s impending hire of a new the region has for all of us in Surrey.” The problem throughout the region, so Hall modes.”

CEO. Interim CEO Doug Allen’s tenure regional mayors have threatened to pull Research shows most cyclists are com- likes that parkade access is restricted to comes to an end next month. Stone said it is out of TransLink if the province doesn’t fortable cycling between five and 10 kilo- key card holders. “We’re hoping for more a crucial moment for the organization. change its structure and address funding metres during their commute, and having facilities like this in all major city centre “If the region gets this right, if the mayors issues in the next six months. the bike parkade at the station allows cy- areas,” he said. clists to ride in from Surrey’s most dense communities, such as Fleetwood, NewEYEGLASSES CONTACT LENSES SUNGLASSES ton and Guidford, and hop on the SkyTrain with no fuss.

Vision Test and Eye Examination Available The parkade, which costs $1 a day up to a maximum of $8 a month, is accessible only to registered users by key card.

We are located in Royal Square Mall The 70 parking stalls are in addition to the 60 long-term bike lockers that were # 26 C - 800 McBride Boulevard, already at the station, but have been New Westminster, BC V3L 2B8 oversubscribed for some time.

“The bike lockers here are already full, (Near Safeway on 8th Ave., & McBride Blvd.) there’s a wait list, so we’re really excited to be opening it up,” said TransLink Serving the community spokesperson Jennifer Morland of the Please call to book an appointment: new parkade. “They do get good usage. for the last 16 years It’s a service we see our customers wanting to use so we’re happy to be expandWe Carry Major Brand Name Eye Glass Frames and Sun-Glasses, including: ing it to give them more options and to E-mail: nulookopticians@telus.net also encourage cycling throughout the Web: www.nulookopticians.com region.”

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10 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

LOCAL

The “Miracle Mile” statue (above), which marks the historic four-minute mile, was moved from the corner of Hastings and Renfrew Streets and returned to Empire Fields in November, 2014. The 153 acre Hastings Park was opened in 1910 and hosted the Empire Games in 1954 when two athletes ran a mile in less than four minutes for the first time in history. Today (July 18), yhe Vancouver Park Board if celebrating the transformation of Hastings Park from 10 am to 5pm multiple free sports events and activities for kids.

B.C. records $1.6 billion budget surplus

Mainland Athletics held its annual spring /summer soccer development season ending with a mini World Cup and BBQ at the King George Park in Richmond last Saturday. Photo: Chandra Bodalia

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inance Minister Mike de Jong says controlled spending and higher-than-expected revenues allowed B.C. to record a comfortable budget surplus

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of $1.6 billion in the latest fiscal year. The figure was offered Wednesday on release of the government’s 2014-2015 Public Accounts, marking the second-consecutive year B.C. was able to end its fiscal cycle in the black. With the surplus, de Jong said the government can offer some “modest” initiatives that will help British Columbians. But don’t expect a spending bonanza. De Jong underscored the need for continued fiscal discipline, citing the ongoing financial problems in China and Europe. Here’s how some of the number released Wednesday break down. $1.68 billion SURPLUS $879 million more than forecasted in budget 2014 So where did all the money come from? De Jong said the surge in revenue came largely from taxes, with provincial sales tax revenues (up $322 million), property transfer taxation (up $128 million) and the corporate income tax (up $208 million) all providing dividends. In total, tax revenue increased from $899 million when compared to Budget 2014 forecasts. Stronger net-earnings from self-supported Crown corporations also contributed to the surplus, de Jong said, and helped off-set an $18-million decrease in natural resource revenues. The NDP’s finance critic Carole James was critical of the surplus, saying it was built on the backs of hardworking families, who are paying more in fees and getting “less and less” service. Advertisement $44.4 billion TOTAL Operating expenses for 20142015. On the other side of the balance sheet, de Jong said government increased its program spending by $1 billion from the previous fiscal year. A huge chunk of that money went to health, which was handed an additional $508 million for a total of 18.6 billion in funding, while education spending remained about the same at $11.8 billion. A further $436 million was spent (for a total of about $2.2 billion) under the heading of “resource and economic development.” This was for things like wildfire response, funding to support LNG and environment and economic development, the government said in a release.$62.9 billion DEBT Total increased by $2.2 billion Although the government was able to post a sizable surplus, the province’s overall debt climbed by about 3.6 per cent to $62.9 billion. Much of the increase, de Jong noted, can be attributed to government borrowing for capital projects funding. During fiscal 2014-2015, the government invested an estimated $3.4 billion in projects such as the redevelopment of

B.C. Children’s and Women’s Hospital, replacement of Oak Bay Secondary School, Highway 1 improvement, and the Surrey Memorial Hospital expansion project. Meanwhile, taxpayer-supported debt to GDP ration, a key measure of affordability, remains among the lowest in the country at 17.5 per cent.

LOCAL

Saturday, July 18 2015 i 11

Tough, new rules in Temporary Foreign Worker Program

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Lack of appeal process for ‘extreme’ penalties still a sticking point for some employers

ew penalties for employers who break the rules when hiring foreign workers come into force on Dec. 1. During boom times, Canada’s oil sector has been a major employer of temporary foreign workers. (Gregory Bull/Associated Press) The federal government has announced “stiff new consequences” for employers who break the rules when hiring foreign workers, but employers say the lack of an independent appeal process could be time-consuming and costly for individuals and businesses alike.

The changes, which take effect on Dec. 1, come after the government received feedback from 42 stakeholder groups on a discussion paper posted online last September outlining proposed consequences for employers found to have broken the rules.

■Irving holds Fort McMurray job fair to lure oil workers east The new regulations, published in the Canada Gazette this month, apply to employ-

ers hiring foreign nationals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program and to individuals seeking to hire foreign caregivers.

“Stiff new consequences,” said Employment Minister Pierre Poilievre in a news release last week, “will encourage compliance and help prevent employers from misusing the programs or mistreating workers by ensuring that employers who violate program conditions face appropriate consequences.” Employment Minister Pierre Poilievre said in a news release last week that new penalties for employers who break the rules are intended to protect the Canadian economy and workers. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) Under the new rules, employers found to be “non-compliant” following an inspection could face a ban from using the program ranging from one to 10 years for each violation, or even a permanent ban for the most serious violations. Currently, the only consequence is a two-year ban.

Employers could also face fines ranging from $500 to $100,000 for each violation. Amendments made following stakeholder feedback will see fines capped at $1 million per year, per employer.

Other amendments following the consultations include: ■Giving employers at least 30 days to respond in writing to preliminary findings of an investigation, with the possibility of extensions.

■Allowing employers to voluntarily disclose mistakes and receive a lesser penalty, such as a written warning.

■Reinstating “good faith” provisions to acknowledge human error, such as administrative errors or misinterpretations, can occur.

■Posting a so-called “blacklist” online with only the names of employers who have been fined or banned from using the program, instead of the names of all employers found to be “non-compliant.”

Appeal process criticized The new rules are meant to address concerns about changes to the program following a

series of stories by CBC’s Go Public unit that reported on allegations of abuse by several employers, including RBC and McDonald’s. But some stakeholders are concerned the changes still leave employers without proper recourse to appeal.The compliance regime creates absolute liability for the employer. - Vance Langford, immigration law section of the Canadian Bar Association The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in the country representing some 200,000 employers, was one of the groups that wrote to the government about the proposed changes. “We still find the penalties very stiff for small employers, but at least there seems to be a more reasonable approach to errors made in good faith and a change to the administrative decision-making process, that is allowing a written reply by an employer before a decision on non-compliance is made,” said Sarah Anson-Cartwright, the director of skills policy at the chamber, in an email to CBC News.

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12 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

New penalties eyed for careless fire starts

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he B.C. government is reviewing its penalties for those who start forest fires with campfires or discarded cigarette butts, as losses pile up from a severe early fire season.

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris has been assigned to the review, as the province’s forest fire crews continue to work flat-out to keep up with lightning-caused fires and those caused by human

carelessness. Morris said he will examine what new penalties can be effectively enforced. “For example, should we be banning those who break fire bans from attending our provincial parks?” Morris said. “Should we look at larger fines up to and including possibly of the impoundment of vehicles for those who flick lit cigarette butts out of their windows?” One tree faller has been killed

this season as the B.C. Wildfire Service continues to work against 175 active wildfires, down from 200 since the start of the week due to cooler weather and showers.

The service has tackled more than 1,000 forest fires so far this year, about a third of

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them human caused. “There are some who have suggested you can’t legislate against stupidity,” Forests Minister Steve Thomson said. “But if exploring the idea of increasing fines or acting on ideas that mean more people will get the message, I think we should be prepared to have a look at it.”

Witnesses can report careless smokers or breaches of the province-wide outdoor fire ban with the same phone numbers as to report wildfires, 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone. Of the 14 new fires Monday, two are suspected to have been human-caused. About 375 of this season’s fires are listed as human-caused, burning 44,000 hectares. Most new forest fire starts this week have been from lightning storms in the Kootenay region, but most were accompanied by rain and no large new fires have been added.

States of local emergency continue in the Cariboo, Squamish-Lillooet and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Districts as of Tuesday.

RCMP hunts suspect in Surrey cabbie attack

olice have released a photo of a man they believe is responsible for an attack on a taxi driver in Whalley last month (pictured).

On June 21, at about 5:30 a.m., Surrey Mounties were called by a taxi driver who was in the 13300-block of 105A Avenue.

The cabbie said he picked up a fare near 108 Avenue and 144 Street. He said he was assaulted by the man, who produced a knife, stabbing the taxi driver in the arm and the hand.

The suspect took the taxi driver’s wal-

let, cash and cell phone and then fled.

The taxi driver got out of his cab bleeding and was assisted by people in the area.

He was treated in hospital and released.

Police are looking for a man (see photo) described as slender, with a dark complexion, wearing black pants and a black hoodie. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

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Surrey man who killed pregnant girlfriend loses appeal

man found guilty of the first-degree murder of a pregnant mother in Surrey nearly 10 years ago has lost a bid to overturn his conviction.

Amjad Khan was convicted in June 2013 in the stabbing death of 21-year-old Tasha Lynn Rossette at her home in November 2005.

Khan’s appeal was dismissed by three B.C. Court of Appeal justices this week.

Rossette, a single mother of a three-year-old daughter who had another child on the way, was stabbed dozens of times near the entry of her basement suite near 72 Avenue and 142 Street.

Khan and another man, Naim Saghir, faced trial twice in connection to the gruesome murder.

During the first trial, both were found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury in 2008. They appealed the conviction, however, and were granted a new trial, which took place in 2013.

During the second, judge-only trial in 2013, Saghir was acquitted and Khan was again found guilty.

At trial, the Crown alleged Khan wanted Rossette dead because she was carrying his child (potentially shaming his family) and refused to get an abortion. The two knew each other from high school but had a more recent sexual relationship. Prosecutors theorized that Khan arranged the murder and Saghir did the actual killing.

In appealing his conviction, Khan argued, in part, that because the charge alleged both he and Saghir killed Rossette, the acquittal of Saghir should have resulted in his acquittal as well.

In their July 13 decision, three appeal court justices disagreed with Khan’s assessment.

“The Crown’s theory was that Mr. Saghir was the killer, but proving this was not part of the Crown’s burden in establishing the guilt of the appellant. It only had to do so to convict Mr. Saghir,” reads the July 13 decision by Justice Edward Chiasson, with Justices Daphne Smith and David Harris in agreement.

Khan also argued the trial judge failed to consider the context of a comment he made to a female witness that he’d “dealt with it” when she asked about the pregnant woman.

Khan also argued the judge didn’t properly assess the credibility of “unsavoury” witnesses – a man with a prior criminal past who testified Khan tried to hire him to kill Rossette, and a roommate of Saghir’s who sometimes dealt drugs.

Again, the appeal court judges found the trial judge’s findings sound.

They said while the woman didn’t recall some parts of the conversation, she clearly recalled the comment.

As for two men, the appeal justices found their testimony was assessed appropriately by the judge.

“He found them to be unsavoury witnesses and treated their evidence accordingly,” wrote Chiasson in his decision.

Khan, who operated a dial-a-dope operation, testified at the trial, admitting he’d spent time with Rossette the night she was killed, but saying he dropped her off at her home and went home. He denied arranging to have anyone kill her.

Khan will continue to serve his life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

LOCAL

TransLink’s executive cuts don’t solve its problems critic says

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Interim TransLink CEO Doug Allen is leaving August 10th.

New interim CEO Cathy McLay will replace him.

ransLink’s issues are not with its management, but in how it is governed according to a former regional planner who helped review its governance structure in 2013. Simon Fra-

ser University professor Ken Cameron, a former manager of policy and planning with the Greater Vancouver Regional District, now Metro Vancouver, says cutting two managers and bringing in another interim CEO won’t help fix the real problems plaguing the troubled transit authority, “It’s the [TransLink] board that chose the compass card system, for example.

That whole train wreck happened and so throwing some managers over the side isn’t going to fix that.” Unelected board a problem TransLink is currently governed by an unelected board of directors. In 2007, the B.C. Liberal government dissolved a board of elected officials.

Cameron believes TransLink should be solely Metro Vancouver’s responsibility.

“It’s a local service that should be provided by people who are accountable locally, certainly not by people who are isolated from the users and the voters of the region.”

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“What [the provincial government] should be doing is cooperating and reinforcing sound transportation planning, which is not building bridges and roads that are running contrary to the objective of increasing transit service,” Cameron said.

Cutting managers wrong decision Cameron said both TransLink executive vice-president Bob Paddon and gen-

eral manager Doug Kelsey — the two managers let go by the organization — “have worked for decades to make TransLink a success.” Paddon’s position as executive vice-president of planning and stakeholder relations has also been eliminated in order to save salary costs. Interim CEO Doug Allen is being replaced by Cathy McLay, the organization’s chief financial officer, until a permanent replacement is found. Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said he welcomed the changes to TransLink’s management.

“I would hope that the decisions that are represented with these two departures

Surrey overdoses prompt warning

t least eight people in Surrey have overdosed in 24 hours on heroin believed to have been cut with a powerful and dangerous analgesic called Fentanyl.

None of the eight died, as they were quickly administered Narcan, temporarily interrupting the Fentanyl effects until the patient can be hospitalized.

Police have sent a sample of the drug to the lab for examination, but the effects witnessed appear to be Fentanyl related.

Surrey RCMP issued a warning just before 9 p.m. Wednesday after eight people overdosed – three in Whalley, three in Guildford and two in Newton in just one day.

While they couldn’t say by what order of

magnitude, the number of overdoses is far above what emergency responders usually see, according to police. In at least three instances, extreme life-saving measures had to be taken. All of the individuals were taken to local hospitals and are recovering. Police are recommending precautions offered at knowyoursource. ca. It recommends that if addicts are going to use, don’t take drugs alone, and to start with a small amount. Early overdose signs include severe sleepiness, slowed heart rate, trouble breathing, cold, clamming skin or trouble walking and talking.

If you think you or someone you are with has overdosed, call 911 immediately.

Saturday, July 18 2015 i 13

LOCAL

14 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

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Level 4 drought declared for South Coast and Lower Fraser

onditions are so dry in B.C’s Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Fraser Valley that the provincial government has raised the drought rating to the highest category — Level 4 — and are warning that if things get worse, water shortages could affect people, industry and agriculture.

“All water users are urged to maximize their water conservation efforts,” said the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in a release. B.C. Forests Minister Steve Thomson said the government will be increasing education about water usage as more of the province moves to Level 4 drought. Further water restrictions may come This

provincial drought rating is distinct from the regional ratings used by water managers, such as Metro Vancouver — but the change means further water use restrictions could be imposed in the region, if necessary.

Currently, Metro Vancouver is under Stage 2 water restrictions, which limits lawn watering and other non-essential uses of treated drinking water.

The reservoir levels sit at 73 per cent, which is below normal for this time of year. The Lower Mainland’s drought rating was last raised to Level 3 on June 30, according to the release. Vancouver Island is already at Level 4.

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B.C. Children’s Ministry announces review after scathing child sex abuse ruling

.C.’s Children’s Minister Stephanie Cadieux has announced a review into the case of a father who molested his toddler despite a court order banning unsupervised visits.

She said Thursday that her ministry will examine all of the policy and practice concerns raised in a scathing ruling, as well as the human resource implications.

Cadieux said the public deserves to know the child welfare system is accountable but that she doesn’t yet know the details of the review. “It can’t be rushed but it won’t

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be delayed,” she said. “When that plan is brought forward to me... I will explain to the public what form that review will take.”

A B.C. Supreme Court judge found that the ministry showed “reckless disregard” for its responsibility when it falsely accused a mother of being mentally ill and removed four children from her care in 2009. Social workers failed to investigate the children’s reports that they had been sexually abused by their father and allowed him to visit them unaccompanied in foster care, according to the decision.

Ministry abused authority in case of B.C. father sexually abusing his children: judge

C Supreme Court judge ruled the province’s child protection service abused its authority in a case involving the physical and sexual abuse of children, which ultimately allowed a father to molest his child while the toddler was in

the ministry’s care. In a scathing 341-page judgement released Tuesday, Justice Paul Walker labelled the failure as ‘egregious,’ negligent and a breach of duty and said some social workers showed a “reckless disregard for their obligation to protect children.”

The mother’s lawyer, Jack Hittrich, says the case could result in a payout of mil-

lions of dollars in damages and legal costs to the children and the mother.

He says the mother was valiantly trying to get the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development to acknowledge and act on evidence that the father had physically and sexually abused at least three of the couple’s four children.

The mother, who can only be identified as JP, was disbelieved and rebuffed and also wrongfully labelled as unstable by authorities, said Hittrich.

“This is the very first case in Canadian history where a mother has succeeded in holding a child protection agency liable for misfeasance in public office,” he said.

‘Baseless attempt to discredit mother’ Tuesday’s judgement flows from an earlier decision by Justice Walker in June 2012, which was part one of the case, and related to the mother’s bid to obtain permanent custody of her children.

At that time, Justice Walker ruled that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that three of the former couple’s children had been sexually and physically abused by their father and that a Vancouver police investigation into the case was flawed.

The couple separated about four years prior, in October 2009, when the father, called BG in the court documents, was charged with uttering death threats. He was eventually removed from the family home for assaulting JP and the couple’s eldest daughter.

Soon after, the mother became alarmed by evidence that at least three of her other children had been sexually abused by BG. In December 2009 Justice Walker ordered that the father only be allowed supervised access to the children. But the ministry ignored that and seized the children from the mother after the father and his close friends made repeated calls raising concerns about her mental capacity. The Continued on next page

LOCAL

Banks cut prime lending rates after Bank of Canada slashes benchmark rate to 0.5%

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anada’s big banks have all cut their prime lending rates following the announcement that the central bank had lowered its benchmark interest rate to 0.5 per cent.

It was the second time this year the Bank of Canada had dropped the rate to stimulate the economy, after holding the rate steady for about four years.

The central bank’s rate influences the rates that commercial banks offer because it affects their cost of borrowing.

Although they’re not obligated to, banks tend to pass on the savings or the costs.

TD Bank announced within minutes of the Bank of Canada’s decision that it will cut its prime lending rate to 2.75 per cent, starting Thursday.

But TD’s cut was initially only 10 basis points lower than it had been, not a 25-point cut that the central bank announced. TD had pocketed a similar amount when the central bank cut its rate by 25 points in January, passing on only 15 basis points to its customers.

Later in the day, however, Royal Bank, the Bank of MontreFrom page 14

Ministry abused authority ministry then allowed the father to have unsupervised access to the children — which then allowed the father to sexually abuse the fourth and youngest child, Walker wrote in Tuesday’s judgement. That child is still suffering as a result, said Hittrich. “Clearly she was sexually abused while in care, and but for the ministry’s actions that wouldn’t have happened.”

“When mom was frantically trying to convince the ministry that the sexual abuse allegations were real, they basically labelled her as crazy. And the more she protested, the more she was labelled as being crazy,” Hittrich told CBC. “If someone actually gave me this as a script, a Hollywood script, I would probably say this is a very entertaining script but ultimately not very believable.”

In his 2012 ruling, Justice Walker deemed the father’s allegations “a baseless attempt to discredit her.”

He also said the investigating Vancouver police officer wrongly sided against the mother in determining there was no basis for the sexual abuse allegations. He added the officer appeared “enamoured” with the father.

In Tuesday’s ruling the judge found the province was negligent and breached its fiduciary duty to the mother and the children, and misfeasance was proven.

“I have determined that the director and certain ministry social workers acted well outside of their statuto-

al, CIBC and Scotiabank all announced they were decreasing their prime lending rates by 15 basis points to 2.7 per cent from 2.85 per cent, effective July 16.

TD eventually followed suit, matching the other banks at 2.7 per cent.

Economist Todd Hirsch with ATB Financial says the rate cut will be of limited help in Alberta.

The Canadian dollar fell more than a cent to in reaction to the news, reaching the lowest level seen since 2009, when Canada was in a recession. The loonie closed at 77.40 cents to the U.S. dollar.

All things being equal, rate cuts normally drive currencies lower because they make the country’s economy less attractive to foreign investors.

“The bank’s estimate of growth in Canada in 2015 has been marked down considerably from its April projection,” the bank said in a statement announcing the news Wednesday.

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Saturday, July 18 2015 i 15

Surrey police looking to ID sex-assault suspect

nvestigators with Surrey RCMP’s Special Victims Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man sought in connection with a sexual assault investigation. Police say a woman flagged officers down just after 1 a.m. July 7 to report she had just been sexually assaulted in the 6600-block of 140 Street.

A search of the area did not locate a suspect or any related evidence.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his mid-30’s, with a large build, bald head and a moustache and/or goatee. He was wearing khaki cargo shorts and a colorful

t-shirt. The suspect is believed to be deaf and mute. He was driving a four-door brown or beige sedan with a blue and white license plate BWXM606 of unknown origin. Police also believe the suspect may be targeting people who engage in the sex trade.

Anyone who recognizes the description of this man or vehicle or with information that may assist police is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or www.solvecrime. ca and quote file #2015-96174.

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LOCAL

Canadian inflation inches up to 1% in June

Higher cost of food pushes inflation up despite low energy prices Core inflation, which excludes volatile anadian inflation grew at a one items like food and energy, increased per cent annual rate in June, up at a 2.3 per cent annual rate in June. from 0.9 per cent in May, accordGas prices still falling ing to new data from Statistics Canada.

Lower energy prices helped keep inflaHigher food prices helped lead the June tion from rising further in June.

Gas2015 inflation increase, as consumers oline prices were down 14.1 per cent paid 3.4 per cent more than they did in from June 2014, slightly less than the June 2014. The price of meat continued to 17.4 per cent annual decline in May. increase, up 6.6 per cent from June 2014.

On a monthly basis, gas prices inDairy products cost 2.5 per cent more creased six per cent from May to June. than they did in June 2014, and the price Statistics Canada’s index of natural gas of fresh fruit increased by 3.3 per cent. prices decreased by 10.9 per cent over the The cost of shelter increased by one per 12 months to June, and fuel oil prices fell by cent on an annual basis, accelerating from 17.8 per cent during the same period. Eleca 0.5 per cent gain in May. Home insurtricity prices, however, rose by 3.2 per cent. ance and mortgage insurance cost 9.2 per Without the moderating effect of cent more than they did in June 2014. cheap energy prices, inflation inOn Wednesday, the Bank of Canada cut creased 2.1 per cent from last June. its key interest ratefrom 0.75 per cent

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to 0.5 per cent in the face of a sluggish economy. The central bank adjusts that interest rate to try and keep core inflation between one and three per cent.

Provincial inflation rates By province, annual inflation rates in June were as follows (May’s rate in brackets):

) The “auspicious Purshottam Maas Maha Puja” was organized at the RC All Saints Parish Hall in Coquitlam last Sunday, July 12, by Shri Durga Hanuman Religious and Cultural Society of BC. Adhik (extra) Maas (month) is the extra month in the Hindu calendar which comes every three years. In India, the festival involves huge bathing rituals throughout the “extra” month. Pictured above are devotees at the “Purshottam Maas Maha Punja in Coquitlam. Photo: Chandra Bodalia

Delta Police officer won’t stand trial on seconddegree murder charge

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second-degree-murder charge has been dropped against a police officer involved in a lengthy armed standoff outside a Vancouver-area casino.

The province’s Criminal Justice Branch has applied for a stay of proceedings against Const. Jordan MacWilliams of the Delta Police Department, saying a comprehensive review of the incident means the case will not continue to a trial set for October. “(The branch) has determined that the available evidence, considered in its entirety, no longer supports a viable prosecution of Const. MacWilliams for second-degree murder, or any other offence,” the Justice Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

MacWilliams was one of more than two dozen officers involved in a standoff outside a casino in New Westminster on Nov. 8, 2012, but it ended with the death of 48-year-old Mehrdad Bayrami following what police described as a domestic dispute.

Police alleged they responded to a report from a Starlight Casino employee who told them he saw a man threatening a woman with a handgun through live security footage in the facility’s parking lot.

Police said they were able to escort the woman to safety but that a three-and-a-halfhour standoff ensued, with MacWilliams fatally shooting Bayrami in the abdomen.

Based on video evidence that appeared to contradict police interviews, the Crown initially approved a second-degree-murder charge against MacWilliams in October 2014.

However, additional investigation led prosecutors to drop the charge.

“Of particular significance to the analysis was the nature and degree of danger that Mr. Bayrami actually posed to the officers on scene, and their reasonable perception of that danger,” the branch said.

That reassessment included Bayrami’s change in behaviour when he moved towards officers after sitting or kneeling on the ground for more than three hours.

The branch noted the situation also escalated when police used rubber bullets.

The review involved interviewing 35 witnesses, including many of the officers at the standoff, and additional information from the province’s police watchdog.

Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord expressed “overwhelming relief ” at the decision, saying the charge had the potential to deeply Continued on page 17

LOCAL

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Lottery winner says she always thought she’d win the big one

Calgary woman says she’s believed for years she would win big in the lottery.

That belief became fact for Nabila Batarseh, who won $12.5 million in the June 5 Lotto Max draw. The new winner says she was at home playing cards with her family when she decided to check her ticket numbers on her phone. Batarseh’s tick-

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Saturday, July 18 2015 i 17

Nabila, who won $12.5 million in the June 5 Lotto Max draw.

et was one of four that shared the $50 million LOTTO MAX jackpot.

The others were sold in Edmonton, British Columbia, and Ontario.

She says she will use her winnings to buy a house, help people and quit working.

“I’ve spent 23 years on my feet, it’s time to retire.” Batarseh bought her winning ticket at the 7-Eleven Food Store

on 166 Crowfoot Way NW in Calgary.

“It’s funny to say, but I felt normal when I discovered I won,” she said, laughing.

“Honestly, I always believed that one day I would win the lottery. I always had a feeling it would happen to me.”

Prolific auto offender and two others arrested in Surrey on multiple charges

urrey RCMP advises that an arrest has been made and charges have been laid against a prolific auto offender and two other suspects allegedly responsible for multiple mail thefts and other property crimes.

On July 9th at approximately 12:00pm, Surrey RCMP’s Auto Crime Target Team (ACTT) was conducting surveillance in the 7100 block of Hall Road when they located a stolen vehicle. Officers tracked the vehicle to the City Centre area where the driver and two passengers were arrested without incident. A search of the suspects, incidental to arrest, located a number of stolen credit cards, fraudulent identification documents, and shaved keys, along with methamphetamine.

David FITZPATRICK (31 years old, from Surrey) has been charged with one count of Possess break-in instrument. He was also found to have outstanding warrants for Fraud and Possession of Stolen Property. FITZPATRICK is still in custody. He is well-known to police with a history of auto crime and other more violent offences.

Heidi BARKER (44 years old, from Surrey) has been charged with: Possession of stolen property, Possess break-in instrument, Deal with identity document without lawful excuse, Identity theft, and Possession of controlled substance. She has been released on a recognizance of bail with conditions.

Alicia ATWOOD (35 years old, from Surrey) has been charged with one count of Take/occupy vehicle without consent. She has been released on a promise to appear.

“Identify theft is an ongoing problem across the region and is usually committed by those associated to additional property related crimes,” says Surrey RCMP Corporal Scotty Schumann. ”The collaboration between our Auto Crime Target Team and the Integrated Municipal Police Auto Crime (IMPACT) were key to these successful arrests.”

Delta Police From page 16 affect police departments across Canada, both operationally and psychologically.

“As police officers, we are called upon to make instantaneous, life-or-death decisions,” Dubord said in a statement.

“We sometimes encounter violent situations that force us to react in a manner to protect the public and ourselves.

Police officers across Canada continue to sign on to this job knowing that we will face risk and the resulting scrutiny.

MacWilliams also faces a civil lawsuit from Bayrami’s daughter, who has accused the officer of gross negligence and malicious misconduct. She said she suffered financial loss as a result of her father’s death.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

For more information on how to protect your vehicle and other auto crime prevention tips please visit the Auto Crime section of our website.

Amy Sara (right) and Vince Sara (middle) organized a community forum and lunch to welcome the New Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer and the new deputy Police Chief Constable Steve Rai in Vancouver recently. Pictured above are Police Chief Palmer and his deputy Rai (middle) with Amy and Vince and other guests at the lunch.

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South Asian man loses bid to have firearms convictions thrown out

south Vancouver gangster has lost his bid to have several firearms convictions thrown out.

Boby Sanghera, 37, had argued in the B.C. Court of Appeal that the evidence used against him at trial should have been excluded because it had been discovered without a warrant.

Sanghera and others that police suspected of being involved in a gang conflict back in 2008 were arrested when the Vancouver police emergency response team pulled over their Chrysler in November 2008.

Officers found three loaded, semi-automatic handguns in the vehicle.

That lead to Sanghera’s 2012 conviction and a seven-year sentence.

On appeal, Sanghera’s lawyer argued that police had insufficient grounds to pull over the vehicle and therefore the evidence seized without a warrant should not have been used to convict him. He said B.C. Supreme Court Justice Heather Holmes had erred by allowing the guns into evidence.

But appeal court Justice Edward Chiasson disagreed in a ruling released Friday.

Chiasson said Holmes took the circumstance of the warrantless search into consideration and concluded that the lead police investigator was concerned Sanghera and his associates were about to commit a crime when they were pulled over.

“Had he failed to act and violence ensued, he may very well have been open to criticism,” Chiasson said. “All of the (signs) available to the lead investigator suggested that the appellant and his cohorts were set to do violence. The violence may have been contained between the two groups or it may have overlapped to affect innocent members of the public.”

Chiasson noted that the Vancouver police investigation, dubbed Project Rebellion, began because of an escalating conflict between the Sanghera crime group and other south Vancouver gangsters.

“The facts showed an escalating risk of violence. The lead investigator act-

ed reasonably and responsibly to avoid the realization of that risk,” he said.

Appeal court Justices David Tysoe and Richard Goepel agreed with Chiasson in dismissing the appeal.

Chiasson summarized the events leading up to Sanghera’s arrest almost seven years ago.

“On Nov. 8, 2008, the lead investigator was advised that an informant stated that the Sangheras were in ‘hunt mode,’ were wearing ballistic vests, were armed and hunting the Manj group,” the ruling said.

“Police observed the vehicle driving in a hunting mode: driving in a slow methodical fashion in a very specific area; ‘snaking’ apparently looking for a specific target. Based on these observations and the background over time, the lead investigator believed that the Sangheras were in ‘crime mode’ — they are going to potentially be conducting a shooting. He decided that when it was tactically sound to do so, the vehicle should be pulled over.”

Chiasson said the heavily armed response team was brought in “because the lead investigator believed there was a high chance of violence with guns and the ERT is trained to deal with such situations.”

Meanwhile, the B.C. government is attempting to seize two properties on East 63rd linked to Sanghera’s family.

The B.C. director of civil forfeiture alleged in court documents filed last month that the two houses were financed by criminal activity and therefore should be turned over to the government.

Sanghera’s father Udham said in his June 21 response that the houses are owned by his wife, who used legal funds to purchase them. Udham Sanghera was also initially charged in Project Rebellion, but his charges were stayed in the middle of his trial.

Udham Sanghera says in his court document that the charges were dropped because of police misconduct in the case.

And he claims that he was wrongfully imprisoned from the time of his arrest in February 2009 to his release in March 2011.

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Surrey bakery sprayed with bullets

urrey Mounties are investigating another shots-fired complaint, this time on Fraser Highway and 188 Street just after 2 a.m. last Sunday.

A window at a Cob’s Bread store was struck by bullets and police say that shell casings were found near the scene.

Police believe this was

a random act and are continuing their investigation. No one was hurt.

Anyone with further information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

RCMP says Surrey couple on welfare were genuine threat to harm the public

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senior Mountie testified Monday that while John Nuttall and Amanda Korody were poor and addicted to drugs, they still posed a threat to public safety and needed to be investigated.

Staff-Sgt. Vaz Kassam, the primary investigator in the case, said he was aware that the Surrey couple, who have been convicted of terrorism-related charges, had vulnerabilities that included being heroin addicts taking methadone and Amanda Korody and John Nuttall are seen living on welfare in a basement suite. in an artist’s sketch.

“Did you factor into your thinking the vulnerabilities of these two people as they connection with a plot to detonate bombs were made apparent to you, their drug-ad- at the Victoria legislature on Canada Day dicted status, their low socio-economic sta- 2013. Court heard evidence of the pair tus?” said Mark Jette, a lawyer for Korody. talking about committing jihad, purchas“Absolutely,” replied Kassam. “Howev- ing items for pressure-cooker bombs and er, it didn’t negate the fact that there then placing the pressure-cooker devicwas still a threat. There were these com- es at the legislature. But the trial judge ments that they were still willing to agreed not to enter the convictions penddo something that potentially could ing the outcome of a hearing to determine cause a significant risk to public safety. whether the police were abusive and had “Regardless of their socio-economic situa- entrapped the couple during the lengthy tion, or their methadone dependence, the undercover operation. Kassam, who was problem was that they were a threat based brought into the undercover operation upon the conversations they were having on June 24, 2013, a week before the bomb and based upon the conversations they plot, told B.C. Supreme Court Justice were having with the undercover operator.” Catherine Bruce that his assessment was In June, Nuttall and Korody were conthat he had to determine the level of risk victed of conspiracy to commit murder in posed by Nuttall and Korody.

An increase of the Government of Canada’s Universal Child Care Benefit offers Canadian families: • $1,920 every year for each child under 6— an increase from $100 to $160 each month • $720 every year for each child 6 through 17— a new $60 per month!

It doesn’t matter how much you make. Every family with children under 18 qualifies. Payments start July 20 and are retroactive to January 1, 2015.

Find out if you need to apply at Canada.ca/TaxSavings

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Shadow mortgage lending on the rise as house prices soar

anada’s housing boom is increasingly driving homebuyers to seek mortgages from private lenders, who demand rates that can be more than five times higher than those charged by the nation’s banks.Canadian house prices have risen 36 per cent since June 2009, according to the Teranet-National Bank house price index. At the same time, Canadian banks have become more conservative and regulators are making it harder to lend, giving rise to an alternative market, including Canadians who refinance their own homes at low rates and then use the money to become mortgage lenders themselves. Some analysts say a housing investment is increasingly risky because the pace of price increases has vastly outstripped wage growth, all amid a time of historically low interest rates and record debt levels. If and when interest rates rise, the concern is that consumers would have little ability to increase their payments, because they have so much debt. “The risk arises

if the unintended consequence of regulation is to push out the risk profile of the less regulated sector, and to encourage it to grow quickly at the same time,” said Finn Poschmann, vice-president of policy analysis at the C.D. Howe Institute.

“In dollar terms it is not a huge part of the economy (but) my concern is that we pay attention, because small problems sometimes get unexpectedly large, and quickly so.”

Mortgage broker Lou Perrotta said that in terms of volume, 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the mortgages he puts together are now privately financed, typically because borrowers are declined for a bank loan for reasons like a low credit rating or unsteady income.

That represents about $4 million to $5 million of the $20 million of mortgage business

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Average house price up at almost 10% pace in June

he average price of a Canadian home sold in June was $453,560, according to CREA figures released Wednesday.

Canada’s housing boom continued in June, with data released today from the Canadian Real Estate Association showing the average price of a home sold in Canada at $453,560 — a rise of 9.6 per cent from the same month a year earlier. “Low interest rates are unquestionably helping boost consumer confidence and home he does annually, he said. “Business is brisk, without question. (It has) probably tripled in the past three years,” said Perrotta, president of Domus Financial Corp in Toronto, where

sales activity this summer,” CREA president Pauline Aunger said. As has been the case for awhile now, the realtor group said red hot markets in Toronto and Vancouver are skewing the national average higher.

“If these two markets are excluded from calculations,” CREA said, “the average is a more modest $346,904 and the year-overyear gain is reduced to 3.1 per cent.” Prices rocketed higher even as the actual number of homes sold declined.

There were 0.8 per cent fewer homes sold in June compared to the previous month.

The following chart shows the increase (or decrease) in average house prices in June in various Canadian cities, compared to May. house prices have increased by 55 per cent in the last six years. Perrotta acts as a matchmaker between individuals who have money to lend Continued on page 2

real estate / finance

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Shadow mortgage lending on the rise as house prices soar From page 1 and who are seeking higher rates of return than can be had in stocks or bonds - and borrowers who are willing to pay a higher mortgage rate to get into the market.

He also invests his own money, lending between $25,000 and $250,000 each to “five or six” borrowers a year who offer a good balance between risk and return. “It’s not for the faint of heart, and you need to understand the dynamics of real estate,” Perrotta said.

One private lender, who asked not to be named because she is close to the real estate market and fears hurting her business, took out a C$400,000 mortgage on her paid-off home at 2.49 per cent and then gave that money to a broker that lent it to a borrower at a higher rate, for a fee. “Who the hell is going to give me 9 per cent return?” said the lender, who said she has recourse to the borrower’s assets if he defaults. CIBC senior economist Benjamin Tal said the shadow lending market represents about 4 to 5 per cent of Canada’s overall mortgage market. “This is something that is growing very fast, because many borrowers are not having access to banks because the banks are highly regulated,” said Tal. In Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, private lending accounts for about 4 per cent of new mortgage originations, or

$1.1 billion, or 2 per cent, of total mortgage lending by dollar value, according to Teranet.

While that’s a fraction of the sub-prime lending that got the U.S. housing market into trouble seven years ago, analysts are concerned that the market is growing rapidly and may be concentrated in hot housing markets such as Toronto and Vancouver where a sudden downturn could take hold. The practice is legal, and can be done through a person-to-person loan, in which the lender is named as a lienholder on the mortgage, or through a Mortgage Investment Corp, in which investors can pool their money to lend to those who either don’t qualify for a traditional loan. While major Canadian lenders offer five-year fixed mortgage rates at about 2.5 per cent to qualified borrowers, rates in the private market range between 7 per cent and 15 per cent, one mortgage broker said. Traditional lenders also send business to alternative lenders, feeding the pipeline. Royal Bank of Canada, the country’s biggest bank, said when a client does not qualify for a mortgage, the bank will recommend an alternate lender, which may include a trust company.

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Paratha

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

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

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

Your f

avou

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

With experience the paratha will puff on the tawa.

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

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Says Salman Khan, who in a candid chat, speaks about his success mantra, his belief in destiny and his organisation Being Human Salman Khan, who has given blockbuster films in the past, believes in his films and makes sure he markets his films well. He is always confident about the success of his films. The actor, who has been acting singing and producing his own films, reveals some important facts about him and his films with Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Superhit formulaI sign a film when I feel that it’s going to be better than my last film and now there’s a liberty and margin that you can re-shoot some part if you find it not up to the mark. You can correct it on editing table. That’s when the film turns out to be larger than life. You have to worry about the release date in terms of time. Release it when people have enough money to watch your movie (during festivals) and not when there is natural calamity or any other problem in the country. The pro-

mos have to be really good because it is the promo that people see first. One has to keep all these factors in mind.Deal with failure and move onIt happens with everyone. If actor has chosen

‘The character of Bajrangi Bhaijaan is actually me’

a film, it is the actor’s fault. We choose the film believing that it’s going to be the best film ever and it’s only on friday that you get to know the real picture. If it works, well and good. If it doesn’t, leave it and move on.

But people carry their failure and then they become confused. When you are confident about something, nothing can stop you.

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NATIONAL

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Judge refuses to block new federal voter ID rules in this year’s federal election

uspending a single provision of the Conservative government’s new voter law with a federal election only months away at most is just too risky, an Ontario judge ruled Friday.

In his 25-page decision, Superior Court Justice David Stinson refused to grant an injunction against the provision that strips the use of voter information cards as a form of identification.

“It is problematic to change the rules for elections at the last minute through the blunt instrument of judicial intervention,” Stinson wrote.

“Late changes in election rules run the risk of unfairness or, at the very least, the perception of unfairness.”

The Council of Canadians, Canadian Federation of Students, and three voters argue parts of the Fair Elections Act enacted last year are unconstitutional.

They maintain that thousands of people could be disenfranchised by the new law.

However, because the case can’t be resolved before the election — which must take place Oct. 17 at the latest — the applicants asked Stinson to grant an injunction against the provision related to using the voter information card as ID. Even though the applicants have raised a serious case and some voters might suffer “irreparable harm” by not being able to exercise their right to vote, Stinson said, he couldn’t grant the requested relief.

The provision at play, the justice pointed out in his decision, was only one of several in the new law.

“To pick and choose among them without considering the overall scheme runs the risk of unfairly isolating or highlighting concerns arising out of one specific provision without considering the impact and context provided by the rest,” he said.

Ottawa eyes tougher new mortgage rules, larger down payments, to curb Canada’s red hot housing market

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he federal government may be be identified. Another source confirmed ready to take direct aim at Canada’s Ottawa is continuing to look at possibilred-hot housing market, and is ac- ities for increasing the down payment.A tively consulting on a move to increase the source with the Department of Finance minimum down payment required to buy denied the government is considering any a house, the Financial Post has learned. changes to the minimum down payment.

But any inclination to intervene in an Even realtors are scared of what a rate already frothy urban housing market cut will do to Canada’s housing market c a n only have intensified after the Royal LePage says it’s worried another Bank of Canada announced rate cut might add fuel to some of the e r a Wednesday it would lower s country’s already red-hot or realt t a rate n its benchmark overnight e housing markets — a posiha Ev of w anada's lending rate to 0.5 per cent, d e r C tion that may seem at odds sca et do to leading three major banks with the typical stance from cut will ing mark s u o to cut consumer rates. Obh realtors. Continue reading. servers have warned that this will only Sources say that Ottawa has further fuel rising home prices and sales. been studying proposals to inLowering the overnight lending rate is crease the minimum down payment from likely to lead in reductions to the prime five per cent and said the government is lending rate used by consumers with floatlooking at adding restrictions for highing-rate debt.

TD Bank was the first out priced housing, which would hit of the gate Wednesday to lower its prime hardest in Canada’s two most expenlending rate, cutting it by 10 basis points to sive cities — Toronto and Vancouver.

2.75 per cent.

Royal Bank went even lower “They are definitely looking into this but it doesn’t mean that they on Wednesday night, cutting its prime rate will do it,” said one source close to to 2.7 per cent. Some financial institutions the department, who asked not to had already been offering variable-rate loans tied to prime for under two per cent.

After four months, B.C. lotto still investigating veracity of claim on record-tying $50M prize Last year’s $50-million B.C. Lottery jackpot is still up for grabs.

Four months after an as yet to be identified person came forward to claim the Lotto Max prize, the B.C. Lottery Corp. is still in the process of verifying the bona fides of the claimant.

“For whatever reason, it’s taking longer than some of the other claims have in

the past,” said the Lottery Corp.’s Ali Couch.

The claimant came forward in March, several days before the one-year deadline expired to make a claim for the March 16, 2014, winning

ticket that was purchased in Langley.

The claimant’s ticket has been verified as authentic, but the process continues to verify the rightful owner.

NATIONAL

NDP releases its nastiest attack ad yet as part of major push to knock Tories in key ridings

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he federal New Democrats have launched a pair of stinging new online ads targeting the Conservatives and Prime Minister Stephen Harper over their promises to clean up government and highlighting repeated Tory politicians who’ve run into legal trouble. Liberal MP Marc Garneau was on to something, when he said on his Twitter account: “For , if there is positive economic news, he deserves the credit. If the news is bad, it’s the fault of the rest of the world.” There has been a subtle shift in the Prime Minister’s message track in recent days, from boasting about the Conservative government’s track record on jobs and growth, to blaming Canada’s economic stagnation on the global economy. Speaking at the weekend, Harper pointed the finger at a first quarter contraction in the U.S., the Greek financial crisis and the Chinese stock market meltdown. The ad, titled “Enough,” is set to ominous background music and highlights some of the legal challenges faced

by Conservative politicians and key aides to Harper since the Tories took office in 2006.

“Have you had enough?” says the female voiceover in the ad. “It’s time for change in Ottawa.” The paid ads are being targeted

through social media at voters in ridings in Ontario and across the West that the NDP believes it can wrest away from the Conservatives. And the party intends to follow up with a ground assault next week, sending leader Tom Mulcair on an eight-day tour of some of the most fertile of those ridings in the crucial battleground of Ontario.

The tour is expected to include ridings in the Greater Toronto Area, southwestern Ontario and the northern Ontario riding of Kenora, where former provincial NDP leader Howard Hampton is taking on Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford. The double-barrelled offensive is aimed at building on the party’s breakthrough success in the 2011 election by targeting some of the 106 ridings where the NDP finished second to the Tories. And it’s designed to leave voters fed up with the Harper regime in no doubt about which opposition party, buoyed by momentum in the polls, is taking the fight directly to the Conservatives. Justin Tang / Canadian PressThe online ads, one in English, the other in French, are the most negative produced by the NDP since Mulcair became leader and come just two weeks after Mulcair vowed to eschew personal attacks.

Senator Meredith’s staff harassment probe referred to ethics officer

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Conservative senator accused of harassing and bullying his staff has had his case referred to the Senate ethics officer, Speaker Leo Housakos said Thursday. Housakos confirmed in a short statement Thursday morning that Senator Don Meredith has been told he will undergo an ethics probe. Housakos says he and other top senators on the Senate’s internal economy committee felt it was “imperative” the investigation results be referred to ethics officer Lyse Ricard, who is already conducting a preliminary investigation into Meredith on an unrelated matter.■Report on Senator Don Meredith allegations expected this week, Leo Housakos says■Meredith facing review after staff harassment, bullying accusations The allegations in the investi-

gation report remain unproven and none of the staffers who took part, nor any whose stories are included in the report, wanted to file a formal complaint against Sen. Don Meredith.

The former Conservative senator who now sits as an independent has not returned multiple requests for comment left for him Wednesday night by The Canadian Press. A Senate source with knowledge of the report, speaking on condition of anonymity because no public statements had been authorized, said the majority of the allegations against Meredith describe him as being a bully, rude and unprofessional towards his staff.

There are also allegations of psychological harassment and sometimes making irrational demands of his staff, the source said.

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Premiers conference: 5 issues on the agenda at the annual meeting

anada’s premiers and territorial more sustainable... but increasingly the dialeaders are gathering in St. John’s logue in the country seems to be heading in this week for their annual summer the direction where somehow oil and gas is meeting, where discussions around energy, something that we ought to be ashamed of.” climate change and health care will weigh “I just categorically reject that,” Wall said. heavily against the backdrop of an upcom- This will be Rachel Notley’s first time at the ing federal election. The premiers met with premiers table since the NDP’s surprise maleaders from different aboriginal groups on Tuesday and agreed to support all 94 recommendations arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, promising to work to implement them in their own Following meetings between premiers and aboriginal leaders provinces. Newfoundland Wednesday, Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne, left, with Yukon’s Darrell Pasloand Labrador Premier Paul ski, B.C.’s Christy Clark, Brian Gallant of New Brunswick and Clement Davis will chair two days Chartier, president of the Metis National Council, spoke to the media in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL. of meetings, with a closing news conference scheduled for Friday at 1:30 jority win in Alberta last May. Notley was p.m. local time. Here are five things to watch in Quebec City on Tuesday, where Couillard for during the premiers’ meeting this week: hailed the new Alberta premier as “a new 1. Energy strategy Watch for differences of ally” following a meeting to discuss the proopinion to emerge when premiers discuss posed Energy East pipeline to bring Alberta pipelines, energy and climate change. A draft oil east to Montreal and New Brunswick. 2. of the premiers’ energy strategy obtained by Economy and inter-provincial trade DisCBC News suggests some premiers want a cussions are also expected to centre around greater focus on conservation, green tech- the need to build a more competitive econnology as well as climate change targets. Sas- omy, with premiers focusing on innovation, katchewan Premier Brad Wall on Wednesday trade, skills and training. Premiers have also expressed concern with taking that view to been working on a new internal trade deal, the exclusion of others. “Yes, we need to be with Wall leading the way. “We are trying to improve the deal on internal trade... because

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CLASSIFIEDS

Saturday, July 18, 2015

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

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

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

Perform pre-trip & post-trip in-

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

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

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

1 Optical Frame Fitter Reqd.

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

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

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

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

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

Duties include Prepare & cook meals.kitchen

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JOBS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To PLACE YOUR AD IN THE ASIAN STAR CLASSIFIEDS Section Please

Call: 604-591-5423

COMMUNITY Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and non members to come and play Bingo for the sake of fun and make some new friends, on July 19th 2015 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall 8321 - 140th street Surrey B.C. Please bring only two dollars with you to play 2 games, do not worry if you do not know how to play, members will explain you the game just for the sake of fun. Tea & light snacks will be served after the game is over. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator at 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details.

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

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

PLACE : R.C. ALL SAINTS PARISH HALL , 1405 , COMO LAKE AVENUE , COQUITLAM , BC . [ @ Crestwood St / or @ Schoolhouse Street ] PROGRAM : 1] LORD PURSHOTTAM PUJA [2] LORD PURSHOTTAM SAHASTRA NAMAVALI Recitation and MAHA PUJA to be Performed with great Devotion & Faith to obtain SPECIAL BLESSINGS FROM LORD PURSHOTTAM “ [3] AARTI : 5.25 PM [4] MAHA PRASAD : 5.30 PM MAHA PRASAD Sponsored by Devotees of Shri Durga Hanuman Religious & Cultural Society of BC .

For More Info : Please Call : Pujya Shri Pandit SharadChandra SHASTRIJI : [ 604 ] 291 - 6042 . Mr.& Mrs. Mansukhbhai & Kusumben Chauhan : 604-520-1444 ; Mr. & Mrs. Narsihbhai & Manjulaben Dhokia : 604- 931- 4964 ; Mrs & Mr Parveen & Narinder Dhir : 604-525-4842 ; Mr. & Mrs . Yeshwin & Nalini Thaker : 778 - 217-9934 ; Mr. & Mrs. BalKrishna & Neelam Kohli : 604515-0069 ; mr. & Mrs . Dinesh & Jyotsna Patel : 604-433-1974 ; Mr. & Mrs . Vinod & Usha Shah : 604-522- 7864 ; Mr. & Mrs. Girdharbhai & Neelaben Ghadia : 604-291-1155 ; Mr. & Mrs. Pyarelal & Kamlesh Walia : 604-433- 9888 ; Mr. Satpal Sharma : 604-617 - 4501 ; Dr. C.L.Pole : 604-436-3412 .

----------------------------------------------Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and also non members to attend Educational Awareness Presentation, How to Save Money & How To Make Money by Harjeet Aulakh Senior Marketing Director with World Financial Group and Sunil Kumar Kapadia also with World Financial Group, on July 12th 2015 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. You can ask any questions concerning the Topic of Presentation, Harjeet Aulakh and Sunil Kumar Kapadia will answer your questions. Tea and light snacks will be served in the end. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel.

604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.

----------------------------------------------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 15 days from May 12th 2016 to May 28th 2016, the approx. cost per person for every thing will be around $ 4,000.00 US. There are few

Cabins available ( Double occupancy ) and if you are interested and can afford to enjoy the luxury in life for yourself for 15 days. The entire amount paid by you will be spent on you, Cancellation except Medical reason will cost you $ 100.00 per person. Please contact Surendra Handa Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 as early as possible because the prices I am holding have limited time offer.

----------------------------------------------Workshop: ESL, Grade 1-12, Adult Education and Postsecondary Education • ESL classes and how to improve your English quickly • Who are the Multicultural Liaison Workers and Settlement Workers in Schools? • Who to contact in your child’s school for his/her education success?

• Graduation requirements for BC high school • For adult learners, how do you transfer credits and what is a challenge exam? • General admission requirements for UBC, SFU, University of Victoria, Capilano University, etc.

July 13, 5:30–8:30pm Bob Prittie Metrotown Burnaby

Saturday, July 18 2015

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Public Library, 6100 Willingdon Ave 604 438 8214 ext 104 Angel --------------------------------------------------Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and non members also to attend a Power Presentation on Joints Pain, Arthritis and Naturopathy Treatment by Dr. Vinnie Dhillon and Dr. Rajak Randhawa Naturopathic Physicians on July 5th 2015 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. Dr. Dhillon & Dr. Randhawa will answer all your questions about Naturopathy treatment and they will demonstrate some important Exercises for Joints Pain & Arthritis, Please bring your Yoga Matts with you.

Tea and light snacks will be served in the end. 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

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Saturday, July 18, 2015

Business / Finance

Conservatives look to family benefit cheques, infrastructure spending to boost economy

ll but overlooked in the past week of troubling economic news was federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver’s unexpected nod to government stimulus spending.

The run-up to an October general election is happening amid talk of recession, international downgrades of Canada’s growth prospects, weak world oil prices and several grim provincial outlooks — stormy seas for an incumbent Conservative government seeking a fourth mandate after staking its reputation on sound economic management.

A Conservative re-election plan engineered in sunnier days when a return to balanced budgets could comfortably co-exist with voter-friendly spending bonanzas is now being repurposed as a recession-fighting necessity.

“What people should understand is that some of the measures which the prime minister announced and which I announced in

the budget will inject almost $10 months awaiting the optimal Drummond, a former senior Finance Canada billion in cash into the economy pre-election moment for gov- official who now teaches at Queen’s University.

Mike Moffatt, who teaches economics this year,” Oliver told reporternment-friendly announceers in Vancouver last Tuesday. ments. Oliver’s office says the at the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey “The two primary sources of government added more than Business School and also serves as chief that cash input relate to the fam$1.6 billion to existing infra- economist at the Mowat Centre, said last ily benefits program and infrastructure funding for 2015-16. week’s 1.2 per cent growth prediction for the structure spending. So that will Economists, as is their year by TD Bank suggests a $3 billion loss in have an impact, a positive impact way, are divided on wheth- revenue from Oliver’s April budget forecast, Joe Oliver on Canadian economic activity.” er the family benefit spend- which was predicated on growth of 2 per cent.

Effect of government cheques unclear Economists divided on spending impact ing spree or the infrastructure dollars will Moffatt, who helped the Liberal parParents with children under 18 will start have much economic impact this year. ty cost its family benefit package, believes getting new benefit cheques — retroactive to IMF slashes outlook for Canadian economy this month’s burst of Jan. 1 — on July 20, a one-time, pre-election But they all agree that with governburst of cash totalling more than $2.5 billion. a new Conservative balanced “What people retroactive ment cheques will Conservative ministers and MPs, mean- budget law in place and an should understand is have a positive impact. while, are announcing new community in- election looming, additional that some of the mea“I don’t think the frastructure projects virtually every day this recession-fighting fiscal measures which the prime thought summer from a variety of infrastructure sures from the government are minister announced and which I government funds — some of which have lain fallow for not in the cards before Canadi- announced in the budget will in- we’d be in a recession ans go to the polls in October. ject almost $10 billion in cash into in July: ‘Let’s make sure the cheques start “They’re a little bit caught be- the economy this year,” flowing then!’ That is a cause they’re basically making Oliver told reporters in happy accident, and I one of the big anchors of their Vancouver last Tuesthink that is quite benelection platform the return to day. eficial,” said Moffatt. a balanced budget,” said Don

Iran nuclear deal likely to pull down oil prices long term

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fter signing a deal to curb its nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, common sense suggests oil-rich Iran will flood the market with product, bringing the price of oil down. But analysts say it will take time for Iran to get that oil to market, and any major impact on oil prices is months away at least.

The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell after the deal was announced but quickly jumped back into positive territory on Tuesday. The price of WTI closed at $53.04 US, up 84 cents on the day.

Analysts say a deal that will see more Iranian oil come online won’t necessarily lead to lower prices in the short term.

“The agreement is not synonymous with the immediate opening [of] the country’s oil floodgates,” wrote Harry Tchilingurian, head of commodity markets at BNP Paribas in a report. “We are not out of the woods just yet when it comes to the lifting of sanctions on Iran’s oil sector and exports.”

The key hurdle for increased Iranian oil exports is in the U.S., where Congress must ratify the deal in the next 60 days. The accord is strongly opposed by key members of the Republican party, but President Barack Obama has already vowed to veto any legislation that would block the deal.

Before economic sanctions on Iran are lifted,

the International Atomic Energy Agency also has to verify that Iran is holding up its end of the deal. That report is expected in mid-December, according to the IEAE’s roadmap, meaning economic sanctions likely won’t be lifted until the end of the year, at the earliest.

How much oil does Iran have?

As of June, Iran produced about 2.8 million barrels of crude oil per day and exported 1.1 million barrels per day, about half of what it exported before the last round of economic sanctions in 2012, according to BNP Paribas. Iran is estimated to hold 30 million barrels of crude oil and oil condensate in offshore storage tankers, said BNP Paribas, but would likely sell that oil off over a period of two to three months if sanctions are lifted.

If all sanctions end in 2016, no one knows exactly how much more crude oil would enter the market. A plurality of oil market analysts surveyed by Bloomberg Intelligence in May believed that 500 to 749 thousand

Business / Finance

Loonie loses over a penny after rate cut

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Bank of Canada cuts benchmark interest rate to 0.5% 2nd time since January that central bank has cut lending rate

anada’s central bank today lowered its benchmark interest rate to 0.5 per cent, the second time this year it has dropped the rate to stimulate the economy, after holding it steady for about four years. The loonie lost more than a cent to 77.27 cents US in reaction to the news — the lowest level seen since 2009, when Canada was in a recession. All things being equal, rate cuts normally drive currencies lower because they make the country’s economy less attractive to foreign investors. “The bank’s estimate of growth in Canada in 2015 has been marked down considerably from its April projection,” the bank said in a statement announcing the news Wednesday. “Real GDP is now projected to have contracted modestly in the first half of the year,” the bank said, which is its way of saying it expects the Canadian economy shrank in the first half of 2015 — the technical definition of a recession. ‘Optimists have been quite simply wrong this year.’- Doug Porter, BMO economist For the year as a whole, the bank is now forecasting a rebound later in the year, but a small one: 1.1 per cent growth in GDP for all of 2015. As recently as April, the bank was expecting 1.9 per cent growth this year. BMO economist Doug Porter said the central bank’s policy statement Wednesday is a much bleaker view on the economy than other recent ones. Bank of Canada cuts key rate to 0.5%2:12 “We believe they are too downbeat on second-half prospects, but admittedly optimists have been quite simply wrong this year,” Porter said.

Should Stephen Poloz be more worried

about the economy? The bank’s new rate — also known as the “target for the overnight rate” — is a 25 basis-point reduction from its previous 0.75 per cent level. Economist Todd Hirsch with ATB Financial says the rate cut will be of limited help in Alberta. Before the Bank of Canada cut the rate to 0.75 in January, it had been at one per cent since late 2010. TD Bank cuts rate in reaction At least one of Canada’s big banks was quick to pass on at least part of the central bank’s rate cut to consumers. TD Bank announced within minutes of the Bank of Canada’s decision that it will also cut its prime lending rate to 2.75 per cent, starting Thursday. The central bank’s rate impacts the rates that commercial banks offer because it affects their cost of borrowing. Although they’re not obligated to, banks tend to either pass on the savings, or the added costs. Stephen Poloz cut the Bank of Canada’s benchmark interest rate on Wednesday to 0.5 per cent from 0.75. But TD’s cut is only 10 basis points lower than where it was before, not the total amount of the 25-point cut that the central bank announced. TD pocketed a similar amount when the central bank cut its rate by 25 points in January, passing on only 15 points to its customers. Added together, that means TD has cut its prime lending rate by 25 basis points during a time when the central bank has cut its benchmark rate by twice that. Canada’s other major lenders are usually quick to respond to any change in the prime rate by any rivals.

Industry Canada report paints gloomy picture of manufacturing

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s the Harper government touted the “good news” of a big rebound in Canada’s manufacturing sector, an internal report painted a more pessimistic picture.

A Feb. 4 report by Industry Canada suggests that some manufacturing jobs have disappeared forever, investment in equipment is weak and that there’s been a jobless recovery even in areas where manufacturing has rebounded somewhat.

The findings are from an analysis of longrun trends in manufacturing prepared for the deputy minister and obtained by CBC News under the Access to Information Act. “Industries highly sensitive to the exchange rate have shrunk, while a significant drop in the number of establishments points to a permanent loss in manufacturing capacity,” says a censored summary of the 18-page document prepared

by Philip Jennings, a senior bureaucrat.

“Manufacturers continue to underinvest in their stock of machinery and equipment, threatening future productivity growth. The falling dollar will not help this issue,” the report says.

The analysis also notes that manufacturing overall has rebounded since the 2008 recession, but “there has not been a corresponding increase in employment, which remains stable at 1.7 million.”

The report draws on released data well known to economists, who say the conclusions are no surprise. But the document does offer a darker view of the future of the manufacturing sector than many of the public statements of Conservative cabinet members such as Industry Minister James Moore.

‘Tremendous growth’? Moore told a

House of Commons committee in December, for example, about the “tremendous growth” in manufacturing since the recession, touting the “very good news” of a rebound in sales. His presentation did not note the sector has not produced new jobs, and is under-investing in research, development and new equipment. With a severe drop in the price of oil and an election looming this fall, the Conservative government has reoriented some of its economic policies away from resources and toward manufacturing, which is centred on vote-rich Ontario and Quebec. ‘It’s clear that they’re worried about a permanent loss of manufacturing capacity.’ The 2015 budget extended a tax break for the sector, for example, allowing firms to write off their investments in equipment for a 10-year period rather than the two-year period that expires this year. The government has also been touting its investments in the auto sector, which the Industry Canada report notes is a “key driver” of growth post-recession, alongside the aerospace industry. But there has been a net loss of 212,000 manufacturing jobs in Ontario and 97,000 in Quebec since 2004, the document says. “The negative tone … is quite interesting, particularly given the positive outlook we typically hear from Ottawa on manufacturing,” said Mike Moffat, an economics professor at Western University’s Ivey Business School in London, Ont. Moffat is also an adviser on Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s economic council. Can’t compete on labour costs Michael Holden, an economist in Calgary with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, called the report a “pessimistic view of how things have been going

Saturday, July 18 2015

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Deputy CM’s Rs 10,000 crore project hits roadblock

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unding Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal’s ambitious urban and rural regeneration programme, which the Akalis see as their plank in the 2017 state Assembly poll, has become a challenge for the cash-strapped government. The banks are unwilling to lend Rs10,000 crore needed for the project till the government stands guarantee. The Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), which has been entrusted with the job of funding the project, now wants the state Finance Department to stand guarantee for the bank loan. The department, in turn, has asked the PIDB to first approach its Board and get a formal approval for raising the loan and get back after the approval with a detailed roadmap of how it proposes to service the new debt liability.

Official sources said a meeting was today held between top officials of the Finance Department, PIDB and Rural Development and Local Bodies Department. The issue of rais-

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PUNJAB

Saturday, July 18, 2015

ing funds immediately — for providing civic amenities in urban and rural areas — was discussed at length. The PIDB has been asked to furnish a roadmap giving details of its earnings and how it proposes to service the new debt.

The sources said the PIDB proposed to raise the loan of Rs10,000 crore over a period of three years. The loan is likely to be taken for a 10-year period. The PIDB estimates that each year, it would have to spend Rs1,500 crore for servicing this new debt, besides Rs150 crore that it already gives for servicing a loan of Rs1,550 crore taken earlier. As against this, the PIDB earns an average of Rs1,100 crore per annum as infrastructure cess on foodgrains.

The cess levied on petrol, diesel, electricity and transfer of immoveable property in May will help it earn Rs1,400 crore per annum (this head will generate Rs1,000 crore this fiscal). This means the PIDB, once it starts servicing the new loan of Rs10,000 crore, will be left with just Rs950 crore each year for its other projects.

Haryana, Punjab hike VAT on diesel

he Punjab and Haryana Governments on Thursday raised the Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel in their respective states. In Punjab, the VAT on diesel was raised to 17.25 per cent, while Haryana raised it to 16.4 per cent. The VAT on diesel in Punjab was raised from 12.5 per cent to 13.4 per cent. Since the surcharge on VAT, infrastructure cess and infrastructure fee was also levied on diesel in Punjab, the total taxes on diesel will be 17.25 per cent. As a result, diesel prices will go up by Rs 1 a litre in the state.

The Haryana Government raised the

VAT on diesel from 12.5 per cent to 16.4 per cent. However, the prices of diesel will come down marginally with oil companies cutting the diesel prices by Rs 2 per litre.

The average diesel rates in Haryana will be around Rs 50 per litre, which was almost at par with Delhi (49.72) and other neighbouring states. Delhi on Wednesday hiked the VAT on diesel from 12.5 per cent to 16.6 per cent Sources said the decision was a fallout of a recent meeting of the finance ministers of the northern states, which decided to have an uniform rate for petroleum products in states.

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AAP dismisses its Punjab state disciplinary committee chief

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week after he raised his voice against AAP’s national spokesperson and state convenor, the party today dismissed the chairman of its state disciplinary committee Daljit Singh on charges of indiscipline. “I received an e-mail from the national disciplinary committee of the party in the morning today. It has been said in the e-mail that I am being expelled from the party for breaching its disciplinary code,”

Five of family hacked to death in Punjab

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oga: In a gruesome inciwere present. The DIG and SSP, Moga, have dent, five persons, including also reached the spot. Bachint Singh, head two women and a gurdwara of the family, was unable to comprehend granthi, were hacked to death in Kotla the cause of the killings at the moment, Mehal Singh Wala village of Moga district police said. Police also claimed they found on Thursday morning. The suspected killsome Celphos tablets — a brand name uner was also later found dead.

Police said the suspect was also a granthi, who allegedly used sharpedged weapons to kill the family. After the killings, he was found dead unPolice speak to Bachint Singh, whose family members der mysterious were killed in a mysterious attack. circumstances.

The victims were identified as Sandeep der which aluminium phosphide, a highly Kaur (20), Raj Pal Kaur (23), Dharmindtoxic fumigant used for storing cereals, is er Singh (18), Akashdeep Singh (15) and sold — near the suspect’s body, leading the Sony Singh (20). The suspect, Varinder police to believe he consumed the poison Pal Singh (80), was residing in the gurdafter killing his victims. Police also found wara for the past many years. Local resa ‘kapa’, a sharp weapon that they suspect idents discovered the murders around 9 was used to kill the victims after poisoning am on Thursday. The incident was bethem, and are now attempting to identify lieved to have occurred after midnight as the fingerprints on the weapon. Remaining Varinder Pal Singh reached the house of members of Bachint Singh’s family claim the victims around 11 pm to perform a they heard no noise alerting them of the religious ritual. The cause of the murder attack — a claim that has confounded the was suspected to be a sudden provocation police. Police continue to work on various over some issue in the room where all six theories while still awaiting autopsy results.

Man charged with exploiting students

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ore skeletons are tumbling out of the closet in the case of Zulfiqar Khan, who has been accused of sexually exploiting boys, as the Chandigarh Police, during a search of his office in Sector 24, found photographs of seven boys, including four who recorded their statements against Zulfiqar in the court, from a locker.

The photographs were wrapped in a cloth and kept under a brick in the locker at his office, hinting towards witchcraft. Zulfiqar, director of Theater Age, an NGO, was arrested on July

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11 on a charge of sodomising his students.

Police officials said of the seven boys, four had already recorded their statements, the fifth one had not recorded his statements. The identity of the remaining two was yet to be identified. “The manner in which the photographs were kept points towards witchcraft,” said a police official. Parvinder Singh, SP (City), confirmed that they had found photographs of the victims, which were wrapped in a cloth.

Sikh leaders allege threat by SFJ, submits memo to US govt

organisation, which has been inALL REPAIRS

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Singh told PTI today. Citing a letter received from AAP’s national disciplinary committee, Singh said, “You did not follow the Constitution of the party while staying in AAP. The national committee has decided to expel you from the party... You are being expelled.”

Asked whether he had replied to the letter, Singh said, “I have only said that God should bestow good sense upon them.”

strumental in getting summons issued to top Indian political leaders, has with this coupon been accused of issuing threats and abuse expires by Dec. of judicial process a 31 delegation of senior Indian Sikh leaders. These leaders have filed a complaint with the US Government.

Sikh leaders led by Manjit Singh GK, president, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, which is closely aligned to the Punjab’s ruling Akali Dal, submitted a memorandum to the State Department against New York-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Based on an alleged human rights violations case filed by the SFJ, a New York court had recently is-

sued summons against Manjit Singh.

In the memorandum submitted to Eileen O’Connor, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Manjit Singh has alleged that the SFJ has resorted to abuse of judicial system.

The delegation included Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Avtar Singh Hit, Kulwant Singh Baath, Gurdev Singh Bhola, Chaman Singh and Harvinder Singh KP. “The government of United States of America should carefully examine and penalise such organisations,” it said.

In a statement, SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said the filing of a frivolous complaint had serious criminal and civil consequences.

INDIA

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Rahul woos farmers, attacks Modi on land Bill, corruption

ontinuing his relentless assault on the Modi government over the land Bill, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today vowed not to allow it acquire “even an inch of land” as he reached out to the farmers of Rajasthan with a foot march.

Undertaking an 8-km ‘padyatra’ in the villages of the desert state, a day after Congress chief ministers boycotted the NITI Aayog meeting convened by the Prime Minister on the contentious legislation, Rahul also attacked Narendra Modi for his “silence” on corruption.

“You are being subjected to oppression. I have come here today to assure you that the Congress Party will fight with the BJP and the NDA not just in Rajasthan but in the entire country.“We will not let them take even a single inch of land. We will not allow the BJP to move forward a single inch. “You should not worry. The Congress is a party of the poor, farmers and labourers. Whenever you are troubled, you will find the Congress party by

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your side,” he said. Rahul, who has reached out to farmers with ‘padyatra’ in various parts of the country including Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh in recent months mounting pressure on the Centre on the land bill, also attacked Modi for his silence on corruption. “The Prime Minister said he will not take bribe himself nor will allow anybody else to take it. He never said he will keep quiet and say nothing when corruption takes place,” the Congress vice-president said, addressing villagers in Khotanwali, Surawali and Amarsingh wala, where his padyatra ended in Hanumangarh district.

He raked up a host of controversies, including the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh and the “mini-Modi” issue in Rajasthan, apparently referring to Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s links with the controversial former IPL boss Lalit Modi, wanted by the Enforcement Directorate for

Pak Army firing kills Kashmir woman, five injured

head of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on July 17, a woman was killed and five others, including two BSF personnel, were injured as the Pakistan Rangers today shelled five Indian posts and six forward villages along the border in Pargwal sector of Akhnoor, around 50 km northwest of Jammu. The Akhnoor subdivision falls in Jammu district. “It all began around 8.50 am when the Rangers opened sniper fire and injured a border guard in Pargwal sector. When a bulletproof vehicle was rushed to the site to evacuate him, they opened heavy machine gun fire on the

vehicle,” said a senior BSF officer. Two mortar shells exploded at Bhalwal Bharth village, killing Poli Devi (42) and injuring three other civilians, Ramesh Lal (24), Usha Devi (38) and Surender Kumar (22).

Surender and Ramesh were admitted to the GMC Hospital in view of their critical injuries, while Usha Devi is being treated at the Primary Health Centre, Pargwal. Constable Anjani Kumar of 89 Battalion of the BSF hailed from the Basdih area of Balia in Uttar Pradesh. He was evacuated to the GMC Hospital here after a hard toil and his condition was stated to be stable.

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Modi unveils skill development plan aimed at ending poverty

tressing that poverty and unemployment are major challenges in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the youth of the country wanted a life of dignity and respect and not of pity.

Launching the Skill India campaign here on the occasion of the first World Youth Skills Day, after a meeting of NITI Aayog, Modi said, “We have strategically opened a war against poverty and we must win this fight”. “I will form an army of poor, every poor is my soldier, we will win this war against poverty on behalf of their strength,” PM said while stressing that India can become world’s human resource capital.

“If China has this identity of being world’s manufacturing factory, then India can become world’s human resource capital”, he said. The Prime Minister asserted that skill could instill confidence and also bring a new strength in life. “It’s not that skill only brings

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money in your pocket, it instills you with a sense of confidence, brings a new strength in life,” said Modi. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy was the Guest of Honour at the function while Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Manohar Parrikar, Suresh Prabhu, Anant Geete, JP Nadda, Ananth Kumar, Narendra Singh Tomar, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Piyush Goyal and Santosh Kumar Gangwar were also present. Modi said, “I believe Indian youth has immense talent, they just want opportunities. Our training institutions must become dynamic. Look at the way technology is changing things”. Pointing out that there was an urgent need to create a confident work force, Modi said that if the younger generation can’t face challenges, they themselves will become a challenge for the country.

Stampede kills 27 pilgrims

t least 27 pilgrims have died in a stampede on the banks of a holy river in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, local officials say.

The Hindu pilgrims had gathered to take a dip in the Godavari river at the start of the Maha Pushkaralu festival. The stampede occurred at 08:00 (02:30 GMT) in the Rajahmundry

district. Nearly 24 million pilgrims are expected to take part in the 12-day festival.

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fOOD INDIA

6 i Saturday - April 4, 2015

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he US is fast consolidating its position as India’s largest arms supplier with a flurry of new defence deals and joint projects, after having inked the expansive new 10-year defence framework in June and bagging contracts worth $10 billion over the last eight years.

Sources said the Manohar Parrikar-led defence acquisitions council (DAC), in its meeting slated for Tuesday, is likely to clear the decks for acquisition of another four P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft for almost $1 billion.

“The contract negotiation committee (CNC) has completed its work. Now, the DAC approval is needed for the offsets deviation. The proposed contract will then go to the finance ministry for vetting before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the final nod,” said a source.

This “follow-on contract” comes even as the Navy has now inducted seven of the eight P-8Is ordered from Boeing in the $2.1 billion deal inked in January 2009. Based at the Arakkonam naval air station in Tamil Nadu, these radar-packed aircraft serve as “intelligent hawkeyes” over the Indian Ocean. They are also armed with deadly Harpoon Block-II missiles,

Saturday, July 18 2015

US set to be India’s biggest arms supplier

i 29

fence Systems are in the fray for the project.

Moreover, the deals for 22 Apache attack and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopMK-54 lightweight torpeters from Boeing, together worth $2.5 bildoes, rockets and depth lion, are now being vetted by the finance charges to take on enemy ministry before they go to the CCS for warships and submarines. final approval, as earlier reported by TOI. Simultaneously, PenAmid all this, India and the US have tagon and South Block are also pressed the throttle on their “transalso set to begin fresh neformative” Defence Trade and Technology gotiations next week for the Initiative (DTTI), which envisages co-deproposed $770 million convelopment and co-production in tune with tract for M-777 ultra-light PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ policy. howitzers, under which the While project agreements for military bulk of the 145 artillery guns mobile generators and chemical-biological to be acquired in the govwarfare protection gear have already been ernment-to-government finalized, similar pacts for Raven mini spy deal will be made in India. drones and “roll-on, roll-off ” mission modThe 155mm/39-calules for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft are ibre lightweight howiton the cards. zers, with a strike range But it will be the proposed joint developover 25km range, can turn, will tie up with an Indian partner to set ment ofIngredients jet engines and aircraft carrier debe swiftly airlifted to “threatened high-al- up a production base here on the lines of its sign and construction • 250g bonelesstechnologies, chicken which titude areas” facing China, which out- facility at Hattiesburg (Mississippi) in the US. includes• EMALS (electromagnetic aircraft 2tbsp rapeseed oil guns and outnumbers Indian troops all The Ordnance Factory Board and PSU BHEL launch • systems) developed

by General 1 medium red onion along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control. as well as private players like L&T, Mahindra, Atomics, willtomatoes be the big-ticket items • 3that large Artillery-manufacturer BAE Systems, in Tata, VEM Technologies and Reliance Deunder the DTTI. • ½ cup cashew nuts • 100g tomato puree • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves • 100ml low fat cream • 1tsp garam masala • 1tsp red chilli powder • 1tbsp ginger- garlic paste early 200 Indian workers, brought labour trafficking cases in US history. The n May, India’s parliament approved a Indian• enclaves inside Bangladesh are of2tbsp thick low fat yoghurt to the US by an American marine Alabama-based company will also issue an key agreement with Bangladesh enficially Indian citizens and those living in • salt to taste construction firm to repair dam- apology to the Indian workers, who brought abling the two countries to exchange Bangladeshi areas inside India are Banglaaged oil rigs and other facilities in the after- to the US to be employed as welders, pipefitcontrol of areas of land on each other’s terri- deshis. The enclaves will cease to exist on math of the Hurricane Katrina, have won a ters and in other positions to repair oil rigs tory. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis live 31 July. Earlier this month officials of two Procedure: US $ 20 million settlement against the com- and other facilities damaged by the 2005 hurcountries began asking Heat the residents in 51 enclaves in water India, for while live in the Marinate chicken with ginger garlic paste and the yoghurt for 20 min. soak the cashew in warm 15 Indians minutes.chop onions and tomatoes.

1 tbsp of pany accused ofthe defrauding and the exploiting ricane. The workers allegedly each paid the the enclaves which nationality they want 111 areas within Bangladesh.

The residents to aagreement pan. sear has the been chicken piecestoin the hot oil for 1 minute on each side to a golden colour. remove the chicken pieces. in the same pan, add 1tbsp oil and the chopped them. oilThe reached labor recruiters and a lawyer between US $ to opt for after the exchange of enclaves. lack access to public services.

Under the new onions. saute till a translucent pink.

Add the tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala powder and cook on medium flame till the tomatoes are tender (approx.

4-5 resolve numerous labour trafficking lawsuits 10,000 and US $ 20,000 or more in recruitReports say the two sides will finalise agreement, more than 50,000 villagers from minutes). remove from flame and run in a blender with the soaked cashews to make a smooth paste. return to the pan and add the tomato puree.

Bring to a boil and add the against Signal International that was found ment fees and other costs after recruiters list by the end of July and arrange for the both sides will be given the option to choose the chicken pieces. simmer for 4-5 minutes till the chicken is cooked.

Add the low fat cream and simmer for 2 minutes.

Broil the fenugreek leaves on a pan. crush the liable by a federal jury this year for defraud- promised good jobs, green cards and permarehabilitation of the citizens in the country where they want to live and which nationfenugreek leaves over the curry and remove from fire. serve hot. ing and exploiting workers it lured from nent US residency for them and their famality they would prefer. People living in of their choice India. The lawsuits are among the largest ilies.

Indian workers win $ 20 m in settlement with US construction firm

chicken (no butter) Masala

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Your favourite butter chicken but without the butter and added calories!

I

Choosing citizenship on IndiaBangladesh border

30 i

Saturday, July 18, 2015

NRI

NRI doctor in UK dismissed over high death rates

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top Indian-origin cancer surgeon has been sacked by the UK’s government-funded National Health Service (NHS) as police investigate high patient death rates. Sudip Sarker was dismissed as a consultant colorectal surgeon, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust announced in a statement. The 46-year-old had been suspended from practicing medicine in the UK by the General Medical Council (GMC) since June last year.

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Indian-American girl floors Obamas with ‘garam masala’ burger

9-year-old Indian-American girl who floored the Obamas by serving them a Quinoa burger with raita, enhanced with ‘garam masala’, cumin and ginger, won a chance to attend the Kids’ State Dinner hosted by first lady Michelle. Shreya Patel (pictured) from Chicago was pleasantly surprised when US President Barack Obama came to her table during the Kids State Dinner hosted at the White House. Accompanied by her mother Priti Patel, Shreya was the only Indian-American to have been invited by the First Lady for now what has become an annual event. The 55 participants to the Kids State Dinner were selected from a national Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. Nearly 1,000

kids had entered the competition this year. “I have watched my mom and grandma make all sorts of delicious food in the kitchen with an Indian twist since I was born,” Shreya said. “I have been helping them cook since I was three.

I love to mix, measure, chop, and even clean up afterwards,” she said. “My grandma and I came up with this recipe together because we both love sandwiches.

We make this recipe often to take to school for lunch or even on picnics with friends,” Shreya added. Though the dinner is hosted by the First Lady, Obama has been making a surprise crash into the party every year. “I particularly am impressed with the Barackamole.

New British work rules to hit Indian students hard

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he UK on Monday announced that it will ban overseas students from outside the European Union to work while they study in the country from the next month, under tough new rules unveiled by home secretary Theresa May. The move will hit students from countries like India. The new rules will only apply to non-EU students, who accounted for 121,000 immigrants last year. Only 51,000 of those foreign students left the UK, leaving a net influx of 70,000 and May pointed to these figures to defend her efforts for the stricter rules. She hopes to stop immigrants using colleges as a “back door to a British visa” and has banned 870 “bogus

colleges” from accepting foreign students.

UK immigration minister James Brokenshire said that from next month students from outside the European Union who come to study at publicly-funded further education (FE) colleges in Britain will lose the right to work for up to 10 hours a week. “Immigration offenders want to sell illegal access to the UK jobs market, and there are plenty of people willing to buy,” Brokenshire said. “Hardworking taxpayers who are helping to pay for publicly funded colleges expect them to be providing top-class education, not a backdoor to a British work visa.

SOUTH ASIA

Quake-hit Nepal to train 50,000 people for reconstruction the country’s economy

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arthquake-hit Nepal is planning to train 50,000 workers in a bid to carry out massive reconstruction works, the biggest skill development programme as the country braces for the slowest economic growth rate in eight years. Delivering the annual budget, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat Mahat said the government will train thousands of people to work as carpenters, plumbers, electricians and masons. “This will help the country to adjust the shortage of labourers as hundreds of thousands of youths travel to the Middle East and other foreign countries to work in various sectors,” he said yesterday. Mahat said

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is likely to grow at 3 per cent this fiscal year, the lowest rate since 2007.

Officials said that the reconstruction work will help boost growth to 6 per cent next year.

The government has allocated USD 910 million this year to rebuild infrastructure, public buildings, monuments, and private homes which were destroyed by the earthquakes. The Nepal government has said it needs USD 6.6 billion to rebuild the country after twin earthquakes hit the country, in April and May. The powerful earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people, injured 23,000 people and damaged more than 500,000 buildings leaving hundreds of thousands of people jobless.

Bangladesh arrests key suspect in boy’s brutal murder

key suspect in the brutal murder of a 13-year-old boy that provoked public outrage in Bangladesh has been arrested and sent to seven-day police custody for interrogation.

Moyna Mia was arrested yesterday on the outskirts of the northeastern city of Sylhet after receiving a tip-off from local residents.

He was presented before the Metropolitan magistrate Mohammad Shahed Ali who sent him to seven-day police custody, a court official told PTI. Officer-in-charge of Sylhet Sadar Police Station Akhtar Hossain, meanwhile, told reporters that 38-yearold Mia, allegedly a paedophile, would be

quizzed to track down the other suspects.

“You can call him (Mia) the main culprit... he caught the boy and called others to the scene to beat him to death,” Hossain said.

He is the seventh person to be arrested over the July 8 killing of the boy, who was tied to a pole and then subjected to a brutal assault in which he pleaded for his life. A video footage of the incident caused widespread outrage.

District administration officials, however, said they found the case to be appropriate for speedy trial and arrangements were being made towards that direction. The main suspect in the case, Kamrul Islam, who was arrested yesterday in Saudi Arabia, could be extradited to Bangladesh after Eid.

FIJI

Saturday, July 18, 2015 i 31

Prime Minister Bainimarama meets Xi Jinping in Beijing

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hinese President Xi said this year marks the opening year of the two countries’ strategic partnership.

Speaking CCTV, he said Fiji is the first island country in the Pacific Island region to establish diplomatic ties with China and the bilateral relationship between the two nations has seen great advances in the past four decades, which have benefited people from both countries. President Xi said China is ready to enhance communications between the two governments, legislatures and political parties.

He has also vowed to strengthen cooperation on issues of UN security reform as well as climate change under the UN framework.

PM Bainimarama praised President Xi Jinping’s visit to Fiji last year, saying it had lifted their bilateral ties to a new level.

He also expressed gratitude for China’s long term support to Fiji and added that Fiji considers China an important partner in its national development strate-

PM’s credit card payments without receipts criticized

The Prime Minister’s VISA Card payment procedure was brought to the attention of the Public Accounts Committee this morning.

Committee member Aseri Radrodro raised the question highlighting credit card payments without supporting documents as stated in the Auditor General’s Report. Prime Minister’s Office principal accounts officer Moape Rokosuka said the credit card was the only source of funds when the PM went on an overseas trips.

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Fijian and an Australian are in police custody after they were found in possession of 50kilograms of cocaine valued at $15million.

Police chief of investigations and intelligence ACP Henry Brown said the seizure was made on Monday afternoon in Saweni, Lautoka through a joint collaboration between the Fiji Police Force, Australian Federal Police and Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority.

“Following weeks of extensive intelligence gathering, the joint operation team closed in on the two suspects near the Vuda Marina, where the illicit drugs were seized from the vehicle the two were traveling in,” he said.

“Further investigations also resulted in the discovery of large amounts

Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

gy, and is prepared to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including international and regional issues.

Good News!

$15 million heroin bust

Good News!

of Fijian and Australian currency from one of the suspects’ hotel room.”

ACP Brown said police continued to work closely with their Australian counterparts to solve transnational crimes and was appreciative of their continuous support.

“Those who have the intention or are involved in such illegal trades are warned that the Fiji Police has the ability and assistance of law enforcement agencies such as the Australian Federation Police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“With investigations still into its early stages, no further detail will be released at this point in time.”

Meanwhile, Vuda Marina general manager Adam Wade said assumptions that the incident involved the yachting industry were incorrect.

Good News!

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PM reiterates incentives to investors Fijian Prime Voreqe Bainimarama says low to tax - free incentives, Fiji’s skilled labour force, its position as a hub in the Pacific region and a strong manufacturing base makes the country a lucrative market for investors.

Speaking to members of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong during a reception, the Prime Minister pointed to sound policies

and incentives as contributing factors towards Fiji’s consistent economic growth.

NGO calls for set up of sex offenders registry

Aspire Network- a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that works in the youth development is demanding the Fijian Government to open up National Sex Offenders Registry in the country. Network’s Executive Director Kaajal Kumar says e​very one that commits a sex crime must be registered and their

movement after they have served their jail time to be monitored by Fiji Police Force.

NFA warns against fires in dry season With Fiji’s Western and Northern Divisions experiencing prolonged dry weather conditions, the National Fire Authority is urging people to avoid burning of rubbish, grassland areas and sugarcane fields as the current dry

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PAKISTAN

32 i Saturday, July 18, 2015

China provides $10 m

for rehabilitation in Northern areas

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hina pledged to provide $10 million to all-weather friend Pakistan for the rehabilitation of people displaced due to military operations in the restive tribal region, officials said. The agreement to provide the special grant was signed between Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong and secretary economic affairs division Muhammad Saleem Sethi here.

“China firmly supports the efforts of Pakistan to safeguard its national security and the Chinese side will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the reconstruction and livelihood improvements of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA),” according to a statement by the Chinese embassy. An official of finance ministry said that the grant from China will be utilised for the assistance of people of tribal areas who have suffered due to war on terror.

Over a million people were forced to flee their homes when army launched operation in the Taliban stronghold of North Waziristan last June. More than 90 per cent of the district has already been cleared of militants and the government had launched a programme for the phased return of people to their areas. Last year also, the Chinese government provided $10 million to help the internally-displaced persons (IDPs).

Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Pakistan in April and announced the $46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor in April.

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Musharraf harmed cause of Kashmir the most: Information Minister

ormer military General Pervez Musharraf harmed the cause of Kashmir the most and the issue would have been solved by now if the former president had not overthrown a democratically-elected government in 1999, federal information minister Pervaiz Rashid said on Sunday. Musharraf, 71, took over in a coup in 1999 after the Kargil War, of which he is considered as the chief architect, months after the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Lahore for talks. minister Pervaiz Rashid told that the military dictator had harmed the Kashmir cause the most.

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Surveillance drones to be deployed in Balochistan

alochistan province hit hard by sectarianism, militancy, and separatist violence, plans to deploy aerial drones to hunt down those unleashing unrest and terrorism. “We have sent a letter to the federal government seeking permission to use the surveillance drones in the province,” provincial home secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said. “We believe the use of surveillance drones will help the security and law enforcement agencies a lot since there are a lot of re-

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“Kashmir issue would have been solved by now and Pakistan would not be facing energy crisis and terrorism, had Musharraf not overturned a democratic government in 1999,” said Rashid, referring to the ouster of Nawaz Sharif by Musharraf. He accused Musharraf of using the ISI intelligence agency to cobble up a political party which he termed as the ‘political party of Aabpara’, a reference to ISI headquarters in capital Islamabad. To a question, he said that Kashmir was central issue with India and it was discussed during meeting of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Russia.

mote areas and mountainous regions in the province where these people take refuge,” he said, adding that the provincial government had allotted a budget for this purpose. He said the province’s law enforcement and security agencies require to utilize modern technology to combat the terrorists, militants and criminals. Baluchistan has been wrecked by regular violence unleashed by militant and separatist groups who are also following the agenda of sectarian killings.

Court grants bail for model girl held for cash smuggling

court granted bail on Tuesday to a supermodel jailed for four months on charges of attempting to smuggle out of the country more than half a million dollars in cash, her lawyer said. Ayyan Ali’s famous grey eyes have fronted campaigns for designer clothes, ice-cream and mobile phones. But her career crashed down after the 21-year-old singer of “Making Dollars” was detained at Islamabad airport on March 14 with a case stuffed with hundred-dollar bills.

By law, no more than $10,000 in cash may be

taken out of Pakistan. Ali says she was waiting to give the funds from a property sale to her brother, who was arriving on a flight. “She will be out of jail, probably by tomorrow evening,” said her lawyer Khurram Latif Khosa, after the Lahore High Court granted bail. The case shone a spotlight on the lax enforcement of laws against money laundering and smuggling in the nuclear-armed nation of 180 million people that is plagued by drug trafficking, militancy, corruption and crime.

Pakistan claims Indian ‘spy drone’ shot down, but Chinese made drone is of type used by Islamic states

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ndian military on Wednesday denied Pakistani army’s claims of shooting down an “Indian spy drone” along the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhimber, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A spokesperson of the Indian Army said: “Some reports of a drone crash in PoK are being referred to.

No drone or UAV crash of the Indian Army has taken place.” An official of the Indian Air Force also denied the claim. “An Indian spy drone was shot down by Pakistani troops which intruded into Pakistan along (the Line of Control) near Bhimber today.

The spy drone is used for aerial photography,” a statement from the Pakistani military said. A photo supplied by the Pakistani military appeared to show a Chinese-made DJI Phantom 3, said Huw Williams, the Unmanned Systems Editor at IHS Jane’s International Defence Review. “Due to its limited operating range - about two km - if the Indian military is using the system it would most likely be for close reconnaissance or security work,” Williams said. “Our Middle East editor believes that Islamic State are using similar systems.” Since 2004, the United States has conducted 419 drone strikes in Pakistan, targeting suspected members of the Taliban and al Qaeda.

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Fiat Chrysler CEO agrees with union that two-tier wages must go

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iat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, left, and United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams talk during a ceremony to mark the opening of contract negotiations Tuesday, July 14, 2015 in Detroit. Fiat Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, left, and United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams talk during a ceremony to Chrysler CEO Sergio Mar- mark the opening of contract negotiations Tuesday, July 14, chionne and United Auto 2015 in Detroit.

Workers President Dennis our business.” At the same time, he said, Williams agree on at least one thing: getting any agreement needs to keep FCA profitrid of the two-tier wages for hourly workers able. Williams agreed. “We must be crein the company’s U.S. plants. Marchionne ative and we must be thoughtful. We still and Williams formally opened bargaining have to remain competitive and undera new four-year contract for FCA’s 35,700 stand it’s a global market,” Williams said. workers Tuesday. The current contract ex- Profit-sharing bonuses likely to pires in September. stay Both Marchionne and Among the major issues on the table Williams hinted that is the tiered wage system in place at U.S. p r o f i t - s h a r plants. The UAW agreed to allow lower pay ing bonusfor entry-level workers in 2007 when FCA es — which — then Chrysler — General Motors and have totalled Ford were struggling. Entry-level workers $9,000 for now make up to $19.28 per hour; longtime FCA hourly workers over the life of the workers make $29 per hour. current contract — will remain. Williams The disparity benefits FCA the most. For- said any agreement needs to ensure that ty-five per cent of FCA’s U.S. hourly workers members make a middle-class wage but now make the lower wage because the com- with “flexible and variable pay.” pany hired so many people after emerging Both Williams and Marchionne also from bankruptcy protection and joining said they would consider it a personal failItalian automaker Fiat SpA in 2009. Only ure if the companies aren’t able to reach an around 20 per cent of Ford and GM hourly agreement and workers strike. workers make the lower wage.

“We are committed to do the hard work Marchionne says people should get the to get an agreement that our members can same pay for the same work. truly be proud of, but also the company “We’re going to try our darndest to try to feels good about,” Williams said. close it up this time if we can,” he said. “We FCA is seeing strong demand for its owe it to our people. We need to design a Jeep SUVs and Ram pickups. career path for people who come into

Saturday, July 18, 2015 i 33

Google self-driving car was rear-ended July 1, causing minor injuries

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ne of Google’s self-driving cars was involved in an accident early in July, in which three people were injured when a vehicle equipped with Google technology was rear-ended by another vehicle, the company said. The three employees suffered minor whiplash in the July 1 incident, when a vehicle drove into the rear of a Lexus RX450h prototype -- outfitted by Google with special sensors and software -- which had stopped at a traffic light near the Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., a Google spokesperson said today. The employees were sent to a nearby hospital “as a precautionary measure” but were not admitted, the spokesperson said.

Google said it was the first such incident involving injuries in a self-driving car.

The technology giant, which started developing self-driving cars in 2009, said its prototype vehicles have been struck 14 times, including 11 rear-end collisions.

The Google vehicle was not at fault in any of those incidents, the company said.

Google had

mentioned the incident in a blog post on Thursday, without details on injuries. “Our self-driving cars are being hit surprisingly often by other drivers who are distracted and not paying attention to the road,” wrote Chris Urmson, director of Google’s self-driving car project, in the blog post. “The clear theme is human error and inattention” in those incidents.

Google is testing a fleet of 23 specially equipped Lexus prototypes, and said it has logged more than 1 million test miles. Last month, the company began testing tiny, bubble-shaped self-driving prototype vehicles of its own design on public roads around Mountain View.

The company has also started testing self-driving prototypes in Austin, Texas. Google and other automotive manufacturers and suppliers have said the technology to build self-driving cars should be ready by 2020.

Urmson has said the company does not want to build its own self-driving cars, but would prefer to find a development and production partner.

But most major multinational automakers are developing their own so-called automated vehicles that are designed to control major functions such as steering, brakes and throttle, without human effort.

Ferrari recalls 814 supercars for improper airbag installations

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ar maker Ferrari is recalling 814 vehicles, costing from $200,000 to more than $1.4 million, to fix driver-side airbags that were installed at an improper angle. The airbags were discovered when Ferrari was doing tests on a 458 Italia’s steering column, according to documents posted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website today. The airbag deployed in a rotated orientation, Ferrari said, which could cause injury. The Italian manufacturer, owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, found that the leather skin covering the airbag module had been improperly glued and the

air-bag cushions had been installed at the wrong angle. The recall covers eight different models made from December to April this year. Although the airbags were produced by troubled Japanese supplier Takata Corp., the defect isn’t the same as in the Takata airbags that have exploded and sent shrapnel toward drivers and passengers. That recall affects more than 34 million inflators worldwide and has been linked to at least eight fatalities.

No fatalities or injuries were reported in the documents Ferrari filed with the U.S. regulator. As required by law, Ferrari will replace the driver-side air bags free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 30.

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