The Asian Star September 12 2020 by The Asian Star Newspaper

www.theasianstar.com Vol 19 - Issue 32

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Immigrants, refugees make up almost half of Ontario’s COVID-19 cases: report A new report has found that immigrants, refugees and other newcomers made up 43.5 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Ontario as of midJune, despite those groups representing just over 25 per cent of the province’s population. The report also found that testing rates were lower for immigrants and refugees when compared to Canadian-born and long-term residents, with the exception of Ontario immigrants who are classified as “economic caregivers.” “What we found particularly striking was that overall testing rates were lower in most immigrant, refugee and newcomer populations, but the

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BC has a $1.6 billion plan to fight a second wave of COVID-19 The province unveiled a $1.6 billion plan to weather the pandemic through the fall and flu season that will help clear capacity in B.C.’s health-care system without the broad and disruptive measures it took to do so in the spring. About $850 million has already been announced to fund strategies like the province’s surgical renewal and staffing changes at long-term care facilities. Wednesday’s plan further vows an

aggressive influenza vaccination campaign, introducing a virtual acute care program in Vancouver and a new training and recruitment initiative to fill 7,000 new care aide and other jobs in long-term care to protect the most vulnerable to serious illness due to COVID-19.Twenty-thousand COVID-19 and flu tests will also be administered daily as the influenza season ramps up. “

MLI Releases “Khalistan: A Project OF Pakistan” In 2018, an international lobby campaign advocating for an independent Khalistan successfully removed references to “Sikh (Khalistani) extremist ideologies and movements,” from the Ministry of Public Safety’s Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada. In response, the federal government took the unprecedented step of amending its national security statement, placating a vocal domestic constituency,

and replacing the original language with “Extremists who support violent means to establish an independent state within India.” In the ensuing domestic debate, a more important issue was obscured. This was also the first time that Canada’s national security community elevated violent extremists advocating for an independent Khalistan into a top-five threat to Canadian national security.

Continued on page 7

Squatters trash Nanaimo home while family on vacation A Nanaimo family got an unwelcome surprise when they returned from a threeweek vacation on Sunday. Squatters had apparently moved into their home and made a huge mess. “It was awful – it smelled, our things had been ruined,” said Allison Greenway, who rents the home with her family. “They were in our kids’

beds.” Greenway, along with her husband and their four kids under the age of nine, returned home Sunday from visiting family in the Yukon. Greenway and her husband knew something was wrong as soon as they returned to their Nichol Street home. “When we pulled into the driveway, nothing was where we left it,” said Greenway.

Richmond politicians push Ottawa to address birth tourism and stop ‘passport mill’ One in four births taking place at Richmond Hospital involve an international mother, according to new statistics. Socalled “birth tourism” is a controversial phenomenon in which expectant mothers from other countries come to Canada for the purpose of accessing a Canadian

passport for their newborn babies and skipping the standard immigration processes. “It’s perceived as an abuse of birthright citizenship,” said Andrew Griffith, a former director of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada who is currently a fellow at the Environics Institute.

Most eligible for free shots as 2 million flu vaccines coming to BC As the provincial government gears up to battle the COVID-19 pandemic during flu season and avoid a “twindemic,” B.C. health officials have ordered a record number of influenza vaccines as they prepare for an unprecedented messaging

blitz to convince people to roll up their sleeves. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced two million doses of flu vaccine – 450,000 more than normal – are coming to B.C. as she encourages everyone to inoculate themselves against the seasonal flu.

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OPINION

By Tegan Hill and Jake Fuss

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Sooner or later, we will pay for federal spending

Despite promising significant increases to already historically high spending, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently pledged there will be no new taxes. This rhetoric is simply false. To pay for today’s spending, the Liberal government must either tax today or defer tax increases to the future by borrowing (i.e. more debt). Trudeau isn’t saying no new taxes; he’s

saying we should continue to spend today and pay for it with taxes tomorrow. According to the federal government’s recent fiscal “snapshot,” Ottawa will run a $343-billion budget deficit this year, which means it will spend $343 billion more than it collects in revenue – by far the largest amount in nominal terms in Canadian history. Due to new spending

commitments, it’s likely the deficit will be even larger. Of course, annual deficits accumulate and increase government debt. Indeed, the federal government’s aggregate debt level will now eclipse $1 trillion. And all indications suggest the accumulation of debt will not stop any time soon. According to recent announcements, the government will spend $37 billion on extending CERB and modifying employment insurance provisions, while billions in new spending for ‘green’ infrastructure and universal pharmacare could be coming soon. Canadians ultimately bear the burden of this spending, either through taxes today or debtinterest costs tomorrow. Even with historically low interest rates, interest costs will consume an estimated $19.5 billion this year. That’s about what the federal government spends on employment insurance in a typical year. While the government tried to temper the concerns of Canadians by stating it will lock in historically low interest rates to manage its debt costs, in reality, it’s basically saying it expects interest rates will increase over the next few years. This should raise major concerns. As our colleagues point out, even a small increase in interest rates would significantly increase the cost of federal debt. Their analysis shows that if debt-interest costs returned to 2019-20 levels, current debtinterest costs would almost double, increasing from $19.5 billion to $36.2 billion. If interest costs were slightly higher – around 2010-11 levels – debt costs would increase to $54.5 billion, nearly triple the current cost. Thanks to compounding interest, even a small increase in debt-interest costs could increase deficits for the foreseeable future. Larger deficits generally lead to higher interest costs, which lead to higher deficits, which mean higher interest costs and so on. This cycle led to a near debt and currency crisis in the 1990s when federal debt-interest costs peaked at $49.4 billion (or 35.2 per cent of government revenues). This government is essentially preparing for more debt accumulation and higher interest costs, while counting on Canadians to foot the bill at some point in the future. Canadians shouldn’t be fooled – they will eventually pay for today’s spending through taxes. The only question is when. Tegan Hill and Jake Fuss are economists with the Fraser Institute.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020

WestJet flight cancelled after dispute over whether toddler should wear mask WestJet says it cancelled a flight from Calgary to Toronto early Tuesday when tensions on board rapidly escalated after a family refused to obey a rule that all passengers over the age of two wear masks. Passenger Safwan Choudhry says airline staff were trying to force his 19-monthold daughter to wear a mask even though she isn’t required to at that age. But WestJet says it was his older, three-year-old daughter who was of concern. A WestJet spokesperson confirmed that Flight 652 was cancelled, adding flight crew have access to a guest manifest that specifically states which guests are under age two, as they are booked as infants. Safwan Choudhry said his family complied with regulations. His younger daughter was identified as an infant on her boarding pass, and his older daughter was wearing a mask. But WestJet said the accounts from the crew and airline agents differ from Choudhry’s. “WestJet would like to clarify that there were two children, and we were not requiring the

infant to wear a mask, but did require the other child, who is over age two, to wear one,” WestJet spokesperson Lauren Stewart said in an email. WestJet has a zero-tolerance mask adherence policy, the airline said, to comply with a Transport Canada regulation making it mandatory for all travellers aged two and over to wear protective face coverings while on flights. Choudhry said he was disappointed in the airline’s response, and would like an apology. In an updated statement provided Wednesday, WestJet clarified the reason for the flight cancellation, stating again that its staff were asking the parents to mask the older child. “Our crew requested the presence of the authorities after the guests refused to comply with Transport Canada’s interim order and subsequently refused to deplane the aircraft,” the airline said in the update. “Due to the rapid escalation of the situation on board, our crew felt uncomfortable to operate and the flight was subsequently cancelled.”

BC Supreme Court rules against legalizing private healthcare in landmark case The B.C. Supreme court has ruled against legalizing private healthcare in a years-long case that will likely have implications across Canada’s health-care system. The 880-page decision was handed down Thursday following a three-and-a-half-year trial, which involved more than 100 witnesses. Dr. Brian Day began his battle a decade ago against B.C.’s government over whether patients should have the right to pay for private care if the wait in the public system is too long. Justice John Steeves ruled “I have found that the impugned provisions do not deprive the right to life or liberty of the patient plaintiffs or similarly situated individuals.” “There is a rational connection between the effects of the impugned provisions and the objectives of preserving and ensuring the sustainability of the universal public healthcare

system and ensuring access to necessary medical services is based on need and not the ability to pay.” Day, an orthopedic surgeon who opened the Cambie Surgery Centre in Vancouver in 1996, has said that everyone should have the right to pay to get care sooner because if they are forced to wait, it can make their health problems potentially worse. He has been criticized for trying to fundamentally change the country’s health-care system, but Day has argued the restriction violates patients’ constitutional rights. Day launched the lawsuit in 2010. For years, opponents argued that making space for private care flies in the face of the core Canadian value that people should have access to medical care based on need, not on ability to pay. The matter is expected to go to the Supreme Court of Canada.

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From page 1

Immigrants, refugees make up almost half of Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COVID-19 cases: report

and chief science officer at Ontario research organization ICES. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were certainly certain groups of immigrants where the percentage of tests that come back positive was quite high, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really key marker from a public health perspective of whether or not weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting out and testing communities.â&#x20AC;? Guttmann said the findings of the report reflect the barriers of accessing coronavirus testing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really an important message that we need to be carefully monitoring,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Public health units get the data on whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s positive, but they actually donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always know within communities whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being tested

and what percentage that is.â&#x20AC;? According to the report, immigrants and refugees from world regions where a majority are racialized in Canada â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including Central, Western and East Africa, South America and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;&#x201D; experienced the highest rates of COVID-19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Causes of these inequities are complex and often rooted in social and structural inequities, including systemic racism,â&#x20AC;? the report reads. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For COVID-19, occupational risk is critical considering the over-representation of racialized and immigrant populations, especially women, in essential work.â&#x20AC;?

Saturday, September 12, 2020 Snap election speculation mounts after premier comments on 2017 deal with Greens Premier John Horgan’s recent comments about a 2017 agreement with former B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver — who left the party to sit as an independent — are fostering more speculation that he will call a fall election in the coming weeks. The “confidence and supply agreement” was originally signed after the last provincial election to give the NDP the support of 44 MLAs — their 41 members plus the three Green MLAs — which is the minimum number required to have a majority of support in the 87-seat legislature. The Liberals had 43 seats at the time. The BC Green caucus pledged to vote with the NDP minority government on confidence motions, including budgets and throne speeches based on the principle of “good faith and no surprises” to maintain the agreement, according to the party’s website. However, the NDP’s relationship with the Greens has cooled in the past three years. BC NDP leads polls, survey suggests, as speculation around fall election continues

MLI Releases “Khalistan: A Project OF Pakistan” From page 1 In a new MLI publication, “Khalistan: A Project of Pakistan,” veteran journalist Terry Milewski researches the Khalistan movement and discovers its reality as a geopolitical project nurtured by Pakistan, threatening the national security of Canadians and Indians. This week, reports from India continue to demonstrate the threat that Pakistan-sponsored Khalistani terrorism poses. It might seem surprising that 35 years after Khalistani extremists bombed Air India Flight 182, the deadliest attack on aviation before 9/11, that a new generation of violent extremists has now emerged in Canada and India. Given Pakistan’s continued campaign of agitation, “It’s clear who’s really driving the Khalistan bus: Pakistan,” writes Milewski. In truth, “the Khalistan movement has been going nowhere in the Sikhs’ home state.” For Canadians, Pakistan’s actions pose a real and present national security risk. As the Khalistani cause has little traction in Punjab, Pakistan’s support of Khalistani extremists entails leveraging extremists based in Canada, including supporters with ties to terrorism. With a looming “referendum” scheduled for November 2020 by proponents of an independent Khalistan, there has been skepticism from Sikh communities around the world. For its part, the Canadian government has stated it will not recognize it. However, the report warns that the referendum provides oxygen that fuels extremist ideologies, radicalizes young Canadians, wreaks havoc on reconciliation, and usurps legislatures. In the foreword to this report, Ujjal Dossanjh, former British Columbia Premier and former federal Liberal Cabinet Minister, and Shuvaloy Majumdar, MLI Program Director and Munk Senior Fellow for Foreign Policy, argue, “The Milewski report should be essential reading for any who wish to understand Pakistan’s influence in guiding the Khalistan proposition, its perversion of the Sikh faith, and its ongoing campaign of extremism and terrorism in two of the world’s important democracies.”

Horgan was asked about the agreement with the B.C. Green caucus on Wednesday and he noted how the situation has changed. “You know full well that the Green caucus today is not the Green caucus of three years ago,” he said. Former B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver left the party in January to sit as an independent MLA in the legislature. Horgan explained circumstances for the government have changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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RCMP issue warrant for son of former MLA wanted on sexual charges Powell River RCMP are looking for the son of former MLA on outstanding warrants. Kasimir Tora Tyabji-Sandana, 32, is wanted on charges of sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching. Tyabji-Sandana is the son of former MLA Judi Tyabji, who was the youngest ever person elected to the B.C. Legislature in 1991. Mounties said they have made contact with TyabjiSandana’s family in Powell River but

that his current whereabouts are unknown and attempts to locate him at previous addresses have been unsuccessful. This is not Tyabji-Sandana’s first brush with the law; in 2018, he pleaded guilty to attempting to posses acetyl fentanyl, a less potent version of fentanyl. Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 604-4856255, or if they wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Heat records broken in parts of BCas summer weather stretches into September Don’t count out summer in September. Sunny and hot conditions are expected over much of the province this week as a strong ridge of high pressure settles over British Columbia. Several high temperature records were broken on the South Coast on Wednesday, including Squamish, where it reached 31.2 C, and West Vancouver, where a high of 30.3 C was recorded. Heat records were also broken on Vancouver Island and in parts of northern B.C. More heat is expected in Metro Vancouver for the rest of the week. Environment Canada is forecasting

temperatures will be 5 to 10 C above normal for Thursday and will peak on Friday. Thursday temperatures between 26 and 32 C are expected for Metro Vancouver. ‘Very high’ health risk for parts of southern B.C. as smoke from U.S. wildfires creeps north Environment Canada says people should drink plenty of water and schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. A high pressure ridge is drawing warm air northward from the United States, states the forecasting agency. Temperatures will stay warm and skies clear of clouds as the high pressure ridge starts to flatten for the weekend.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020 Two men face 35 charges for Lower Mainland armed-robbery spree Two men who were charged with the robbery of an Abbotsford Subway restaurant in January now face 35 more charges for similar incidents in Langley, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Surrey. Justin Randy Walsh, 22, and Clint Aaron Jeremy Billy, 33, were first charged after two masked men with firearms robbed the Subway location on McCallum Road in Abbotsford on Jan. 11 at about 1 a.m. Police had the pair under surveillance at the time, and the suspects were arrested as they left the store. Walsh and Billy were subsequently charged with robbery, using an imitation firearm and disguising their faces with the intent to commit an offence. Those charges are still before the courts. At the time of their arrests,

police said the two men were believed to be linked to another 16 armed robberies that had begun in December 2019 throughout the Lower Mainland. Police said the robbery spree had involved two masked men with firearms, one which appeared to be a long gun and the other a handgun. The robberies occurred at liquor stores, gas stations, convenience stores and banks. According to the provincial court database, Walsh and Billy were charged with the additional offences on Aug. 21 of this year. They each face multiple counts of robbery, using an imitation firearm and disguising their faces with the intent of committing an offence.

LOCAL

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Saturday, September 12, 2020 BC deficit forecast $12.8 billion after first three months of COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 on the B.C. government’s finances has been as devastating as expected, but there have been signs of a stronger recovery in employment, real estate and retail sales. Finance Minister Carole James released the province’s first quarter financial report Thursday (Sept. 10), projecting a $12.8 billion deficit for the fiscal year that ends in March 2021. That’s similar to the economic scenario released in July, based on the actual results for April, May and June. The forecast went as high as $13.5 billion after the B.C. government authorized an additional $1 billion in borrowing to match new federal funds to B.C. and other provinces for transit, municipalities and other supports in the pandemic. The latest forecast includes a $1 billion contingency fund to reflect that, as the B.C. and federal

governments finalize how the latest relief fund is allocated. “Since the province’s July fiscal and economic scenario, we have seen stronger than expected consumer spending, housing activity and employment gains,” James said. Since July, the province has seen better than expected employment gains, which slowed in the latest Statistics Canada report. B.C. Business Council chief economist Ken Peacock warned in his latest analysis that the job gains for August were less than June and July, indicating the “lowhanging fruit in terms of rehiring has been accomplished.” Much of B.C.’s unexpected revenue has come from property tax and property transfer tax revenues, real estate sales volumes recovering quickly and housing prices holding firm and rebounding by July.

1st-degree murder charge laid in case of slain teen Makayla Chang A man has been charged in connection with Makayla Chang’s 2017 death in Nanaimo, B.C. Steven Bacon faces a firstdegree murder charge in the case. Chang, 16, was reported missing in March 2017, but it wasn’t until May of that year that her body was located in Nanaimo. Bacon — who may be 60, but has given police younger ages at times — was arrested in Fredericton, N.B., for an unrelated matter in Sept. 2019, about a month after Nanaimo RCMP put out a Canada-wide appeal for help locating him as a person of interest in the case. He’s been in custody in Thunder Bay, Ont. since then, according to Const. Gary O’Brien with Nanaimo RCMP, who declined to say anything about the charges Bacon faces in Ontario.Police spoke to Bacon as early as

May 2017 in Sudbury, Ont. At the time, they said Bacon was not a suspect but that Chang may have been with himBody of missing

teen Makayla Chang found in Nanaimo, homicide suspected Person of interest in murder of B.C. teenager Makayla Chang arrested on unrelated charge. A court date hasn’t been set for Bacon’s first appearance on the murder charge. “Makayla’s family, and the community of Nanaimo and of Vancouver Island as a whole have been greatly affected by the loss of this young life,” O’Brien said in a written statement. “Hopefully, this charge can assist with providing answers and bringing a degree of resolution to Makayla’s family.”

Saturday, September 12, 2020

O’Toole says Trudeau divided the country, Tories will be a compassionate ‘government in waiting’ New Conservative leader Erin O’Toole used his first speech to his party’s caucus on Wednesday to declare that they will be an intelligent, compassionate alternative to Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, and drew on the lessons of Canada’s history all the way back to Louis Riel to show what happens when the country is divided. O’Toole argued that Trudeau created deep problems in Canada even before the pandemic hit, and pledged that the Conservatives will show they are ready now to govern the country. With CFL shut down, Redblacks’ running back jumps to second love “We must show Canadians that we have a plan to get our country back on track,” O’Toole told the room. “We must restore hope. Canadians haven’t always seen themselves in our party. We’re going to change that. They will see themselves reflected in the Conservative Party of Canada. And they

will see our caucus as a serious, intelligent, compassionate and ethical government in waiting.” The speech began with a message of unity for the Conservatives, then slammed Trudeau’s record of managing the economy, and ended with a lengthy discussion of Riel, John A. Macdonald, and how Canada’s past must not be “cancelled,” but instead used to inform debates about the future. It was O’Toole’s first address to his party’s caucus since being elected leader on Aug. 23, and it was also the first time the caucus has met in Ottawa since the pandemic lockdowns began in March. O’Toole said he’d dropped off his daughter at high school that morning, calling it an example of how Canadians are starting to reunite after many difficult months during the pandemic.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020

LOCAL

Saturday, September 12, 2020 Third McDonald’s location temporarily closed in Metro Vancouver because of Covid-19 A third McDonald’s Restaurant in Metro Vancouver has closed temporarily because of COVID-19. On Wednesday evening, the fast-food chain reported an employee at its 7200-block Kingsway, Burnaby, restaurant had tested COVID-19 positive. “Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to immediately shut down the restaurant for a thorough cleaning and sanitization by a certified third party. We are working to ensure our timeline to reopen happens as quickly and safely as possible as we know our guests depend on their local McDonald’s …,” the company said in a prepared

statement. Last Tuesday a McDonald’s restaurant temporarily closed its 8100-block Alderbridge Way location in Richmond after a worker reported they had tested COVID positive and last worked Aug. 27. In the first week of July, McDonald’s shuttered its restaurant on 56th Avenue near 180 Street in Surrey after a worker exposure.The company reported that in the most recent case, the employee had worked their last shift on September 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All co-workers who may have been in close contact with the employee have been asked to self-quarantine.

PM Trudeau announces $221M aid program for Black Entrepreneurs Following a letter penned by the Parliamentary Black Caucus urging the Canadian government to address systemic racism immediately, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently made good

on his promise to take action “very soon.” Speaking at Toronto’s HXOUSE innovation think-center, Trudeau announced a $221 million CAD aid program for Blackowned businesses and entrepreneurs. In his announcement, the Prime Minister noted how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black Canadians and “exacerbated” inequality in Canada. Stating, “We need an economic recovery that’s inclusive and equitable for all Canadians…an investment in Black excellence is an investment in economic empowerment, and economic empowerment is an essential part of justice.” The first Canadian “Black Entrepreneurship Program” will be spread over the next four years and see the development of funds and assistance platforms. $93 million CAD funding will come directly from the federal government, while Canadian financial institutions, including the Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD, CIBC and Bank of Montreal will be responsible for generating the rest. Up to $53 million CAD will be put towards developing a “National Ecosystem Fund” for Black-led business organizations across Canada, which will help with funding, mentorship, financial planning and business training. The $33.3 million CAD “Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund” included in the program will also offer loans ranging from $25,000 and $250,000 CAD for Black business owners and entrepreneurs.

Horgan ‘disappointed’ that passengers can’t stay in cars on enclosed BC Ferries decks B.C. Premier John Horgan says that he is “disappointed” that Transport Canada is rescinding measures that were put in place to promote physical distancing on BC Ferries. Earlier this year, Transport Canada created a regulation that required all vehicle passengers aboard a BC Ferries vessel to remain in their vehicles to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While speaking at a live briefing Wednesday, Horgan said that the decision was an “unwelcome intrusion” from Ottawa and that the B.C. government was committed to reversing the policy as soon as possible. “Yeah, we were disappointed with the announcements from Transport Canada,” said Horgan. “This is not something we sought, this is something that’s being imposed,” he said. Many British Columbians have raised concerns over physical distancing on BC Ferries now that the new policy has been announced, as many seats are still cordoned off to encourage space between passengers. To address the concern, BC Ferries says that it will reopen some closed areas for seating only, including the Pacific Buffet areas of Spirit Class ships. No food will be available.

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, September 12, 2020

BC closes nightclubs, banquet halls after confirming 429 new COVID-19 cases over last long weekend BC is ordering nightclubs and stand-alone banquet halls closed, ending the sale of liquor at restaurants past 10 p.m. and telling venues to reduce the volume from music or other sources to conversational levels, as cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in the province. Bars and restaurants must close by 11 p.m., unless they are serving food. The amendments to public health orders come as the province reported 429 new cases of COVID-19 over a four-day period, bringing the total to 6,591. Two more people, both in long-term care, have died of the virus. The new numbers represent four reporting periods over the long weekend. Provincial health

officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said 123 of the cases were recorded between Friday and Saturday, 116 were reported between Saturday and Sunday, 107 between Sunday and Monday, and 83 new cases were confirmed between Monday and Tuesday. There are three new health-care associated outbreaks, at Burnaby Hospital, Rideau Retirement Centre and Holy Family Hospital. There are no new community outbreaks,

We Charity to exit Canada amid Trudeau scandal probe In a press release, WE Charity announced it would be “winding down the organization’s operations in Canada”. The charity’s co-founders, Craig and Marc Kielburger, will also leave the organisation. WE was under the spotlight after it was picked to run the Canada Student Service Grant, a summer programme. The C$900m ($679m, £519m) volunteer

initiative was supposed to help students who were out of their summer jobs because of the pandemic. It later emerged that Mr Trudeau’s mother and brother had been paid for speaking at various WE events over the years. Mr Trudeau is facing the third ethics investigation of his five years in office over the government’s decision to task WE with administering the programme.

South Asian Adults & Seniors - Yoga Classes on Line By Mrs. Sumita Kolppa Expert Yoga Instructor. Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of British Columbia invites South Asian Adults & Senior members to attend Yoga Classes on Line through Zoom Meetings to be conducted by Mrs. Sumita Kolppa Expert Yoga Instructor from her studio on Monday the 14th September 2020 & Thursday the 17th September 2020 from 10.00 am sharp to 11.00 am both days. It will be organized on Zoom Meetings for which you will be provided with a separate link to click for joining the on-Line Yoga on Monday and a separate link to click for joining online yoga on Thursday. You must have Web Camera with Mike installed to your Computer or smart phone to have Video display of the participated members on your Computer or Smartphone screen. Please call Surendra Handa Tel: 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details

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View! View! Truly delightful 3 storey 4200 SF home sits on over 6200 SF lot in Royal Heights.House has spacious 8 bedrooms & 7 bath,lots of Parking,1 year old hot water tank & brand new washer & dryer.House has 3 basement suites (2 bed+1 bed+ 1 bed.)for mortgage help.Stunning view of New Westminister downtown,Fraser River,mountains & much more.Easy access to Alex Fraser & Pottullo Bridges.Priced to sell.A must see.Call now.

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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.A must see to appreciate.

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 much more.

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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 or design a new build.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020

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Saturday, September 12, 2020

Northern MLAs continue in high profile critic roles after critic shuffle Press release Mackenzie Mike Morris. “As a former member BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with has updated his critic assignments, but many years spent right here in this region, I am northern MLAs will continue to serve pleased to continue my role in helping to make in their current high profile critic roles. public safety a priority during the pandemic.” “While COVID-19 is presenting economic Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes will focus challenges in jurisdictions all around the on the emergency preparedness portion of world, we can’t overlook the fact that in our the Public Safety and Solicitor General file. province we are facing a budget deficit of “It is an honour to continue in the position $12.4 billion with no sign of an economic as the Critic for Forests, Lands, Natural recovery strategy or a job creation plan” said Resource Operations and Rural Development,” newly reappointed Finance Critic and Prince said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. ”I’m “Forestry employs directly and indirectly pleased to remain in my role as Finance Critic 140,000 people in B.C., plus it helps support and will continue to press the government for 120 or more communities and countless the answers that British Columbians deserve.” families across the province. Under the NDP, “I pleased to keep up the work in my role B.C.’s forest sector has lurched from one as Opposition Co-Critic for Public Safety crisis to another and they need to be held and Solicitor General,” said Prince Georgeaccountable for their destructive policies.”

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MLA Stephanie Cadieux named Opposition Critic for ICBC BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson has named Surrey South MLA Stephanie Cadieux as the new Official Opposition Critic for ICBC after the BC Liberals made changes to critic roles today to focus on holding John Horgan and his government to account in key areas while the NDP government struggles to respond to the challenges of COVID-19. “I’m proud to be named as the Official Opposition Critic for ICBC and work together with my BC Liberal colleagues to

push John Horgan and the NDP to act on this important issue,” said Cadieux. “The NDP want to turn ICBC into a bigger, even more bureaucratic version of itself, but I have seen firsthand just how frustrating it is to deal with ICBC after an accident — and a switch to no-fault insurance will not solve these problems. It has become overwhelmingly clear that British Columbians want choice in auto insurance and I look forward to holding Minister Eby to account in my new role.”

MLA Mike De Jong named Opposition Critic for Attorney General BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson has named Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong the new Official Opposition Critic for Attorney General after the BC Liberals made changes to critic roles today to focus on holding John Horgan and his government to account in key areas while the NDP government struggles to respond to the challenges of COVID-19. “I’m honoured to be named as the Official Opposition Critic for Attorney General and work

together with my BC Liberal colleagues to push John Horgan and the NDP to act on vital issues,” said de Jong. “Our team will continue to push the government to make decisions that will genuinely improve people’s lives as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working every day for the people of Abbotsford as I have for the last 26 years, while also beginning my new role as critic for the Attorney General file.”

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INDIA

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Committed to support India’s defence and industrial growth, French minister says tating that Rafale fighters, which were formally inducted into the IAF at Ambala airbase on Thursday, gave the IAF an edge over the entire region in terms of defence capability, French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly said the combat-proven aircraft provided an invaluable sovereign tool to India to meet its security requirements.

She said the aircraft not only adds to India’s military capability but also strengthens the country’s technological and industrial base. She said France is fully committed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and several more French establishments would be involved in various projects in India.

Actress Rhea Chakraborty requests bail plea Actor Rhea Chakraborty arrested in drugcase linked to her boyfriend and Sushant Singh ’s death, has alleged in her bail application filed in a court in Mumbai that during her interrogation by the NCB, she was “coerced” into making “self-incriminating confessions”. In the plea filed in a sessions court on Wednesday, Rhea also claimed that she

has not committed any crime whatsoever and has been falsely implicated in the case. Her bail application is scheduled to come up for hearing on Thursday. The actor, who was arrested in Mumbai by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday, filed this plea after a magistrate court rejected her bail application.

Indian soldiers put up barbed wire at LAC to foil Chinese incursion attempts Indian soldiers have set up barbed wire obstacles at points where Chinese troops have come a few metres away from their positions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. India has warned against attempts to enter its territory as Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops, armed with medieval-

type weapons, have been making multiple attempts to take over Indian-held positions. Apart from setting obstacles to avoid further escalation at the LAC and dissuade the Chinese side from provocative and aggressive movements, India has also warned it will retaliate if Chinese troops continue to make incursion attempts.

Fiji $300 million drop in earnings from tourism for June 2020 quarter The June quarter earnings for tourism for Fiji was $300 million or 98.6% lower than the amount recorded for the March quarter of 2020. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics says Fiji’s earnings from tourism indicate the spending of our international visitors. The figure is derived from an estimated average daily spend of visitors or per diem and the total visitor days in Fiji.

A decrease of 99.2% was noted in Fiji’s earnings from tourism over the June quarter of 2019. The earnings for the June 2020 quarter stood at $4.2 million while the 2019 June quarter tourism earning was $528.8 million. The provisional visitor arrivals number of the March 2020 quarter for Fiji was 139,701 while the provisional arrivals for the June 2020 quarter stood at 1,800.

NFP found in breach of the Political Parties Act Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem says the National Federation Party has been found in breach of the Political Parties Act, and the NFP has now been given

time to submit the audited financial accounts. Saneem says it must be noted that the issues identified contain possible breaches of the law, and those matters have been referred to FICAC.

PAKISTAN ICJ assails performance of probe body on enforced disappearances The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on Tuesday regretted that the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) had failed to address the issue of entrenched impunity, leaving the victims and their loved ones without any redress. The COIED was constituted in March 2011 with a mandate to trace the whereabouts of missing persons and fix responsibility on individuals or organisations responsible

for disappearances. The commission is headed by retired Justice Javed Iqbal. A briefing paper on “Entrenching Impunity, Denying Redress: The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan” regretted that although the COIED had traced the whereabouts of missing persons in a number of cases, there had been no apparent effort to fix responsibility for this heinous crime.

Pakistan reports 441 new COVID-19 cases Pakistan’s tally of coronavirus cases reached 299,855 after 441 new infections were registered in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. As many as 287,950 people have recovered from the disease so far, including 1,444 during the period, the Ministry of National Health Services said. Six people have died in the last 24 hours, taking the number of fatalities to 6,365, while around 550 people are reported to be in critical condition.

There are 5,540 active COVID-19 patients in the country. Sindh reported 131,115 cases, Punjab 97,461, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 36,755, Islamabad 15,804, Balochistan 13,227, Gilgit-Baltistan 3,137 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 2,356 cases. A total 2,850,121 tests have been conducted across the country, including 25,081 in the last 24 hours.

Saturday, September 12, 2020 CM plans to put Punjab among top 5 states Expressing dissatisfaction with Punjab’s 19th rank in the Ease of Doing Business Survey, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said his govet aimed at putting the state in the top five next year, with new system of ‘deemed approvals’, which was to be implemented soon. The Chief Minister said the government was working on ‘deemed approvals’, a system wherein online clearances would be issued automatically on the expiry of stipulated time. The process of setting up new industrial parks to attract investments from foreign and domestic companies was also on, he said, citing the upcoming state-of-the-art mega parks in Ludhiana, Rajpura, Bathinda and Mohali. Pointing out that Punjab was the No. 1 state of the 20th century, Capt Amarinder invited the industry to be a part of the government’s efforts to help the state regain its pre-eminent position.

Curfew across all towns of Punjab till Sept 30 Punjab govt announced curfew would be imposed from Sundays till September 30 in all 167 municipal towns of the state. There will however be no curfew on Saturdays. Amid easing of restrictions, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today announced that those flying in from abroad with Covid-negative certificates up to 96 hours old could now go for home quarantine. International travellers, who got themselves tested on arrival at the airport, as part of the Government of India’s new directives, could also go for home quarantine if found negative, he said, adding that Punjab was currently at the 17th position in the country in terms of Covid cases.

Punjab records highest fatality rate At 2.95 per cent, Punjab recorded the highest fatality rate (CFR) in the country, surpassing that of Gujarat (2.91%) and Maharashtra (2.9%). Post August 31, Punjab’s CFR has risen from 2.7 per cent to 2.95 per cent in just nine days. Recording almost 2,000 new cases for the past few days, Punjab’s caseload stood at 2,134 of Wednesday. Dr Rajiv Bhaskar, Punjab’s nodal officer for Covid-19, explaining the high CFR, said patients were coming late to hospitals, mostly upon developing serious symptoms such as breathlessness. As per the state Health Department data, 70 per cent of those dead were aged above 50 years. Health officials said though the testing rate in the state had improved and the recovery rate stood at 3.7 per cent, the CFR could be brought down only

PUNJAB

Saturday, September 12, 2020