The Asian Star December 19 2020 by The Asian Star Newspaper

www.theasianstar.com Vol 19 - Issue 46 Devastation, mayhem in Fiji’s Vanua Levu island as cyclone Yasa passed A path of devastation and mayhem has been left behind on Vanua Levu as Tropical Cyclone Yasa passed. The category five cyclone made landfall near Lekutu in Bua around 6pm on Thursday and moved slowly at a speed of 18 kilometres per hour. Wind speeds of 150 kilometres per hour with gusts well over 200 kilometres have battered Vanua Levu. As at 9pm, TC Yasa was still in Vanua Levu but slowly exiting from Namalata and headed towards Koro. Reports have emerged that there has been extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in most of Vanualevu. Homes have been completely damaged. Tabia, Vunivau, Dreketi in Bua, Nabouwalu and most areas in the province of Bua and Macuata have felt the brunt of TC Yasa. Reports emerging from Labasa suggested high speed winds causing devastation. Kinoya based Navin Singh made contact with family in Tabia. He said he was told that none of the homes in the area were standing. “I was told that none of the wooden homes were standing. Most homes have had their roofs blown away,” he said. “My uncle in Tabia said the winds were still strong.” Jeet Lal was able to talk to family in Vunivau for a short while. ‘ He said his sister’s home was destroyed and had been told by friends in the day that their homes were destroyed as well.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

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Possible’ all Canadians could be vaccinated faster than scheduled: PM Prime Minister Trudeau says that “it’s possible” that Canada will be able to accelerate its timeline for vaccinating all Canadians who want to be against COVID-19. The federal government has given the target that sometime between September and December of 2021, all Canadians who want to be vaccinated will be, with one of the seven vaccines Canada

has signed deals to secure. Now, the prime minister has said that’s a conservative estimate. Asked if the timeline could speed up as was this month—seeing first vaccines in arms in December rather than January—Trudeau said it could happen, but warned that there’s also potential for delays.

Family in mourning after runaway delivery van kills mother of two The last thing Paramjit Masutta did before she died was push her twin daughters to safety. The 48-yearold mother was walking with her girls in Surrey on Tuesday when a runaway delivery van suddenly veered in their direction. At the last moment, Masutta, who had been holding her daughters’ hands, managed to push the girls out

of the way. By all accounts, she saved their lives. “I would expect that,” said Masutta’s brother-in-law, Daljit Banga. “Paramjit was a beautiful mother, she was always very protective of the children.” Grieving relatives returned to the scene on Wednesday, including the victim’s eight-year-old daughters. Continued on page 6

Surrey teachers appeal to Dr. Bonnie Henry for stronger COVID-19 school protocol With over 75,000 students in K-12 in 130 schools, some Surrey campuses are so “severely crowded that there are as many as 20 portables on the fields or parking lots.” The Surrey Teachers Association has written an open letter to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry that calls for stronger coronavirus (COVID-19)

safety protocol in schools. Matt Wesphal, a member of the association, took to Twitter on Dec. 15 to share the letter to B.C.’s top doctor. He captioned his post: “We are not safe.” The letter notes that over 6,000 teachers are employed in the Surrey School District, which is also the largest in B.C. With over Continued on page 8

All Canadians who want a shot will be vaccinated by September 2021, public health agency says Canada expects to have enough doses on hand next year to vaccinate every Canadian who wants a shot by the end of September, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The statement comes amid confusion over competing information released to reporters last week about vaccination timelines. Some federal documents distributed at a COVID-19 briefing last Wednesday suggested the inoculation campaign would be completed by the “end of 2021,” while other material pointed to the more optimistic September date. Continued on page 7

BC businessman David Sidoo charged in US college scam, released from prison A South Asian businessman David Sidoo has been released from US prison on Thursday. The 61-year-old was sentenced to 90 days after pleading guilty for his role in the U.S. college admissions scandal. He was serving his time at a federal institution somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. He entered prison on Sept. 23. Prosecutors alleged Sidoo paid admissions consultant William (Rick) Singer two installments of $100,000 to have an associate take the SATs for his two sons and attempted to pay for further tests on top of those. He previously pleaded not guilty to multiple

charges in March 2019, but changed his plea a year later. When he appeared in court via video link on July 15, he apologized and told the judge he felt “deeply ashamed” of what he did. “I make no excuses. I broke the law. I pled guilty to a crime and now I must pay for my actions,” Sidoo said. The judge said he displayed an “unbelievable lack of integrity, morality and common sense” in trying to cheat his sons’ way into prestigious universities.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

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Saturday, December 19, 2020

BC reports 21 new COVID-19 deaths, 673 new cases Another 21 British Columbians have lost their lives to COVID-19, health officials said Thursday. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the fatalities, along with 673 new cases of the novel coronavirus, at a live briefing in Victoria. It brought the province’s death toll to 713, more than double where it stood one month ago. According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s latest situation report, about 71 per cent of the province’s fatalities were associated with care home outbreaks. Henry said 1,215 health care workers had now received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. “Starting next week we will be receiving weekly vaccine deliveries,” she said. “We do expect and are planning for immunization clinics in every health region across the province starting early next week.” Of the new cases, 403 were in the Fraser Health region and 145 were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.Sixty-six were in the Interior Health region, 47 were in the Northern Health

region and just four were on Vancouver Island.Ten of the deaths announced Thursday were in the Fraser Health region, 10 were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and one was on Vancouver Island. There were 10,009 active cases while another 10,388 people were isolating due to potential exposure. Hospitalizations dropped by four overnight to 358, 93 of them in critical or intensive care. About 74 per cent of B.C.s total 44,776 cases had recovered. While new case numbers have held relatively steady in recent weeks, the province also continues to see community outbreaks. Fraser Health shuttered a Surrey poultry packing plant last week due to an outbreak involving at least 30 workers, and Northern Health declared a new community outbreak involving at least 15 people at the LNG Canada project in Kitimat on Thursday.

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BC to eliminate payment reminders in bid to get COVID-19 rulebreakers to pay fines The BC government is getting rid of fine payment reminders in order to make COVID-19 rule-breakers pay their fine within 30 days of a court ruling or dispute period ending. The province is asking ICBC, which collects ticket fines on behalf of the government, to send deemed-guilty offenders immediately to collections. The province has historically given people up to a year before referring a fine to collections. “The provincial health officer’s directions and the solicitor general’s orders are clear,” Premier John Horgan said. “Right now, we all need to mask up in indoor public spaces and not gather with anyone outside our household, and today’s expanded enforcement measures will help us change behaviours and bend the curve of infections back down.” From Aug. 21 to Dec. 14, officials issued 290 violation tickets linked to COVID-19 rules. This includes 45 $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s order on gatherings and events and 21 $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the

PHO Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order. Law enforcement has handed out 224 $230 tickets issued to individuals who refused to comply with direction from law enforcement. Since the pandemic began, police agencies in British Columbia have issued 72 violation tickets to individuals who were in contravention of the Federal Quarantine Act, totaling $78,500. The provincial government is also expanding who can flag rule breakers. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth has asked gaming investigators, conservation officers, community safety unit inspectors, and liquor and cannabis inspectors to actively support the police and increase COVID-19 enforcement during their normal course of duties or when in public places. Click to play video ‘B.C. premier promises increased enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions’ 1:46 B.C. premier promises increased enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions B.C. premier promises increased enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions

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OPINION

Saturday, December 19, 2020

China’s troops trained in Canada against which country?

f you haven’t yet read about the scandal of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau allowing China’s communist-led military to train in winter warfare, you’ve got to be living in Chinese-occupied Tibet or inside China’s concentration camps for its Uighur Muslim minority.The news of Canada cozying up with the Chinese regime and its military was first broken by Rebel News, quoting government documents released to Rebel and also carried by the Globe and Mail.

The report shocked ordinary Canadians who learned their country’s military leadership — who put a stop to the training — was at odds with Global Affairs and the prime minister. For it was Justin Trudeau who had invited China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to send its troops for cold weather training at CFB Petawawa in Ontario — and when Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) cancelled the training following China’s kidnapping of Canadian citizens Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig,

we hear the prime minister ‘raged’ at the Canadian Armed Forces for doing so. No self-respecting nation would allow its adversaries to trample all over it while holding hostages. Such countries can best be described as putting the ‘state’ into ‘terrorist practices’ and should be faced by courage, not appeasement as British PM Neville Chamberlain demonstrated in front of Adolf Hitler. But even Chamberlain didn’t express veneration of Nazi Germany the way Trudeau expressed admiration of China’s “basic dictatorship.” We cannot blame Trudeau. After all, it was we who were charmed by his pretty looks and voted for him despite his blackface antics and photo-bombing escapades. The pretty boy in him never matured and we will have to live with a woke PM and an equally woke voter. The question no one has asked so far is this: What were the Chinese troops training for and against which country? China shares borders with Laos, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Vietnam while it faces Japan and Taiwan across the Sea of Japan and the South China Sea. The only countries for which China would require extreme cold weather training are in the south where it has fought India, sparred with Bhutan and sponsored Nepal’s mild hostility towards India. As far as Pakistan is concerned, China has already taken over that country to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. The timeline of Chinese troops training in winter warfare in Canada and the recent attack by China against India’s Ladakh region, killing 20 Indian soldiers, gives us an idea of who Beijing considers a target in its alliance with Pakistan. These facts taken in context of Trudeau’s hostility towards India and the Khalistani Sikh vote bank must be taken into account in the bizarre decision to let China’s military train in Canada. Elsewhere, “Sikhs for Justice” (SFJ) a US-based anti-India Khalistani group with a large following in Canada, has appealed to China for assistance in its secessionist agenda against India. Headed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, Sikhs for Justice was banned by India in 2019 as the group launched its “2020 Referendum” to carve out a separate country called Khalistan. In a letter to China’s president Xi Jinping, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of SFJ justified China’s position against India and asked for the extending of China’s support for Khalistani Sikhs. “We consider China’s counter-military action against India as legitimate and justified to protect its territorial integrity under international laws,” Pannun wrote to Jinping. Pannun urged the Chinese president to take up before the UN Security Council the issue of Sikhs’ right to ‘self-determination and secession’ of Punjab from India through a referendum.

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Saturday, December 19, 2020 Lower Mainland builders warn of illegal backyard office sheds With Canadians increasingly working from home, many have turned to backyard office spaces to help stay focused. But some builders around the Lower Mainland are reminding people to do it right, or possibly face the costs. Some businesses have reported an increase in demand for these kinds of spaces since the spring. “From the start of COVID-19, we’ve noticed a total influx of calls coming in about these backyard offices,” says Cole Kiez, sales manager, Coreval Homes. “When we take on a new project, we make sure we go through all of the bylaws and zoning requirements with each city and we make sure we follow the setbacks, height restrictions, things like that. If permits are required, we always make sure to get an electrical permit or building permits, if anything else is required,” Kiez explains. “Vancouver, particularly, and Surrey — those are the two that I ran into — are now requiring a building permit, even if it’s less than 107.5 square feet,” adds Joseph Neely, the president of Indoor Outdoor Guy Renovations. Neely’s company has been making backyard offices since long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “This summer, we had no issue. But just

recently they’ve added this requirement,” he explains, adding these building permits differ from electrical or heating permits. “Electrical or gas permits are often what we call ‘over-the-counter’, meaning it used to be you would shop in person and you’d take the permit out and you’d have it the same day or in a couple of days. Whereas a building permit, on the other hand, is quite a different beast. You’re looking at multiple drawings, you’re going to have a site plan, you’re going to have elevation d r a w i n g s ,” Neely tells “Where most homeowners, I find, don’t mind paying a little bit extra for a permit and would like to have it permitted. But when the process becomes a lot more daunting — which is what a building permit for a studio shed is — it’s a lot more work and it’s a lot more time that you have to wait. It just kills the project and in my opinion, it’s not really needed as long as you’re getting an electrical permit.” He would like to work with municipalities, like Vancouver and Surrey, to streamline the process. There are many other businesses who build backyard office spaces, and some will tell their clients a building permit is not required.

Former Indian diplomats slam Justin Trudeau for supporting farmers’ protest, say statements ‘uncalled for’ Slamming Canadian premier Justin Trudeau’s statement on the ongoing farmers’ protest in India as “uncalled for, disconnected with ground realities and served merely to fan the flames”, a group of former Indian diplomats claimed on Monday that Canada’s support has led to the protesters hardening their stand and adopting an “all or nothing” approach. “Not unoften bilateral political equations develop stress” due to the propensity of some Canadian political parties and leaders to engage in “vote bank politics”, they said, noting that it is well known that separatist and violent Khalistani elements carry out anti-India activities from the safety of the Canadian soil. The open letter issued by ‘Indian Ambassdors’ Group’, which included former diplomats Vishnu Prakash, Ajay Swarup, GS Iyer and SK Mathur, lashed out at Trudeau, saying such

blatant interference in India’s internal affairs to appease a section of the Liberal party’s voter base is completely unacceptable and will cast a long shadow on bilateral relations. Expressing concern over activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, the statement said they are also radicalising the Canadian youth with far-reaching consequences, which is being ignored at the altar of short-term political expediency. “Khalistani elements in Canada control a number of prominent Gurudwaras which gives them access to substantial funds, some of which are allegedly diverted to the electoral campaign of political parties especially the Liberals,” it said, targeting the country’s ruling party. “Back home, encouraged by the Canadian support, the protesters have hardened their stance, adopting an all or nothing approach,” the former diplomats said.

BC couple dies of COVID-19 hours apart 68 years of marriage Alkarim Remtulla’s father Hassanali, 90, and mother Shahsultan, 90, were in separate hospitals when they passed away. The couple, who had emigrated to Canada 20 years ago from Tanzania, had been married for 68 years. “It was like somebody just chopped your legs (off),” Remtulla said. “I could not bear it. I was totally blank, I did not know what to do. Like I was left in the dark.” Remtulla’s mother was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital in mid-November with a common infection, but tests later confirmed she had COVID-19 as well. His father was then tested and confirmed to have COVID-19 as well, though remained asymptomatic for a week and a half, before developing trouble breathing. He was rushed to Burnaby General hospital. “It was really, really hard. That’s when I almost broke down in tears,” Remtulla said. “I knew that they are not young. Suddenly I was feeling, ‘Is it the last thing I’m going to see? Are they going to be okay?’” Then, on Sunday, things took a turn for the worse. Remtulla got a call from Burnaby General that his mother’s condition had deteriorated seriously and that her heart could fail.

Intubated and unable to speak, Shahsultan said goodbye to her grandchildren by Facetime as he sat by her side. “It was heartbreaking. I was right with my mom. I was holding her hand,” he said. “We were saying our prayers and exactly at 7 she left us.” “It’s not worth it”: COVID-19 survivor warns young partiers to stop ignoring rules – Aug 15, 2020 Just hours later, Remtulla went to Burnaby General to visit his father, but said it was too difficult to break the news to him about his mother. “I was holding (his) hand and I just started saying my prayers and he passed away,” he said. “It felt like she was with me, telling (me) that I’m also going to take your dad with me.” Remtulla’s parents were both well known for their volunteer work and community service both in Canada and in their home country. He said the mayor of his father’s hometown even phoned to give his condolences, having remembered his father for his work in the community decades ago. Still grieving, Remtulla said he wanted to share his family’s story so that others know the human toll the virus is taking on families.

A message from the Surrey Teachers' Association

Saturday, December 19, 2020 Family in mourning after runaway delivery van kills mother of two From page 1

Keeping the annual tradition alive, The South Asian Business Association (SABA) donates Surrey Food Bank and the Chartwell Imperial Place Retirement Residence during this holiday season.

The family said the girls are struggling to accept what happened, still wanting to believe their mom will be coming home. “They still have that thought, but one of the girls just saw the flowers and it really broke her down,” Banga said. Firefighters and paramedics tried to resuscitate Masutta, but were unable to save her life. She would have turned 49 on Christmas Eve. Surrey RCMP are still investigating how the delivery van ended up rolling down the hill on 144 Street without anyone behind the wheel. It’s unclear whether the vehicle was left in neutral. “Certainly they will be looking to see exactly what the driver’s

An unoccupied cargo van struck and killed a woman who was walking with her two children in Surrey on Tuesday afternoon.

actions were and what they were doing immediately before and during the incident,” Cpl. Joanie Sidhu said. The vehicle struck at least one other car before jumping the sidewalk near 61A Avenue. The driver, a contractor hired by Amazon, has been cooperating with the RCMP’s investigation. Police said he is devastated by what happened. Amazon released an emailed statement to CTV News late on Tuesday saying the company is also “working with law enforcement and the delivery service partner as they investigate.” “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said spokesperson Owen Torres. Surrey RCMP are appealing for witnesses, particularly any drivers who may have dash cam video from the area around the time of the crash, as they try to piece together the events that led to Masutta’s tragic death.

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Saturday, December 19, 2020 BC reports 21 new COVID-19 deaths, 673 new cases Ten of the deaths announced Thursday were in the Fraser Health region, 10 were in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and one was on Vancouver Island.There were 10,009 active cases while another 10,388 people were isolating due to potential exposure. Hospitalizations dropped by four overnight to 358, 93 of them in critical or intensive care. Health Minister Adrian Dix said the province’s regular hospital beds had reached 88.8 per cent capacity, while 78.2 per cent of regular ICU beds were occupied. However Henry said the province hadn’t yet reached the point it needed to bring it’s emergency field hospitals — one of which is in the Vancouver Convention Centre — online.“We are coping, but it reminds us again how important it is for all of us to do our piece right now, because we are bumping up against that stretch in our health system,” she said.“We’ve flattened our line, but we have not yet come down to our level where

All Canadians who want a shot will be vaccinated by September 2021, public health agency says From page 1 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself has floated September 2021 as a date when a “majority” of Canadians might be inoculated. Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer, has offered a different estimate, saying that the end of December 2021 would be more likely. PHAC now says it believes Canada’s vaccine supply will be sufficient to allow all Canadians wishing to be vaccinated to get their shots by the end of September. “Based on current data, by the end of Q3 2021, Canada projects having a sufficient number doses to be able to offer a vaccination to every Canadian,” a spokesperson for PHAC said in a statement to CBC News. The “Q3” refers to the third quarter of the calendar year — July, August and September. Canada has signed purchase agreements with seven different pharmaceutical companies for up to 418 million doses of the various shots under development — an insurance policy against the possibility that some of the vaccines in development prove to be ineffective in clinical trials. Some supplies could also be donated to developing countries. The September date is premised on the companies with which Canada has signed purchase agreements — Pfizer, Moderna, Medicago, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax and Sanofi-GlaxoSmithKline — securing regulatory approvals and meeting planned timelines for the delivery of doses, the PHAC spokesperson said. “It is important to underscore that timelines for delivery of doses vary across the vaccine candidates and are dependent on companies’ abilities to scale up manufacturing, clinical trial timelines, results and subsequent regulatory filings,” the spokesperson said. “Monitoring access to supply is one of the key elements that will contribute to Canada’s overall plan and, with this in mind, our stated goal of providing enough vaccines for all Canadians in 2021 is still accurate.” Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, told CBC News Network’s Power & Politics on Wednesday that while this week is very exciting because vaccines have arrived, Canadians should continue to respect public health guidelines while the number of vaccines are being rolled out is so small. “That’s going to ramp up, but it will ramp up fairly slowly for the first quarter,” Tam told host Vassy Kapelos. “So I think at this juncture, it’s really important that we keep up with public health advice and measures at the same time as we’re gradually ramping up the vaccination program. “It will take quite a few months in order to vaccinate the majority of the population,” she said.

we need to. There’s still too much transmission in our community.” Henry said some patients from B.C.’s north had been transported to hospitals in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, but the surge hospitals could be activated within 48 hours if needed. About 74 per cent of B.C.s total 44,776 cases had recovered.While new case numbers have held relatively steady in recent weeks, the province also continues to see community outbreaks. Fraser Health shuttered a Surrey poultry packing plant last week due to an outbreak involving at least 30 workers, and Northern Health declared a new community outbreak involving at least 15 people at the LNG Canada project in Kitimat on Thursday.Health officials are also dealing with a community cluster of at least 60 cases at the Big White ski resort near Kelowna. Earlier Thursday, the provincial government announced B.C.’s deficit for 2020 had grown to $13.6 billion, driven by COVID-19 relief spending.

Judge refuses to return $75,000 seized from Vancouver apartment A judge has refused to return $75,000 in cash that was seized by police from a Vancouver apartment and that the B.C. government claims was proceeds of crime. The provincial director of civil forfeiture wants to retain the money that was found by police in an apartment at 8488 Cornish Street where Paige Montanna Judd was living on Feb. 8, 2019. After B.C. Supreme Court Justice Miriam Gropper granted a temporary order preserving the money in June, the director went back to court seeking the continued preservation of the funds pending the outcome of the forfeiture proceedings. Judd sought the return of the funds, claiming that they represented her life savings acquired from tips that she earned while working as a server for many years and was untainted by crime. She also complained about the

conduct of police and the director and alleged that in seizing the money, the police had violated her Charter rights. Gropper found the director met the legal test for a preservation order after noting that police found the cash, mostly in $50 and $100 bills, strewn about the floor after they breached the door of her suite that her boyfriend, known to police as a drug dealer, had barricaded. The boyfriend, who is facing trial in February, appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time and had apparently ransacked the apartment. A police officer gave an opinion that the bills tested positively for cocaine residue and whoever had been handling the money before it was seized must also have been handling cocaine. Judd argued that the officer’s affidavit was deficient for a number of reasons including that it did not have all of the required features of an admissible expert report.

8 From page 1

Saturday, December 19, 2020 Surrey teachers appeal to Dr. Bonnie Henry for stronger COVID-19 school protocol

75,000 students in K-12 in 130 schools, some are so “severely crowded that there are as many as 20 portables on the fields or parking lots.” While there are Plexiglass barriers in offices, there are none in classes, explains the STA. Worsening weather has also led to less physical education outside, which means less opportunity for safe faceto-face interaction. “We can’t control whether kids are sent to school sick, especially if COVID-19 victims are infectious before they are symptomatic.” The letter adds that masks should be mandated for everyone in schools-not only teachers and adults. Further, classrooms should be reduced in size by 50 per cent to ensure safe physical distance. “Every day, we continue to put ourselves, our loved ones, and communities at risk,” reads the letter. “It is dangerous and unfair to be expected to continue in this way without appropriate measures to ensure our safety.” COVID-19 school notification process If a student or teacher receives a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result, Public Health follows rigorous protocol: Contact tracing is initiated to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with. We identify and notify close

contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days. Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact. Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact.

Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community. At any time, if you or your child develop any symptoms of COVID-19, please seek testing and then self-isolate. If you or your child have been identified as a COVID-19 positive case or close contact, Fraser Health’s Public Health team will contact you directly and provide further instruction.

Province receives business case for new Massey Crossing The province is inching closer to making a decision on the new Massey Crossing, more than three years after preliminary construction work was halted by the minority NDP government. On Thursday morning Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure announced it had received the business case for a proposed replacement of the aging George Massey Tunnel. Detailed in the business case are the two shortlisted options presented to the public in February and March of this year: an eight-lane bridge and an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel. The government will review the submission and consult with partners and stakeholders before making a decision regarding which option will be built. The business case will be made public following that decision. According to a technical analysis completed in December 2019, both the tunnel and the bridge options would have similar grades, include dedicated bus-only lanes and separated multi-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. Both options also come with comparable price tags — $4-5 billion for the tunnel and $3.5-4.5 billion for the bridge. The immersed tube tunnel option, which was endorsed by Metro Vancouver’s board of directors in November 2019, would be about one kilometre longer and three metres deeper than the existing tunnel (to accommodate

taller vehicles including double-decker buses), and located 42 metres upstream of the current structure to minimize property impacts, as well as reduce scouring at the existing GVRD water tunnel and avoid the location of a potential future BC Hydro transmission line, both of which are downstream. The tunnel option would be a shorter crossing than the bridge and the project would also provide improved connectivity with Deas Island Regional Park. The project would have in-river impacts during construction, however the analysis notes there is the potential for in-river habitat enhancements as well. It’s estimated the environmental review for the tunnel option would take three years and construction would take five years, plus an extra year to close the portals of the existing tunnel and recommission it for “utility only” use. However, the report also notes that work in the river is likely to be limited to a six- or seven-month window each year, meaning if construction falls behind then critical path items could be delayed by six months or potentially even a year. The bridge option would be located 25 metres upstream of the current tunnel, stand 650 metres above the Fraser River and 380 metres above Deas Slough. With its suspended main section, the bridge would not require any piers in the Fraser River but would require them in Deas Slough.

New West saw a month’s worth of COVID-19 cases in just seven days New Westminster saw a month’s worth of COVID-19 cases in just seven days last week. The latest data from the BC Centre for Disease Control show New Westminster had a total of 86 COVID-19 cases during the period of Dec. 6-12. That’s just slightly under the 94 cases New West had in all of October and above the 71 cases in September. Lastest positive cases have been found at the Safeway at New Westminster SkyTrain station and a local Shoppers Drug Mart. New cases

of COVID-19 jumped in New Westminster in November – by far the worst month for the city since the start of the pandemic. According to the BCCDC, New Westminster has now seen 624 COVID-19 cases between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, 2020. Some of the cases came from a small outbreak at Royal Columbian Hospital in November, an outbreak that has been declared over. Care homes in the city, including Queen’s Park Care Centre, have also seen outbreaks, according to Fraser Health.

Saturday, December 19, 2020 Police seek 5 men seen on video taking UBC Christmas tree and stuffing it into the car Five men have been caught on a video that appears to show them taking a Christmas tree from UBC and the RCMP is hoping the public can help identify them. The tree was taken on Dec. 2 from the lobby of a building on Gray Avenue, RCMP said, adding the tree was decorated to bring joy to the residents during these challenging times.

The men were caught on surveillance video appear to be stuffing the tree into an EVO car and then leaving. So far, no one has come forward with any information about the tree, RCMP added. If anyone can help identify the men they are asked to contact the University RCMP non-emergency line at 604-224-1322.

BC’s deficit projected at $13.6B, with partial economic recovery anticipated for 2021 A fiscal update provided by the B.C. government on Thursday confirms the province’s deficit is projected to be $13.6 billion, including $2 billion in additional spending on financial supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister of Finance Selina Robinson said there are some indications that B.C.’s economy is recovering more quickly than previously anticipated, but it may not bounce back fully until late 2022 or early 2023. “There is hope on

the horizon,” said Robinson, adding projections are based on a “large-scale global immunization campaign.” “It is, however, going to be a while before I stand here with an update like the prepandemic province we knew.” In September the province predicted it would end the year with a $12.8-billion deficit. Some sectors may not recover fully until pandemic is over Real gross domestic product has improved compared to original forecasts, with a projected decline of 6.2 per cent in 2020 and partial economic recovery

Saturday, December 19, 2020

‘Orders are clear’: COVID-19 enforcement expanding in BC With the holiday season under way, the province’s premier and solicitor general are warning that COVID-19 enforcement is stepping up to make sure British Columbians are following public health orders, and the government is considering even bigger fines. In a news release Wednesday, B.C.’s public safety ministry said some industries are being ask to increase their COVID-19 enforcement. “Our police departments have been working hard to educate the public and issue violation tickets when necessary,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, in the release. He’s asking conservation officers, community safety units, liquor and cannabis inspectors and gaming investigators to fine those they see violating public health orders while they’re out on the job as he mulls the idea of bigger fines. “When we put the fine in place, we looked at what was possible given it was an administrative penalty because it does not occur under the Offence Act, which would require a legislative change,” Farnworth later told reporters at the legislature. “What we’re looking at is are there ways we can increase those things? That’s something I think many people, including myself, would like to see happen.” “Having said that, though, one: repeat offence tickets can be given and, in fact, police have done that. Second:

as we’ve seen in the case of those three churches, police have recommended charges and that’s gone to the prosecutorial service.” Since COVID-19 fines were introduced on Aug. 21, 290 violation tickets have been issued. Of those, 45 were $2,300 tickets to event organizers breaking health orders. Another 21 were issued for violations against the food and liquor premises order. Finally, 224 $230 tickets have been handed to individuals refusing to comply with direction from law enforcement. As well, 72 tickets totalling $78,500 have been issued to people breaking the Quarantine Act during the pandemic. To ensure tickets are paid, Farnworth has also asked ICBC, which collects fines for the government, to send those individuals who are deemed to be guilty to collections immediately. Typically, payment reminders are sent over the course of a year before the person is forwarded to collections. Now, however, those with unpaid COVID-19 fines will be sent to collection after the 30-day payment or dispute period ends. WorkSafeBC is also being tasked with increasing in-person inspections, especially in industries where COVID-19 is spreading. “While I’m pleased to report that vaccinations in B.C. have begun, which is a reason to celebrate, we need to continue our efforts in the months ahead to protect our province’s most vulnerable,” said

15-year teaching ban handed to former BC principal caught in Creep Catchers sting A former Mission, B.C. school principal caught in a Creep Catchers sting has been banned from teaching for 15 years. According to a decision published online Tuesday, a Teacher Regulation Branch panel found Jason Alan Obert guilty of conduct unbecoming of a teacher in July after he admitted to exchanging text messages in 2016 with two people who claimed to be teenagers. Obert admitted to text exchanges that included “sexualized comments” with an apparent 15-year-old and to requesting and receiving photos from someone claiming to be 14, the decision said. “In the text exchanges, [Obert] asked these minor girls if they ‘smoked weed’ and offered to buy them alcohol,” the decision said. He also admitted he arranged to meet these apparent teenagers on two separate occasions. The teenagers were, in fact, a member of Creep Catchers, a loose collection of organizations

that claim to expose people they allege are child sexual predators by posing online as minors before meeting in person to film and berate their targets. Obert told a hearing that his online activity had been research for a piece on Creep Catchers he planned to write in his off-hours — a claim the panel found “not plausible.” He was charged in November 2016, but Crown counsel later stayed charges of child luring, saying it had concerns about the admissibility of evidence, how it was obtained and the nature of the communications. According to the panel decision, Obert’s certificate was suspended in October 2016 and the district terminated his employment the following month. His certificate was later cancelled due to non-payment of fees. The Commissioner for Teacher Regulation sought a 25-year ban on the reissuance of a certificate, calling Obert’s conduct “an affront to the status and reputation of teachers.”

30 employees at Surrey poultry plant have tested positive for COVID-19 Health officials have closed a Surrey poultry processing plant after 30 employees there tested positive for COVID-19. Wingtat Game Bird Packers Inc. announced in a public statement last week that some workers at its Surrey facility had tested positive for the coronavirus and that it was closing that location while it worked with Fraser Health to deal with the cases. The company did not say how many had tested positive, nor did it say whether an outbreak had been declared. Fraser Health made its first public comments on the situation in a news release Wednesday, saying that 30 cases had been detected and an outbreak declared. The health

authority also said that it had closed the facility at 9752 186 St. in Surrey. Mass testing of the facility’s employees is underway, Fraser Health said. The company said its main office and its packaging and warehouse facility in Richmond remain open. The chicken products distributed from Wingtat’s Surrey location will not be recalled, as there is “no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission for the virus,” Fraser Health said in its release. There have been no reported cases of food or packaging leading to transmission of COVID-19, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Vancouver’s Sahota family faces tax trouble with $1.2-million judgment A member of a Vancouver family whose multimillion-dollar property holdings include some of the city’s most run-down rental housing is facing a $1.2-million tax judgment and the possible forced sale of the family home to pay the money owed. Land-title documents show the judgment against Pal Sahota, filed in June, 2019, was obtained by the Minister of National Revenue and is registered against interests in three properties, including the family’s long-time residence on Angus Drive. The family has come under renewed public scrutiny this month after a deal was reported showing that the City of Vancouver paid millions to expropriate two of the family’s Downtown Eastside properties – the crumbling Balmoral and Regent hotels. The Globe and Mail became aware of the tax judgment when reviewing documents after the settlement with the city. For decades, the Sahotas have rented out hundreds of units of the cheapest housing in the area, often flouting municipal bylaws, even as tenants and advocates pleaded for increased oversight from the city and province. A 2018 Globe investigation found the reclusive family’s holdings – about 40 properties in and around the city – was worth an estimated $218-million. The family rarely sells any of its properties and fought the city in court to try to stop the expropriation of the shuttered Regent and Balmoral, a process that ended with an agreement last month. The value of the deal was not disclosed – at the insistence of the Sahotas – but The Globe has reported that the city paid at least the

$7.5-million discussed in a confidential 2018 memo to council from staff. The family has been led by Mr. Sahota, his brother Gurdyal and their sister Parkash, or Pash. The Globe has learned through public documents and conversations with people close to the family that Ms. Sahota, the matriarch, died in January at the age of 90. The Globe recently obtained a death certificate from B.C.’s Vital Statistics Agency for a Parkash Kaur Sahota, age 90, with a birthplace of India, that lists the date of death as January 23, 2020. The judgment, which remains outstanding, does not specify what type of tax is owed, referring only to assessments “under one or more” of Canada’s Income Tax Act, Canada Pension Plan or Employment Insurance Act. But it gives the Canada Revenue Agency the right to seek a court order to have the properties sold and proceeds used to pay taxes owed, said Andrew Bury, a partner at Gowling WLG’s Vancouver office who specializes in loan security enforcement. “That judgment can be turned to cash if the creditor is aggressive and goes to court and gets their money back,” Mr. Bury said. The three properties listed on the 2019 tax judgment together have an assessed value of about $5.7-million, according to B.C. Assessment records. The CRA said it could not comment on specific cases because of confidentiality reasons. Evan Cooke, a lawyer who has recently represented the family in negotiations with the city, did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

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LOCAL

Saturday, December 19, 2020 Murder charge laid in death of newcomer to Surrey homeless camp A man has been charged in connection with a death at a homeless camp in Surrey earlier this year. Invinceable Green has been charged with second-degree murder more than six months after a homicide in a wooded area known as “The Sanctuary.” The body of Carlos Robles Palafox was found the evening of June 4. The Surrey RCMP said at the time that his body had been located by members of its mental health outreach team, which had been conducting a foot patrol in the area. His remains were found in an area off King George Boulevard near 128 Street. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Palafox was new to Surrey, and

had come to find a place to stay. “He had only limited contact with the community in this area,” IHIT said. Investigators believe Palafox had met Green before his death, though only once, briefly. They do not believe the victim’s homicide was random. Green, age 35, is known to the community as “Vince,” Sgt. Frank Jang said in a statement. “We believe there are people within the community that have information about this homicide.” IHIT is looking to speak to those people, and ask them to contact the investigation team. Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Qualtrough quells anxiety about CERB notices, saying no requirement to repay now The letter that John Cosgrove received in late November from the Canada Revenue Agency wasn’t entirely clear, but he knew something was amiss. Cosgrove, like nearly nine million Canadians, had applied for and received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit while it was available between mid-March and late September as the economy slowed and jobs were lost because of COVID-19. The CRA wasn’t sure if the self-employed artist met the earnings criteria needed to receive the $500-a-week CERB. If not, the letter suggested he may have to repay $12,900 before the end of 2020. “I cannot say I’m going to have a joyous Christmas,” Cosgrove said Tuesday during a virtual news conference with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “This is very difficult and I really believe that I’m not the only person in this situation.” He’s not. The CRA has sent out more than 441,000 letters to CERB recipients in recent weeks asking them to verify they met eligibility rules for the payments.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough said the notices are an attempt to verify information and avoid making tax time next year overly complicated. She said no one who can’t pay the money back immediately will be forced to do so. The Dec. 31 repayment requests that some have received are suggestions designed to ensure accurate tax receipts are issued for this calendar year and don’t affect benefits and tax credits recipients may receive or claim next year. “Nobody is asking you to pay if you can’t pay. We’re putting you on notice that you may not be eligible,” Qualtrough said, noting some may be eligible once they file their 2020 tax returns next year. “I appreciate that every time anyone gets something from CRA, the anxiety gets up there. But this sincerely was an attempt to get ahead of … a very complicated tax time next year for millions of Canadians.” “Nobody is asking you to pay if you can’t pay,” #Qualtrough said about CERB repayment notices. #cdnpoli #CERB #COVID19

Fire at Buranby hospital believed to be arson More than a month after a fire broke out at Burnaby hospital, Mounties say they believe the blaze was set intentionally. In a news release on Tuesday, RCMP said the Nov. 15 fire at Burnaby Hospital was a “deliberate act of arson.” The fire led to some people being forced to leave the building, and the emergency department couldn’t admit patients for a period of time. Some patients were diverted to other hospitals while medical appointments and some surgeries had to be rescheduled. That same hospital has been dealing with multiple COVID-19 outbreaks. The first outbreak was declared on Nov. 9 after evidence of transmission was found in a medicine unit. That outbreak eventually led to 62 patients and 50 staff members becoming infected and a dozen people died. Health officials said the evacuations because of the fire may have contributed to the spread of the disease. “Patients had to be moved out of their rooms and moved into common areas and had to be put in places that they normally wouldn’t be which meant our rigorous infection control precautions were loosened for the

period of time that that evacuation was taking place,” Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin, chief medical health officer and vice-president of population health for Fraser Health, said late last month. “We believe that is one of the reasons the virus was allowed to spread so widely through the hospital.” While it was declared over on Dec. 11, a second outbreak was declared this Tuesday. Police looking to speak to witnesses Now, Burnaby Mounties are asking all staff who were working at the hospital on Nov. 15 to come forward if they saw anything suspicious or unusual. Members of the public with relevant details are also asked to come forward. Police have also released a photo of someone they’d like to speak to, but say this person is not a suspect. In the image, the individual appears to be wearing a red and black plaid shirt, a black toque and dark paints. They’re also wearing a white face mask. Anyone who recognizes the person in that photo is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9522 and to leave their full name and contact information.

Saturday, December 19, 2020 Woman walking with her 2 kids dies after being struck by runaway cargo van in Surrey The unoccupied van rolled into traffic and hit a vehicle before striking the woman, police say. RCMP say a woman who was walking with her two children died on Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a runaway cargo van in Surrey. Police say they received a report at about 2:45 p.m. PT of a collision involving two vehicles and a pedestrian near 144 Street and 61A Avenue. An unoccupied cargo van struck and killed a woman who was Early indications suggest the walking with her two children in Surrey on Tuesday afternoon. unoccupied cargo van rolled into traffic scene, but she died from her injuries. and hit a vehicle, according to police. The intersection is just around the corner from The van then travelled onto a sidewalk and struck the woman. RCMP say an elementary school and happened around the she was with her two kids at the time. same time that parents pick up their children. Mountiessaythedriverofthevehicleremained Police say an unoccupied cargo van struck and killed a woman who was walking with on scene and is cooperating with police. Police say 144 Street will be closed between her two kids in Surrey on Tuesday afternoon. Surrey fire crews and paramedics 60 Avenue and 64 Avenue for a lengthy period. RCMP are asking anyone with also responded to the collision. They tried to revive the woman at the information about the incident or dashcam footage to contact Surrey RCMP.

Active COVID-19 infections cases reach 10,000 for the first time in BC

While COVID-19 vaccinations are set to start in B.C. tomorrow (December 15), the number of new COVID-19 infections identified in B.C. stayed elevated over the weekend, with a total of 2,146 cases detected in the past three days. The 698 new cases on December 12, 689 new cases on December 13 and 759 new cases in the past 24 hours pushed the total number of infections in the province

to 42,943 since late January. The new cases helped push the total number of people fighting active infections above 10,000 for the first time, as that number is now 10,039. The vast majority of those infected have been told to self-isolate at home, although 359 people are sick enough to be in hospital, with a record 87 people continuing to be in intensive care units.

Thank you respected Mayor George Harvie and Council City of Delta for passing the Komagata Maru Story Board Sign in the North Delta Social Heart Plaza Press release

I would like to say thank you to respected Mayor George Harvie, the Councillors, the Mayor office advisor Param Grewal, the City of Delta staff, and the City of Delta Heritage Advisory Commission for their work in making this Komagata Maru Story Board sign a reality. Soon, the city will install Komagata Maru Story Board Sign in the North Delta Social Heart Plaza so that residents may be better informed of the hardships and struggle that the passengers of the Komagata Maru endured.It’s a great tribute to those passengers who suffered a lot during the tragedy. We are very happy and also South Asian Community and the Canadian are very happy. It’s a very good learning tool to connect the Delta residents

and Canadians their History. I am glad to be a part of making this happen. “We can’t undo the past, but we can move forward and leave a legacy for future generations by educating them about the past. This new Komagata Maru Story Board Sign in the North Delta Social Heart Plaza will help educate the community and remind us of Delta’s diverse makeup. I hope that it will help in connecting British Columbians, Canadians, and Delta residents with their past, in order to build a more peaceful and tolerant tomorrow.” Raj Singh Toor, Vice President and Spokesperson for the Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society 778 386 0024

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 19, 2020 A South Asian health-care worker became the first person in B C to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Nisha Yunus, a 64-year-old residential care aide, was given the dose, marking a major milestone in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus. Immunizations of Pfizer’s vaccine got underway just after 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. “It just brings a spark of light and joy, and it’s so exciting,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said. About 100 health-care workers were expected to be vaccinated throughout the day, she added. “This is a turning point for all of us, and I

South Asian health-care worker receives first COVID-19 vaccine in BC said before, we’re in the storm and this is a light at the end of that tunnel we have a ways to go yet,” Henry said. The first shipments of the vaccine went to locations in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions, though more specific details were not provided. Nisha Yunus

and Dr. Bonnie Henry bump elbows after Yunus, a residential care aide, became the first person in B.C. to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Nisha Yunus and Dr. Bonnie Henry bump elbows after Yunus, a residential care aide, became the first person in B.C. to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. (CityNews) Henry called it momentous to start rolling out vaccines in B.C., and she has explained that as more vaccines become available, more people in B.C. will be able to be immunized.

While those working in health-care will be the first to get the shot, Henry said the vaccine will be available in all of the province’s health authorities by next week. Ontario and Quebec delivered their first shots Monday to health-care workers after Canada received the initial shipments the day before. Canada will be receiving 168,000 doses of Moderna by the end of December. The deliveries are contingent on Health Canada approval of the drug, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. Once approval is given, vaccine doses are expected to be delivered within 48 hours.

‘Porch pirates’ arrested in Nanaimo Two alleged “porch pirates” have been arrested just days after parcels were swiped from homes in Nanaimo. Nanaimo RCMP say a woman, 31, and a man, 33, have been arrested for two alleged thefts on Dec. 9, as well as one on Nov. 3. The first theft took place at a home on Latimer Road around 10:45 a.m. and the second occurred less than an hour later at a home on Howard Avenue. The Nov. 3 theft was reported at a home on Rosstown Road, say police. Mounties say that home security footage of all three thefts was crucial for the investigation, as well as tips from the community. Information collected by investigators then led police to two suspects who were located during a vehicle stop earlier this week. The man, a Nanaimo resident, was arrested during the vehicle stop on three counts of theft under $5,000. The woman, of no fixed address, was arrested for two counts of theft under $5,000. Police say that during the arrest, officers found a collapsible baton and a small quantity of illegal drugs on the man. A search of the man’s vehicle also led to the discovery of several pieces of mail that are believed to be stolen, say police. No parcels were found inside the car.

Name change I Pankhuri Punkhuri changed my name to Pankhuri Bhullar with immediate effect. I am changing my last name which was Punkhuri in the papers.

7832 120132 ST St. #106 - 7565 SURREY Surrey, BCBC BUS: 604-572-3005 604.572.3005

14103 110 AVE., N.SURREY

26964 28 AVE., LANGLEY

Truly delightful huge basement entry app. 7200 sqft. home sits on rectangular 9965 sqft. lot. House features 11 bedrooms & 10 washrooms build by good reputation builders. Main floor has 5 bedrooms & 4 bath with huge family room,living room,kitchen,& spice kitchen.Ground level basement has 27'x15' media room with bar & washroom for upstairs use.House has 3 spacious ground level basement suites (3 bed.+3 bed & bachelor suite).Total rent of the suites is $3500/month.Very nice tenants.Easy access to Pattulo bridge, Port Mann bridge & shopping center.Motivated sellers.Easy to show.

Truly delightful fully renovated 6 bedroom basement entry home sits on rectangular 7920 sf flat lot in most demanding area Aldergrove Langley.Main floor features 3 bed ,2 bath with new kitchen /island ,new flooring,new tiles , new woodwork,new fixtures,splash back,granite counters,new tiles,new cabinet, new windows,new zebra drapes,4 new washrooms & much more .Newly built 3 bedroom unauthorized basement suite with rear separate entry.Excellent renovated covered 333 sf Patio & deck.Landscape front & fully fenced back yard. Storage shed.Walking distance to both schools,shopping,community center with pools,water Park,ice arena,playing fields& to all major routes.

$1,779,000

$920,000

#125 32850 GEORGE FERGUSON WAY, ABBOTSFORD

14030 GROSVENOR RD., NORTH SURREY

Hot deal! First Time Buyers or Investors, great investment property with reliable tenants, centrally located in a great neighbourhood. 2 bedroom and 1 bath spacious ground level apartment. Well maintained complex, with many updates on the complex over the last couple of years including, roof, windows, balconies, boilers, security cameras, fob access systems and landscaping. There is shared laundry on every floor. Wheelchair access, elevators secure underground parking. Close to Bus stop, walking distance to shopping, restaurants, banks and

This well-maintained family home w/3-beds up, suite-potential down and a detached workshop/garage has everything you and your family needs, all located centrally. It's a 5 -10min drive to Guildford Town Centre & Hwy 1; only a 3min drive to Gateway Skytrain Station. The 2-level home has a brand-new furnace, dishwasher & washing machine +plenty of other extras including a mobile accessible alarm system and a cozy living room gas fireplace for winter nights. The back deck located off the dining room is perfect for summer barbecues! In addition to the carport and the driveway that fits up to 4-5 vehicles, the 10,200sf lot (60x170) has a massive 1100sf detached workshop that will

$210,000

$955,000

5843 180 STREET, CLOVERDALE 6559 CLAYTONHILL PLACE, CLOVERDALE

$912,500

Solid family home on almost 10,000 square foot rectangular lot in Cloverdale with loads of potential. Large open lot offers plenty of space for a pool, playground & trampoline; or use the extra space to build your dream home. Great central location close to shopping, transit & schools. Same owners since 1987. Three bedrooms up, one down in partially finished basement (just needs a closet). Walkout basement with its own entrance offers potential for two bedroom suite. Large covered patio off the living area overlooks the private, sunny backyard. Transform it into a modern, functional family home

$1,695,238

Welcome to CLOVERDALE'S NEW MASTERPIECE with beautiful VIEWS which is built in the prestigious and quiet Claytonhill neighbourhood. With almost 6000 sq. ft. of spacious living, this family home features 9 BEDROOMS & 9 BATHROOMS and is situated on a 6875 sq. ft. lot. Open concept main floor with decks offering views of BC's mountains, A/C, HRV, security system & more! Beautiful tile floors and engineered wood is carefully placed throughout the home. 9ft ceilings showcased throughout the home with an exquisite chef's kitchen, wok kitchen and bedroom that can be used for all your different needs. This AMAZING home has left no expenses spared with EVERY bedroom on main and upper floor offering a WALK-IN CLOSET and EN-SUITE. 2 BASEMENTS each having 2 beds (2+2),

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Biggest Selection, Unbeatable Prices. Shop Paragon for all your Restaurant Equipment and Supplies at the Lowest Prices — Guaranteed!*

ON SALE THIS MONTH See our website for more deals!

*See website for Price Match terms and conditions.

Prices in effect until January 8, 2021, while quantities last.

Visit us online for more great deals!

paragondirect.ca (604) 255-9991 760 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

New NCM-CAJ membership amplifies multicultural voices in Canadian media

ew Canadian Media (NCM), the premier non-profit news portal that showcases journalism from a distinctly immigrant perspective, has partnered with the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) to offer a joint membership program to help amplify multicultural voices in Canadian journalism. NCM invites journalists currently working with multicultural media outlets to join the NCM-CAJ Collective. As part of this joint membership program, members of the NCMCAJ Collective will enjoy exclusive perks and privileges; including best-in-class professional development, mentorship, and other supports necessary to help each journalist reach their fullest potential. NCM’s inclusive journalism provides fresh insights and original, ethicallysourced news to enhance understanding of Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. The NCM Collective is currently comprised of over 200 high-caliber journalists. This joint membership drive ensures that journalists from multicultural backgrounds are recognized for their contributions to the Canadian journalism ecosystem. To sign up to become a member of the NCM-CAJ Collective, please visit: https:// newcanadianmedia.ca/ncm-caj-campaign/ The Canadian Association of Journalists is

a professional organization with more than 700 members across Canada. The CAJ’s primary roles are public-interest advocacy work and professional development for its members. For further information: please contact: George Abraham, Publisher, New Canadian

Media, publisher@newcanadianmedia.ca; Brent Jolly, CAJ President, 289-387-3179

For more Updates, Visit our Website

www.theasianstar.com

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Zee TV promotes local talent with its hunt for the first Canadian Bhangra Superstar in an online contest

s viewers remain confined indoors battling the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s leading TV channel in Canada, Zee TV and their fastest growing digital arm, OTT ZEE5, take

the initiative to cheer up the South Asian community with a lively, locally driven contest – ZEE5 Canada Bhangra Superstar. The first-of-its-kind dance competition, the show offers delightful opportunity for Bhangra enthusiasts to showcase their moves from the comfort of their homes through video auditions on social media. Bhangra is a folk dance born in the farms of Punjab in celebration of harvest during the Vaisakhi festival. Over the years, it has skipped out of the province into the lives of all South Asians in and out of the country. Bhangra celebrates the hard work and high spirits of farmers and their relentless pursuit to nourish the nation, come rain or shine. The dance form has now evolved over the years into modernized versions, blending tradition with hip-hop, reggae and Bollywood dance. From seniors to youngsters of all ages, the melodious beat of Bhangra drums and folklore brings everyone to their feet in rural villages, urban districts, weddings, parties and festive events across the world today. In Canada, home of the largest diaspora of South Asians – the Punjabis, Bhangra plays a dominant role in keeping the community together, preserving the culture across generations. Zee TV and ZEE5 now kick-off the ZE5 Canada Bhangra Superstar show in an earnest attempt to thank the community for their loyal viewership over the years and sets out for one of the biggest talent hunts from Brampton and Toronto to Vancouver. To add to the thrill, ZEE Canada has signed two of the biggest and most popular Canadian Bhangra kings - Jaswinder Singh Bains aka Jazzy B and Hardeep Sahota. Internationally acclaimed as the Crowned Prince of Bhangra, Jazzy B who was born in Punjab and raised in Vancouver, modernized Bhangra infusing it with hip-hop, creating a sensation across the globe. He is one of the most prominent mega stars of Punjabi music in the 21st century popular both for his string of worldwide hit songs and flamboyant style. Hardeep Sahota is the first certified Bhangra instructor in Canada under the CTDA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) and founder of Surrey’s Royal Academy of Bhangra. He has participated, judged, coached and produced numerous Bhangra events and festivals all over the world since 2008, spawning ardent fans and followers. Surrey-based TV presenter and radio celebrity Gaurav Shah brings his wit and

humour to the show as the anchor along with the popular Canadian RJ, Gurpreet Grewal. With this venture, Mukund Cairae, Chief Operating Officer – Zee International Business, wishes to revolutionize not just global television but also promote local talent. “We are looking to engage local audiences in many more ways in the coming year with multiple such initiatives. The show must go on. In keeping with our belief of consistently providing innovative content, we are bringing Canada its very first video Bhangra competition on television and OTT. Given the current social distancing norms, the show will be shot entirely from the participants’ homes.”

Participation involves two simple steps: t $POUFTUBOUT NVTU VQMPBE UIFJS audition videos on their Facebook or Instagram page using the hashtag #ZEE5BalleBalle, and tag @ZEE5CAC. t ćF WJEFP UIFO OFFET UP CF VQMPBEFE on www.zee5bhangrasuperstar. com, registering entry. The winner takes home a Ford Mustang, cash prize of $5000 CAD and a chance to feature in a Zee show. Several sponsors have partnered with Zee to make the Bhangra talent hunt a success. The Title Sponsor is Telus. The

Presenting Sponsor is Toronto Area Ford Dealers Association, while Co-Presenting sponsors are CIBC Global Money Transfer & Forty Creek Whiskey. Other valuable sponsors are Unilever, and the Nutrition partner for the show is BRARS Desi Ghee. Bharat Jewellers is the Jewellery Partner and the Official Radio Partner is RED FM. Associate sponsors are Royale, Hem Agarbatti, V4U Entertainment, Kraft Mortgages Canada Inc, Nish Crystals & Amazing Jewellery, Pick N Pay, and Kapra Mandi. Submissions are well on way. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Bhangra Superstar in Canada, send your video and register at the earliest.

INDIA

Saturday, December 19, 2020

India back on US treasury’s currency manipulator watchlist The US Treasury Department’s semiannual report on the macroeconomic and foreign exchange policies of major trading partners has put India on the watchlist of countries being monitored for currency manipulation. This comes after the Indian central bank stepped up purchases of foreign currency as portfolio flows surged in the second half of the year. The U.S. Treasury uses three benchmarks to judge currency manipulators: A bilateral trade

surplus with the U.S. of more than $20 billion. A current account surplus of at least 3% of GDP. Net purchases of foreign currency of 2% of GDP over a 12-month period. India breached the first and the third benchmarks. On the second, on a four-quarter basis, the country’s current account surplus since 2004 stood at 0.4% of GDP over the year to June 2020, it said.

Indian-American Raja Chari among 3 on SpaceX mission Indian-American US Air Force Colonel Raja Chari has been selected as the Commander of the SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA and the European Space Agency. Chari, 43, will serve as the commander, while NASA’s Tom Marshburn will be pilot and ESA’s Matthias Maurer will serve as a mission specialist for the SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the ISS, which is expected to launched next year.

A fourth crew member will be added at a later date, following a review by NASA and its international partners, NASA said in a statement on Monday. “Excited and honoured to be training with @astro_matthias and @AstroMarshburn in prep for a trip to the @Space_Station,” Chari said in a tweet. This will be the first spaceflight for Chari.

UP Millionaire farmer leader targeted by BJP is Maneka Gandhi’s cousin The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), one of the umbrella bodies leading the farmer’s agitation in Delhi, removed its national convenor V.M. Singh from the post. Singh had gone against the grain — while farmers have been steadfast in their demand for the repeal of the three laws, the AIKSCC convenor had Saturday offered to hold separate talks with the government to bring in a legislation for guaranteed minimum support price (MSP). With the stalemate continuing without

any resolution, despite six rounds of talks, agitating farmers said the move against Singh was to contain “fresh attempts” to fuel divisions among farmer bodies after attempts at discrediting them as Khalistanis, Naxalites and ‘tukde tukde gang’ failed. Singh responded by wondering “what wrong he had done”. Addressing his supporters at the Ghazipur border Wednesday evening, Singh rued that he had been removed despite the fact that he was the one who started this agitation in June.

The truth about Modi’s farm reforms: All you need to know Addressing the nation about the farmers agitation at an event in Kutch, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the farmers are being misled by the opposition and that “the Government of India is always committed to farmer welfare and we will keep assuring the farmers and addressing their concerns.” But what really is the truth about Modi’s farm reforms. Take a look: What will happen -MSP system will continue After passing farm bills, government announced MSP increase. -APMC Mandis will continue to work. -Farmers can sell in APMC Mandis or outside - it is their choice. -Farmers can fix prices for produce even before growing it. -Buyers must pay on time or face legal action. -Farmers can end agreements any time they wish. - More investment and infrastructure will come. -Better lives for farmers and jobs for rural youth. Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. The minimum support prices are announced

by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). MSP is price fixed by Government of India to protect the producer - farmers - against excessive fall in price during bumper production years. The minimum support prices are a guarantee price for their produce from the Government. The major objectives are to support the farmers from distress sales and to procure food grains for public distribution. In case the market price for the commodity falls below the announced minimum price due to bumper production and glut in the market, government agencies purchase the entire quantity offered by the farmers at the announced minimum price. -APMC Mandis will not be closed An Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) is a marketing board established by state governments in India to ensure farmers are safeguarded from exploitation by large retailers, as well as ensuring the farm to retail price spread does not reach excessively high levels.

At this stage, farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue: Supreme Court The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the ongoing agitation against farm laws by farmers from Punjab and some other states who have blocked certain entry points to the national capital for weeks, saying it was their fundamental right. “We are of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of

peace either by the protesters or the police,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said during hearing on petitions seeking removal of agitating farmers from Delhi roads. “We clarify that this court will not interfere with the protest in question. Indeed the right to protest is part of a fundamental right and can as a matter of fact, be exercised subject to public order,” it said.

India receives bids to buy state-owned Air India airline India’s government says it has received “multiple expressions of interest” in buying its 100% stake in debt-laden national carrier Air India to shore up falling government revenues after an initial attempt in 2018 failed to attract any bidders. The deadline for submission of formal bids was Monday and the government is expected to announce qualified bidders on Jan. 5. It did not reveal the identity of the bidders or the number of bids received. “Multiple expressions of interest have been received for strategic disinvestment of Air India. The transaction will now

move to the second stage,” Department of Investment and Public Asset Management Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey tweeted. Indian media reports said Indian conglomerate Tata Group and a group of 219 Air India employees along with Interups Inc., a U.S.-based fund, filed expressions of interest. In January, the government invited initial expressions of interest in the airline, which operates both domestic and international routes and has accumulated huge losses in the past decade.

World Bank signs $400-million pact to help poor and vulnerable in India To aid the poor and vulnerable reeling under the COVID-19 crisis, India on Wednesday signed a pact with the World Bank worth $400 million. This is the second operation in a programmatic series of two as the first operation of Dollar 750 million was approved in May 2020. The $400 million credit has been extended by World Bank’s concessionary lending arm International Development Association (IDA). As per officials, the programme will strengthen the capability of state and national governments in India to provide coordinated and adequate social protection to the poor and vulnerable from the shocks triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr CS Mohapatra, Additional Secretary of

the Department of Economic Affairs, stated that the COVID-19 crisis has brought to the fore the risks that migrants and the urban poor face and the need for governments to strengthen preparedness for future disasters of this nature. This programme will help further expand and deepen the coverage of India’s social protection systems by helping these vulnerable groups in urban and peri-urban areas across the country. The agreement was signed by Dr Mohapatra on behalf of the Government of India and Sumila Gulyani, Acting Country Director, India, on behalf of the World Bank. “In support of this process, the first operation by the World Bank followed the government’s lead to scale up preexisting programmes for emergency relief.

FIJI

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Punjab Cold wave sweeps Haryana & Punjab, fog reduces visibility at few places Biting cold conditions prevailed in Haryana and Punjab on Thursday, with temperatures hovering below normal limits. \Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 5.1 degrees Celsius, Meteorological Department officials said here. In Haryana, Ambala, Hisar, Karnal, Bhiwani, Rohtak and Sirsa recorded below normal minimum temperatures. Amritsar experienced

cold wave 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Ludhiana registered a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius. Patiala recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius, Adampur6.6 deg C, Halwara 6 degrees Celsius and Bathinda 5 degrees Celsius. According to the MeT Department officials, fog reduced visibility in the morning at some places such as Karnal, Hisar, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala.

449 new Covid-19 cases reported, 15 more fatalities in Punjab Chandigarh, December 17, 2020 : 15 more deaths and 449 new Corona Positive cases were reported in Punjab during last 24 hours. According to health bulletin released by

the department, a maximum of 3 deaths were reported from Hoshiarpurand Jalandhar, followed by 2 each in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala and Patiala and one each in Ludhiana, SAS Nagar and Sangrur.

Punjab to recruit 81 junior engineers through Public Service Commission The Captain Amarinder Singh-led govt in Punjab decide to revert Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), Patiala, f or recruitment of 81 posts of Junior Engineer in the Engineering Wing of the Rural Development & Panchayats Department. Govt of Punjab had earlier taken these posts out of PPSC purview and engaged Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology [TIET], Patiala, for recruitment. This was as per the one-time measure approved at the Cabinet meeting on

January 31, 2020, for engaging Thapar University, Patiala, or Maharaja Ranjit Singh University, Bathinda, one of the independent agencies as notified by Department of Co-ordination. TIET could not, however, hold the written test due to Covid. Subsequently, the Finance Department notified new pay scales on July 17, 2020, and the process of recruitment through TIET, Patiala, was put in abeyance.

Punjab to charge process fee for registration of new motor vehicle models On the lines of neighbouring states, the Punjab Cabinet on Thursday gave the nod for charging process fee for the registration of a new model of a motor vehicle or its variants, CNG or LPG kit approval and electric vehicles in the state. The decision was taken at a virtual meeting of the cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The Cabinet gave the approval to amend the Punjab Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 by inserting rule 130-A below rule 130 for charging a processing fee of Rs. 5000/- from manufacturers of motor vehicles or their authorized dealers, to give approval for registration of a new model of a motor vehicle or its variants or LPG or CNG kit or electric vehicle in Punjab on the pattern of Haryana.

Pakistan Afghan Taliban delegation reach Pakistan for peace talks A high-level AfghanTaliban delegation arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday to hold talks with top Pakistani leadership as part of efforts to move forward reconciliation process amid growing incidents of violence in Afghanistan. Taliban Political Commission (TPC), headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Bradar, on a visit to Pakistan, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

Afghan

“During this visit, the delegation will meet Pakistan Foreign Minister and call on Prime Minister,” the FO said. The visit comes after a delegation, led by US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, met with Army chief General Qamar Bajwa and discussed with him ongoing peace process.

Veteran film actress Firdous passed away at 73 Famous film star Firdous, who got fame with her iconic role in movie ‘Heer Ranjha’, passed away in Lahore on Wednesday. She was 73. Firdous was shifted to the hospital on Tuesday where she breathed her last here on Wednesday, according to the family. A leading film star from 1970s to 1980s, Firdous got fame with her first film in 1963’s ‘Fanoos’ (the schendelier) in which she had a supporting role. Her iconic

role in ‘Heer Ranjha’ made her the most sought-after actress in 1970s. Producer Masood Parvez bought Firdous & Ejaz together for the folklore of ‘Mirza Jat’ in 1967 which became a raging success. Firdous performed in more than 150 films. She also won the Best Actors Award for film ‘Heer Ranjha’. Firdous married actor Ijaz Durani. She is survived by three children.

Covid-19 death toll reaches 9,000 With 105 deaths in 24 hours the Covid-19 fatalities reach highest single-day since June. With second wave of Covid-19 total number of infections reached 4,45,977 and more than 9,000 deaths.

Karachi & southern Sindh reported highest number of fatalities followed by 30 in Punjab, 12 in KPK, one in Balochistan. Despite second wave, Pakistan has yet to fully utilize its testing capacity of Covid-19.

Govt approves bill on chemical castration of sex offenders Govt approved bill on chemical castration of rapists as part of sweeping new legislation sparked by outcry over the gang-rape of a mother on a motorway. New laws approved by President Arif Alvi on Tuesday will see rape cases expedited through the courts and create the country’s first national sex offenders register. “The provision of the chemical castration

of repeat as well as first-time sex offenders was added in Anti-Rape Ordinance 2020”, the President’s office confirmed on Wednesday. Pakistan, a conservative and patriarchal nation where victims of sexual abuse often too afraid to speak out, or criminal complaints where frequently not investigated seriously.

US warns Pacific islands about Chinese bid for undersea cable project - sources The United States has warned Pacific island nations about security threats posed by a Chinese company’s cut-price bid to build an undersea internet cable, two sources told Reuters, part of an international development project in the region. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s plane makes its landing approach on Pohnpei International Airport in Kolonia,

Federated States of Micronesia August 5, 2019. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Huawei Marine, which was recently divested from Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and is now majority-owned by another Chinese firm, submitted bids along with French-headquartered Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), part of Finland’s Nokia, and Japan’s NEC, for the $72.6 million

Fiji braces category 5 Cyclone Yasa Tropical Cyclone Yasa struck Fiji on Thursday, as one of the strongest storms with maximum sustained winds of between 150 and 160 mph, the storm made landfall on Vanua Levu, home to about 140,000, bringing potentially devastating winds, flooding rains and storm surge flooding. In the early morning hours Friday, the storm began to pull away from the islands, and residents will begin to get a sense of the damage at daybreak. Tropical Cyclone Yasa hit Fiji on Dec. 17,

bringing with it destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The storm reached Category 5 intensity on Wednesday, Eastern time, with sustained winds of 160 mph along with higher gusts.

Court awarded $168k to late infant’s family The family of an infant has been awarded $168,260 by the High Court in Lautoka in a case of medical negligence by a nurse at the Ba Health Centre and medical staff members at the Lautoka Hospital. Two-year-old Kitione Tiko was taken to the Ba Health Centre two years ago for an injury caused by a small piece of stick that had pierced the infant’s tongue a day before. A nurse advised his father, Viliame Tiko, to take his son home and treat the injury with warm water and salt. According to court records, Mr Tiko insisted that a doctor attend to the infant, but he was denied. Two days later, the infant was rushed back to the Ba Health Centre because he was not eating

and there was swelling on the right side of his face. The child was examined by a doctor and transferred to Lautoka Hospital where Mr Tiko claimed he was told the infant would undergo surgery but he was not told in detail of the seriousness of the infection. Mr Tiko further claimed a nurse gave injection to the infant without consulting the doctor. “On the evidence, and having been satisfied on the balance of probability, I hold that the doctors and nurses at Ba Health Centre and at Lautoka Hospital were negligent in diagnosing and in treatment of the plaintiff (child), resulting in the death of the child, and thereby breached their duty of care owed to the plaintiff,” Judge said in his December 2 ruling.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

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#Limited time lease offer is from Honda Canada Finance Inc. (HCFI), on approved credit. Lease example: New 2020 Insight Hybrid Touring (ZE4F7LKN)/2020 Accord Hybrid Touring CVT (CV3F9LKNX)/New 2020 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Touring (ZC5F3LG) for a 24-month period/36-month period/24-month period, for a total of 104/156/104 weekly payments of $157/$149/$261, leased at 0.99%/0.99%/2.99% APR. 20,000-kilometre annual allowance (12 cents/km excess charge). Total lease obligation is $16,346/$23,319/27,105. Lease payments include freight and PDI of $1,670/$1,670/$1,670 and applicable fees, but do not include lien registration fee (up to $85 in certain regions) and lien registering agent fee (up to $6), which are due at time of delivery. No down-payment required. Taxes, insurance, license, and registration fees (all of which may vary by region) are extra. Offer ends December 31, 2020 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. +$6,500 credit based on Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Touring federal zero-emissions rebate of $5,000 and BCCEV provincial rebate of $1,500. Your amount may be lower if you have selected a shorter-term lease. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Limited quantity of 2020 models available, dealer trade may be necessary. Offer available only at participating Honda dealers in BC/Yukon. Models may not be equipped as shown and are for illustration purposes only. Visit Honda.ca or your Honda dealer for details. Visit Hondacanada.ca to learn more about Made-in-Canada.

Saturday, December 19, 2020